Hundreds of residents thronged the venue of the Delta Central Diabetes Sensitisation and Testing Medical Outreach as the life-saving initiative kicked off in Sapele on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The outreach, themed “Come Check Your Sugar Level O!”, was launched by the office of Senator Ede Dafinone, in partnership with the National Health Fellows, and recorded an overwhelming turnout, with elderly men, women, and youths arriving as early as 7:00 a.m. — well ahead of the official start time.
By 8:00 a.m., the hall was already packed, with residents eager to access free blood sugar testing, medical counselling, and vital health education aimed at the early detection and prevention of diabetes.
For many, the outreach was more than just a free health check — it was a long-awaited opportunity to access quality care, often unaffordable in rural communities.
“I came early because I know how serious diabetes can be. At my age, I don’t want to wait until sickness catches me before I act. I thank Senator Dafinone for remembering people like us. This programme is a blessing,” said Madam Grace Okotie, a 67-year-old trader.
Another participant, Mrs. Comfort Awharhe, 59, echoed the sentiment, saying: “In our community, many cannot afford regular hospital checks. Today, I was tested free of charge and also learned how to manage my diet. I want to thank Senator Dafinone for bringing this closer to us.”
For Pa Michael Emonena, 71, the outreach was both “timely and life-saving”, adding, “I lost a friend last year to diabetes complications. If he had this kind of opportunity, maybe he would still be alive. I appreciate the Senator for giving us hope.”
Mr. Samson Orovwuje, 54, added that he was now more informed about diabetes prevention.
“The health workers explained things in simple language. Now I know the importance of exercise and avoiding too much sugar. This kind of programme should continue,” he added.
Medical personnel at the event hailed the outreach as a critical intervention in curbing the rising incidence of undiagnosed diabetes in the region.
Mrs. Bridget Efe, a nurse on the outreach team, noted: “Many people here have never been tested before. Today, they know their status and what to do next. We must thank Senator Dafinone because grassroots health is where the battle must start.”
A representative of the National Health Fellows, Atahine Ogho Eguono, highlighted the life-saving potential of early detection: “Most patients only discover diabetes after stroke, kidney failure, or blindness has set in. That is why early detection and sensitisation are crucial. This programme will save lives.”
Speaking on behalf of Senator Ede Dafinone, Chief Patrick Akavmoba reaffirmed the Senator’s commitment to primary healthcare at the grassroots.
“The Senator believes prevention is better — and cheaper — than cure. This is just the beginning. Beyond diabetes, he plans to champion more outreaches in other health areas. The goal is to ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.
The event featured free blood sugar tests, health talks, one-on-one counselling, and lifestyle education, with a focus on diet and exercise. Volunteers attended to participants throughout the day, while resource persons educated the crowd on how to recognise and manage early signs of diabetes.
Residents praised the well-organised programme, describing it as a “rare gift.”
“We didn’t wait for the programme to start officially. By 8 a.m., the place was already full. That shows how much people need this,” said a community member who participated.
From Sapele, the outreach team will move across the remaining eight Local Government Areas in Delta Central Senatorial District between October 1st and 18th, with each event scheduled to begin by 9:00 a.m. daily.
Organisers say the massive turnout and positive feedback from Sapele is a clear sign that the outreach will have a lasting impact across the district.
