As part of efforts to celebrate women and the sacrifices they make in building the society, the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter has organized free medical outreach to commemorate world International Women’s Day.
The event which is a collaboration between Oyo state SWAN and Saint Mary Catholic Hospital, Eleta, Ibadan held at the popular Gbaremu market, Ijokodo area of Ibadan North local government had in attendance vulnerable market women, traders, and artisans which also include youths and aged men as beneficiaries of the program.
The event provided for participants free medical consultations, general body and eye test, malaria, typhoid, and other ailments prevalent within the Nigerian society as well as distribution of first aid kits to beneficiaries.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, Chief Mrs. Oladipo said: “Today is the international women’s day worldwide and as women who are professionals, we want to use this occasion to celebrate our women and mothers within our society through this free medical outreach.
The Oyo state SWAN, which is the women wing of the Institute of Chattered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) also disclosed that it was important for government and relevant organizations to intensify sensitization and awareness campaign on the need for Nigerians to prioritize their health as their biggest assets.
The Chairperson of SWAN, Ibadan branch, Chief Mrs. Omokemi Olufunke Oladipo, who is also the Yeye Bobadara of Ikaleland, Ondo state reaffirmed the passion of Oyo state SWAN to the well-being of women empowerment and economic emancipation to enable them do more in building a better society.
She explained that March 8 of every year which is set aside globally for the celebration of international women’s day remains significant in the life of SWAN as it enables them dedicate concentrated efforts towards addressing a particular need of women, particularly the vulnerable ones in the society.
” In order to celebrate our women, we decided to carry out this free medical outreach. This is to provide free medical care for the people here in Gbaremu market, Ijokodo area of Ibadan North local government.” Chief Mrs. Oladipo said.
Asked if the one day free outreach was limited to only women, she said: “So, basically, this is why Oyo SWAN has collaborated with Saint Mary Catholic Hospital, Eleta, Ibadan to carry out this free medical outreach, although, women are our primary focus because today is our day but as you can see, we also have some men here who are also beneficiaries.”
She equally called on governments at all levels to do more for vulnerable Nigerians especially women and children in terms of free, quality and affordable healthcare services stressing the need to prioritize health and well-being of citizens describing it as the greatest asset to the nation’s workforce and populace.
While commending Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, for his administration’s healthcare policies and programs, Chief Mrs. Oladipo stressed that more still needed to be done in terms of sensitization and awareness considering the growing population.
“Most of these aged women are usually scared to go to the hospital due to fear of financial costs and other unenvisaged health related revelations that may lead to unnecessary apprehension. This is why if possible, healthcare services can be brought to their doorsteps. I believe that if government can raise awareness and sensitization for these vulnerable women regarding their health, our society will be better for it because even at old age, they also contribute to our socio-economic and socio-cultural developments.” She concluded.
Some of the beneficiaries who also spoke to newsmen expressed their appreciations to Oyo state chapter of SWAN saying the women Accountants have demonstrated true commitment to social responsibility by organizing a free medical outreach program for aged market women in Gbaremu community.
The beneficiaries added that the initiative reflected Oyo SWAN’s dedication to addressing health disparities and improving the overall well-being of vulnerable populations particularly women.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ajibade, who is a trader in Gbaremu market said: “we are grateful to the organizers of this laudable program because it is very timely. By utilizing their financial expertise and organizational skills, these women accountants have been able to mobilize resources, secure medical professionals, and coordinate logistics to ensure that elderly market women have access to much-needed healthcare services.
“This clearly exemplifies the power of professional women coming together to make a tangible impact on the health and quality of our lives especially those of us in need within our local community within and around this market.”
