Residents of a Lagos community benefited from free healthcare services on Wednesday as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) organised a medical outreach under its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme.
The exercise, which marked the second HIRD outreach in 2026, was held at the palace of the Oniru of Iruland in Victoria Island, Eti-Osa I Constituency of Lagos State.
The programme was themed “Empowering Communities through Sustainable Healthcare Awareness.”
As part of the outreach, residents received free medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, oral health education, and other preventive healthcare services.
Earlier in the year, the NYSC had conducted a similar outreach programme in the Oshodi-Isolo area of the state.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with Divine Dental Home, Medplus, SpaceTrade, and Cedacare Pharmacy.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, said the HIRD programme demonstrates the scheme’s commitment to making healthcare services accessible to underserved communities while encouraging healthy living.
She urged residents to pay closer attention to their health through regular medical examinations, preventive care, and participation in health outreach programmes.
According to her, maintaining good health is important for productivity and overall wellbeing, while increased health awareness can help reduce preventable illnesses in communities.
Salmwang noted that HIRD remains one of NYSC’s key community development programmes designed to bring healthcare services closer to people in need.
During a session on oral health, Mr Samuel Olorunfemi of Divine Dental Home educated participants on proper dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits necessary for strong teeth and healthy gums.
He warned against using hard objects for brushing teeth, saying such practices could damage the gums and teeth, while encouraging residents to adopt preventive dental care measures.
Also speaking, Dr Ajala Ayooluwa, President of the Medical and Health Community Development Service in Eti-Osa I Constituency, highlighted the importance of proper hand hygiene and regular medical checkups.
He advised residents to cultivate healthy habits, particularly regular hand washing and early medical consultation, describing preventive healthcare as one of the most effective and affordable ways to avoid illnesses.
In his remarks, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, praised the NYSC for organising the outreach, describing it as impactful and beneficial to the community.
The monarch commended the corps members for their dedication to humanitarian service and also appreciated the sponsors and partners whose support contributed to the success of the programme.
The event also featured fitness and aerobics sessions aimed at promoting healthy living among participants.