The Jennifer Etuh Foundation, (JEF) has treated over 3,805 patients suffering from different ailments and provided 10,097 health interventions in the five days days free Medical outreach in Odu-Ogboyaga, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The over 3,805 patients attended to in the five days medical outreach which commenced Monday, January 26, 2026, surpassed the initial projection of 3,000 by the organization
By sunrise in Odu-Ogboyaga, long queues had already formed. Residents arrived from neighbouring villages and communities, some supported by walking sticks, others carrying babies on their backs. All desiring to access healthcare which is often beyond their reach.
The Medical Outreach which was a partnership between JEF and Pro-Health International Africa, was in honour of Late Mrs. Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, late wife of the chairman of the Board, Thomas Etuh.
Speaking at the close of the exercise at the Weekend, in Odu-Ogboyaga, the Chairman of JEF’s Board of Directors, Thomas Etuh, noted that these outreaches are deep personal acts of love tied to a promise made in the most tender moments.
Speaking further he said “It was not a coincidence of dates. It was a sacred remembrance of my wife. Six years earlier, on January 26, 2020, Mrs. Jennifer Ramatu Etuh, the founder of Jennifer Etuh Foundation went to be with the Lord. But even in her passing, she left behind a living instruction: “no woman or girl should suffer the way I did.” Her final wish was bold and compassionate: he stressed
“Today we see people having free surgeries, eye, dental, and general surgeries as well as receiving free medications. This means that she lives and for me it’s a joyful celebration. Every time I attend outreaches or visit any of the facilities, I feel strength and joy. I can see God’s grace and mercies at work.” That grace is evident in the crowds.
“It is worthy of note that of all the communities JEF serves annually, Odu-Ogboyaga consistently records the highest patients turnout.
“The foundation also built six state-of-the-art medical facilities, one in each geopolitical zone of Nigeria,” so healing would no longer be a privilege but a promise. This outreach is one of the many ways that promise continues to live on.
Recall that on Saturday, January 24, two days before the medical outreach began, JEF filled the same community with compassionate care. At St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 1,200 widows received thoughtfully curated gift packs containing food items, clothing, and cash gifts.
According to the Board chairman, more than the items themselves, what lingered were the smiles, the joy, the undeniable gratitude of women who felt remembered.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of the foundation, Joe Otu, explained that the number of patients that turned to asses the healthcare services tell both a story of impact and a cry for help.
“We see patients coming from different villages as well as from other states just to have their health needs met. This could be an indicator that there is a greater need for health interventions in North-Central Nigeria.
“We equally observed that there is a need for continuous community sensitisation in the area of community health, hygiene, and antenatal care.”
Speaking further, he explained, “Our target is to provide top-notch free medical care to 3,000 patients on this project and as at Day 3, we’ve attended to 2,385 patients and provided 6,641 interventions. Each number represents a person, a mother relieved of pain, a child given a better chance at health, an elderly man seeing clearly again after years of blurred vision.
“Still, the Foundation acknowledges that the work has only begun. “This is just a drop in the ocean,” Mr. Otu noted. “There is so much more to be done.” And yet, within these few days, something profound unfolded.
Volunteers from different disciplines did more than dispense medications or perform procedures. They listened, cared, reassured, and restored dignity. In whispered prayers, gentle smiles, and careful touch, hope found expression.
As Jennifer Etuh Foundation continues its work, it leaves behind more than treated ailments. It leaves a question hanging tenderly in the air, what would our communities look like if more compassion showed up this way consistently? For the residents of Odu-Ogboyaga and its environs, one thing is certain: ill health does not have the final say, neither does death.