From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Hundreds of less privileged families from across different communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, benefitted from the largesse distributed by a philanthropist, Dr. Chetachi Ecton Dikko, recently, as part of routine outreach to underprivileged communities in the FCT.
Items districted included food for infants of different ages, baby wipes, care items, sanitary pads, food and non-food items, among several other interventions. Paediatricians were also available for medical advice to mothers, with medications provided, where necessary.
Dikko, founder of When In Need Foundation, said she has decided to commit her time and personal resources to the welfare and wellbeing of the people around her, particularly to communities around Gwarimpa, Abuja, and environs, where her hospital is located.
She said: “A few weeks ago, we attended to hundreds of people, including women and children, who showed up for our routine medical outreach. In addition to the medical checks and advice, different kinds of drugs were given to the ones that needed them, while optometrist carried out eye examinations and provided eye glasses to those found with different eye defects.
“We intend, in the coming weeks, to move beyond FCT to other parts of the country with our interventions. It’s our passion to reach out to people in our own little way and ensure that we put smiles on their faces. We won’t relent in that intervention.”
Some of the mothers who benefited from the largesse appreciated the kindness of the philanthropist, describing her as God-sent to the less privileged families in FCT and beyond.
Grace Ogbe, who came with her son, Winner Ogbe, said she has benefitted from the philanthropist in different ways, particularly food and medicines for herself and her children, and she has not relented in thanking God for the life of Dr. Dikko.
She said: “I never expected what I got. When I unpacked the bag they gave me, I saw quality baby food, milk, formulas, diapers, drugs, baby wipes, and other useful items, which I can’t afford in today’s Nigeria. I pray that God will continue to bless her richly so that many of us can continue to tap from the blessings.”
On her part, Mrs. Faith Kenneth said she came from Nyanya to partake of the largesse, and she did not regret that she came.
She said: “I got the information from my husband who, perhaps, got it from somewhere that I don’t know. I came with some of my friends who have babies and we were all attended to. We saw doctors who gave us medical advice, suggestions and recommendations based on issues we presented to them.
“In addition to that, we were given huge packages that left us more than surprised. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Chetachi whom God used to reach out to us. This is not the first time and I am sure it won’t be the last time because God will continuously fill her pocket with enough to give us.”
Another beneficiary, Hajara Jibrin, also confirmed that her son, Farouk Jibrin, was blessed with a lot of items that will enhance his physical growth and mental development.
She volunteered that, “In addition to the huge package that was handed to us, a little token (money) was given to me to support my fare back home. I was here a few weeks ago to participate in the medical outreach and was properly advised on how best to go about my health. I pray for God’s continuous blessings on Dr. Dikko so it can continue to reach us.”