By GODWIN TSA, Abuja

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For the people of Dafara Village in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, November 26, 2016, would always be a memorable day in the history of the rustic community. That day, they gathered at the LEA Primary School, where free medical aid was administered on them, courtesy of a group of women under the umbrella of Arise Women, led by Pastor Siju Iluyomade, convener and CEO of the group.
Besides the administration of free medical services to over 2,000 residents of the community, the group also donated a borehole, renovated and furnished classroom blocks in the community’s primary school and another borehole for the community under its Adopt a Community Project for 2016.
Addressing residents of Dafara, Iluyomade said the community outreach was meant to give hope to the needy and underprivileged members of society just like the Biblical church that shared belongings among members.
She identified greed in the country as a major hindrance to equitable distribution of development, maintaining that women empowerment leads to overall social development.
“The early church lacked nothing because they shared everything for the common good. The problem is that there is a bit of selfishness in our nation and we need to get rid of it,” she said.
Head of the medical team, Dr. Edache Okoh, listed malaria, diabetes and hypertension as common health challenges among people living in rural areas.
Okoh explained that drugs were being given to the residents with minor cases while serious cases are to be referred for specialist care.
He promised that the group would return in three months for a follow-up and evaluation of the residents to ascertain the efficacy of the intervention.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed delight over the medical treatment and facilities donated to the community.
Musa Adamu, who was treated of malaria, said: “It is God that has delivered us through this programme. So we thank God and the team.”
The village head, Chief Joseph Makeri, thanked Arise Women for supporting the community in the critical areas of health and potable water.
He said: “For so long, water has been one of our major challenges in the community. With this marvelous intervention, we are now back to life because what they have given us is life.”
The group, which is anchored by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, aims to empower the less privileged especially, women and children.