NIGERIA: More than 1,000 residents of Cross River State have received free healthcare services during a medical outreach organised by Na’ar Youth Swagger Medical Outreach in collaboration with Grace Network Evangelical Outreach.
The two-day outreach, which took place on March 31 and April 1, 2026, at U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, offered a wide range of services including minor and major surgeries, dental treatments, eye care, laboratory tests, and general medical consultations — all at no cost to beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Team Lead of the Free Medical Division, Blessing Obie, explained that the initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare, especially for rural dwellers and vulnerable populations who cannot afford medical treatment.
“This initiative is aimed at bridging the gap in access to quality healthcare, particularly for rural dwellers who cannot afford the cost of medical treatment,” she said.
Obie noted that a team of volunteer medical professionals — including surgeons, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians — was mobilised to provide the services.
“Every year, we do as much as we can to reach out to the people. We keep a very open mind and ensure that we reach out to as many as we can without restrictions,” she emphasised.
She added that more complex cases, such as certain eye surgeries, are referred to partner facilities like The Compassionate Foundation (TCF), with all costs fully covered by the organisers.
“Every treatment is completely free, including surgery,” Obie stated.
Dr. Kevin Waite, one of the medical volunteers, highlighted some of the common conditions treated, including hypertension, high blood sugar, and malaria.
“Malaria seems to be sweeping across Calabar. Thank God we have not seen much hepatitis B, which is very good,” he said.
He praised the teamwork among the volunteers: “The doctors are just super excellent. The lab technicians, the pharmacy, the eye doctors, the dentists — we have been working as a group and consulting with each other in the interest of each patient.”
Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the intervention, noting that many had lived with treatable conditions for years due to financial constraints.
Magnus Emeh lauded the organisers for reaching out to those who might not have access to conventional hospitals.
“What they are doing here is glorifying God and humanity. This exercise of reaching out to those who may not be privileged to go to a conventional hospital is the best. I therefore appeal to the organisation to continue in that spirit,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Patience Sunday, who has benefited from the foundation multiple times, called on the government to support such initiatives.
Na’ar Youth Swagger is an annual gospel event powered by Grace Network Evangelical Outreach (also known as Grace Consulate), headquartered at 39 Chamley Street, Calabar South. The lead pastor is Pst. Lawrence Agbata.
The free medical outreach forms part of the one-week programme. The 12th edition of Na’ar Youth Swagger culminates in a major gathering on Friday, April 3, 2026, at U.J. Esuene Stadium, featuring ministers including House of Salem, Pst. KJ, Pat Simon, and several others.
