Kogoro Takes Healthcare to the Grassroots, Announces Free Medical Outreach Across Sapele

By Endurance Ikanone

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Sapele Constituency I in the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly election, Hon. Melvin Akpomiemie Kogoro, has announced plans to commence a free medical outreach across the eight wards of the constituency from October 22, 2026, as part of efforts to bring healthcare services closer to residents.

The initiative, tagged “Free Medical Outreach for a Healthier Sapele,” is designed to provide residents with free medical check-ups, consultations with doctors, medicines, health counselling and advice on preventive healthcare.

According to the announcement, the programme will move from Ward 1 to Ward 8, with the aim of extending basic medical services to residents who may find it difficult to afford healthcare due to prevailing economic challenges.

Speaking in a telephone interview with newsmen, Kogoro said his decision to organise the outreach was motivated by his concern for the health and welfare of residents, particularly vulnerable individuals and families struggling with the rising cost of medical treatment.

He said healthcare was a fundamental necessity that should not be beyond the reach of ordinary people, stressing that many residents often postponed medical consultations because of financial constraints.

“I decided to embark on this free medical outreach because the health and wellbeing of our people matter to me. Many families are going through difficult times, and the cost of healthcare has become a serious concern. Some people delay going to the hospital because they cannot afford consultations, medicines and other medical expenses. I believe we can make a difference by bringing these services closer to them,” he said.

Kogoro explained that the outreach was intended to provide practical assistance to residents while encouraging them to pay greater attention to their health and seek medical attention when necessary.

He said the decision to extend the programme across the eight wards was informed by the need to make the exercise accessible to people in different communities within the constituency.

“Our intention is to reach as many people as possible, irrespective of their political affiliation, social status or background. Health concerns affect everybody, and this intervention is about the people of Sapele. We want residents to have access to medical check-ups, professional advice and medicines without having to worry about the immediate cost,” he added.

The NDC candidate said the initiative also point to the importance of preventive healthcare, noting that regular medical examinations and early attention to health concerns could help people manage certain conditions before they become more serious.

He called on residents to take advantage of the programme and participate when the outreach reaches their respective wards.

Kogoro further stressed that community development should go beyond political promises, maintaining that initiatives capable of addressing the immediate needs of the people were essential to improving their welfare.

The proposed medical outreach adds to Kogoro’s reported humanitarian activities, which have included educational support, student scholarships, provision of sanitary pads for female students, youth empowerment initiatives and assistance to vulnerable individuals.

A report some time ago also highlighted his intervention in the case of Erhinyodavwe Oghenenavew, a student of Chude Girls Grammar School who was reportedly battling a serious ear condition. The report stated that Kogoro provided assistance towards her medical treatment and offered scholarship support, including ₦300,000 for her education and welfare.

His supporters have cited such interventions as examples of his interest in community welfare and his commitment to supporting people facing personal and economic difficulties.

The forthcoming outreach is expected to extend that approach to healthcare by offering services to a wider section of the population.

As preparations continue towards the October 22 commencement date, further details concerning the specific venues, daily schedule and arrangements for accessing the services will be important to residents wishing to participate.

The initiative comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with candidates engaging communities through consultations and various public initiatives.

For Kogoro, however, the immediate focus of the announced programme is to provide healthcare assistance to residents and encourage greater awareness of preventive medical care.

He expressed the hope that the outreach would bring relief to beneficiaries and demonstrate the importance of putting the welfare of the people at the centre of community engagement.

“My desire is to see a healthier Sapele where people can access basic medical services and receive the attention they need. We may not be able to solve every problem at once, but we can start by taking practical steps to help our people. This outreach is one of those steps, and I look forward to seeing residents benefit from it,” he said.

The free medical outreach is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026, and is expected to cover Wards 1 to 8 in Sapele Constituency I.