24/03/2026
OVER 5,000 BENEFIT FROM O. B. LULU-BRIGGS FOUNDATION’S 45TH FREE MEDICAL MISSION IN OGU
The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation has concluded its 45th Free Medical Mission in Ogu, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, delivering critical healthcare services to 5,112 people in five days, including 149 surgeries across a broad range of medical conditions.
Chairman of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, underscored the urgency of expanding access to care in underserved communities.
“In many communities across our country, the greatest fear is not illness itself, but what happens when illness comes and there is nowhere to turn,” she said. “For more than two decades, we have chosen to stand in that gap, bringing healing, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Seinye Lulu-Briggs, who was represented by Ms. Ibiere Akpana, noted that high out-of-pocket health costs continue to prevent many Nigerians from seeking timely care, making interventions such as the Free Medical Mission essential in bridging the gap between communities and the healthcare system.
Held from March 16 to March 20, 2026 at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre, the outreach drew large crowds daily, reflecting both the scale of unmet healthcare needs and the impact of sustained intervention.
Of the total beneficiaries, 3,439 were women and 1,673 were men. Within the same period, the medical team carried out 149 surgical procedures, including 38 right inguinal hernia repairs, 32 lipoma excisions, 13 left inguinal hernia repairs, 7 hydrocelectomies (incision to drain fluid collection in the scrotal sac and repairs) 8 ganglion excisions(benign lump), 5 appendectomies, and other complex procedures such as release of intestinal strangulation caused by hernia, excision of rhabdomyosarcoma(soft cancer tissue) bilateral resection of extra limbs.
The mission was formally opened on March 18, with dignitaries, community leaders, and stakeholders in attendance. Representing the Executive Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Chief (Barr.) Vincent Nemieboka, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Dr. Mrs. Eunice Alabo, conveyed the appreciation of the local government and the people of Ogu.
In a message conveyed on behalf of the Chairman, she described the outreach as a life-changing medical intervention and commended the Foundation for its consistent commitment to improving lives across communities. She expressed appreciation for bringing the mission to Ogu and reaffirmed the Council’s support for initiatives that expand access to quality healthcare.
The outreach was delivered by a team of 77 medical volunteers and 32 non-medical volunteers under the leadership of Dr. Famba Famba Daniel, whose coordinated efforts ensured smooth operations across consultation, diagnostics, surgery, and follow-up care.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries and partner organizations. Professor Hope Ilanye Bell-Gam commended the Foundation for its sustained impact, while Dr. Omowunmi Kolafa, representing the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Rivers State, described the initiative as a transformative contribution to advancing access to healthcare in Nigeria as a fundamental human right.
Barrister Sotonye Kelechi-Nwuzi, representing FIDA Port Harcourt, reaffirmed continued support for initiatives that promote the welfare, health, and well-being of women and children, and praised the Foundation’s consistency over the years.
The Free Medical Mission programme has delivered care to over 195,000 beneficiaries across multiple states, growing into one of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s flagship interventions and a vital source of free, comprehensive healthcare for underserved communities.
Building on this record, the foundation continues to expand its reach across the Niger Delta and beyond through sustained investments in health, education, and community welfare. Its programmes span Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States, providing scholarships to more than 1,500 students, support for over 500 senior citizens under its Care for Life programme, potable water to 33 communities, and microcredit assistance to small business owners, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to improving lives at scale.