From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
A Non-Governmental Organization identified as Sani Bello Foundation in partnership with Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation has begun a Free Surgical Festival for over 250 less privileged persons who could not afford medical bills in Niger State.
Addressing journalists at the General Hospital at Kontagora, Director General of the Foundation, Zakari Ikani said that the ongoing exercise is targeted at over 200 beneficiaries.
Ikani stressed that no fewer than over 2,000 persons have so far benefited from the foundation program in the last four years assuring of its continuity by given back to the society.
He stated that the ‘Free Surgical Festival’ was as a mark of the founder of the NGO at 77th years old of Col. Sani Bello.
According to him, the four day exercise would cover ailments such as fibroid, goitre, hernia, lumps and hydrocoele and eye related surgeries.
“Sani Bello, by his nature likes giving back to the people and putting smiles on their faces and that is why he has decided to organize this free surgeries.”
He noted that aside the surgeries, 1000 eye glasses will be given out free of charge while 300 other people with various health challenges will be given medication attention.
“This is the fourth free surgical festival with over 2000 done but this particular one has come up in commemoration of our founder’s 77th birthday, which is today,” he stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Aliyu, who underwent surgery for lipomer on the back thanked the foundation for coming to his rescue as he had been battling with the ailment for long.
Also, one of the five doctors who spoke to newsmen, Dr Williams Ayet, said standard medical procedures were observed during the outreach
