In a profound paradigm shift that challenges conventional political engagement in Nigeria, former federal lawmaker and founder of the Pellercare Foundation, Hon. Shina Peller, has declared that true leadership must prioritize human welfare long before seeking political mandates.
Peller stated this on Friday during the flagoff of the historic grassroots healthcare movement, the Pellercare 360 Community Impact Tour, at Aseyin Ojude Oba Market Square, Iseyin.
The initiative officially launched to an overwhelming public reception, delivering free, comprehensive, and life-saving medical services to thousands of residents from the town and surrounding communities.
Initiated by the Ayedero of Yorubaland under the inspiring theme “Alaafia De Ile Wa,” the unprecedented outreach delivered squarely on its core promise: ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every citizen directly at the grassroots, regardless of socio-economic background or financial standing.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Peller emphasized that politicians and public figures must abandon self-serving, vote-chasing campaigns in favor of genuine, empathetic community care.
“Before we ask for their votes, we must ask and care about their health,” Peller stated, stressing that accessible healthcare is a fundamental human right rather than an exclusive luxury reserved for the privileged.
Reflecting on the massive turnout, he noted that witnessing mothers, elders and young children receive high-level medical attention without financial anxiety fills his heart with immense joy. He described the “Alaafia De Ile Wa” initiative as a steadfast, unwavering commitment to building a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous Oyo North across all 13 Local Government Areas.
Throughout the full-day event, attendees received specialized care meticulously structured across four primary clinical zones: the Women’s Health Pavilion, the Men’s Health Corner, the Elders Honour Clinic, and the Child Health Festival.
Beneficiaries underwent rigorous diagnostic screenings, professional consultations and minor medical procedures, departing with all their prescribed medications provided completely free of charge.
Highlighting the technical execution and medical impact of the outreach, the Central and Coordinating Doctor for Pellercare 360, Dr. Williams Edet, lauded the seamless organization and remarkable public turnout.
Dr. Edet noted that the multidisciplinary team of medical specialists, nurses and pharmacists mobilized full diagnostic equipment to manage hundreds of critical cases, ranging from hypertension, diabetes screenings and cardiovascular evaluations in men, to comprehensive maternal, fertility, and breast examinations in women.
He further highlighted that the medical team prioritized senior citizens with specialized geriatric consultations and provided essential pediatric interventions and deworming for hundreds of children, while establishing clear, structured referral pathways for patients requiring ongoing medical management.
The humanitarian impact of the intervention resonated deeply across all demographics, bringing tangible relief to everyday citizens.
Pa Rasheed Adewole, a 72-year-old beneficiary at the Elders Honour Clinic, expressed profound gratitude, sharing that at his age, visiting the hospital regularly and purchasing prescribed medications places an exorbitant financial burden on him. He commended the medical team for treating him with immense respect, checking his vital signs, and providing all his medications free of charge.
Similarly, Mrs. Adijat Salim, a 38-year-old resident who visited the Women’s Health Pavilion, praised the patience and thoroughness of the female medical personnel during her breast examination and maternal health counseling. She noted that receiving such high-level professional care without paying a single kobo lifted a massive economic weight off her household.
For Mr. Taiwo Ogundele, a 45-year-old trader at the Men’s Health Corner, the intervention proved life-saving. He remarked that market traders rarely prioritize routine health check-ups until a medical crisis strikes.
Furthermore, Ogundele revealed that doctors discovered his blood pressure was dangerously high during the screening, caught the condition in time, and provided immediate medication and dietary guidance, crediting Pellercare 360 with averting a major health emergency.
Mothers also shared glowing commendations regarding pediatric care. Mrs. Comfort Adewale, a 29-year-old mother of two who brought her children to the Child Health Festival, highlighted the warm, friendly environment and the dedicated time physicians spent with every child, expressing deep appreciation to Hon. Peller for bringing vital child healthcare directly to the Ojude Oba Market Square.
Following the resounding success of the Iseyin flag-off, the Pellercare 360 Community Impact Tour moves immediately to its next stop, conducting another full-day comprehensive medical clinic for residents at the Ogbomoso Town Hall in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Organizers confirmed that the landmark movement remains a cornerstone of Hon. Shina Peller’s long-term strategic health policy agenda, designed to permanently transform grassroots healthcare delivery across the senatorial district and prove that sustainable community development must always be anchored on a healthy, thriving populace.
