In commemoration of its 20 years anniversary, the Offa Youths Forum (OYF) on Thursday offered free medical services to no fewer than 100 of its indigenous people and other members of the public in Kaduna.
The outreach featured tests on genotype, malaria test and treatment, hepatitis test, blood level test, among others.
Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the outreach, Mr Isyaka Shittu, the National President of the forum, stressed on the importance of genotype tests.
He lamented that many youths go into relationship and even marriage without knowing their genotype which he said is dangerous to society.
“Incompatibility of blood is dangerous to marriage and society, the couples produce unhealthy children who are subjected to pains as a result of their parents’ neglect. the parents themselves suffer financially and otherwise in trying to ensure survival and wellbeing of the children,”he lamented.
Shittu also said that hepatitis tests in the hospitals are not free, however important it is to healthy wellbeing, adding that the outreach was to ease the public in spending from their pockets for the tests.
He added that for those who test positive to hepatitis, they would be referred to medical facilities for treatment, and counselling on genotype compatibility.
“We also want to create awareness on the importance of these tests, so that we have a healthier Offa community, for the development of the nation in general.
Speaking further, he said the forum has done alot in educational programmes, counselling Offa youths on career choice, where they wrote a book which was distributed for free in all the northern zone.
The president also said they engaged in free computer training for Offa youths, and held occasions to portray the importance of one united Nigeria.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Fasilat Usman, an indigene of Offa, expressed joy for the outreach.
She said the tests would go a long way in saving their money for other things, while calling on other individuals to key into such gestures for the betterment of humanity.
Another participant and an indigene of Offa, Abdulmajeed Busari, commended the forum for the kind gesture.
He anticipated more gestures for humanity from the forum, adding that it would ensure a resilient Offa community for the betterment of the Nation in general.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) , the three-day anniversary celebration by the OYF, would feature an exclusive hangout and picnic for the members.
It will also feature grand celebration hall of fame, green carpet and OYF social centre launch.
