ODI Festival Medical Outreach Records Massive Turnout in Bayelsa

By Our Reporter

Residents of Odi and neighbouring communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State turned out in large numbers to benefit from a three-day free medical outreach organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Odi Festival.

The community health programme, organised by Century Group in collaboration with the ODI Festival Planning Committee, was held from July 30 to August 1, 2026, at Odi Community, Bayelsa State.

The outreach provided a wide range of free healthcare services aimed at improving access to medical care and promoting disease prevention within the area.

Services offered included:

• Free malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT)
• Free treatment for positive malaria cases
• Distribution of free mosquito nets
• Free eye screening
• Provision of free eye drops
• Distribution of free eyeglasses

Speaking during the event, community members expressed appreciation to Century Group and the Odi Festival Planning Committee for bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people, particularly at a time when access to affordable medical care remains a challenge for many rural residents.

Beneficiaries described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that the free eye care services would significantly improve the quality of life of many residents.

The organisers stated that the outreach was designed to address common health challenges such as malaria and vision-related problems, while also encouraging preventive healthcare practices among rural communities.

Many attendees offered prayers for the sponsors and organisers and expressed hope that the medical outreach would become a regular feature of future Odi Festival celebrations.

The successful turnout underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in delivering grassroots healthcare interventions and improving the well-being of communities across Bayelsa State.