This isn’t Pastor Joe Tarkon’s first humanitarian effort. Last December, he led a similar mission to Ugep, Cross River State, where 420 people received medication and 53 surgeries were successfully performed.
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Ibeju-Lekki residents are set to benefit from a free medical and surgical interventions, thanks to the humanitarian effort of a Nigerian-born, American-based doctor and presiding pastor of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in Atlanta, Georgia.
The medical interventions, to be held on Friday December 6 at the General Hospital Ibeju Lekki, will feature consultation, general medical examination, surgery, dental and optometry services all at no cost to the beneficiaries.
There will also be a leadership training on Saturday December 7 for members of the community, to be followed with a Christian evangelistic crusade at the Lekki Local Council Development Area Hall.
This isn’t Dr Tarkon’s first humanitarian effort. Last December, he led a similar mission to Ugep, Cross River State, where 420 people received medication and 53 surgeries were successfully performed.
RELATED: Ugep monarch excited by Dr Tarkon’s free medical outreach, crusade in the community
In May 2024, he donated drugs to Obafemi Awolowo University’s healthcare center, benefiting over 35,000 students and 4,000 staff.
He said his passion to undertake such project is borne out of duty as a physician who is committed to the mandate of Christ to reach all nations not just with the gospel, but the services of the gospel so that people can lead a meaningful life.
He explained: “What God wants to do is to reach people through us. God will not come down. He will use people like us.”
He added that the leadership training for members of the community was aimed at equipping them with the capacity to improve the outcome of their lives.
Asked about the huge financial cost involved, he replied, “If you saw your child in a ditch, you will not be bothered about the resources to rescue him. You will do everything within your power to pull him out.”
He said If it were possible, he would be on the road every weekend to reach every local government in Nigeria because the needs are endless.
He praised the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the General Hospital Ibeju Lekki, Dr (Mrs) Ime Okon for partnering with the mission and helping to ensure it succeeds.
Dr Ime Okon expressed excitement with the partnership, describing it as a worthy and timely symbiotic relationship which will produce great and impactful service to the community.
She said the initiative is specifically designed for the underprivileged in Eti Osa, Lekki, Ibeju Lekki, and Epe who cannot afford these life-changing services.
On the types of medical interventions that will be taking place, she explained: “Vital signs checks, Blood Pressure, blood sugar, kidney checks, HIV counselling and testing, eye screening, treatment and free eye glasses, dental checks with free scaling and polishing, treatment of minor dental ailments, doctors consultations, medical counselling, free surgeries for lumps, Excision biopsies, appendectomies, herniorraphies, etc.”
On what will be the impact on the community, Dr Okon said it will be huge as this is the first time a free surgical outreach will be done in the General Hospital Ibeju-Lekki.