The Lagos Port Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has held a free medical outreach and food distribution programme for residents of the Ijora community as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, in his remarks, said the programme was designed to raise health awareness and improve the welfare of residents in the host community.
Lawal emphasised the NPA’s commitment to community wellbeing, noting that the initiative was driven by a strong belief in prioritising people’s welfare. He explained that, in partnership with the palace, a health awareness programme was launched for residents within the community, marking the first edition of what is expected to become a sustained outreach effort.
Speaking on the essence of healthy living, he noted that the packaged food items distributed were meant to support and reinforce the message of proper nutrition. He stressed that residents must prioritise what they consume, adding that it would be counterproductive to attend a health programme without also providing food support. He further urged members of the community to maintain proper environmental hygiene and adopt moderation in their daily lifestyles as key steps toward better health and wellbeing.
He explained that regular health awareness programmes such as this are designed to educate, empower, and promote early action against avoidable illnesses. According to him, sustainable community health can only be achieved when individuals actively embrace healthy habits, remain informed, and support collective efforts aimed at improving overall wellbeing.
Also speaking at the outreach, the Head of Logistics, Prince Arunmire Shijuade, who represented His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Oyeyinka Aremu Ojora, the Ojora of Ijora, commended the Nigerian Ports Authority for bringing the programme to the community. He described it as the first outreach of its kind from the maritime sector in Ijora, noting its significance for residents.
Shijuade also urged other agencies within the maritime and ports ecosystem to prioritise community engagement and social investment. He stressed that while the maritime sector generates substantial revenue, more attention should be given to supporting host communities through outreach initiatives.
According to him, such interventions help build awareness, foster goodwill, and strengthen mutual relationships between operators and residents. He further noted that many community members primarily associate the ports with container congestion on access roads, adding that programmes like this help to reshape that perception by demonstrating the broader benefits the ports can deliver in areas such as healthcare, food support, and other social initiatives.
One Comment