Free Medical Outreach for Underprivileged Children: My Day, My Rights

The Peace Village Open Field in Lugbe, Abuja, became the centre of an important humanitarian exercise as the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), in collaboration with Arigatou International/Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), hosted a Free Medical Outreach for Children to commemorate World Children’s Day, marked globally on 20 November 2025. The theme for the year, “My Day, My Rights,” set the tone and direction for the outreach. It was a sound reminder that the health of every child is not a privilege, but a fundamental right protected under international conventions including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and reinforced within Nigeria’s national legal framework through the Child Rights Act.

The outreach which was led by the Executive Director of the Foundation, Rev Sr. Agatha Chikelue, was designed to give practical expression to this right by ensuring that children, particularly those in underserved communities, had access to essential healthcare services. The Peace Village community received the team warmly. The Chief of the Village, Engr. Babatunde, formally welcomed and appreciated COFP and all participating partners, and also encouraged residents to maintain order and cooperate fully throughout the program. 

From as early as 10.00am until evening, the open field was transformed into a fully operational temporary clinic. COFP partnered with a dedicated team of experienced medical professionals – doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientist whose expertise was central to the success of the outreach. Over 300 children were attended to during the exercise. Each child underwent medical assessment, received appropriate treatment, and was provided with necessary medications and follow-up guidance. The healthcare team ensured that all procedures were conducted with professionalism, efficiency, and compassion, showing COFP’s commitment to upholding the dignity and well-being of every child.

Beyond medical interventions, the outreach also promoted community engagement and awareness. Parents and caregivers expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to access quality healthcare at no cost especially at the time when medical doctors were on strike in FCT. For many families, this outreach bridged a very critical gap, especially in a context where financial constraints often limit access to timely medical attention for children. The success of the event further demonstrated the importance of collaborative action in safeguarding children’s rights. It also reinforced the foundational principle that protecting a child’s right to health contributes significantly to building peaceful and resilient communities. 

The Free Medical Outreach for Children didn’t only mark a celebration of the World Children’s Day but also a reflection of COFP’s mission to promote peace, justice, and human dignity. The Foundation remains deeply grateful to everyone including the medical professionals who volunteered their expertise, and the Peace Village community for their cooperation.