Hundreds of residents in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Saturday benefitted from a free medical outreach held at the Ooni’s Palace, championed by Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ambassador Dr. Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, through the Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI).
The outreach, which focused on delivering critical health services to underserved groups, especially women, the elderly and children, was organized by the Piece of Peace Women Leadership Initiative in collaboration with HAI and the House of Oduduwa.
The medical outreach featured a wide range of services including general health checks, consultations, health education, distribution of essential medications, and specialised care in areas such as eye screening and blood pressure monitoring. Held within the serene grounds of the Ooni’s Palace, the event attracted a large turnout from across Ile-Ife and neighbouring communities.
Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, who is the Deputy Convener of the Hopes Alive Initiative and wife of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, was on ground to personally oversee the outreach and interact with participants. Known for her advocacy in women empowerment, health, and community development, the Olori reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that grassroots communities continue to receive access to essential healthcare.
“The primary purpose for which God enthroned His Majesty is to serve humanity,” Olori Temitope said while addressing attendees. “And because Kabiyesi cannot be everywhere at once, God is using people like myself to assist in fulfilling that ultimate divine mandate through the Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa, where I humbly serve as the Deputy Convener.”
She added that the outreach was particularly focused on often-overlooked groups in society. “Today, we chose to check on our senior citizens and women. We are deeply concerned about their health. We want them to live not only long lives, but healthy and fulfilled ones. This is our way of saying we see them, we care, and we are here to support them.”
The Olori also used the opportunity to encourage future partnerships with well-meaning organisations. “Just as we are delighted to collaborate with the Piece of Peace Women Leadership Initiative today, we remain open to partnerships with other NGOs, corporate bodies, and individuals who share our passion for impact. Let everyone privileged to serve, please join hands in keeping hopes alive.”
The outreach was powered by the Piece of Peace Women Leadership Initiative, co-founded by Engr. Bright Ajibade and Dr. Agnes Hossanah Ajibade. The organisation has continued to work across various regions promoting peace, wellness, and women leadership through targeted community projects.
“We are grateful for the honour to work with Her Majesty and the Hopes Alive Initiative on this project,” said Dr. Agnes Hossanah Ajibade. “At Piece of Peace, we believe that leadership starts with service, and this outreach embodies that principle fully. Our vision is to see more women rise up and take the lead in building healthy, peaceful communities.”
Her husband and co-founder, Engr. Bright Ajibade, also acknowledged the impact of the partnership. “This is what collaboration looks like,” he remarked. “When institutions come together for the good of the people, lives are touched and lasting change is achieved. We’re truly honoured.”
The Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa, founded by the Ooni of Ife and led in part by Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to humanitarian efforts across Africa. Its focus areas include health, education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, especially among disadvantaged populations.
The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, who serves as the Chief Convener of HAI, has continued to open the palace gates to humanitarian efforts and community-focused projects aimed at preserving the dignity and wellbeing of the people of Ile-Ife and beyond.
A beneficiary, Madam Funmilayo Olatunji, a 67-year-old resident of Enuwa, described the experience as a rare privilege. “I’ve never received this kind of care without paying a kobo. The doctors were kind and they explained everything to me. I thank our Olori and the people who brought this to us.”
Participants at the outreach expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, describing it as a rare opportunity to access medical services and interact directly with the royal household. Many commended Olori Temitope for her humility, hands-on engagement, and continued support for health-related initiatives.
The success of the event reflects an ongoing commitment by royal institutions, women-led organisations, and humanitarian partners to make health and social welfare more inclusive, accessible, and community-rooted.