The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, (NOHIL), on August 9, 2026 hosted the Meet and Greet/ Opening Ceremony of the Foot and Ankle Course and Medical Outreach, organised in collaboration with Steps2Walk and the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation.

The event brought together healthcare leaders, government representatives, local and international specialists, volunteers and partners ahead of the Foot and Ankle Course and Medical Outreach scheduled for August 10–15, 2026.

In his welcome address, the Medical Director of NOHIL, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening orthopaedic services and developing sustainable healthcare capacity. He commended the organisers and planning team, describing the initiative as a demonstration of leadership, excellence, professionalism and patient-centred care.

Delivering a goodwill message, Dr. John Lewis Ugbo of Steps2walk expressed appreciation to the hospital and its leadership for the opportunity to give back to society. He highlighted Steps2Walk’s commitment to specialist education, clinical training, telehealth support and patient care, particularly in foot and ankle, spine and paediatric orthopaedics.

Speaking on the broader vision of the programme, Dr. Akintobi of Global Health Charity and Training Foundation said the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between healthcare professionals and organisations in Nigeria and the diaspora.

He explained that the outreach is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 patients, with about 500 patients to be attended to at NOHIL and another 500 at Somolu General Hospital.Screening and interventions will also cover conditions including hepatitis C, prostate cancer, diabetes and malaria, alongside the provision of medications, medical equipment and diagnostic resources.

In addition to clinical services, the programme will provide specialist training for consultants, resident doctors and other healthcare professionals.

The Medical Director of Somolu General Hospital, Dr. Adesina Ayodele, described the initiative as historic and commended the collaboration between Nigerian healthcare professionals and colleagues in the diaspora. He noted that the programme demonstrates the impact of a shared vision and affirmed that the sacrifices of healthcare professionals who continue to serve in Nigeria are not in vain, adding that Nigeria remains worth investing in and returning to.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olayinka Olawoye, expressed the State Government’s appreciation for the initiative and emphasised the need to translate such interventions into sustainable healthcare systems and partnerships.

Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odugbesan stressed that sustainable healthcare requires more than access to services, noting the importance of developing the skills, expertise, systems and infrastructure necessary to deliver quality care.

The Special Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, whose address was delivered by the Medical Director of NOHIL, commended the volunteers, specialists and partners for their commitment. He described the programme as more than a medical intervention, highlighting its potential to improve patients’ mobility and quality of life while strengthening local capacity through training and knowledge transfer. He subsequently declared the programme officially open.