Shitta Daughter Leads Change as We Are Not Thugs Foundation Concludes Successful Community Medical Outreach

Tolulope Oke

In a remarkable demonstration of compassion, collaboration and community service, the We Are Not Thugs Foundation (Rector Pascal Foundation) successfully concluded its Healthy Shitta Medical Outreach on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Shitta, Surulere, Lagos State.

The one-day initiative brought hope, healing and essential support to hundreds of residents through free healthcare services, food distribution and welfare assistance aimed at improving the well-being of members of the community.

For Chief Mrs. Ore-Oluwa Mary Johnson, a proud daughter of Shitta, the outreach represented far more than a charitable exercise. It was an opportunity to give back to a community that played a significant role in shaping her life. Having witnessed both the resilience of the Shitta people and the challenges they continue to face, particularly in healthcare access and substance abuse, she sought to support efforts focused on improving community well-being through awareness, education and access to quality healthcare services.

In exploring potential partners for the initiative, Johnson found a strong alignment with the vision and impact-driven work of Rector Pascal and the We Are Not Thugs Foundation. The organisation’s proven track record of community-based interventions in Shitta, Mushin and other underserved communities—particularly in healthcare, rehabilitation and youth development—made it a natural partner for the outreach.

Commencing at 11 a.m., the outreach transformed the venue into a vibrant centre of medical activity as healthcare professionals, volunteers and community leaders joined forces to provide critical services. Beneficiaries received free medical consultations and check-ups, vital signs screening, therapy and counselling sessions, medication support and deworming, sanitary pad distribution, as well as health education focused on preventive care, substance use disorder and early intervention.

The collaboration brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders, volunteers and residents with a shared commitment to building a healthier and more informed community.

The outreach was further strengthened by the participation of respected medical professionals, including Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, popularly known as Bearded Dr. Sina, and Dr. Chinonso Egemba, widely recognised as Aproko Doctor, alongside a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and volunteers who provided personalised care and support to beneficiaries.

Reflecting on the experience, one volunteer nurse said: “It’s amazing serving the community alongside incredible people. #HealthyShitta.”

Organisers underscored the importance of community-based interventions in addressing healthcare gaps and promoting long-term wellness. Beyond meeting immediate medical needs, the initiative encouraged health awareness, preventive practices and collective responsibility for healthier living among residents.

Photographs from the outreach captured memorable moments of volunteers in branded We Are Not Thugs attire, beneficiaries receiving care and supplies, and the spirit of togetherness that defined the event.

Residents praised the professionalism and compassion displayed by the team, with many calling for similar interventions in the future and expressing willingness to volunteer and support subsequent programmes.

Speaking on the significance of the outreach, the founder of We Are Not Thugs, Rector Pascal, said:

“A sick community cannot produce anything. A weak person cannot provide for themselves or their family. But a healthy person can achieve a lot and has a chance to live in the purpose of their existence.”

The success of the Healthy Shitta Medical Outreach further strengthens the foundation’s growing record of impactful interventions, following previous substance use disorder treatment outreaches in communities such as Akala, Mushin.

The We Are Not Thugs Foundation also expressed profound appreciation to Chief Mrs. Ore-Oluwa Mary Johnson, volunteers, healthcare professionals, partners and members of the Shitta community whose collective support made the outreach a resounding success, reinforcing the belief that sustainable change is best achieved through partnerships rooted in compassion, service and a shared commitment to community development.