L-R: Business Development Officer, Medplus, Adedire Oluwatimilehin; Head, Marketing and Customer Experience, emPLE Nigeria, Rachel Owolabi; Babaloja Badagry International Market, Chief Alabi Solomon Akinwale; Chief Distribution Officer, emPLE Life Assurance Limited, Funke Sanni; Iyaloja Badagry International Market, Chief Mrs Oluwatoyin Okoya; Head, Credit Sales Advisory emPLE Life Assurance Limited, Aderonke Smith during a medical outreach organised in partnership with Medplus Pharmacy Limited at Badagry International Market, Lagos.
By LOVETH-AZODO CHIJIOKE, Lagos
A free medical outreach organised by emPLE Nigeria in partnership with Medplus Pharmacy Limited has revealed a growing burden of preventable health conditions among traders at the Badagry International Market, with one in four participants testing positive for malaria and more than one-fifth found to have high blood pressure.
The health screening, which targeted about 100 local entrepreneurs, also showed that 15 per cent of participants had elevated blood glucose levels, while four per cent tested positive for Hepatitis B, underscoring the need for improved access to preventive healthcare services for Nigeria’s informal business community.
The outreach, held on June 17, forms part of emPLE’s broader sustainability and community development initiatives aimed at promoting early disease detection, improving health outcomes and supporting the long-term productivity of small business owners.
Participants received free blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, malaria tests, Hepatitis B screening, medical consultations and medications, with those diagnosed with health conditions referred for further treatment and counselling.
Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of emPLE General Insurance Limited, Mr. Olalekan Oyinlade, said the company believes that economic resilience begins with healthy individuals and thriving communities.
According to him, the partnership with Medplus reflects the company’s commitment to addressing health challenges that could undermine the productivity of entrepreneurs and their ability to build sustainable businesses.
“At emPLE, we believe resilience starts with fostering healthy individuals, thriving businesses and productive communities, all underpinned by reliable financial protection. Through this intervention, we are helping traders build wealth, stay productive and improve community wellbeing,” he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of emPLE Life Assurance Limited, Mr. Jolaolu Fakoya, said the findings from the exercise highlighted the often-overlooked impact of health challenges on the livelihoods of entrepreneurs.
He noted that while many traders focus on growing their businesses, preventive healthcare and financial protection remain critical to safeguarding their incomes against unexpected medical emergencies.
The Chief Distribution Officer of emPLE Nigeria, Mrs. Funke Sanni, said supporting the health of small business owners ultimately strengthens local economies, given their role in sustaining families and creating economic opportunities.
Similarly, the company’s Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Mrs. Rachel Owolabi, said improved access to preventive healthcare enables entrepreneurs to remain productive while reinforcing the importance of insurance as a tool for protecting lives and livelihoods.
According to the company, the outreach forms part of its ongoing efforts to promote healthier communities through strategic partnerships that improve access to essential healthcare services while encouraging informed health decisions among underserved populations.
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