The Chairman of the 2025 Medical Mission for the Ife Ooye North America (IONA) group, Dr. Femi Omidire, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, to present charitable donations on behalf of three organizations. Representing IONA, the New Jersey Chapter, and his personal humanitarian initiative, Love Foundation, Dr. Omidire emphasized the collective commitment to supporting healthcare in his hometown.
He was warmly received by the CMD who expressed gratitude for the group’s continued support, noting the vital role of such partnerships in improving patient care. The donations included 200 sets of bed sheets, cover sheets, and pillowcases provided by the Ife Ooye Progressive Union, New Jersey Chapter. In addition, unused medications from the just-concluded IONA Medical Mission will be handed over to OAUTHC in appreciation of the hospital’s collaboration during the outreach.
Dr. Omidire also shared the efforts of the Love Foundation, which he co-founded with friends to assist patients struggling to settle medical bills. “We cannot pay it all, but we try to cover a percentage of each bill,” he explained, adding that the foundation reviews bills and spreads its support across several cases, depending on available funds.
He affirmed IONA’s commitment to returning with future missions and expressed his appreciation to the OAUTHC healthcare workers who partnered with the group. “This is a show of love and a way of giving back,” he said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute and hope to continue making a difference.”
It’s inspiring to see diaspora-led initiatives like this making tangible contributions to local healthcare systems. Dr. Omidire’s visit highlights the importance of sustained partnerships between global and local medical communities.