By Peace Orjiani
ENUGU - A free health-screening programme organised by Enugu-based broadcaster and philanthropist Okwuluora has drawn a massive turnout at Amadeo Event Centre, by Tunnel, Ogui Road, Enugu.
The screening, held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, offered residents free tests for kidney function, blood pressure and blood sugar.
Social-media videos and posts from the venue showed large crowds waiting to participate in the exercise. The organisers had announced that the programme was designed to accommodate thousands of people.
However, claims on social media that more than 30,000 people attended have not been independently verified by Enugu Online TV. Available videos and reports confirm a substantial turnout but do not establish an exact figure.
Residents Respond to Health Screening Appeal
The large attendance followed Okwuluora’s appeal to residents to take their health seriously and undergo basic medical checks.
Many participants reportedly waited patiently for their turn, while supporters praised the initiative for bringing free screening services to members of the public.
One message circulating online urged residents in Enugu who needed kidney checks to attend the programme and be prepared to wait because of the crowd.
The response has placed kidney health at the centre of public discussion in the state.
Why the Screening Matters
The programme comes amid growing concern about kidney disease and its risk factors in the Southeast.
A study involving residents of Enugu found that kidney disease and related risk factors require serious attention. The researchers also emphasised the importance of early detection and identified conditions such as hypertension and diabetes as contributors to kidney problems.
Kidney disease may develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Regular testing can help identify problems early and allow affected people to seek appropriate medical care before the condition becomes advanced.
Health advocates therefore encourage people to monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar and to undergo kidney-function tests when possible.
Growing Pressure on Kidney Patients
The need for greater awareness and access to screening has become more evident in Enugu in recent months.
In August, more than 500 kidney patients and their families gathered at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, seeking assistance with treatment and dialysis.
Reports from the gathering highlighted the financial burden faced by families caring for people with kidney failure.
The Nation also reported concerns about the growing burden of kidney failure in the Southeast, citing factors including poorly controlled hypertension and diabetes, self-medication, and the inappropriate use of herbal preparations and painkillers.
Okwuluora’s Previous Kidney-Health Initiatives
The September screening is part of Okwuluora’s broader campaign on kidney health.
In August, his appeal brought hundreds of kidney patients together at ESUTH Parklane. Other reports said financial assistance was provided to patients struggling to pay for dialysis.
His interventions have expanded the conversation beyond emergency fundraising to include prevention, early detection and the high cost of treating kidney disease.
The message behind the latest programme is straightforward: people should not wait until they become seriously ill before checking their health.
A Public Health Wake-Up Call
The turnout at Amadeo Event Centre reflects the demand for accessible healthcare services in Enugu.
For some participants, the programme may have provided their first opportunity to undergo a kidney-function test or check their blood pressure and blood sugar at no cost.
The event also demonstrated the public interest that can be generated when health services are taken directly to communities.
Although the exact attendance remains unconfirmed, the large crowd has sent a clear message: residents want access to affordable healthcare and are willing to participate when such opportunities are provided.
Take your health seriously. Know your blood pressure. Know your blood sugar. And when possible, check your kidney function.
Enugu Online TV — Reporting Enugu, for Enugu and beyond.
