The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba Land, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, has lauded the Yoruba Nurses of North America (YORNNA) for their free community health mission, suggesting that the recent mass emigration, popularly termed the "Japa Syndrome," provides benefits through remittances and professional collaboration.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ake Palace Hall to flag off YORNNA's outreach, the Alake noted that the collaboration and fund repatriation by Nigerians in the diaspora significantly support the nation's economy. He urged other successful diaspora Nigerians to invest and partner with the government for national development.

The five-day medical outreach, conducted in collaboration with staff from the Ogun State Ministry of Health, student nurses from institutions across the State, and other line professionals, targets five locations: Abeokuta, Ilaro, Sagamu, Remo, and Ijebu Imushin.

In her remarks, the  Founder of YORNNA, Dr. Modupeola Aka-Bashorun Adebayo, stated that the organisation was established in 2023 to strengthen and complement the government's primary healthcare delivery by providing free community health services at the grassroots level.

Also speaking, President of YORNNA, Dr. Adebisi Allison, stressed the organisation's commitment to broad collaboration, actively seeking partnerships with individuals, corporate bodies, professional groups, civic organizations, and religious bodies.

"We recognize the need for collective actions rather than relying solely on government's interventions, which is critical for improving the quality of life in our communities," Dr. Allison stated.

The mission will utilize a mobilized team of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to offer a wide array of essential services, including general medical check-ups and screenings, blood pressure screening, blood glucose screening, visual acuity and dental services, breast cancer awareness, basic mental health counselling, free medication and distribution of palliative items.

Some of the beneficiaries, Prince Ademola Gbadebo and Mrs Elizabeth Olawusi, commended YORNNA, citing the mission as a compelling example of how the Nigerian diaspora can effectively partner with local stakeholders and government structures to deliver tangible solutions to persistent healthcare challenges.