The 2026 edition of UBOMI, organised by Pistis Foundation, a non-profit social intervention arm of The Elevation Church, took place at the Pistis Hub in Ibadan from September 21. The programme aimed to provide quality healthcare to 5,000 beneficiaries, marking a significant expansion for the initiative, which was being held outside Lagos for the first time since its inception. Hundreds of residents accessed free consultations, investigations, medicines, and surgeries during the five-day event.
According to Leonard Thomas, Executive Director of Pistis Foundation, the decision to bring UBOMI to Ibadan was driven by the belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of economic circumstances. The programme offered relief from years of uncertainty and restored hope to individuals who had struggled to access specialised healthcare. Thomas expressed excitement about the turnout in Ibadan and the potential to meet the health needs of over 5,000 people.
UBOMI has grown into one of Nigeria's significant faith-based healthcare interventions since its inception in 2019. The programme has delivered 48,706 verified medical interventions, providing services ranging from consultations and diagnostic investigations to pharmaceutical support, dental care, eye care, and complex surgical procedures. Its impact has also been measured through surgical outcomes, with a 99 per cent surgical success rate over the past six years.
Dr Iko Ibanga, Founder of Pro-Health International, the technical partner behind UBOMI's medical operations, commended the initiative for demonstrating what collaboration can achieve in addressing healthcare gaps. Ibanga expressed satisfaction with the programme's impact on individuals and communities, highlighting the 99 per cent success rate in surgical procedures over the past six years.
The surgical interventions provided through UBOMI include procedures for hernia, eye conditions, fibroids, and dental conditions, alongside treatment for other medical needs. Pastor Oluwaseun Afolayan, Resident Pastor of The Elevation Church, Ibadan, stressed that the programme was open to everyone, irrespective of religious background, and inspired by the Christian principle of showing love and care for others.
The initiative has received support from government authorities, including Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, who commended Pistis Foundation and its partners for bringing the outreach to Ibadan. Adewumi Ajetunmobi encouraged individuals and organisations to support efforts aimed at addressing the health needs of residents, highlighting the importance of collaborations in improving healthcare access.
UBOMI's expansion comes at a time when many Nigerians continue to face challenges accessing affordable healthcare. Through partnerships involving The Elevation Church, Pro-Health International, Zenithcare Hospital, medical professionals, volunteers, and other supporters, UBOMI has built a model centred on partnership and community service. Established in 2018, Pistis Foundation has continued to expand programmes designed to improve lives across Nigeria.
Key points
- UBOMI provided free healthcare services to thousands of residents in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, as part of its 2026 edition.
- The programme has delivered 48,706 verified medical interventions since its inception in 2019.
- UBOMI's expansion beyond Lagos reflects the foundation's commitment to reaching more underserved communities across Nigeria.
