NIDO-SL Marks Nigeria’s Independence with Medical Centre Project in Freetown
Kanja Sesay The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Sierra Leone Chapter (NIDO-SL) has marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with the foundation-laying ceremony for a planned medical centre at Mambo in Freetown, a project intended to provide affordable healthcare services to Nigerians, Sierra Leoneans and other residents.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, H.E. Ambassador Ayo Luther-Ogbomode, laid the foundation stone on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s independence.
Ambassador Luther Ogbomode described the proposed facility as a symbol of service, compassion and the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The project is being championed by NIDO-SL President Engr. Abiodun Oyebola, who pledged to establish a legacy initiative that would benefit both the Nigerian community and the wider population in Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oyebola described the medical centre as a foundation for “hope, healing and development,” while emphasising the importance of diaspora unity and collective action in supporting communities.
Once completed, the NIDO Medical Centre is expected to provide affordable and quality healthcare services to Nigerians, Sierra Leoneans and other people living in the country.
Oyebola also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her contribution towards the initial funding of the project.
The foundation-laying ceremony represents the beginning of the proposed centre’s development and forms part of NIDO-SL’s activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Beyond the anniversary celebration, the project is intended to leave a lasting community legacy by expanding access to healthcare while further strengthening ties between Nigerians living in Sierra Leone and their host communities.