* To reach 7 councils, 187 branches nationwide: President
* It’ll be accessible and affordable: Committee Chair
The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has officially launched a new healthcare initiative, AnsarCare, aimed at formalising and expanding the organisation’s medical services across its network of branches, targeting both members and the general public.
The initiative was unveiled by the Society’s National President, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, on Saturday, November 22, at the Ansar-Ud-Deen National Headquarters in Ajao, Surulere, Lagos.
Muslim News gathered that the launch ceremony was attended by key stakeholders and members of the newly inaugurated AnsarCare Committee, chaired by Dr. Abdulganiy Labinjo, a respected medical doctor and President of Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU).
In his remarks, Prince Kazeem SAN noted that while the Society has a long history spanning over 100 years of medical outreaches and established hospitals, adding that the AnsarCare initiative will consolidate these efforts into a more coordinated and impactful healthcare programme.
According to him, “The aim of AnsarCare is to formalise our existing medical efforts and extend them across all our councils and branches nationwide. We envision that this initiative could grow into a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and become as prominent and impactful as international organisations like the Red Cross or Red Crescent.”
Pilot phase to begin in Osun State
The President further revealed that the programme will begin with a pilot phase in Osun State, where the Society already operates functional medical facilities.
“We will coordinate with existing Ansar-Ud-Deen healthcare centres in Osun and set up a temporary medical outreach team to deliver services to members and the surrounding communities,” he explained, adding that volunteers will also be engaged to support the initiative.
He expressed hope that the outreach will gradually be replicated across the Society’s seven councils and 187 branches nationwide, promoting accessible and affordable healthcare as part of the Society’s contribution to national development.
Rising cost of healthcare prompted initiative
Prince Kazeem SAN revealed that the increasing cost of healthcare and the economic challenges faced by Nigerians were key factors behind the launch of the initiative.
He noted that access to affordable healthcare has become a major concern. “From drug prices to diagnostic services, medical care has become too expensive. Our members and the communities we serve need help,” he said.
The President emphasised that many of the Society’s branches are rooted in underserved communities and cannot ignore the growing health needs around them.
He noted that the 10-member committee comprises experts across diverse fields, including Medical Doctors, a Pharmacist, a trained Banker, an Educationist, a Zoologist, an Administrator, and a Lawyer, saying they were selected from various arms of the Society — including State Councils, the Diaspora Council, ADYAN, and the Women’s Council.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Abdulganiy Labinjo and includes: Pharm. (Dr.) Hafiz Akande; Dr. Rasheed Adekeye Odunola; Alhaja Ganiat Toluwaloju; Dr. Kamaldeen Adelowo; Dr. Abdulfatai Odemuyiwa; Dr. Tunji Akintade; Dr. Fouad Adetoro (Joint Secretary); Abdulwahab Oseni (Joint Secretary); and Alhaji Lateef Aremu Oridota, National Welfare Secretary.
He also tasked the newly inaugurated AnsarCare Committee with upholding the Society’s core values. “They have been carefully chosen. Ansar-Ud-Deen thrives on volunteerism and selfless service to the cause of Allah. I expect nothing less from them,” he said.
It’ll be accessible and affordable – Dr. Labinjo
Speaking virtually at the unveiling event, Dr. Labinjo accepted the responsibility with a pledge to deliver on the expectations of the initiative.
“On behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, we humbly accept to serve in this capacity to the best of our ability,” he said.
Dr Labinjo recalled how a casual conversation with the National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society evolved into a leadership responsibility. “I had shared a few ideas on the project after his election, only to later find out I had been nominated to lead it. I happily accept to serve with this committee,” he added.
He commended Ansar-Ud-Deen’s longstanding contributions across sectors such as education, da’wah, and healthcare, noting that the organisation remains a source of pride for Muslims in Nigeria.
It’ll be accessible and affordable
Dr. Labinjo also emphasized the need to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable.
“Healthcare, as defined by the World Health Organization, goes beyond just treating the sick; it includes physical, mental, and psychological wellbeing,” he said, adding that, “It is also not cheap. Our job is to put systems in place to make it more accessible and affordable, not necessarily free.”
He commended the financial commitment of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, revealing that a sum of N5 million has already been allocated to kickstart the project.
Dr. Labinjo also called on members of the Society and the wider Muslim community to support the initiative, expressing strong belief in the competence of the committee. “With the calibre of people on this committee, I have no doubt we will perform beyond expectations,” he stated.
The initiative must be sustained through community support – Dr. Tunji Akintade
Also speaking at the unveiling, a member of the newly inaugurated committee, Dr. Tunji Akintade, described his nomination as a great honour, stating that it aligns with his lifelong commitment to service in the healthcare sector.
“Ansar means ‘help’, so AnsarCare literally reflects what we’ve been doing from the start, which means helping the cause of Allah. Being asked to serve isn’t just volunteering; it’s fulfilling what we’ve always been meant to do,” he said.
Commenting on the current state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, Dr. Akintade described it as “abysmal,” citing poor maternal and child health indices, structural deficiencies, and weak health security systems.
While acknowledging that some states have begun efforts to improve healthcare, he emphasised that sustainability must remain a central goal. “There will be challenges, but how we confront and break them down, how we mobilise support, and most importantly, with Allah’s help, the sky is the beginning,” he said.
He also stressed that health services are not free, and the project must be community-driven to succeed. “Our most important task is to mobilise beneficiaries to contribute to the pool of funds that will sustain this project,” he added.
Dr. Akintade also noted that collecting accurate data will be key for planning and sustainability. He cautioned against equating the cost of treatment with the cost of illness, saying, “These are two different things. We have formulas to evaluate both, and once the structure is in place, we’ll be able to run the system effectively.”
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