Op-Ed | From a dream to a mission

By Solihu Yusuf

The Story of My Journey to Building Kwara Bridge Health and the Lifesaver Preventive Healthcare Foundation

On July 11, I celebrate another year of life. But this birthday is more than a personal milestone—it is an opportunity to reflect on a journey shaped by purpose, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to bringing healthcare closer to the people.

My name is Solihu Yusuf, and for years I have carried one dream in my heart: to ensure that no one is denied quality healthcare because of where they live or what they can afford.

My journey began three years ago during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). While serving, I witnessed how many people were living with diseases such as Hepatitis B and Kidney Disease without even knowing it. Data collected in 2023 showed that a significant number of those affected were young people. Many had never been tested, many could not afford treatment, and many lacked access to basic health information.

I knew I had to do something.

In 2022, with the little resources available to me, I launched a health campaign focused on Hepatitis B and Kidney Disease. Our goal was simple: to create awareness, encourage early screening, and save lives through prevention.
The response from communities in Osun State and Odo Otin Local Government was encouraging. However, sustaining the programme proved difficult. Financial constraints and the inability to secure an expected partnership forced us to pause the initiative.

For many people, that might have been the end of the story.
For me, it became the beginning.

I refused to let one setback define my purpose. Instead, I began asking myself a different question:

“How can healthcare become easier, more affordable, and more accessible for everyone?”
That question gave birth to Kwara Bridge Health.

The vision was clear: to build a platform where people could consult qualified doctors from wherever they were, book laboratory tests without unnecessary stress, access quality diagnostic services, and receive healthcare that is both affordable and convenient.
What started as an idea gradually became a reality.

Today, Kwara Bridge Health has grown into a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the people who need them most. Every step we take brings us closer to a future where quality healthcare is within everyone’s reach.
But the vision did not stop there.

This year marks another important milestone with the official registration of the Lifesaver Preventive Healthcare Foundation.

The Foundation was created to continue the work that first inspired this journey: preventing diseases through education, early detection, and community outreach. Our first major project is to commemorate World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2026, by providing free Hepatitis B screening and health education to communities.

For me, this is more than an outreach.
It is the continuation of a promise I made to myself years ago that I would never stop working to protect lives through preventive healthcare.

Looking back, I realize that every challenge taught me resilience. Every disappointment strengthened my resolve. Every delay prepared me for greater responsibility.

This journey has never been about recognition.

It has always been about impact.

I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) for His guidance, and to my family and volunteers who believed in me even when all I had was an idea.

I sincerely appreciate the encouragement and support of My Leader, HE. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, The Waziri Ngeri of , Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu, and Mallam Omar Bolaji Gambari for their support. Jazakumullahu Khairan.

As I celebrate another year of life, I do so with renewed hope and greater determination.

My dream is bigger than an app.

It is bigger than a medical outreach.

It is bigger than me.

I dream of a Kwara State where quality healthcare is no longer a privilege but a reality for every family.

I dream of communities where diseases are prevented before they become life-threatening.
I dream of a Nigeria where technology and compassion work together to save lives.

This is only the beginning.
The road ahead is still long, but I believe that with faith, hard work, and the support of people who share this vision, we can build a healthier future—one community at a time.

This is my story.
This is my purpose.
This is the journey of Kwara Bridge Health and the Lifesaver Preventive Healthcare Foundation.

And by the grace of Allah, the best is yet to come.

Thank you.

Solihu Yusuf writes from Ilorin.