EKU/Nigeria: The wife of the Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa had called on Deltans to be proactive, and ensure their eyes are always taken care off, as the eye is the lamp of the body, and without it, the body will not be healthy.
The first lady gave this charge on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the flag off ceremony of the 05 Initiative Free Grassroots Medical Outreach at the General Hospital, Uku.
She stated that the need to give attention to the eye cannot be overemphasisied, at any time, as it’s the window of the soul.
“Your eye is the lamp of your body, if your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light’”.
“As we are aware, blindness is bad, it is a life threatening condition, it brings depression and hinders movement. Many persons suffer due to lack of affordable medical care, illiteracy and poverty. That is why we have brought this outreach to your doorstep in order to increase accessibility and remove the barrier of cost.”
She stated that the foundation was in the 25 local governments of the state, where they carried similar services to a total number of 26,304 patients with the distribution of 15, 811 eyeglasses along with other services provided.
“In 2018, we went round the 25 LGAs where a total of 26,304 patients were seen, 15,811 eyeglasses were distributed, 9,386 eye drugs dispensed and 2,241 surgeries were performed. I am particularly happy because we had success stories from patients within and outside the state, we are still celebrating the testimonies from men, women even Children till now.”
She pointed out that despite the Coronavirus pandemic, the foundation in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the Ministry of Health will visit the three senatorial districts of the state to carry out the programme.
“Despite the COVID 19 pandemic, the O5 Initiative in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the ministry of Health will throughout this month will visit the three senatorial district starting with Delta Central (Eku), Delta South (Oleh) and finally Delta North (Asaba). Provision has been made for COVID 19 tests as well as free eye screening, Surgery, distribution of free glasses and free medication.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukueta said, “Deltans are indeed proud of the activities of the O5 Initiative that has transformed lives.
“We are privileged to host the outreach this year and pray that Her Excellency is continually strengthened for what lies ahead”.
Dr Ogbedo on his part, reechoed the stance of the wife of the governor, encouraging opinion leaders and politicians to help bring people who need eye medications but are unable to come unaided.
Several of the patients testified how their sights had greatly improved after receiving correctional glasses.
