By Justin Tyopuusu, Jalingo
The North East Development Commission and Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation on Tuesday provided free eye care services to 2,295 residents of Ibi and Wukari Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
The week long free medical outtreach programme which ended on Tuesday in Wukari was focused on tackling preventable blindness and other eye-related conditions.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the training on leader of the team and the Executive Director of Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Prof. Olukorede Adenuga said the outreach recorded 254 eye surgeries and distribution of 904 prescription glasses, among others.
Adenuga said the initiative brought relief to thousands of beneficiaries in the two local government areas, providing easy access to specialised eye care services.
“We thank God for what we are able to do for the people. In Ibi Local Government, 1,210 people benefited from the programme, with 124 surgeries performed and 211 prescription glasses distributed. In Wukari, 1,085 residents were treated, with 130 surgeries and 693 glasses provided.
“It gladens my heart and we are delighted to restore sight and improve the quality of life for so many individuals. This initiative proves that with collaboration, we can make a significant difference in underserved communities,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed their gratitude to the organisers for the free eye care services.
Mrs. Esther Danjuma, a 62-year-old farmer from Wukari, who regained her vision after cataract surgery, said, “For years, I lived in darkness and depended on my children for everything. Today, I can see again, and it feels like a miracle. I’m forever grateful to the organisers,” she said.
A community leader, Mr. Bala Umar commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for the people. “We are grateful to the organisers and we want to thank them for bringing this free eye care service to our doorsteps.
Also speaking, Fitami David of the Humanitarian Affairs Directorate of NEDC, said the free medical outreach reflects NEDC’s commitment to equitable healthcare access in Nigeria’s northeast.