No fewer than 1,000 residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, have benefited from a free eye care outreach organised by Mogaji Gbadeyanka Muktar Adewale in collaboration with Albasar International Foundation and Mecca Specialist Eye Hospital, Ibadan.
The programme offered free eye screening, medication and prescription glasses, while beneficiaries diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma were referred for free surgeries.
Speaking during the outreach, Mogaji Muktar Gbadeyanka, the Mogaji of the Adepo family in Oranyan, Ibadan, said the initiative was inspired by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who encouraged traditional chiefs to initiate programmes that would improve the welfare of their families and communities.
Gbadeyanka, who also serves as Personal Assistant to the Olubadan, said he approached the foundation after learning about its activities, leading to a partnership with the eye hospital to provide free medical services to residents.
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“The Olubadan encourages us, the Mogajis and other chiefs in Ibadan, to bring good things to our families, our compounds and Ibadan as a whole. This programme is part of that initiative,” he said.
The traditional titleholder said the organisers set a target of 1,000 beneficiaries, adding that nearly 800 people had undergone screening as of the time he spoke.
He explained that the intervention was designed to reduce the financial burden of eye treatment, particularly for residents who could not afford medical care.
“Everything is free. If you want to undergo cataract surgery in Nigeria today, it can cost about N500,000, but everything provided through this programme is free,” Gbadeyanka said.
He urged beneficiaries to follow the medical advice given to them and use their prescribed medication and glasses appropriately, noting that some patients required professional guidance rather than medication or corrective lenses.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing the free services as an opportunity to access eye care without the financial burden associated with medical consultations, medication and corrective glasses.
One of the beneficiaries, Tabir Tosalade, said, “I am happy to be part of this programme. The opportunity to receive eye care without having to pay for the services is a welcome development, and I appreciate the organisers for bringing this initiative to the people.”
Another beneficiary, Adewale Balikis, said, “This programme is helpful to people who may not have the money to pay for eye treatment. I appreciate Mogaji Gbadeyanka and the foundation for making the services available to members of the community.”
Adedotun Ayodele also commended the organisers, saying, “I am grateful for this initiative because it gives people the opportunity to check their eyes and receive the necessary medical attention. I hope the organisers will continue to support people through programmes like this.”
Gbadeyanka encouraged other Mogajis in Ibadan to initiate similar community-based programmes to improve residents’ welfare.
He stressed that the outreach was not politically motivated and was open to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.
“This programme is not political. It is for everybody, whether you belong to the APC, APM, ADC or any other political party. It is for the people,” he said.
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