The General Manager of Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, has called for improved access to affordable eye care services, saying early detection and treatment of vision problems are crucial.
He made the call on Saturday while speaking with reporters at the sidelines of one-day optical medical outreach tagged “Jigi Bello” held in Ijebu Imushin in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.
The programme themed, “Restoring Sight, Renewing Hope, and Transforming Lives through Accessible Eye Care,” was designed to improve the health, dignity and well-being of beneficiaries by bringing essential eye care services closer to underserved communities.
The OGEPA boss, fondly called Kenny Bello, disclosed that the medical outreach targeted no fewer than 1,000 residents.
He described sight as one of life’s most precious gifts, noting that good vision remained essential for children’s learning, academic performance, economic productivity and the independence of older people.
He, however, expressed concern that many Nigerians continued to experience preventable or treatable vision problems because of financial constraints, inadequate information and limited access to eye care facilities.
According to Bello, some people live with blurred vision for years without obtaining prescription glasses, while others delay treatment because they cannot afford medical services.
He said untreated vision problems could affect educational opportunities, reduce productivity, increase dependence on family members and diminish people’s quality of life.
Bello said the outreach demonstrated the importance of taking healthcare services beyond hospital walls to reach underserved populations and promote equitable access to medical care.
He added that the programme would provide opportunities for early detection, professional advice, appropriate treatment and referrals for beneficiaries requiring further medical attention.
He, however, noted that a single medical outreach could not address every eye health challenge, stressing the need for sustained awareness, stronger partnerships and continuous access to healthcare services.
Bello urged Nigerians to undergo regular eye examinations, particularly children, older adults, people living with diabetes and individuals experiencing changes in their vision.
He also advised the citizens to seek urgent medical attention for sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, significant redness, flashes or floaters, warning against indiscriminate use of medicated eye drops and unverified traditional remedies.
He emphasised that receiving prescription glasses or undergoing basic screening did not necessarily replace comprehensive eye examinations or specialist treatment where required.
Bello said restoring sight could also restore opportunities, citing the benefits of improved vision for students, traders, farmers, artisans and older adults seeking to maintain their independence.
He expressed optimism that the Jigi Bello initiative would promote a healthier and more inclusive society where no child struggled academically or any individual was denied appropriate eye care because of financial hardship.
The OGEPA boss also hinted that the programme was in support of all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, and the party’s Ogun East senatorial candidate, Governor Dapo Abiodun, meant well for the state and its residents.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Ijebu East Local Government, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde, commended Bello for the initiative, noting that his gesture would touch the people directly and also have economic impact.
Also speaking, Oluwatosin Johnson, Administrative Manager, Indo Eye Care Foundation, explained that regular eye check remained important.
“A lot of people are blind but they don’t know until they do eye check. This programme is important for community like this,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Mufutau Kasali, also lauded the brains behind the initiative, urging philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture and complement the government’s efforts.
Other beneficiaries from Ijebu East, Ijebu North and Ogun Waterside constituencies also praised the sponsor of the medical outreach which also featured free blood pressure test.
