In commemoration of this year’s World Sight Day, the Ekiti Renaissance Group (ERG) has reaffirmed its support for efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
The group also commended the commitment and efforts of the state governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in improving the healthcare services across Ekiti State.
The Convener of ERG, Engr. Kolade Omotayo in a statement on Thursday described as heartwarming the government’s efforts in distributing over 46,000 free eyeglasses to the people in the state.
The statement reads, ” It is heartwarming to know that Ekiti State government has distributed over 46,000 free eyeglasses to residents under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), Jigi Bola 2.0, a federal program targeting individuals aged 40 and above. Screening and distribution are being done in 77 designated Primary Health Centres across all 16 LGAs; health personnel have been trained and equipped with screening kits.
” We commend the state government for hiring 250 health workers (nurses, midwives, community health officers) to staff PHCs and improve health service delivery. Concurrently, 103 PHCs are being renovated and equipped.
” As we mark World Sight Day, we applaud the Oyebanji administration for moving beyond promises to delivery. These verified interventions—eyeglass distribution, PHC renovation, maternal health focus, and staffing of hospitals—are changing lives.
” We therefore call on residents to use these upgraded PHCs and general hospitals, and attend regular eye screenings to maintain proper eye health while we also urge traditional, religious, and community leaders to partner in health education and mobilization. Let all hands be on deck in supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji. God bless Ekiti State.”
