…Hail Uzodimma’s Support
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, Imo State Chapter, on Tuesday, October 14, concluded its 2025 ‘World Sight Week’ with free eyes screenings and treatments for the Imo State Government House workers. Similar exercise was carried out earlier across the three zones of the state.
Witnessed by the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and others at the Government House Clinic, Imo NOA used the event and appreciated Governor Hope Uzodimma for his continuous support to the optometric profession, as well as his policies and programmes that promote the health and wellbeing of the people.
In his speech, the Imo State NOA Chairman, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Mrs. Joyce Iroakazi, noted that the weeklong exercise in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Imo State Sector Command and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Imo State Chapter “was dedicated to promoting vision care and preventing avoidable blindness among Imo people.”
Iroakazi, explained that the 2025 global theme: “Love Your Eyes” was localized with focus on: “Road Safety Through Vision Care for Drivers” to highlight the importance of good vision for safe driving and accident prevention. She said that having received free screenings, treatments and education across the state during the period, drivers could now drive safely and confidently.
She thanked Governor Uzodimma, saying: “Your Excellency, the Nigerian Optometric Association, Imo State Chapter, sincerely appreciates your government’s partnership and generous donation to support our ongoing eye health initiatives in the state. This gesture is more than financial-it is a statement of faith in your administration’s vision of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery anchored on the foundation of your Shared Prosperity Government.
“Today, as we mark the close of the World Sight Week’ here in Government House, we are proud to bring eye care services, including free screenings, glasses and medications directly to the Government House Community. This act symbolizes a government that not only sets vision, but leads by example.
“We are inspired by your administration’s 3R Agenda. With healthy eyes, our people can truly see and pursue the brighter future your government envisions-one of restored strength, renewed faith, and collective progress,” Iroakazi stated, while thanking NOA members and partners for the success of the commemoration.
She, further disclosed that the statewide free vision care was predicated on Imo NOA’s “Anya Ndi Imo Di Nma Initiative” designed to build sustainable eye health system in the state with its core pillars of: community eye health, primary eye care through maternal and child health, school eye health, workforce development, advocacy and system strengthening, public awareness and behavioural change and research and innovations.
Commenting, the Government House Director of Administration and Finance, Mr. Duru Christopher, hailed the event as unprecedented for workers to get free eye care. He extolled Governor Uzodimma for the gesture, and commended Imo State optometrists for their commitments to improved public vision. While the Medical Director, Government House Clinic, Dr. Akamnonu Obinna, expressed joy over the number of beneficiaries.
Other Government House beneficiaries, including the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Dominic Okoro, Mr. Ikechukwu Iwueze, Mr. Uzozie Chibueze and Lady Water Lilian were all full of gratitude to Governor Uzodimma and the optometrists.
Similarly, the Imo FRSC’s Head of Operations, DCC Oliver Ukachukwu, representing the Sector Commander, Oji Udensi Emea, commended optometrists for their activities, and stressed the importance of drivers operating with good vision to prevent road accidents. While Comrd. Obinna Paddy Jr., speaking on behalf of the NURTW Chairman, Comrd. Jeff Eze, expressed joy that their members benefited immensely.
