By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Jubilation erupted among drivers and other beneficiaries on Friday, October 10, at Ihiagwa, Owerri West LGA, following the flag-off of free eyes screenings and giveaway of glasses by the Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association, NOA, in partnership with the Imo State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and that of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
The event which drew large participants, was to commemorate the 2025 ‘World Sight Week’ with the global theme: “Love Your Eyes.” However, the Imo State Chapter of NOA, emphasized the importance of good vision towards ensuring safety on the roads and accident prevention by focusing on “Road Safety Through Vision Care for Drivers” and other road users.
Performing the flag-off, the Imo State Sector Commander of FRSC, Corps Commander Oji Udensi Emea, hailed Imo NOA members for the initiative, noting that good vision should not be compromised for the roads to be safe for all commuters. He disclosed that the Command in the bid to contribute to public eye health and safety, has always ensured acuity tests as part of the conditions for the issuance of licenses to drivers.
Oji, assured of continous efforts by his Command towards implementing measures aimed at reducing road accidents. He lauded FRSC’s partnership with NOA as fruitful, calling for enhancement. He urged drivers to always prioritize their eye health to function well on the roads.
In her speech, the Imo State Vice-Chairman of NOA, Dr. Mrs. Joyce Iroakazi, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, noted that the 2025 ‘World Sight Week’ was special with NOA’s message to the people of the state that “clear vision saves lives.”
Dr. Iroakazi, added that the statewide event focusing on drivers and other road users was thoughtful to curb road accidents. She highlighted the need for the target beneficiaries and residents of the state to seize the opportunity to improve their eye health towards ensuring safety on the roads and general productivity. She appreciated members and partners, including First Lifestyle Fitness Foundation for the outing.
Appreciating the exercise, the Ihiagwa NURTW Unit Chairman, Comrd. Nwosu Anthony, who represented the state Chairman, Comrd. Jeff Eze, described the gesture as “very commendable and unprecedented” for the union in the state, thanking the Imo State Chapter of NOA for coming to the assistance of NURTW members. He promised the cooperation of members, adding that the outcome would help reduce road accidents.
Earlier, the Chairperson, Events and Planning Committee, Dr. Mrs. Chinenye Ibe, disclosed that the exercise was a global initiative aimed at eradicating blindness through sensitization campaign and other activities for people to prioritize their eye health because of its importance to life.
Ibe, asserted that Imo State NOA’s focus on drivers lent credence that “clear vision is clear mission.” She encouraged them and others to leverage the opportunity to improve their sight, while outlining other outreaches by NOA to include: Saturday, October 11, at Anara Park, Isiala Mbano LGA for Okigwe Zone and Divine Branch, Banana Junction, Orlu LGA for Orlu Zone, among free eyes screenings in various eye clinics within the period in the state.
Meanwhile, some of the participants at the event reacted, commending Imo optometrists for the intervention. Speaking, the President General of the host community, Dindi-Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, Ezinwa Sam Ajoku, stated that the benefits of the exercise were enormous for drivers and the indigines who could not afford care because of economic hardships. He thanked Imo State NOA for the gesture, and prayed God to replenish them.
While some drivers; Mr. Francis Okonkwo, Chairman, Owerri Drivers’ Unit and Mr. Emmanuel Akuneme, during interaction with our reporter, expressed gratitude to the members of NOA, emphasizing how the exercise would help them in their operations and overall health.
