The federal government in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting eye health, emphasizing the crucial role good vision plays in the nation’s development and security. Hon. Emeka Idu, a member of the House of Representatives, unveiled plans to rally lawmakers and key stakeholders to push for legislation aimed at improving eye care, particularly for children. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, underscored the vital link between good eyesight and overall health, noting that its importance cannot be overstated.
Pate spoke at the Children’s Sight Marathon, organized by the Optometrist and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and National Eye Health Programme (NEHP), where he emphasized the need to prioritize eye health at a young age. He urged parents and caregivers to prioritize their children’s eye health by encouraging good nutrition, regular exercise, and routine eye check-ups.
The New Hope Agenda of the current administration takes the issue of the eye seriously, focusing on grassroots efforts rather than city offices. Idu, representing Onitsha North/Onitsha South Federal Constituency, said the promotion of eye health among children should be prioritized. Legislative support will also be sought, and a potential bill to support eye health initiatives will be crafted in collaboration with leaders.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bennett Igweh, in charge of Zone 7, Abuja, highlighted the importance of the eye as the primary security human has. He stated that the security of the eye is the primary of all securities, and that it is what you see that matters.
ODORBN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Obinna Edwin-Awiaka, said the marathon concept was initiated to introduce healthy exercises to better eyesight. He encouraged parents and caregivers to give their children vegetables, fruits, and ways to exercise their eyes through eye exercises, using the 2020 principle, which means looking away from screens for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to ensure healthy eyesight.
