By Yemi Akinsuyi
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to quality healthcare by providing free eye screening, corrective glasses, and medications to over 100 Edo citizens and government workers as part of activities marking the 2025 World Sight Day.
The exercise, themed “Love Your Eyes: Vision for Everyone,” formed part of the governor’s ongoing healthcare reform agenda aimed at expanding access to preventive and curative medical services for all Edo people. The initiative focused on early detection of eye conditions such as glaucoma through Intraocular Pressure (IOP) testing and other specialized examinations.
Governor Okpebholo, through his health team, emphasized that the outreach reflects his belief that “a healthy and productive society begins with clear vision, both physically and in leadership direction.”
Speaking at the event, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health Matters and Personal Physician, Dr. Precious Ogboru, said the gesture was inspired by Okpebholo’s compassion and visionary approach to governance.
“His Excellency is deeply passionate about the health of Edo people. Since assuming office, he has completely transformed the Government House Medical Centre into a model of modern primary healthcare,” Ogboru stated.
Dr. Ogboru revealed that before Okpebholo took office, the Government House Clinic managed about 50 patients per month, but now attends to over 50 patients daily, following a total refurbishment, expansion, and deployment of qualified medical personnel. “What used to be a two-room clinic is now a fully equipped medical facility capable of handling emergencies and admissions,” Ogboru said.
He added that the Governor’s focus on healthcare reform is not limited to civil servants.
“Governor Okpebholo’s vision is clear; a healthy workforce and healthy citizens form the backbone of a productive state. Through the SHINE Agenda, he has initiated more than six key health programs that are transforming the sector,” he affirmed.
Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Pastor Edith Sede, commended the Governor’s leadership, describing him as “a man who leads with both heart and vision.”
She praised him for making the welfare of workers a priority, noting that the free eye care outreach “is yet another testament to his people-centered governance.”
Delivering a lecture at the event, Dr. Abraham Ohihoin, an ophthalmologist, highlighted the importance of regular eye examinations, describing vision as “the lamp of the body and one of God’s most precious gifts.”
He applauded Governor Okpebholo’s administration for deploying more eye specialists across Edo’s senatorial districts, upgrading hospitals with advanced ophthalmic equipment, and promoting continuous medical training.
Dr. Ohihoin also urged citizens to protect their eyesight by maintaining visual hygiene; avoiding direct sunlight, smoke, and dust exposure, and using proper lighting when reading or working.
“Governor Okpebholo’s investment in eye health is not just about treating ailments; it’s about preserving the productivity and potential of Edo people,” he noted.
