Mogaji Gbadeyanka Muktar Adewale, in collaboration with Albasar International Foundation and Mecca Specialist Eye Hospital, Ibadan, has organised a free eye care outreach for residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, for over 1,000 beneficiaries.
The programme offered free eye screening, medication and prescription glasses, while beneficiaries requiring cataract and glaucoma surgeries were referred for the procedure at no cost.
Speaking during the outreach, Mogaji Muktar Gbadeyanka, the Mogaji of the Adepo family in Oranyan, Ibadan, said the initiative was inspired by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who encouraged traditional chiefs to initiate programmes that would improve the welfare of their families and communities.
Gbadeyanka, who also serves as a personal assistant to the Olubadan, said he approached the foundation after learning about its activities, leading to the partnership with the eye hospital to provide free medical services to residents.
“The Olubadan encourages us, the Mogajis and other chiefs in Ibadan, to bring good things to our families, our compounds and Ibadan as a whole. This programme is part of that initiative,” he said.
The traditional titleholder said the organisers had set a target of 1,000 beneficiaries, adding that nearly 800 people had undergone screening by the time he spoke to the press.
He explained that the intervention was designed to reduce the financial burden of eye treatment, particularly for residents who could not afford the cost of medical care.
“Everything is free. If you want to undergo cataract surgery in Nigeria today, it can cost about N500,000, but everything provided through this programme is free,” Gbadeyanka said.
He urged beneficiaries to follow the medical advice given to them and use their prescribed medication and glasses appropriately, noting that some patients required professional guidance rather than medication or corrective lenses.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing the free services as an opportunity to access eye care without the financial burden associated with medical consultations, medication and corrective glasses.
One of the beneficiaries, Tabir Tosalade, said, “I am happy to be part of this programme. The opportunity to receive eye care without having to pay for the services is a welcome development, and I appreciate the organisers for bringing this initiative to the people.”
Another beneficiary, Adewale Balikis, said, “This programme is helpful to people who may not have the money to pay for eye treatment. I appreciate Mogaji Gbadeyanka and the foundation for making the services available to members of the community.”
Adedotun Ayodele also commended the organisers, saying, “I am grateful for this initiative because it gives people the opportunity to check their eyes and receive the necessary medical attention. I hope the organisers will continue to support people through programmes like this.”
Gbadeyanka also encouraged other Mogajis in Ibadan to initiate similar community-based programmes to improve the welfare of residents.
He stressed that the outreach was not politically motivated and was open to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.
“This programme is not political. It is for everybody, whether you belong to the APC, APM, ADC or any other political party. It is for the people,” he said.
The initiative was held in collaboration with Albasar International Foundation and Mecca Specialist Eye Hospital, Ibadan, as part of efforts to improve access to eye care and support residents requiring treatment
