Kogi Health Ministry Applauds Sightsavers for Donating 480 White Canes to Persons With Disabilities

By Rotimi Odofin

The Kogi State Ministry of Health has commended Sightsavers for donating 480 white canes to the Kogi State Board for Persons with Disabilities as part of activities marking the 2026 World Sight Day.

The Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, praised the organisation for its continued partnership with the state government in promoting eye health, preventing avoidable blindness and improving access to healthcare services for persons with disabilities.

Dr Abdulazeez reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustaining its collaboration with Sightsavers, describing the organisation as a valued development partner in strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding access to essential eye care services in the state.

The donation formed part of activities marking World Sight Day 2026, during which the Kogi State Ministry of Health Eye Care Programme, in collaboration with the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Kogi State Chapter, conducted an awareness tour across Lokoja metropolis to sensitise residents to the importance of regular eye examinations and proper eye care.

The awareness campaign was held under the theme, “Love Your Eyes.”

As part of its commitment to inclusive eye health, Sightsavers donated the 480 white canes, assistive devices that help people with visual impairments navigate their surroundings more safely and independently, to the Kogi State Board for Persons with Disabilities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Maji Enoch, presented the canes on behalf of the Commissioner for Health.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the board, its Executive Secretary, Abulhakeem Nazeer Yakubu, expressed appreciation to Sightsavers and the Ministry of Health for their continued support for persons with disabilities.

Yakubu also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support for the board and his administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in the state.

He said the donated white canes would be distributed to eligible beneficiaries during the 2026 White Cane Day celebration scheduled for October 15.

The Executive Secretary noted that the donation would help improve mobility, independence and the quality of life of beneficiaries, while reaffirming the board’s commitment to promoting the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Sightsavers continues to work with partners to prevent avoidable sight loss and promote equal access to eye health services and opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Kogi State Ministry of Health reiterated the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing inclusive healthcare, strengthening eye care services and reducing preventable blindness across the state.