Kogi Govt Pledges Support for Eye Health, Partners Sightsavers on Blindness Prevention

By Rotimi Odofin

The Kogi State Government has pledged sustained support for eye health services and initiatives aimed at preventing avoidable blindness across the state.

The Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, gave the assurance during the 2026 World Sight Day celebration in Lokoja on Friday, October 9, where health professionals and partners embarked on a roadwalk to sensitise residents on the importance of eye care.

The event, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Health in collaboration with eye, ear and sensory function health professionals, was held under the global theme, “Love Your Eyes.” The international awareness campaign seeks to promote healthy vision and encourage people to prioritise regular eye examinations.

Dr Abdulazeez, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Maji Enoch said the state government remained committed to strengthening primary eye care, expanding access to eye screening and supporting health professionals working to prevent avoidable blindness.

In his speech, the Permanent Secretary noted that eye health was essential to people’s wellbeing, productivity and overall quality of life, stressing that protecting sight was a shared responsibility.

He identified cataracts, glaucoma, uncorrected refractive errors and diabetic retinopathy among the conditions that threaten vision, particularly in rural communities where access to eye care services may be limited.

According to him, the government is committed to integrating eye screening into primary healthcare services and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that residents can access timely diagnosis, treatment and appropriate referrals.

The Permanent Secretary also urged residents to undergo regular eye examinations, protect children’s eyesight, manage conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and avoid harmful traditional practices that could damage the eyes.

He commended eye health professionals for their dedication and described their collaboration with the Ministry as an important contribution to the state’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.

A major partner in this year’s awareness campaign, Sightsavers, provided significant support for the World Sight Day activities as part of its efforts to tackle preventable blindness and strengthen eye health awareness in Kogi State.

The organisation’s support underscored the importance of partnerships between government, development organisations and health professionals in expanding public awareness and improving access to eye care services.

The roadwalk brought the message of eye health directly to the public, encouraging residents to take preventive measures and seek professional attention whenever they experience changes in their vision.

The state government reiterated its commitment to collaborating with development partners, non-governmental organisations and professional bodies to reduce avoidable blindness and improve access to quality eye care across Kogi State.

World Sight Day is observed annually to draw global attention to eye health and encourage individuals, communities and governments to take action to protect sight.