“We have brought this outreach to your doorstep in order to increase accessibility and remove the barrier of cost”, Wife of the Delta State governor, Dame Edith Okowa, said.
The governor’s wife who doubles as the founder, O5 Initiative, made the statement during the flag off ceremony of the free medical outreach at the General Hospital Eku on Wednesday October 6th 2021.
Dame Okowa who expressed delight over the second edition of the Free Grassroots Medical Outreach for Delta Central, Eku, Ethoope east local government area of the state, emphasized on the need to give attention to the eyes.
Citing Matthew 6:22, the woman with the heart of gold, said: “The eye is indeed the window of the soul”.
According to her, “As we are aware, blindness is bad, it is a life threatening condition, it brings depression and hinders movement. Many persons suffer due to lack of affordable medical care, illiteracy and poverty”.
She recall that In 2018, they went round the 25 local government areas where a total of 26,304 patients were seen, and 15,
811 eyeglasses were distributed, with 9,386 eye drugs dispensed and 2,241 surgeries were performed.
“I am particularly happy because we had success stories from patients within and outside the state, we are still celebrating the the testimonies from men, women even Children till now.
“Despite the COVID 19 pandemic, the O5 Initiative in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the ministry of Health will throughout this month will visit the three senatorial district starting with Delta Central (Eku), Delta South (Oleh) and finally Delta North (Asaba). Provision has been made for COVID 19 tests as well as free eye screening, Surgery, distribution of free glasses and free medication.
“The need for every Deltan to be healthy and enjoy the benefit of the Prosperity Agenda is of utmost importance to this administration therefore I urge all and sundry to be part of this program”.
She paid glowing tribute to late Barrister Mrs Mary Iyasere, from Delta Central whom she described as a strong supporter of O5 Initiative, “she would have been here but was called home by her maker. We cannot question God but we take solace that she lived well. May her soul rest in peace”, she added.
The wife if the governor appreciated the Chairmen of the eight local government councils and the good people of Delta Central for their large turn out, saying “I am convinced that at the end of our visit, the testimony will be “I was blind now I can see”.
She acknowledged Dr. Ernest Ogbedo and his team, Restore sight Africa team for the passion and commitment to the task, “you have done it before, I have the assurance that the Lord will use you again for the restoration of the sight of Deltans.
“I also wish to thank Dr Ononye the Honourable Commissioner, medical personnel of the ministry of Health for assisting us, God bless you”.
She noted that the work was God’s project, as she called on people be among those who will Change Our World One Person at a time.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukueta said, “Deltans are indeed proud of the activities of the O5 Initiative that has transformed lives.
“We are privileged to host the outreach this year and pray that Her Excellency is continually strengthened for what lies ahead”.
Dr. Ogbedo on his part, reechoed the stance of the wife of the governor, encouraging opinion leaders and politicians to help bring people who need eye medications but are unable to come unaided.
Several of the patients who spoke, testified how their sights had greatly improved after receiving correctional glasses.
