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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the Saudi-based World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) and the Nasara Foundation of the wife of the governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris, has kicked off a free eye medical outreach, targeting 5,000 patients.
The five-day programme offers surgeries, treatments, and eyeglasses to patients from all 21 local government areas of the state.
While speaking to newsmen after inspecting the exercise at the Medical Centre, Kalgo, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Isma’il Augie, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
He described the initiative as a special outreach designed to deliver meaningful support to thousands of residents.
Augie explained that the outreach is targeting 1,000 surgeries, treatment for 3,000 patients for various eye conditions, and distribution of 1,000 eyeglasses, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 5,000.
The commissioner commended Governor Nasir Idris and Her Excellency, Hajiya Zainab-Nasare Nasir Idris, for partnering with WAMY to make the programme a reality.
He added that the state government is shouldering 50 per cent of the cost of the entire exercise in order to complement the efforts of the foreign medical team.
He also revealed that all patients participating in the programme are being provided with three meals daily throughout the duration of the outreach to ease their difficulties.
In his remarks, the Country Director of WAMY and leader of the delegation, Dr Hisham Muhammad, noted that WAMY operates as an NGO under the United Nations.
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He expressed satisfaction with the turnout, disclosing that on Sunday alone, the team attended to over 500 patients, conducted 54 surgeries, issued 100 glasses and supplied medication to 336 patients.
Muhammad added that their overall target is to carry out 1,000 surgeries, issue 600 glasses, and provide medication to more than 2,000 patients before the outreach concludes.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Engr Imam Imran Usman, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his foresight in supporting the initiative. He described the gesture as one that would remain memorable to the beneficiaries for years to come.
He urged residents with eye-related problems to take advantage of the free services, noting that the government’s collaboration with WAMY aims to bring relief to citizens in need of medical support.
A cross-section of patients expressed gratitude to Governor Idris, his wife’s Nasara Foundation, and WAMY for offering them the opportunity to regain or improve their sight.
Many described the programme as life-changing.
One of the beneficiaries, Malam Bello Halidu, who underwent eye surgery, said he never expected to regain his sight but can now see clearly after the operation.
He offered prayers for Governor Idris and all those who supported the initiative. Another beneficiary, Maryam Hamisu, who received eyeglasses, thanked God and prayed for the organisers for bringing the programme to Kebbi State.
