Adegoroye Prioritises Healthcare, Flags Off Free Eye Screening, Glasses Distribution in Odigbo
By Kayode Afolabi, Ore
The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making healthcare a priority by expanding access to basic medical services for residents across the Local Government.
Adegoroye stated this while flagging off a free eye test and eyeglasses distribution programme organised for residents at the Odigbo Local Government Secretariat.
The initiative, which formed part of the administration’s ongoing medical outreach, provided beneficiaries with comprehensive eye screening, consultation and counselling, as well as free reading and medicated glasses.
The Chairman said the programme was designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to the people, particularly residents who might otherwise face difficulties accessing eye care and corrective glasses.
According to him, prioritising the health and wellbeing of residents remains a major component of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that a healthy population is essential to the growth and development of the Local Government.
Adegoroye expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continued support towards improving the health and welfare of the people.
He also commended the medical personnel, partners and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the outreach, describing their support as essential to delivering people-oriented healthcare services at the grassroots.
The Chairman noted that beneficiaries of the programme would not only receive eye screening but would also have access to consultation, counselling and appropriate referrals for further medical attention where necessary.
He disclosed that beneficiaries requiring specialised treatment could be referred to the Eye Foundation Hospital Centre in Ogun State and other specialist hospitals.
Adegoroye, who described the programme as particularly dear to his heart, also used the occasion to caution residents against the consumption of unregistered locally made alcoholic drinks and other substances not certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He said the warning became particularly important following the recent health emergency in parts of Odigbo Local Government, where dozens of residents reportedly lost their lives after consuming certain locally made alcoholic drinks suspected to have contained methanol.
“I want to use this opportunity to again warn our people to desist from consuming unregistered, locally made alcoholic drinks and any substance not certified by NAFDAC. What we drink can affect what we see. Let us be very careful,” he said.
The Chairman also urged beneficiaries to take proper care of the glasses provided and adhere strictly to medical advice from healthcare professionals.
“To all beneficiaries, I urge you to take good care of the glasses given to you and follow all medical advice. To our youths, please help your parents and elderly ones to come for this exercise,” he added.
Adegoroye assured residents that the eye-care programme was not a one-off intervention, stressing that his administration would continue to introduce initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, empowerment and overall development across the Local Government.
“Let me assure you that this is just the beginning. This administration will continue to bring more health programmes, more empowerment, and more development to all wards in Odigbo Local Government,” he said.
He further commended the PHC Coordinator, Dr. Gbadamosi Olarewaiu, and the entire health team for their dedication and commitment, particularly during the recent health emergency in the Local Government.
The Chairman equally appreciated the partners behind the eye-care initiative for bringing what he described as a laudable and people-oriented programme directly to the residents.
He thereafter formally declared the Free Eye Test and Free Eye Glasses Programme open, urging residents to take advantage of the initiative and make their health a priority.