O5 Initiative flags off 2nd edition of Free Grassroots Medical outreach at Eku

O5 Initiative today (Wednesday) flagged off the second edition of the Free Grassroots Medical Outreach for Delta Central at the General Hospital Eku, Ethiope East local government area of the state. 

Dame Edith Okowa, wife of the Governor of Delta State and Founder of O5 Initiative, speaking at the event emphasized the importance of said, that he need to give attention to the eye cannot be overemphasized.

According to her, “Your eye is the lamp of your body, if your eyes are healthy, your whole body is full of light’”. Matthew 6:22. The eye is indeed the window of the soul.

She noted that blindness is bad, stressing that it is a life-threatening condition that brings depression and hinders the movement of suffers.

According to the Delta First Lady, “Many persons suffer due to lack of affordable medical care, illiteracy and poverty.  That is why we have brought this outreach to your doorstep in order to increase accessibility and remove the barrier of cost.

“In 2018, we went round the 25 LGAs where a total of 26,304 patients were seen, 15,811 eyeglasses were distributed, 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 testimonies from men, women even children till now.

Dame Okowa also added that “despite the COVID 19 pandemic, the O5 Initiative in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the ministry of Health will throughout this month visit the three senatorial district starting with Delta Central (Eku), Delta South (Oleh) and finally Delta North (Asaba).”

Shed disclosed further that provision has been made also for, “COVID 19 tests as well as free eye screening, Surgery, distribution of free glasses and free medication.

She urged Deltan to be part of the program for their wellbeing in order to enable them to enjoy the benefit of the Prosperity Agenda is of this administration.

While appreciating the Chairmen of the 8 LGAs and the good people of Delta Central for this large turnout at the event, she said; “I am convinced that at the end of our visit, the testimony will be “I was blind now I can see”.

Dame Okowa also commended Dr Ernest Ogbedo and his Restore sight Africa team and other medical personnel for their passion and commitment to the program, “you have done it before, and I have the assurance that the Lord will use you again for the restoration of the sight of Deltans.

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 with newsmen testified how their sights had greatly improved after receiving correctional glasses.