The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu on Saturday, disclosed that the National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill which has scaled the first reading in the parliament, is to expand access to eyecare services in Nigeria.
Kalu made the revelation while delivering his goodwill message at Charity Champions Gala Night in Abuja on Friday.
Organised by the founder/Chief Executive Officer of Attom Foundation, Yahaya Attom, the event which attracted present and past Super Eagles players and other celebrities, is dedicated to raising awareness and support for essential eye care services for underserved communities.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker on Saturday, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed worry over the report of an estimated 24 million Nigerians grappling with the challenge of eye failure.
He said the legislative chamber intended to provide a lasting solution to the problem through legislative interventions.
The lawmaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, also disclosed that, through the Benjamin Kalu Foundation he “treated over 4,000 of his constituents with various degrees of eye problems in the last year,” to demonstrate his commitment towards assisting the underserved in the communities.
He said, “This evening, we come together for a cause that transcends all differences– the gift of sight and showing support for eye care services to underserved communities in Nigeria. An estimated 24 million Nigerians grapple with sight loss, which demands our collective attention.
“As the Deputy Speaker, I am keenly aware of the challenges we face. The National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey paints a stark picture, with 4.2 per cent of Nigerians over 40 classified as blind. This is why I championed the National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill which has since passed its first reading. This bill aims to expand access to specialized eye care by establishing more centres across the country.
“But legislative efforts alone cannot solve this crisis. We need the commitment of champions like yourselves – individuals who understand the power of community.”
He added, “It is pertinent to note that since last year, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation has treated about 4,000 constituents with eyesight problems, demonstrating the incredible impact that dedicated efforts can have on our communities. This remarkable achievement underscores the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together.”
He commended the organisers and ex-Super Eagles players at the event including Austin Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo for their commitment and service to the motherland.
“Just a few days ago, we saw five women, widows, without their husbands being sick in the hospital but because their husbands who were military men were shut down. These widows were from the North, South East, and South-West and we decided to raise funds for them.
“Guess who was at the other side of the Fund, Attom. Without meeting me for the first time, maybe only seeing me on television, he believed in the cause that we stood for, to help reduce the burden of the pain on the shoulders of those women. His humanitarian actions speak volumes,” he added.
He continued, “When I see what Jay Jay Okocha is doing with his Foundation with regards to education, I know you have it in you: the face of humanity. When I see what Kanu Nwankwo is doing with his Heart Foundation, in him lies the hope of humanity and so goes to every one of you here that God has blessed with skills. You’re not just satisfied making money, you’re more fulfilled impacting lives.”