Oborevwori emphasizes importance of eye care during visit by Optometric Association in Asaba
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said his administration would pay attention to the health and well-being of Deltans in line with his M.O.R.E Agenda.
During a courtesy visit on Wednesday, from the National Executive Council of Nigerian Optometric Association, led by the National President, Dr. Obinna Awiaka at Government House, Asaba, Oborevwori assured the Optometric body of the State Government’s support for its conference holding in Asaba, noting that his administration was willing to partner with well-meaning bodies for the growth and development of the State.
“As a State, we are very happy receiving visitors because our State is peaceful, especially Asaba, the State capital and lots of conferences have been held here.
“Delta is ready at all times to partner any sector that wants to partner with us and I believe that the conference you are holding in Delta will bring a lot of awareness to our people in the area of proper eye care.
“It will encourage a lot of people to come and check their eyes and in this M.O.R.E. Agenda, we are not going to play with the issue of health and also in my cabinet, we will have a medical doctor who will be in charge of the health sector.
“I know we have some optometrists working with the Asaba Specialist Hospital, but now that you have requested for more of them, we will check if there are vacancies and employ more.
“On the issue of internship, we don’t discriminate here; you must not be an indigene to come and do internship in Delta. So, I believe we will continue to do more in that regard.”
Oborevwori also emphasized the importance of addressing the growing issue of avoidable blindness among adults, promoting regular eye checkups, and educating people on eye care.
Additionally, he expressed the State Government’s willingness to collaborate with the association to reduce sudden blindness.
He finally wished the Optometric Association a successful conference and positive experiences in the state.
Responding, Dr Awiaka thanked the Governor for approving Call Duty Allowance for their members and for supporting the National Conference.
He also appealed to the Governor for eye care to be included in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme and also provide employment opportunities for more eye doctors within the state.
