Gbadeyanka, Albasar Foundation Target Over 1,000 Ibadan Residents for Free Eye Care -

Mogaji Muktar Adewale Gbadeyanka, in collaboration with Albasar International Foundation and Mecca Specialist Eye Hospital, Ibadan, has commenced a free eye care outreach targeting over 1,000 residents of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The programme offers free eye screening, medications and prescription glasses, while beneficiaries requiring cataract and glaucoma surgeries are referred for treatment at no cost.

Speaking during the outreach, Gbadeyanka, the Mogaji of the Adepo family in Oranyan, Ibadan, said the initiative was inspired by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who encouraged traditional chiefs to initiate programmes that would improve the welfare of their families and communities.

Gbadeyanka, who also serves as a personal assistant to the Olubadan, said he approached Albasar International Foundation after learning about its activities, leading to the partnership with Mecca Specialist Eye Hospital to provide free eye care services.

“The Olubadan encourages us, the Mogajis and other chiefs in Ibadan, to bring good things to our families, our compounds and Ibadan as a whole. This programme is part of that initiative,” he said.

He disclosed that the organisers had set a target of reaching more than 1,000 beneficiaries, adding that about 800 people had undergone eye screening as of the time he spoke with journalists.

According to him, the intervention was designed to reduce the financial burden of eye treatment, particularly for residents who could not afford the cost of medical care.

“Everything is free. If you want to undergo cataract surgery in Nigeria today, it can cost about N500,000, but everything provided through this programme is free,” Gbadeyanka said.

He urged beneficiaries to follow medical advice and use their prescribed medications and glasses appropriately, noting that some eye conditions require professional treatment beyond medication or corrective lenses.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to access essential eye care services without the financial burden of consultations, medications and prescription glasses.

One of the beneficiaries, Tabir Tosalade, said the programme was a welcome development, particularly for residents who might otherwise struggle to afford eye treatment.

Another beneficiary, Adewale Balikis, commended Gbadeyanka and the partner organisations for making the services available to members of the community.

Adedotun Ayodele also praised the organisers, expressing hope that similar initiatives would continue to provide residents with access to eye screening and necessary medical attention.

Gbadeyanka urged other Mogajis in Ibadan to initiate similar community-based programmes to improve residents’ welfare.

He stressed that the outreach was not politically motivated and was open to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.

“This programme is not political. It is for everybody, whether you belong to the APC, APM, ADC or any other political party. It is for the people,” he said.

The initiative, organised in partnership with Albasar International Foundation and Mecca Specialist Eye Hospital, is aimed at improving access to eye care and supporting residents who require treatment.