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* A cross section of beneficiaries, during the Grand Finale of the 05 free Medical Outreach in Collaboration with Restore Sight Africa Initiative, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State. Photo: JIBUNOR SAMUEL.

Multitudes throng the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba today, Monday, 13/8/2018 to partake of the free eye treatment organised by 05 Initiative free Medical Outreach, with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa assuring that his administration will continue to deliver on programmes that will empower the people and make them happy.

The 05 Free Medical Outreach in collaboration with Restore Sight Africa Initiative and the Delta State Government commenced free medical treatment for Deltans three months ago and capped their activities with a grand finale at the Oshimili South Local Government Area.

The governor said “We will work with the people to develop the state, continue to pray for us, prosperity is for all Deltans, as a government we are not to share money but, to develop our state, execute projects and programmes that will empower the people and make them happy.”

Governor Okowa observed that the 05 Initiative, a pet project of his wife, Dame Edith Okowa has touched a lot of lives within these few years, observing that it was gladdening to note that more than 2, 000 eye surgeries have been successfully done through the free eye care programme while 12 Sickle Cell Centres have been built at different locations in the state.

While commending donors and those who have partnered with the 05 Initiative which has led to its success stories, Governor Okowa said: “I appreciate the team of 05 Initiative for what they are doing, I commend those who have helped in the sponsorship of the programmes because in all her programmes, the state government has not spent one kobo.

“It is good to note that what they are doing is for the poor in the society bearing in mind that what we do for the poor is what touches the heart of God, if we can find a way to help our neighbours, through our actions, we can change the world. I want to appreciate Restore Sight Initiative for their wonderful partnership which has led to a lot of people regaining their sights in the last three months,” the governor said, adding, “I have heard stories about the volunteer efforts of Dr. Onoriode Umolu in the activities of the 05 Initiative despite the fact that she is not employed, her dedication to serving humanity has shown that she will do a lot as civil servant and as such, from today, I give her automatic employment in Delta State.”

The founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, had in an address, thanked Governor Okowa for being supportive which has made her to carry out humanitarian activities to the benefits of humanity.

She assured Deltans that the activities of 05 Initiative will continue to impact on the people and commended her partners and sponsors of her programmes, urging them not to relax as a lot is still needed to be done.

Dr Ernest Ogbedor of Restore Sight Initiatives commended Dame Okowa for providing the platform to reach out to those with eye challenges in the society, disclosing that within the period, more than 23,000 persons with eye challenges have been treated, with over 2,000 surgeries successfully carried out.

He also stated that more than 13,000 eye glasses and more than 8, 000 eye drops were freely given out to those treated.

Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Mr. Uche Osadebe stated in his address that “official health statistics in Nigeria indicates that malaria accounts for more than 70 per cent of out-patients population in hospitals across the country while sight challenges are now known to be prevalent in the country and as a result of which, many of our people suffer either severe sight impairment or even outright blindness most often due to ignorance, poverty and lack of access to affordable and reliable health facilities and services.”

He commended the Governor Okowa for his developmental programmes and efforts to make life better through good health care facilities.