Five Rotary Clubs in Abuja on Monday conducted free eye screening, distributed eye glasses and treated eye related problems to residents of Dakin-Biu Community, Utako in the FCT.
Dr Goddy Nnadi, District Governor, Rotary District 9123 said the gesture was part of their services to add value to life and wellbeing of local communities.
Nandi also expressed appreciation to the community for the land donated to build a health care center for the community.
He added that the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) had made commitment towards ensuring the proposed health care center was fully managed and equipped.
He encouraged Nigerians to join rotary club as their contribution and actions would help the socioeconomic development of the country.
Mr Bruno Iwu, President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Utako and leader in the outreach project, said the exercise was in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Charity.
Iwu, said the organisation was providing free eye screening, treatment, eye glasses and hospital referral for those who cannot afford it.
Other partner Clubs involved in the eye care outreach are; Rotary Club of Abuja CBD, Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire, Rotary of Abuja Crystals and Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi.
Mr Max Amuchie, President, Rotary Club of Abuja, Central Business District, said the club also
carried out health talks, sensitisation exercise and checking of blood pressure for the community members.
Amuchie expressed satisfaction over the exercise which he said would have positive impact on the health of the people.
Mr Nelson Onowotu, Presidency, Rotary Club of Abuja Crystals said, “it is going to reduce the cost of them going to eye clinic for a checkup and those who need eyeglasses will be provided, while others given eye drops.”
Similarly, Mr Joseph Abu, President, Rotary Club Abuja, Lugbe FHA said the choice of the community was to provide free eye care services for those who could not afford it.
Abu said the unavailability of any eye care centre and cost of treatment necessitated the need
to offer free eye screening and treatment for the community.
“We did assessments and we discovered that there was no eye clinic within the reach of the members of the community. The cost of eye care is not what the community can afford,” he said.
Responding, Malam Isiaku Lamishi, District Head, Dakin-Biu, commended the organisation for the services, which he said would provide relief to the community.
Lamishi, also assured them of his support towards improving the wellbeing and alleviating poverty of the people.
Rotary International is a humanitarian service organisation which brings together business and professional leaders to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. (NAN