Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventive healthcare and road safety, urging commercial drivers to undergo regular eye examinations to reduce avoidable road accidents and protect lives.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 World Sight Day celebration held on Thursday, October 15, at the Prof. Nnenna Oti Mega Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

Speaking under the global theme, “Love Your Eyes,” and the state’s message, “Safe Eyes, Safe Roads, Safe Lives,” Emetu highlighted the connection between good vision and road safety, particularly for commercial drivers responsible for transporting passengers and goods daily.

“Your vision is directly connected to the safety of your passengers, your fellow road users and, indeed, your own life. Regular eye examinations are not merely a personal health responsibility; they are a professional obligation and a commitment to every life you carry on our roads,” Emetu said.

He said the state government remained committed to programmes that improve residents’ health and well-being, adding that a healthy population and safer roads were essential to Abia’s productivity and development.

The deputy governor commended the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, the Ministries of Health, Transport and Education, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other partners for their collaboration in promoting eye health and road safety.

He also praised commercial drivers and transport operators who participated in the free eye-screening exercise, urging them to make routine vision checks a priority, obey traffic regulations and practise responsible driving.

“A safe Abia is a healthy Abia, and a healthy Abia is a productive Abia. By investing in the health of our drivers and promoting a culture of responsible driving, we are investing in the safety, prosperity and future of our entire state,” he added.

As part of the event, Emetu, on behalf of the governor, unveiled a visual corridor at the terminal to remind drivers, commuters and other road users of the importance of regular eye examinations and safe driving habits.

The deputy governor also underwent a vision test during the programme, reinforcing the administration’s message on the importance of routine eye examinations in preventing avoidable accidents and protecting lives.

Eye Health Services Expand Across Abia

Earlier, the Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka Obasi, disclosed that the bureau had established 25 eye clinics and vision centres across the state’s 17 local government areas.

She said the bureau had attended to more than 33,884 patients and screened 31,152 people through community outreach programmes. It had also performed over 2,000 eye surgeries, including cataract operations, and identified more than 6,381 cases of glaucoma.

Obasi attributed the progress to the support of the Otti administration, noting that the expansion of eye-care services was bringing screening, early diagnosis and treatment closer to residents across the state.

She cautioned against self-medication and seeking treatment from unqualified practitioners, urging residents with eye-related problems to consult qualified professionals. She also called on parents and teachers to ensure that children underwent regular eye examinations to prevent undetected vision problems from affecting their education and development.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, warned that undetected eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors, could impair driving ability and increase the risk of road crashes.

Uche said the initiative aligned with the state government’s health system transformation agenda, including Project Ekwueme, which aims to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and integrate community eye-care services into healthcare facilities.

He encouraged motorists to use available screening services and complement good vision with compliance with traffic regulations, adequate rest and avoidance of alcohol and other substances that could impair judgement.

FRSC, Transport Ministry Stress Driver Responsibility

The FRSC Abia State Sector Commander, CC Ngozi I. Ezeoma, said driving experience could not compensate for impaired eyesight.

She explained that poor vision could delay a driver’s reaction, affect distance judgement and make it difficult to identify road signs, pedestrians and other hazards.

Ezeoma urged motorists to meet vision requirements during the driver's licensing process, wear prescribed corrective lenses and seek professional care whenever they experienced visual difficulties. She also called on transport unions and fleet operators to include periodic eye examinations in their drivers’ welfare and safety programmes.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with health authorities, transport unions and road safety agencies to promote regular eye screening and responsible driving throughout the state.

The guest speaker, Dr. Ijeoma Ugboaku Alozie, Head of the Optometry Unit at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, also emphasised the importance of early detection and treatment of eye conditions. She warned against poor health-seeking habits and the use of eye medications without professional prescriptions.

Organisations, Individuals Recognised at Celebration

The celebration featured free eye-screening services, road safety awareness activities, stakeholder engagement and awards recognising contributions to eye-health promotion.

Among those honoured were Dr. Chinenyem Pamela Ozemela, OON, Medical Director of the Pamela Eze Global Foundation (PEGF) Vision Centre, and Dr. Ijeoma Ugboaku Alozie, the guest speaker.

Organisations recognised for their contributions included OneSight, EssilorLuxottica, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and the NNPC Foundation.

Ibeku High School emerged as the winner of the inter-school competition organised to promote eye-health awareness and road safety education among young people.

The event attracted government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Anazodo; the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Health and Transport, Dr. Ifeyinwa Uma Kalu and Barr. Jane Olamma Awa, respectively; and the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Anya.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, transport union representatives, commercial drivers and students also attended the celebration.