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 road accidents and protect lives.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, made the call at 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 on the global theme, “Love Your Eyes,” and the state’s message, “Safe Eyes, Safe Roads, Safe Lives,” Emetu described eye health as an essential component of 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,” he said.

The Deputy Governor said the Otti administration remained committed to programmes that improve residents’ health and well-being, noting that a healthy population and safer roads were vital to Abia’s productivity and development.

He 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 working together to promote eye-health awareness and safer driving.

Emetu also praised commercial drivers and transport operators who participated in the free eye-screening exercise. He encouraged them to schedule regular vision checks, obey traffic regulations and maintain responsible driving habits.

“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 practices.

The Deputy Governor also underwent a vision test during the programme to reinforce the message that routine eye examinations are essential to identifying potential problems early and preventing avoidable accidents.

Abia Expands Eye-Care Services Across 17 LGAs

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.

According to her, the bureau had attended to more than 33,884 patients, screened 31,152 people through community outreaches, performed over 2,000 eye surgeries, including cataract operations, and identified more than 6,381 cases of glaucoma.

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

She warned against self-medication and patronage of unqualified practitioners, urging anyone experiencing eye-related problems to seek professional medical attention.

The bureau administrator also called on parents and teachers to ensure that children received regular eye examinations, noting that undetected vision problems could affect their education and development.

Officials Highlight Link Between Vision and Road Safety

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

He 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.

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

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

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

Ezeoma urged motorists to meet vision requirements during the 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 collaborating with health authorities, transport unions and road safety agencies to promote regular eye screening and responsible driving across the state.

The guest speaker, Dr. Ijeoma Ugboaku Alozie, Head of the Optometry Unit at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of eye conditions. She also cautioned against poor health-seeking habits and the use of unprescribed eye medications.

Organisations and Individuals Recognised

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

Among the individuals recognised 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 honoured 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 Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Uma Kalu; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Barr. Jane Olamma Awa.

Other participants included the Deputy Mayor of Bende LGA, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Anya; traditional rulers; religious leaders; healthcare professionals; transport union representatives; commercial drivers; and students.