Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said his war against blindness will reach one million citizens suffering from eye disease.
Obasanjo, according to his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, as part of preparation for this year’s edition of his annual free eye care.
He said over 25,000 persons had benefited from the free eye treatment, including surgery, since it began seven years ago.
The ex-President, who spoke through the Chief Operating Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF), Dr. Olalekan Makinde, said he would extend the service to the six geo-political zones.
“Since the programme began in Abeokuta, we have about 250,000 on our records as beneficiaries of the free drugs and glasses. But now, we are extending our scope to the six geo-political zones.
“The programme, under the aegis of the ‘Blindness Prevention Initiatives’ is part of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) programmes and it is in its seventh edition and expected to be nationwide soon.
“This year’s edition is unique in the sense that henceforth, the programme will be a nationwide exercise in the six geo-political zones, and the former President has given a target to reach one million Nigerians in one year for those suffering various eye problems.
He urged Ogun residents to tap into this programme by turning up between Thursday and Saturday, October 20/22 for screening.