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Bill for Establishment of Additional Specialist Eyecare Centres in Nigeria Pass Second Reading

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has passed through second reading, a Bill seeking to amend the National Eye centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres.
The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and 5 other lawmakers on Wednesday at plenary.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of the nation.
According to him, the proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.
Making reference to reports, he lamented that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited.
He expressed optimism that the proposed amendments will rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He added that by doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.
Kalu said, “I rise to lead the debate on the general principles of a Bill for an Act to amend the National Eye Centre Act, Cap N38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of our beloved nation. The proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.  The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 20thDecember, 2023.
“As we are all aware, access to quality healthcare services, especially in specialised areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens. The statistics reveal that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Unfortunately, the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, though commendable in its efforts, is unable to adequately meet the eye care needs of our vast and diverse nation. This inadequacy has led to disparities in access to eye care services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.
“The proposed amendments, thus aim to rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country. By doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.  We hope to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access quality eye care services. This is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a matter of equity and social justice. This Bill which seeks to enhance and improve access to quality eye care in Nigeria has the following key provisions.
“The creation of 5 additional Specialist Eye Care Centres spread across the remaining 5 geopolitical zones of Nigeria not originally covered by the principal legislation which only provided for an Eye Care Centre in Kaduna, North West Nigeria. The establishment of separate Boards to govern each centre and academic committees to oversee academic affairs. These bodies will not only ensure effective management and coordination of the Centres’ activities by overseeing their day-to-day operations, but shall also drive research and educational initiatives in ophthalmology, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in eye care. In presenting this bill, we are reaffirming our commitment to the visual health and well-being of every Nigerian. By establishing additional centers, we can decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ultimately protect and preserve the precious gift of sight for all citizens. Honourable Colleagues, I urge you all to support this Bill as it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the critical area of eye care. Together, let us illuminate the path to a future where quality eye care is not a luxury but a fundamental right for every Nigerian.”
Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rep Tajudeen Abass, who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.

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Sad: Popular Actress Atinuke Kareem Dies After Long Battle With Cancer

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Popular Nigerian actress Atinuke Remilekun Kareem, popularly known as Atinuke Kareem, has died following a prolonged battle with breast cancer.

The actress’ death was announced on Tuesday afternoon by Owolabi Ajasa, the Ogun State chapter governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

Atinuke’s death comes after colleagues, friends, fans and members of the public had reportedly rallied financial and emotional support towards her treatment as she battled the disease.

In a statement shared on his Instagram page, Ajasa expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed towards the actress’ medical treatment and offered prayers and encouragement during her illness.

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He said that despite the collective efforts and prayers made for her recovery, Atinuke eventually passed away.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed financially, offered prayers, encouragement, and support towards the treatment of our dear colleague, ATINUKE REMILEKUN KAREEM,” Ajasa wrote.

“Sadly, despite all our efforts and prayers, Atinuke has passed on and answered the final call.”

TAMPAN Mourns Actress

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The association expressed sadness over the loss, acknowledging the efforts made by individuals within and outside the entertainment industry to support the actress during her health battle.

Ajasa called on colleagues and loved ones to accept the development while praying for strength for those she left behind.

“We cannot question the Almighty God. We can only submit to His will and pray that He grants her eternal rest and gives her family, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss,” he added.

Atinuke’s death is expected to be mourned across the Yoruba movie industry, where she had built a career as an actress.

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Her passing also highlights the challenges faced by individuals battling cancer and the financial burden that prolonged medical treatment can place on patients and their families.

The news has already triggered an outpouring of grief among those who knew the actress and followed her career.

As tributes continue to emerge, colleagues and fans are expected to remember Atinuke Kareem for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Details concerning her burial arrangements and funeral rites had not been made public at the time of filing this report.

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FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s words on marble

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FCT minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday had his media parley with journalists over many issues including the passing of his political ally, Edo State born politician, Chief Dan Orbih.

Read his words on marble below:

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All Tinubu-era FCT Projects’ll be Completed Before End Of Tenure – Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured that all capital projects initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the nation’s capital will be completed before the end of the administration’s tenure.

Wike gave the assurance during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he said the administration had recorded unprecedented progress in infrastructure development across the FCT.

The minister said the Tinubu administration had commissioned 107 capital projects in the territory, adding that 76 of the projects had already been completed.

According to him, 10 additional projects are expected to be commissioned before the January elections, while the remaining projects would be completed before the expiration of the current administration.

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“The President’s administration under Bola Tinubu commissioned 107 capital projects. We have completed 76. Before the January election, we will commission 10, and before the end of his tenure, we would have commissioned all the projects,” Wike said.

He said the FCT Administration had also made significant progress in completing projects inherited from previous administrations.

According to Wike, of the 25 projects inherited from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, 23 had been completed, while two were ongoing.

He added that six out of eight projects inherited from the administrations of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had also been completed, with work continuing on the remaining two.

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“We inherited 25 projects from President Buhari and completed 23, while two are currently ongoing.

“We inherited eight projects from the administrations of President Jonathan and President Yar’Adua. We have completed six, while two are ongoing,” he said.

Wike said the Tinubu administration remained committed to ensuring that projects initiated under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT were completed within the President’s tenure.

“Before this tenure expires, every project started under Bola Tinubu would have been completed,” he said.

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The minister challenged critics to compare the performance of the current administration in the FCT with that of previous administrations, insisting that the territory had witnessed unprecedented development under Tinubu.

“In the history of the FCT, no government has done what we have done in Abuja. I challenge anyone to come out,” Wike stated.

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