By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The member representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Marie Ebikake, has sponsored a life-changing cataract surgery that restored the sight of Miss Blessing Inaingo, a young woman from Odioma in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State who had been blind for over a decade.
Blessing was identified during one of the lawmaker’s ongoing free medical outreach programmes across the constituency. 
The initiative, which has provided five free cataract surgeries monthly since the inception of Ebikake’s tenure, is aimed at improving access to healthcare services for indigent constituents.
Speaking after the successful procedure, Ebikake expressed joy over the outcome, noting that it gladdens her heart to see Blessing regain her vision after years of living in darkness.
“I am deeply moved and fulfilled seeing her see again. This is what service is about—impacting lives and restoring hope,” she said.
Beyond sponsoring the surgery, the federal lawmaker, fondly called “Mumsy” by her supporters, has taken further steps to secure Blessing’s future by adopting her and relocating her to Abuja for continued care, rehabilitation and support.
Chairman of Brass Ward 5 PDP, Odioma, Mr. Allison Adite, who volunteered to accompany Blessing to the medical facility for the surgery, described the experience as emotional and rewarding.
He commended the lawmaker for her compassion and commitment to the welfare of her constituents.
An overwhelmed Blessing, struggling to contain her emotions, expressed profound gratitude to Ebikake for giving her a new lease of life.
“I can see again. I don’t know how to thank her enough,” she said tearfully.
The outreach programme is part of Ebikake’s broader healthcare intervention efforts in Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, with a sustained focus on addressing preventable blindness and other medical challenges among rural dwellers.
