News
SAD! Three Casualties Listed In Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Three people lost their lives in the early hours of Saturday around Mowe on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The accident was attributed to a container that fell off a truck with number plate T-1563 LA and trapped the three victims said to be occupants of a Howo truck without number plate.
The crash, according to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, was also blamed on dangerous driving leading to loss of control
The FRSC rescue team was said to have tried to save the lives of the victims; the driver and two passengers but the trio could not make it due to the impact of the injury and their remains were said to have been deposited at a morgue in Sagamu.
The statement partly read, “The FRSC operatives at Mowe carried out rescue operation at about 0107 hrs on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around Mowe involving two vehicles (trucks) with registration number T-15636LA Bluebird and a HowoTruck with no number on it
“Three persons were involved, all male adults, and they were all killed by the container that fell and rested on the occupants of the HOWO truck. The suspected cause of the crash was dangerous driving and loss of control.
The operatives tried to rescue the trapped victims but unfortunately the driver and two other people in front of the vehicle died. The dead bodies were taken to Idera Morgue, Sagamu.
“A tow truck was contacted to pull off the truck to ease traffic flow and a crane was also contacted to remove the container off the road. Operatives are still on the ground managing the situation.”
Meanwhile, the FRSC advised motorists to drive defensively while ensuring that the interests of other road users are always taken care of to avoid accidents.
The agency urged drivers to always anticipate the actions of other road users, avoid dangerous driving and follow traffic rules and regulations at all times.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives at the plenary on Wednesday 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, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and 5 other lawmakers.
Leading the debate on its general principles, 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, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, GCON who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.
By Gloria Ikibah
Reps Pass Bill to Establish More Specialist Eye Care Centres in Nigeria
Sad! Fire destroys goods worth millions in Lagos market
Ugochinyere Lacks the Right to Speak for Rivers People – Rep Bob
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro22 hours agoPopular Nigerian Governor’s Sister Shot Dead Mistakenly By Police
-
Metro22 hours agoJust in: Many Causalities As Policemen Clash With OPC
-
News23 hours agoTinubu appoints Shamseldeen Ogunjimi as AGF
-
News19 hours agoSAD! Another Okuama leader dies in military custody, days after PG’s death
-
News22 hours agoOndo Pastor Nabbed by security operatives
-
Economy13 hours agoOPEC appoints Nigeria’s Adeyemi-Bero board of governors’ chairman
-
Entertainment13 hours agoWhy I prefer younger men – Lolo, aka Adaku
-
News13 hours agoSenate passes bill to establish university of mining