News
Unregistered BRT Bus Kills 5-yr-old Boy In Lagos
A five-year-old boy has been reportedly killed in a fatal motor accident involving an unregistered Bus Rapid Transit, BRT on Saturday at about 1: 30pm in Palmgroove area of Lagos.
The toddler identified as Maliki alongside his mother Rofiat and sibling Basit were crossing the BRT lane at Palmgroove inward Onipanu when they were knocked down by the BRT bus driven by Sunday Bukola.
It was learned that the hit-and-run driver, Sunday Bukola drove off while Malik died on the spot.
His mother Rofiat and brother Basit were rushed to the hospital where they are currently receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries.
Confirming the incident, the Spokesperson Lagos State Police Command SP Benjamin Hundeyin said: “The corpse has been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary. The driver was later arrested and is in police custody. The investigation is ongoing.”
In a related development, a ten-year-old boy identified as Chukwudi was killed by Nissan Coastal Commercial Bus at Doyin Bus stop along Orile Mile 2 Expressway Lagos on Sunday 3rd March 2024.
It was learned that Chukwudi was going to church with his father Bernard at about 7: 30am when they were hit by the commercial bus with registration number JJE 134 XK.
Chukwudi, whose skull was smashed, died instantly on the spot.
According to the deceased father Bernard who reported the incident at Bode, “We were on our way to church this morning when the accident happened. My son and I were standing at the curvet when the driver who was at high speed when the vehicle hit my son and smashed his skull.”
Confirming the incident the Spokesperson Lagos State Police Command SP Benjamin Hundeyin said: “On the receipt of the complaint the DPO moved to the scene with operatives, but in the course of evacuating the corpse some miscreants attacked them with stones and bottles and the officers were able to repel them after the patrol teams came for reinforcement.”
“However, the corpse has been taken to the morgue at Yaba General Hospital. The driver was later arrested and the accident vehicle is in police custody. The investigation is ongoing”, he added.
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
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