News
Many hospitalised as thugs attack PDP supporters in Ondo
At least six persons were attacked when suspected armed thugs attacked the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The violent attack on the opposition party members is coming two days before the weekend governorship election.
A chieftain of the party in the state, Adeyemi Fasoranti, named one of the victims, Olowoniyi Akinleminu, as a popular politician in the town.
Mr Fasoranti said other victims were taken to the intensive care unit of the State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
Explaining the attack, Mr Olowoniyi said the thugs unleashed terror on the people because of the success of the party’s rally in the local government.
Another PDP chieftain, Bosede Salami, revealed that many of the opposition party members had been threatened by the suspected political thugs and cultists invited by political gladiators.
Confirming the incident, the state commissioner of police, Oladipo Abayomi, has directed the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Mr Abayomi, in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said a peace meeting of the leaders of the major political parties in the town had been convened.
“The case, which has escalated into violence and attempted murder, is currently under investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that peace is restored in the area, particularly at such a critical juncture in the state’s history.
“The CP has made it clear that the command will exercise zero tolerance towards any individual or group, whether directly or indirectly involved, who engages in or permits actions that could disrupt the peace before, during, or after the election.
“He calls on parents, community leaders, and influential figures to warn their followers, children, and loved ones to avoid any form of disruptive behaviour during this period,” the statement.
News
Reps Pass Bill to Establish More Specialist Eye Care Centres in Nigeria
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.
News
Ugochinyere Lacks the Right to Speak for Rivers People – Rep Bob
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News
Bill for Establishment of Additional Specialist Eyecare Centres in Nigeria Pass Second Reading
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