Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says his administration is deliberately putting in place policies and programmes that directly improves the welfare and health of the people.
Governor Otti stated this while receiving in his Nvosi country home in Isialangwa South LGA, National Leadership and members of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) who were in the state for the 48th National Conference of the Association taking place at the International Conference Center Umuahia.
Governor Otti noted the impact of his administration in healthcare sector, particularly, the establishment of the Abia State Eyecare Management Bureau, which made Abia, perhaps the only State in the federation with such an establishment, adding that the bureau has conducted free screening and treatments including surgeries for thousands of Abians across the 17 LGAs.
While describing the theme of the Conference; “Optometry in a Changing World” as apt, Governor Otti said that the theme has become imperative as artificial intelligence is gradually taking over the 21st Century.
The state Chief Executive while reacting to the report that Abia has gulped 100 million dollars Out of the sum of 350 million dollars approved for the country , said Abia is willing to access more of the fund if the opportunity comes.
He noted that the eyecare centers set up at various locations have really served the underserved and unserved members of the state and advised Abians to find time to access free eye services at various eye health centers to improve their vision.
The Governor stated his readiness to partnering the Association in making life easier and meaningful for the citizens through the effort towards decentralizing the National Health Center of which the bill is before the national Assembly.
While congratulating the national president for an eventful tenure, thanked the Association for finding Abia a safe place for their national delegate conference which speaks volume of the confidence reposed in his government.
Speaking earlier, the President of Nigeria Optometric Association, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson said they were in the State for their national conference holding in the State today (Thursday 24th July)which will also see him contesting for another term in office.
Dr. Anderson, who thanked Governor Otti for appointing their members to positions of authority, including Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Administrator of the Eyecare Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, also saluted the Governor for transformational projects across the State.
He informed that the association has established vision centres across Abia, and added that Abia has eyecare vision centres, which is the highest number in the country and solicited the support of the Governor in favor of the bill for the decentralization of the National eye health center before the national Assembly.
Top government officials including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Administrator of the Abia Eyecare Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi among others were present during the visit.
