Benin Medical Outreach: Over 1,200 Edo Residents Benefits Free From O5 Foundation
Dame Edith Okowa
Over 1,200 residents of Edo State have benefited from a free medical outreach organized by the O5 Foundation, led by the Wife of the Former Governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa.
The outreach, in collaboration with Restore Sight Initiative and supported by Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki, the First Lady of Edo State, took place at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Esan Central Local Government area of Edo State.
This marks the 48th free medical outreach organized by the O5 Foundation and Restore Sight Initiative, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities.
Dame Edith Okowa, addressing the beneficiaries, underscored the critical importance of vision in daily life, highlighting the profound impact of blindness on individuals’ quality of life. She reiterated the programme’s core objective of providing aid to vulnerable individuals, a mission she viewed as divinely inspired.
Reflecting on her commitment to the people of Edo State, Dame Edith Okowa remarked, “When God sends, He makes provision. It’s not about government; it’s about God.”
Her Excellency, Betsy Obaseki in her remark lauded Dame Edith Okowa’s unwavering dedication to uplifting lives, even beyond her tenure in office. She emphasized the crucial role of compassionate leadership in effecting positive change.
Expressing gratitude for the attendees’ response, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki emphasized the importance of collective support in sustaining such initiatives.
The outreach provided free eyeglasses to over 1,000 Edo residents, conducted free eye surgeries for around 300 patients, and ensured free follow-up care for all recipients.
Dr. Ernest Ogbode of the Restore Sight Initiative stressed the transformative impact of restoring sight, enabling individuals to actively contribute to society.
Professor Reuben Eifediyi, CMD of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, encouraged vulnerable individuals to avail themselves of the programme’s services and pledged continued support from the hospital.
Additionally, the Edo first lady, Betsy Obaseki generously provided one thousand five-kilogram bags of rice for the beneficiaries, underscoring her holistic approach to support.
The event elicited heartfelt appreciation from one beneficiary Mrs Idemudia Dorcas who expressed gratitude to the donors, adding, “God will bless you. I have been seeking funds for this surgery for a long time. Thank you for this.”
