By Bashir Rabe Mani
Good eyesight is essential for daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life. Globally, 2.2 billion people suffer from vision impairment or blindness, with many cases being preventable. In Nigeria, an estimated 24 million people live with vision loss, and 1.3 million are blind. Common eye diseases include cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors, and diabetic retinopathy.
Sen. Wamakko’s free eye care programme is a commendable initiative that aims to address these challenges and improve eye health for Nigerians.
As a former Governor of Sokoto State, he has sustained this noble gesture for decades, restoring thousands of eye sights of indigent citizens across Sokoto State, Nigeria, and beyond. Indeed, he is a Senator-without-borders.
The Aliyu Magatakarda Foundation, initiated by Senator Wamakko, launched the 2025 edition of its free community eye care program in collaboration with Vision Savers Eye Care Centre. The programme targets 5,000 beneficiaries across the state, continuing a humanitarian initiative that has provided medical treatment to thousands since 2017.
Representing Sen. Wamakko, Permanent Secretary Almustapha Abubakar Alkali flagged off the 2025 free eye care exercise. Dr Kamal S. Umar, Chairman of Vision Savers Eye Care Centre, called on beneficiaries to appreciate the Senator’s contribution to saving lives, noting that good vision is a divine blessing.
The Specialist Hospital Sokoto will serve as the central venue for surgeries and follow-up care. Beneficiaries prayed and appreciated the Senator’s gesture.
As Bashar Abubakar MC, S.A. Media, aptly puts it, “This is an invaluable gesture that the lawmaker has sustained for ages… restoring hopes for the hitherto hapless and hopeless indigents.”
Sen. Wamakko’s legacy is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the less privileged. His initiative has brought hope and restored sight to thousands, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Mani, a journalist, is based in Kaduna-Nigeria.
