Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago says his administration remains firmly committed to building a health care system that is accessible, affordable,and responsive to the needs of citizenry in line with the New Niger Agenda.

The governor,who was represented by his Deputy,Comrade Yakubu Garba,at the flagged off of a statewide Free Eye Care Camp to restore sight and expand access to quality eye care services for residents, the intervention is been implemented through the Ministry of Health in partnership with Qatar Charity Nigeria and Middle East Clinic, Kano,held at Senator Dr.Idris Ibrahim Kuta memorial primary health care center,Minna,on Tuesday 4th August, 2026.

Comrade Garba described the intervention as “life-changing,” saying its potential to transform the lives of thousands affected by avoidable blindness.

According to the him,today is more than the commencement of a medical outreach; it is a day of renewed hope for thousands of our people whose lives will be transformed through access to quality eye care,” He noted.

He stated that great number of vulnerable residents, particularly in underserved communities, are suffering from preventable blindness due to poverty and limited access to specialist care.

Deputy Governor also explained that the intervention will provide free eye examinations, medications, prescription eye glasses, and cataract surgeries across centres in Minna, Suleja,Bida, Kontagora,and Kuta in Shiroro local government.

In his remarks,Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, had revealed that blindness is a major public health concern with significant social and economic implications.

Dr Bagana noted that the outreach had already achieved remarkable results, pointing out that over 2,300 people screened, 700 eye glasses have been distributed, more than 2,000 person’s treated with medications, and 380 cataract cases identified for surgery.

The Commissioner stressed that the initiative aligns with the New Niger Agenda, which prioritized accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare delivery.

Head of Programmes at Qatar Charity Nigeria, Mr. Irshad Ali Sheikh, hinted that the intervention is part of the organisation’s global efforts to combat avoidable blindness.

Ali Sheikh said that the programme targets screening of over 2,400 residents, with at least 400 expected to benefit from free cataract surgeries,in addition, 270 white canes and food support packages will be distributed to vulnerable families.

Irshad also stated that Qatar Charity operates in more than 50 countries and has implemented similar projects in  Yobe, Gombe, as well as Borno states, saying plans are under way to expand it further across Nigeria.

Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Usman Abubakar Bosso, lauded the partnership, noting that it’s a major boost to the state’s fight against avoidable blindness.

Dr.Bosso  highlighted that within just four days, over 3,000 patients had been screened, with about 300 identified for cataract surgery, promising of the team’s commitment to a successful outreach.

Highlights of the Flagg off was the  distribution of food items to patients by Qatar Charity Nigeria, as well as the presentation of free white walking canes to visually impaired beneficiaries.