Okowa kicks off free eye screening in Isoko, declines chieftaincy titles

The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday urged Nigerians and especially the people of his state to go for regular health check to enable them identify early signs of health issues.

He made the call yesterday at the commencement of free eye screening tests, surgery sharing of glasses to those who need them at Ozoro in Isoko North local government area of the state.

Okowa, who stated that most people die gradually because the do not see the need to go for health checks, pointed out that the screening exercise was a wake up call for a genuine need for everyone to go for regular health check.

The ceremony was the second phase of its kind sponsored by the Chairman of the council, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor.

He urged other local government councils in the state to emulate Isoko North by partnering with stakeholders to improve the health status of their people.

Speaking earlier, Egbabor said: “This second phase of the exercise is coming on the heels of the successes recorded in the first phase in August 2015, which saw a 17-year old blind girl regaining her sight after undergoing free eye surgery at the centre.”

While disclosing that a philanthropist gave N1.5 million for the exercise which was being handled by a team of qualified specialists, Egbabor said: “In the first phase of the exercise, over 1, 500 persons were screened and treated for various eye related issues while about 75 persons were operated upon and over 750 glasses were issued.”

Meanwhile, Okowa has said he will not take any Chieftaincy titles while in office. He said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Odio Ologbo of Oleh in Isoko South local government area of Delta State, HRM Anthony Ovramwah who was celebrating his 80th birthday.

The governor who was also in Oleh to commission and inspect projects as part of activities to mark his second year in office, expressed gratitude to different kingdoms that desire to honour him with chieftaincy titles, stated that such titles would be taken when he leaves office.