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Blindness: Nigerian govt may establish Federal Institute for Vision, Optical Research across six geopolitical zones – Rep Obuzor

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The House of Representatives member representing Ahoada West/Ogba Egbema/Ndoni, Victor Obuzor, has disclosed that the Nigerian government may subsequently replicate the establishment of the Federal Institute for Vision and Optical Research in Rivers State across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

The Rivers lawmaker, who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the Institute, addressed journalists on Monday, saying the support the bill received during and after the public hearing recently held at the National Assembly was encouraging.

“The House is delighted with the bill and has asked that the Institute, since it’s one of its kind, should be replicated in the six geopolitical zones,” he said.

He called the establishment of the proposed institute an urgent necessity.

“As guardians of public health, we must address the escalating prevalence of vision impairment, particularly in underserved communities,” he added.

With an estimated 50 million Nigerians currently affected by visual disabilities and over seven million already blind, the need for decisive action has never been more pressing.

“The proposed institute represents a crucial step towards mitigating this growing public health challenge and ensuring a brighter future for our citizens,” he stressed.

Earlier in his presentation at the public hearing, he explained that “vision disorders are reaching epidemic proportions in Nigeria, exacerbated by limited access to ophthalmic care, particularly in rural locales,” adding that projections by the World Health Organization suggest that the current figure may double by 2050 without the right interventions.

On the proposed bill to establish the Federal College of Optometry to provide courses leading to the award of designated degrees, diplomas, and certificates in Optometry and related courses, which he also sponsored, he said the desire of any government is to have a population of healthy citizens.

“This is why governments all over the world, including Nigeria, continue to fund health-related infrastructure as well as basic health and eye care services to ensure that health sector objectives are actualized.

“The impact of optometric care is growing worldwide, and countries have devoted huge resources toward the development of infrastructure and human capital to ensure that this vital organ of the human body is given its pride of place, because without the eyes, life and living would be difficult,” he stated.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, had during the hearing assured that the bills, if considered and passed into law, “will address the current low-level scientific research and development in vision healthcare and ensure a phenomenal increase in the number of qualified professional manpower and the establishment of more specialized eye care facilities across the country.”

Also in his remarks, Chairman of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Hon. Alex Egbona, while expressing support, said the bills generally seek to increase public access to healthcare for Nigerians in the area of eye care, vision, and optical health.

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Unity in Transition: Success Opara Call for Brotherhood in David Mark’s ADC

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As ADC Transitions Through David Mark, Success Opara Calls on Imo ADC to be Their Brother’s Keeper”

In a bid to strengthen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Success Opara, a prominent figure in the party, has called on ADC members in Imo State to stand together in support of one another.

As the party transitions under the leadership of David Mark, Opara emphasized the importance of being their “brother’s keeper,” recognizing that the challenges ahead are uncertain and require collective strength.

With the party’s growing influence and potential for success, members are being encouraged to stand together in support of one another.

The call for unity comes as the ADC continues to attract prominent figures and gain momentum across the country.

Under David Mark’s leadership, the ADC is poised to make a significant impact in the 2027 elections, and Opara’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within the party.

 

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE — Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS IMMEDIATE EVICTION OF ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS ON GOVERNMENT VERGE

— Warns Against Backdated, Fraudulent Allocation Papers

— Says Right of Way Must Be Cleared to Protect Reconstructed Roads

The Imo State Government has begun a sweeping evacuation of all unauthorized structures and occupants on government verges across the state, reiterating that the Imo State Housing Corporation is not authorized to allocate any portion of government verge for private use.

This decisive action comes after investigations revealed that some individuals have been illegally occupying government verges, presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as purported evidence of ownership. A prime example is the document currently circulating and attached herein, which was illegally issued and fraudulently backdated in favor of one Hon. Clinton Amadi, allegedly allocating a plot at Aladinma Garden Estate.

Government officials have confirmed that such allocation does not have legal backing, as the verge — which is public land reserved for utility easements and road buffer — cannot be lawfully allocated for personal or commercial purposes by any agency of government, including the Imo Housing Corporation.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance noted:

“The government is committed to preserving the integrity of its urban planning and infrastructure. The ongoing occupation of verges not only violates land use regulations but also obstructs the natural right of way for stormwater flow, leading to flooding and accelerated deterioration of our newly reconstructed roads.”

The statement emphasized that any structure or development encroaching on verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice. The public is hereby warned not to patronize touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands.

A Stern Warning to All Illegal Occupants:

All individuals or businesses currently occupying government verges are hereby directed to vacate such areas immediately. Failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for illegal possession and obstruction of government property.

Government verges are not meant for private development, kiosks, or recreational businesses. They are critical to road safety, drainage flow, and infrastructure sustainability. Blocking these spaces is not only a violation of state policy but an assault on public interest.

The Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order and will not tolerate any actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and development efforts.

Residents are urged to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government verges to the Office of the SA on Monitoring and Compliance or the Imo State Ministry of Lands for immediate investigation.

Signed:
Office of the SA to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance
Government of Imo State,
Owerri, Nigeria.

05/07/2025

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As ADC Becomes Nigeria’s Sanctuary, Okoroma’s Leadership Soars – Success Opara

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is gaining momentum in Imo State, with its State Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, leading the charge. Success Opara, Local Government Chairman of ADC Owerri Municipal, has praised Okoroma’s leadership, describing the party as “Nigeria’s Sanctuary” – a viable platform to rescue the country and state from political and economic turbulence.

Under Okoroma’s guidance, ADC is experiencing unprecedented growth, with key stakeholders and political heavyweights joining the coalition. Opara commended Okoroma’s exceptional leadership style, calling him a detribalized Nigerian and an astute political manager with a global vision.

Opara highlighted Okoroma’s efforts in building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. “Prof. Okoroma is not one for ‘eating politics.’ He is building capacity within the party structure and providing internal cohesion rarely seen in party politics. Imo ADC, under his watch, is alive, well, and stronger than ever,” Opara stated.

The party’s growing support base is evident in the recent defections, including Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and past Governor of Imo State. Rumors also circulate about potential defections from other prominent figures.

With Okoroma’s leadership, ADC is poised to make a significant impact in Imo State’s political landscape. As Success Opara noted, “Under the competent leadership of Prof. Okoroma, ADC remains safe, intact, and focused.”

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