Politics

Sen. Iya Abbas Bill To Establish National Eye Centre Jimeta, Passes 2nd Reading In Senate

Published

1 year ago

November 7, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Sen. Iya Abbas Bill To Establish National Eye Centre Jimeta, Passes 2nd Reading In Senate

Bill to establish the National Eye Centre, Jimeta, Adamawa state has passed second reading at the senate

This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill at plenary on Thursday by the sponsor Senator Abbas Aminu Iya(Adamawa).

Presenting the bill, Senator Aminu Iya said the bill was read for the first time on July 10, 2024.

He said cataract was one of the commonest causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in Nigeria .

Senator Aminu Iya said glaucoma has led to several cases of blindness in Adamawa State and the country at large, hence the need to establish more national eye centres anywhere in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised.

According to him, Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

“It is spread by direct contact with the eye or nose of an infected person which causes inflammation of the eyelids and can lead to scarring of the cornea.

“This is one of the eye diseases commonly found among rural dwellers in Nigeria, and Jimeta as well as other communities of Adamawa State is not an exception.

“This, in addition to other conditions like uncorrected refractive errors are found to be among major causes of blindness and visual impairment in Adamawa State and the country at large” he said.

Senator Aminu Iya listed the objective of the bill to include prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye issues .

He said the centre would also be involved in the coordination of research in eye diseases and training of specialists in eye diseases among others.

The eye centre Jimeta, when established will help to prevent and treat eye diseases.

“The centre will enhance and train more eye care providers and professionals alike.

“The centre will promote research and innovations in the field of eye care for Adamawa State and the country.

“In the overall analysis, the centre when fully established will create jobs, and boost local economy, which will have direct effect on the national economy” Senator Aminu Iya said.

He said the bill would not serve Adamawa State only but the adjoining states.

He said currently, anybody with eye challenge in the aforementioned states would have to travel all the way to Kaduna State for treatment.

This, he said was very challenging for most people in view of the current economic and security challenges bedeviling the country.

The Senator urged the lawmakers to support the bill for the second reading.

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio after the bill was read the second time referred it to Committee of Health for further legislative inputs.

Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

3 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

3 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.