Muhammad Garba
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on governments at all levels and the general public to be more proactive in promoting and accessing effective eye healthcare services to prevent avoidable blindness in Nigeria.
The Director of NOA in Jigawa State, Mallam Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim, made the call in a press statement issued in Dutse to commemorate the 2025 World Sight Day.
Ibrahim described the eyes as one of the most vital sense organs for human productivity, noting that the loss of sight often renders individuals disabled and dependent on others.
He stressed that good vision is essential for productivity, safety, and quality of life, urging Nigerians to be more conscious of their eye health and to avoid practices that could endanger their vision.
According to him, millions of Nigerians suffer from preventable and treatable eye conditions due to poor awareness and limited access to quality eye care services.
To address this challenge, he said the agency would embark on extensive public enlightenment campaigns in collaboration with government institutions, civil society organizations, and private stakeholders.
The NOA Director further encouraged citizens to adopt safe eye health practices such as regular eye check-ups, early detection and treatment of eye problems, and consuming foods rich in nutrients that support vision, including carrots, oranges, and leafy green vegetables.
He also advised the public to ensure proper lighting when reading or working, limit excessive screen time, and prioritize routine vision screening for both adults and children at the nearest healthcare facilities.
