…As Group Sponsors Cataract Surgeries In Osun

The District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 404B2 Nigeria, Oluwakemi Abimbola Erinbake, has called on government at all levels to intensify awareness campaigns on eye health and the dangers of untreated sight problems.

Erinbake made the call during a free cataract surgery outreach organised by the Osun Living Spring Lions Club at Catholic Hospital, Ipetumodu, Osun State, where three patients benefited from surgeries sponsored by the club.

According to her, many Nigerians ignore early signs of eye defects due to poor awareness and late medical attention, stressing that prevention is better than treatment.

“The government should put in more effort and also create awareness programmes. People should be encouraged to go for medical checks early because prevention is better than trying to solve the problem later,” she said.

Erinbake described sight care as one of the core global humanitarian focus areas of Lions Club International, noting that the organisation would continue to complement government efforts in supporting people with vision challenges.

“We know we are complementing the efforts of the government, but we still need more people to join us in helping the needy. Sight is life, and initiatives like this are very important,” she added.

Speaking on the outreach, the President of Osogbo Living Spring Lions Club, Raheem Oluwafemi Omotosho, said the intervention formed part of the club’s humanitarian services aimed at restoring sight to vulnerable residents.

Omotosho explained that cataract treatment remained one of the major projects of Lions Club International, adding that the club had consistently carried out humanitarian interventions across communities.

“We are here to support the less privileged and help people with sight problems regain their vision. This is one of the core projects of Lions Club International, and we will continue to support humanity in every way we can,” he said.

Also speaking, the Service Activities Coordinator of the club, Grace Adeniran, said the outreach was organised to restore hope to the beneficiaries and improve their quality of life.

Adeniran said the club deliberately chose Catholic Hospital, Ipetumodu, because of its reputation for quality healthcare delivery.

“We are here to bring back their sight, give them hope and put smiles on their faces. We wanted quality healthcare for these patients, and that is why we chose this hospital,” she said.

She disclosed that the club not only paid for the surgeries but also sponsored the feeding and accommodation of the beneficiaries throughout their recovery period.

“We are taking care of their welfare for one week because we want them to recover properly. Service to humanity is very important, and government cannot do everything alone,” Adeniran added.

The Matron of Catholic Hospital, Ipetumodu, Theresa Anthony, described the outreach as a timely intervention, especially at a period when many Nigerians could barely afford basic healthcare services.

According to her, many patients often stay at home and allow health conditions to deteriorate because of financial challenges and the high cost of treatment.

“In a country where many people are finding it difficult to eat, some patients prefer to stay at home with their illness because they cannot afford treatment. Seeing an organisation willing to pay for surgeries and restore people’s sight is a wonderful gesture,” she said.

Anthony called on the government to subsidise surgeries and medical treatments for indigent Nigerians, stressing that many people with eye problems and other medical conditions genuinely needed support.

One of the beneficiaries, Joseph Blessing, who said she had battled cataracts since 2024, expressed gratitude to the organisation for sponsoring her surgery.

“I was told my cataract had matured, but there was no money for surgery. Suddenly, I was called and told someone had paid for me. I thank God and the Lions Club for coming to my rescue,” she said emotionally.

Dupe Badmus, whose daughter is also a beneficiary, appreciated the club for the initiative, praying for members of the organisation to bring relief and hope to people struggling with health challenges.

“I appreciate the Lions Club for helping people. God will continue to bless and uplift them for what they are doing for the needy,” she said.