The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, officially launched the Jigi Bola 2.0 Free Eye Care Initiative at the Ayangbure Palace in Ikorodu, in a continued demonstration of people-focused leadership and a commitment to inclusive healthcare.
The three-day programme, conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Health District II and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), is aimed at improving access to quality eye care for residents, especially the elderly and underserved.
At the flag-off ceremony, a large crowd of enthusiastic beneficiaries gathered to receive free eye screening, medical consultations, and prescription glasses. Many also benefited from treatments for eye conditions that had long affected their vision and quality of life.
Declaring the event open, Hon. Adesina emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare services and described the initiative as a continuation of the legacy of grassroots-focused governance.
He stated that the Jigi Bola programme, since its inception during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has remained one of the most impactful public health interventions in Lagos State, serving as a reminder that governance is most meaningful when it touches lives at the grassroots.
He further announced that the programme will be held over three days, starting at the Ayangbure Palace, continuing on the second day at the Palace of the Alagura of Agura Kingdom, and concluding on the third day at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat.
Mr. Adeola Adeniyi, representing Lagos State Health District II, addressed attendees on the significance of maintaining good eye health.
He explained that the Jigi Bola 2.0 initiative was developed to help residents prevent common but serious eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma (locally referred to as “dicloma”), and complications caused by diabetes.
He emphasized the need for regular check-ups and assured that the Lagos State Government remains committed to improving public health across all communities.
In addition to the free eye screenings and distribution of glasses, the programme also featured a sensitization session on health insurance, presented by Mrs. Adiza Abdullahi of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA).
She educated attendees on how to register for the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, explaining that the initiative was introduced to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all, particularly at the grassroots level.
According to her, the insurance covers a broad range of medical treatments and enables enrollees to access services from any accredited hospital under the scheme. She assured residents that the enrollment process is simple and that government officials and volunteers are available to guide them.
Participants at the event shared emotional testimonies about the life-changing impact of the programme.
Mrs. Yetunde Iyinola expressed deep gratitude to Hon. Wasiu Adesina, revealing that her child had suffered from a persistent eye condition for five years without finding relief due to financial limitations.
Through the programme, they received proper diagnosis, treatment, and hope for recovery. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Kudirat Raji, praised the initiative for making quality eye care accessible to those who ordinarily could not afford glasses or medical consultations.
She expressed appreciation to both the Lagos State Government and Hon. Adesina for prioritizing the health needs of the people.
As the Jigi Bola 2.0 programme continues in Ikorodu, it is expected to reach hundreds of residents before its conclusion, further reinforcing the local government’s dedication to improving community health and ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
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