June 22, (THEWILL) – The medical outreach initiative of former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has provided free treatment for no fewer than 5,000 people suffering from various eye conditions in the Sokoto North Senatorial District.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Wamakko, who currently serves as a senator, said the programme was part of his ongoing humanitarian and empowerment initiatives for his constituents.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Agriculture, Al-Mustapha Abubakar Alkali, the senator said the outreach had been fully equipped with the necessary medical tools and personnel to ensure a successful exercise.
He emphasized that healthcare remains a critical aspect of human survival, noting: “Losing one’s sight or vision is a major setback in life. That is why this initiative is so important.”
Alkali recalled that similar medical outreach programmes were carried out by the senator in 2017 and 2018, targeting patients with eye-related ailments.
He also highlighted other initiatives by Senator Wamakko in the areas of agriculture, water supply, provision of submersible pumps for irrigation, and rural electrification projects.
He urged other lawmakers to emulate such people-focused programmes that have direct impact on their constituents.
Earlier, Dr. Bala Abubakar, who is leading the medical team, said the outreach would address three major categories of eye issues: surgeries, treatment, and allergies.
He stated: “We will attend to patients with glaucoma, short and long sightedness, and conduct surgeries for serious cases.
“Those who need eyeglasses will be provided with them, and patients at risk of losing their sight will undergo surgery at the Sokoto Specialist Hospital,” he added.
Dr. Abubakar also commended Senator Wamakko for his commitment to the wellbeing of the people and praised the Sokoto State Government for supporting the use of the state specialist hospital for the surgical procedures.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
