The Oyo State Ministry of Health, in line with the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP) and in recognition of the rising burden of preventable blindness and visual impairment, has inaugurated the Oyo State Eye Health Care Committee (Technical Working Group) at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who presided over the event, described the inauguration as “historic”.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable eye care, saying that the state would not relent until all residents could enjoy good vision.
The Commissioner noted that millions of Nigerians still suffer from avoidable blindness and visual impairment, particularly from cataract and uncorrected refractive errors.
She stressed that Oyo State could not afford to overlook such a public health challenge. According to her, the Committee will function as the central coordinating platform for policy development, partner alignment, and integration of eye care services into both primary and secondary health systems across all LGAs.
She further urged the Committee members to approach their assignment with “dedication, professionalism, and a spirit of service.” Dr. Ajetunmobi assured stakeholders that the Ministry would provide strong leadership and the enabling environment required for results, adding that she was confident the Committee’s work would “restore sight to thousands and significantly improve public health outcomes in Oyo State.”
Key members of the Committee include:
Dr. Adepoju Susan – Head of Department, Ophthalmology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, and Chairman of the TWG
Dr. O. A. Babatunde – Director of Public Health, Member
Dr. Iyabo Kareem – Deputy Director of Public Health, Member
Mrs. Bejide Morounmubo – State Eye Health Officer, SMoH, Secretary
Mrs. Ogunlade Victoria – Eye Health Desk Officer, SPHCB (represented by staff of the SPHCB), Member
Dr. Ologunsua Yinka – Chairman, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Oyo State Chapter, Member
Dr. Okotete Olalekan – Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), Member
Mrs. Opasina A. E. and Mrs. G. A. Obidoyin – Nigeria Ophthalmic Nurses Association (NONA), Members
Mr. Ojeniyi Olufemi O. – Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (Oyo State Chapter), Member
The programme also featured a Welcome Address by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. A. K. Ayinde, and concluded with Closing Remarks by Dr. O. A. Babatunde. The Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Iyabo Kareem, was also in attendance as a member of the Committee.
Declaring the Committee inaugurated, Dr. Ajetunmobi said: “It is my honour and privilege to formally declare the Oyo State Eye Health Care Committee (Technical Working Group) duly inaugurated, to the glory of God and for the benefit of humanity.”
The Committee is expected to commence work immediately on a comprehensive state eye health strategy, with priority areas including cataract surgery expansion, refractive error correction, community-based eye screening, and integration of eye care services into all levels of the health system.