No fewer than 1,444,581 Nigerians have been provided with free reading glasses under the Federal Government’s Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria, also known as Jigi Bola 2.0, within its first year of implementation.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the first ‘Meet-the-Press’ session of the year at the State House in Abuja. He described the rollout as “one of the largest vision-care distribution efforts on the African continent.”
The initiative, which aims to deliver five million free pairs of eyeglasses nationwide, is being executed through the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Programme in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
Program Reach and Impact
So far, the program has screened over 1.5 million Nigerians aged 40 and above across 16 states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. A remarkable 94% utilization rate of donated glasses was recorded, with 65% of beneficiaries receiving their first-ever pair.
The initiative also made strides in bridging gender gaps in healthcare access, with 53% of recipients being women.
Strengthening Primary Eye Care
To ensure sustainability, the program has trained 2,216 primary healthcare workers and activated 811 facilities to provide essential eye care services, including screening, counseling, and referrals.
Three dedicated vision centres have also been established in Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo states to provide subsidized glasses beyond the free distribution scheme.
Funding and Partnerships
Salako highlighted that philanthropic support has been instrumental. The Livelihood Impact Fund is covering one million pairs for 2026, while Founders Pledge funded Restoring Vision to supply two million pairs.
Faith-based networks played a significant role, with the Christian Health Association of Nigeria alone dispensing 201,960 glasses.
Beneficiary Testimonies
The minister shared touching stories of impact, including a mechanic in Delta State who works faster and a pharmacist in Kwara who regained confidence at work. One elderly beneficiary expressed joy at being able to read the Quran again, saying, “This is amazing.”
Future Expansion
Plans are underway to extend the program to eight more states, including Nasarawa, Rivers, Oyo, and Edo, in the coming year. Four additional vision centers will also be established.
Salako added that the President’s commitment has attracted further investments in eye health, such as the €15 million Christian Blind Missions VisionQuest Nigeria programme and a $5 million Bloomberg project aimed at school-aged children.
“This initiative restores sight, dignity, and economic opportunity,” Salako stated. “It reflects the President’s unwavering commitment to helping Nigerians learn, earn, and thrive.”
Posts
0 Comments