Abia State Governor Alex Otti has advised both private and commercial drivers in the state to undergo regular eye examinations to prevent road accidents, saying good vision on the highway is central to road safety.
He spoke as the state marked the grand finale of the 2026 World Sight Day at the Prof. Nnenna Oti Mega Bus Terminal, Umuahia, the state capital yesterday.
Represented by his deputy governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, he said, “Your vision is directly connected to the safety of your passengers, your fellow road users and, indeed, your own life.
“Regular eye examinations are not merely a personal health responsibility; they are a professional obligation and a commitment to every life you carry on our roads.”
On the theme of the day, “Love Your Eyes,” with the state-specific message, “Safe Eyes, Safe Roads, Safe Lives,” Otti described such examination as an important link between preventive healthcare and road safety.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that promote the health and well-being of residents of the state as a healthy population and safer roads are essential to productivity and development.
“By investing in the health of our drivers and promoting a culture of responsible driving, we are investing in the safety, prosperity and future of our entire state,” Otti added.
While commending drivers that turned up for the occasion, the deputy governor underwent a vision test to demonstrate the importance the Otti administration attaches to regular eye checks.
In his remarks, the state’s commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Uche said undetected eye conditions could compromise driving ability and increase the risk of road traffic crashes.
He urged motorists to take advantage of screening services and complement good vision with compliance with traffic regulations, adequate rest and avoid drinking anything that impairs judgement.
Similarly, his transport ministry counterpart, Chimezie Ukaegbu, said the ministry will collaborate with health authorities, transport unions and road safety agencies to promote routine eye screening and responsible driving in the state.
Speaking, the Abia State Sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ngozi Ezeoma stressed that driving experience could not compensate for impaired eyesight.
She warned that poor vision could delay reactions, affect distance judgement and make it difficult for drivers to identify road signs, pedestrians and other hazards.
Earlier, the Administrator of the State Eye Health Management Bureau, Betty Emeka-Obasi, said the bureau had established 25 eye clinics and vision centres across the 17 local government areas
The administrator cautioned residents against self-medication and patronage of unqualified practitioners, urging them to seek professional attention for eye-related problems.
She encouraged parents and teachers to ensure that children underwent regular eye examinations to prevent undetected vision problems from affecting their education and development.
The guest speaker, Ijeoma Alozie, head, Optometry Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, noted the importance of early detection and treatment of eye conditions, warning against poor health-seeking habits and the use of unprescribed eye medications.
The event featured free eye-screening services, road safety sensitisation, stakeholder engagement and awards recognising organisations and individuals for their contributions to eye-health promotion.
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