The Aliyu Magatakarda Foundation, a charitable and non-governmental organisation initiated by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko in collaboration with Vision Savers Eye Care Centre, has launched the 2025 edition of the free community eye care programme.
The free eye care targeting 5,000 beneficiaries across Sokoto State was a continuing humanitarian initiative that has provided medical treatment to thousands since 2017.
The screening exercise was conducted to the beneficiaries’ satisfaction at the Sokoto North Senatorial District Office, Garba Duba Road, Sokoto.
Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Almustapha Abubakar Alkali, who represented Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko at the ceremony, flagged off the commencement of the 2025 free eye care exercise.
He noted that the initiative began in 2017, during which 3,150 people were screened and provided with eyeglasses, medication, and surgery. The programme continued in 2018 with 6,000 beneficiaries, and this year, 5,000 patients are expected to benefit.
Alkali emphasised that the initiative is one of many humanitarian projects supported by Senator Wamakko, aimed at improving the well-being of the people.
In his remarks, the Vision Savers Eye Care Centre chairman, Dr Kamal Umar, called on beneficiaries to appreciate the senator for his contribution to saving lives, noting that good vision is a divine blessing.
He advised patients to strictly follow the medical guidelines provided to ensure treatment effectiveness, including cataract surgeries, medications, and prescription glasses.
According to him, the Specialist Hospital Sokoto will serve as the central venue for surgeries and follow-up care.
Many residents gathered at the Sokoto North Senatorial District Office to receive free eye treatment and other medical services.
