By Lawal Gwanda
The Katsina State Government has completed a major free eye-care intervention that saw 1,164 vulnerable residents undergo surgery, as part of efforts to tackle avoidable blindness across the state.
The programme, which was implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Emirate Affairs in partnership with the state’s 34 Local Government Councils, officially ended on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The exercise covered the three senatorial districts, beginning in the Funtua and Daura zones before culminating in Katsina Senatorial District.
The closing ceremony was held at the Katsina Eye Centre, Katsina metropolis, where the initiative attracted a large number of residents suffering from various eye-related conditions.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Malam Bishir Tanimu Gambo, accompanied by the ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Rabi’u Abubakar Gagare, said the intervention reflected the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare and protecting the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
Gambo disclosed that the programme was launched following a directive from Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, with coverage extended to all 34 local government areas.
According to him, particular attention was given to the seven local government areas inherited by Katsina State from the former Kaduna State, where officials identified a significant burden of eye-related problems.
The commissioner urged beneficiaries who underwent surgery to strictly adhere to medical instructions, particularly regarding prescribed eye drops and medications.
He assured patients that any post-treatment complications would be attended to without additional charges.
“If you experience any discomfort after the treatment, go to the hospital immediately free of charge. And if you face any financial problem, my office is open. Come to me and by God’s grace we will solve the problem,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Lawal Aliyu Rabe, said the intervention was driven by the government’s concern for the health and wellbeing of residents.
He commended the state government for funding the programme and providing vulnerable people with access to eye treatment that might otherwise have remained beyond their reach.
The Lead Coordinator of the programme from the Royal Sisters Charity Foundation, Dr. Tafida Abubakar, disclosed that the initiative initially targeted 1,020 eye surgeries.
He explained, however, that the organisers expanded the number after deciding not to turn away residents who presented with conditions requiring surgical intervention.
As a result, an additional 144 patients were treated, bringing the total number of surgeries to 1,164.
Tafida further revealed that 8,881 people were screened across the state during the exercise.
He said the team ensured that people requiring treatment were attended to in every location visited.
According to him, a recent survey indicated that approximately 32,000 people in Katsina State are living with cataracts, urging the government to sustain and expand interventions targeting the condition.
He commended Governor Radda, the Ministry of Local Government and Emirate Affairs and the 34 local government councils for supporting the programme and prioritising vulnerable residents.
The Medical Director of Katsina Eye Centre, Dr. Aliyu Umar, also expressed appreciation to the governor, the ministry and the local government councils for their support.
For the beneficiaries, the intervention offered more than medical treatment—it provided a renewed opportunity to see and live more independently.
Two beneficiaries, Malam Yahaya Musa Kabobi of Kaita Local Government Area and Hajia Amina Sule of Katsina Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the state government for sponsoring the programme.
They praised the authorities for coming to the aid of residents who could not afford eye surgery and prayed for the continued success of the administration.
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