By fabulous reporter
In a commendable act of corporate social responsibility, the Lagos State Government recently organized a vision screening program for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council. The event took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, on a Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that journalists’ vision is integral to their professional responsibilities. The outreach, which aligns with the observance of World Sight Day in 2023, aims to ensure that journalists receive the eye care they need.
“We usually embark on this outreach all year round. As part of efforts to mark year 2023 World Sight Day, we have targeted some groups of persons which is why we decided to enlist journalists on our schedule because their sight plays a major role in discharging their duties professionally.”
Dr. Ogboye also announced that the eye screening program would extend to other areas within Lagos, reaffirming the commitment to the welfare of journalists in the state.
In her address, Dr. Olufunmilayo Shokunbi, the Director of Medical Administration and Training at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the critical role that good eyesight plays in workplace productivity. She recommended that individuals, particularly those working on computers, should take breaks to reduce eye strain.
“When working on your laptops, endeavor to look up or gaze at something for 20 seconds in order to reduce the pressure on the eyes.” she said.
Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman of the Lagos NUJ, expressed gratitude on behalf of journalists, noting the improved clarity of his vision after participating in the screening. He encouraged all journalists to take advantage of this opportunity for a complimentary eye check-up and eyeglasses.
“I have just gone through the eye screening exercise, and I am seeing clearly now because of the eyeglasses given to me. Against this backdrop, we must all key into this initiative because no one must be left behind.” Ajayi noted
Mrs. Julie Ekong, Chairman of the Health Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), praised the Ministry for their professionalism and urged members who missed the initial screening to stay tuned for future opportunities, saying, “We urge members that couldn’t make the exercise to be on the lookout for the second batch in the nearest future.”
The event was well-attended, with over 150 journalists benefiting from the program, addressing various eye conditions
