Over 100 people from Niger North have regained their sight following eye surgeries sponsored by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, who represents the region. The surgeries were provided as part of a medical outreach initiative aimed at addressing the vision problems affecting constituents in the area.
The beneficiaries came from the eight local government areas of the Niger North Senatorial District, including Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu, Magama, Wushishi, Agwara, Borgu, and Rijau.
A team of ophthalmologists from both local and outside the region conducted the surgeries, which followed a two-week screening and medical checkup period. This effort was part of a Senator-sponsored health outreach program designed to support residents in need of eye care.
Senator Sani Bello, who was present during the outreach, explained that he sponsored the surgery out of empathy for the people in his constituency who were struggling with vision impairments requiring surgical intervention. “I decided to sponsor the surgery using my own resources because I felt it was important to make a real difference in the lives of my people,” he said. “It’s heartwarming to see the patients happy and regaining their sight. I encourage others to always give back to society.”
The Senator, who previously served as the Governor of Niger State, acknowledged that while the people of the region also face issues like food insecurity, health is equally important. He noted that the medical outreach was meant to complement ongoing government efforts in improving the wellbeing of the community.
Dr. Usman Abubakar Bosso, one of the ophthalmologists involved, explained that the surgeries took place in Kontagora and New Bussa. A total of 60 patients received cataract surgery in Kontagora, while 40 others were treated in New Bussa, serving residents from Borgu and Agwara local government areas.
Daniel Adams, representing the coordinating firm Rajab Global Ltd., shared that the surgeries were a direct result of the two-week outreach across the eight local government headquarters. He explained that patients in need of surgery were identified during the outreach and referred for treatment. While the surgeries were carried out by consultants from the Primary Health Care Agency, Senator Sani Bello covered the costs for the underprivileged individuals, making the procedures completely free of charge.
One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Peter, expressed her gratitude for the senator’s support, praying for his continued success in serving the community. “God bless him for this wonderful gesture,” she said. “I am so grateful, and I hope he continues his good work for the people.”