On Thursday, 20th October, 2022, the Nigerian Optometric Association led by the President, Dr. Obinna Awiaka paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Honourable Minister of State for Health, Hon. Nkama Joseph EKUMANKAMA and his team. Other members of the delegation include:
Dr. Adesuwa Agbontaen- President, GOODON
Dr. Claire Esenwah- Secretary Board of Trustees;
Dr Ngozika Bibilary, Director, FMOH;
Dr Victor Kelechi Aliche – National Secretary;
Dr. Ozy Okonokhua- IPP;
Dr. Damian Echendu – PP and
Dr. Justice Nzerem- Member Business Development Committee.
The NOA President, Dr. Awiaka, in his address congratulated the Honourable Minster on his feat as the first non-Medical Personnel to be appointed as the Honourable Minister of State for Health. The President expressed a lot of enthusiasm and hope that his appointment would bring a rear of hope to the health sector. Dr Awiaka equally commended President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for this appointment stating that this singular act would go a long way in addressing the myriads of challenges bedeviling the health sector.
In his prayers, the President Dr. Obinna Awiaka tabled very key issues of concern to the Minister. These are Optometrists issues in the front burners. We are silent on them for strategic reasons.
While responding, the Minister thanked the Association for such a gesture and asserted that Optometrists play vital role in ensuring overall well being of citizens. He further averred that the eye is very central to all that humanity does while recognizing the contributions of Optometrists to the health sector and overall economy. The Minister further pledged to ensure that the Ministry will do all it can to support the Association and also look forward to having more strategic interactions with the NOA whenever the need arises.
The Honourable Minister painstakingly responded to all the prayers as presented by the delegation. He acknowledged the genuineness of these requests and pledged to work within his capability to ensure these requests are granted.
As a show of commitment to his pledge, the Minister went ahead to fix a follow up meeting with the delegation and other relevant stakeholders which is already in progress, to actualize these requests within the shortest time possible.
We are optimistic these engagements would yield the expected outcomes.
Highlights of the visit include, the presentation of Conference souvenir, and plaque to the Honourable Minister as an Eye Care Ambassador.
The NEC continues to seek the support and cooperation of all members while the efforts towards repositioning the Association are ongoing.
Together we can achieve more!