By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Kaima, Bayelsa — February 13, 2026: More than 5,000 residents of Kolokuma/Opokuma and Okordia/Zarama communities will receive free healthcare. The Vision First Plus community eye care and medical outreach is organized by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in collaboration with the Bayelsa Ministry of Health, Eye Sight Foundation, NNPC Limited, TotalEnergies, and AENR. The initiative started in Kaima Community to improve access to quality healthcare services.
Vision First Plus: A Community-Focused Healthcare Initiative
At the Kaima Referral Hospital, Mr. Igo Weli, Vice President of Relations and Sustainable Development, explained the programme’s purpose. He said the initiative provides comprehensive eye care services for host communities.
He added, “This programme is part of our Health in Motion initiative, which brings healthcare closer to where people live, learn, and raise families.”
Furthermore, he highlighted that clear vision is essential for learning, earning, and participating fully in society.
Addressing Preventable Visual Impairments
Mr. Weli noted that 2.2 billion people globally live with visual impairment, nearly half of which is preventable or treatable. In Nigeria, 24 million people face vision problems, mostly caused by cataracts or uncorrected refractive errors.
Insights from 30,000 screenings under Health in Motion over five years show that over 60% of individuals had visual disorders. Consequently, the organization continues to invest in preventive healthcare and access to services.
He added, “In the Niger Delta alone, over 20,000 people have already benefited from Vision First programmes.”
Encouraging Community Participation
Mr. Weli urged residents to participate fully and get screened. He emphasized that preventive care protects lives and ensures a better future.
He concluded, “Our goal is not only to prevent avoidable blindness but also to preserve dignity, confidence, and independence through clear vision.”
State Government Supports Healthcare Expansion
Also speaking, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, Bayelsa Commissioner for Health, highlighted efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery. He emphasized that functional services now cover all wards in the state.
He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the outreach, noting that early screening saves lives, prevention reduces costs, and treatment improves productivity and longevity.
Furthermore, he praised healthcare professionals and volunteers for their dedication, precision, and compassion. He added, “True success is measured by the lives we transform, not by buildings we inaugurate.”
Conclusion
The seven-day Vision First Plus programme promises to enhance healthcare accessibility in Bayelsa. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free medical outreach.
