The Lions Clubs International District 404, Nigeria has initiated the construction of a world
class Eye Care Hospital, Diabetes and Cancer Research Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr Lanre Adebayo, the Project Director, in a statement said that the project is aimed
at addressing an area of severe gap in Nigeria’s health care system, adding that it would also
complement existing public health infrastructure in the country.
According to him, an estimated 1.13 million Nigerians are currently blind while 4.25 million adults are partially blind and the prevalence rate was higher in the Northern states.
He said that two major causes of blindness include cataracts and glaucoma, adding that these were preventable and the eye care service in relation to Nigeria’s population was grossly
inadequate.
“This was the reason for the intervention of the Lions Club International to support this aspect of the health sector”.
Adebayo noted that the Eye Care Hospital, Diabetes and Cancer Research Centre was
conceived to be world class, which would cater both for the poor and rich, adding that it would
feature a health extension service, especially to accommodate the rural poor.
“The hospital will feature the first Eye Bank in Nigeria, while reducing incidences of avoidable
childhood and old age related blindness. It would also establish a global standard research centre on diabetes and childhood cancer in Nigeria.
“In pursuance of its goal of raising a sum N3.5b for the Project, the Lions Clubs is appointing
project Champions whose responsibilities include personal and corporate donations to the project which the Project Director described as arguably one of the most outstanding and unprecedented humanitarian interventions in the Country.
“There are several benefits for donors including naming of specific components of the facility after such donors. Other benefits are the award of Melvon Jones Fellowship, Knight of the Blind, a place of mention in the Donors Hall of Fame in the Hospital, as well as the Lions Clubs Eye Care Ambassadors”.
Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organisation with about 1.35
Million members in more 206 Countries.
Founded in 1917, the Club has been identified
globally for its fight against blindness. Recently, it expanded the scope of its work to include care for the environment, ‘feed the hungry’ initiative, and aiding the seniors and the disabled.
The Lion Clubs was introduce into Nigeria in 1963. The Nigerian chapter has continued to function
effectively as part of this global service network while helping local communities.
The statement noted that further details concerning donations sponsorship etc. can be
obtained from the Project Director, Dr. Lanre Adebayo on phone number 234 8033497161.