Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation launches free eye surgery programme for Edo communities

The Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation has partnered with the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation to provide free cataract surgeries and comprehensive eye care services to 100 beneficiaries across communities in Edo State.

The 2-day medical outreach is scheduled to hold from March 12–13  2026, and is aimed at improving access to quality eye care for vulnerable and underserved populations while addressing the rising burden of avoidable blindness caused by cataracts and other preventable eye conditions.

In a joint statement, both organisations explained that the initiative forms part of their commitment to expanding healthcare access and restoring sight to individuals who cannot afford the cost of surgery and treatment.

According to the statement, the humanitarian programme is also being organised in honour of Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa, the Obarisiuwa N’Erie, who passed away on August 20, 2016. She was one of the wives of Oba Erediauwa and was widely remembered for her compassion, generosity and dedication to community service.

To preserve her legacy of service and humanitarian support, the Oloi Evbagharu Erediauwa Foundation (OLEEF) was established seven years after her passing.

Since its establishment, the foundation has implemented several social intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and promoting community development.

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Through its initiatives, the foundation has provided educational support for underprivileged children, empowered rural women, and championed programmes focused on the welfare and development of the girl child. These interventions, according to the organisation, have positively impacted many communities within Edo State and beyond.

The upcoming eye care outreach is expected to further strengthen the foundation’s mission of improving lives through targeted humanitarian programmes.

As part of the initiative, beneficiaries will receive free medical screening, treatment and cataract surgeries conducted by a team of qualified ophthalmologists and medical volunteers.

The medical outreach will be led by Chief Surgeon Dr. Mejuya Okorodudu, who will coordinate the surgical procedures and clinical services throughout the programme.

Health experts say cataracts remain one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in many parts of Africa, particularly among elderly populations and people with limited access to specialised healthcare services.

Public health analysts have praised the partnership between the two foundations, noting that such community-based interventions are crucial in addressing preventable blindness in Nigeria.

A public health expert, Dr. Adeyemi Ogunwale, said initiatives like this help bridge the gap in access to specialised healthcare services in underserved communities.

“Cataract surgery is one of the most effective and affordable medical interventions in modern medicine. Programmes like this not only restore sight but also improve the quality of life and economic productivity of beneficiaries,” he said.

Members of the public have been encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to receive free eye examinations, treatment and surgery during the outreach programme.

Interested individuals can obtain further information or register through the foundation’s secretariat.