NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria’s banking sector stable, CBN reassures Nigerians
General News

Nigeria’s banking sector stable, CBN reassures Nigerians

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reassured the public, depositors, and stakeholders that the Nigerian banking sector remains resilient, safe, and sound.

The CBN said this in a statement issued by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali.

According to Sidi-Ali, the attention of the CBN has been drawn to certain publications and social media reports containing misleading information regarding the operations of a regulated financial institution.

“The CBN wishes to categorically reassure the public, depositors, and stakeholders that the Nigerian banking sector remains resilient, safe, and sound.

“Like all other regulated institutions, the institution referenced in these reports is held to stringent regulatory requirements, and there is no cause for concern regarding the safety of depositors’ funds,” she said.

She said that the apex bank would continue to monitor all financial institutions under its regulatory purview and maintain robust frameworks for early warning signals and risk-based supervision.

“These mechanisms ensure that any emerging issues are promptly addressed to protect the integrity of the financial system.

“We urge the public to disregard sensational or unverified claims and rely solely on official channels for information about the financial system,” Sidi-Ali said.

She said that the CBN remained dedicated to fostering a secure banking environment where depositors could be fully confident in the safety of their funds.

“It will continue to monitor and adapt strategies to safeguard the financial interests of all Nigerians and stakeholders in our financial system,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Economic reforms deliver growth, spur investor confidence – Bagudu
General News

Economic reforms deliver growth, spur investor confidence – Bagudu

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By Salif Atojoko

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, says Nigeria’s economy is witnessing a significant turnaround, driven by bold reforms, improved coordination, and a renewed focus on national priorities.

In an interview for an upcoming documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary, he said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda was working and winning over investors at home and abroad, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

“This is two years well spent reaffirming the government’s commitment to the economic reforms.

“Mr President confronted Nigeria’s economic realities with bold and necessary choices – tough as they might be – and those measures are now yielding results,” said Bagudu.

He added that the reform-driven economy had seen four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and a resurgence in private sector confidence.

According to him, rating agencies have consistently appreciated the efforts of the government.

He stated that foreign and domestic investors had responded positively to the government’s economic agenda, particularly agriculture, energy and infrastructure.

“We have seen investors from Brazil, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia increasingly entering our agricultural space. The world economic community and multilateral institutions are putting more faith in our economy,” said Bagudu.

According to the minister, this renewed interest stems from the administration’s commitment to credibility, transparency, and structural change.

“Investors want to see good policy – can I get paid back? Are the numbers credible? Is the environment transparent? That’s why they appreciate when they see quarterly GDP growth.

“For the first time in 25 years, Nigeria is refining oil. Mr President was courageous enough to allow crude sale in naira to our refiners. This is a testament to his belief in our economy,” he said.

Bagudu described removing fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange market as transformative decisions restoring fiscal sanity.

“We were losing five per cent of our GDP on fuel subsidy – money going to just a few. Mr President took the courageous step to end it.

“The foreign exchange reform removed uncertainty and favouritism. We now have a fair market – willing buyer, willing seller – which has generated revenue growth and boosted private sector confidence,” he said.

Bagudu said the 2024 and 2025 budgets balanced fiscal responsibility and strategic investment in priority sectors.

“We have increased spending in health, education, infrastructure, security, and technology. The 2024 budget achieved significant deficit reduction, and more importantly, it showed that we are serious – and the markets believed us,” continued the minister.

He emphasised Tinubu’s respect for the rule of law, even in managing inherited debt and Central Bank financing.

He said the President inherited ₦22.7 trillion in Ways and Means financing, but he insisted on respecting the Central Bank’s independence, and that the discipline was earning the country credibility globally.

He credited the Presidential Economic Coordination Council and the Economic Management Team – led by President Tinubu and Mr Wale Edun, Coordinating Minister for the Economy – with ensuring coherent, results-driven governance.

“This is teamwork. The President is the chief coordinator. He understands the global economic context, and the private sector respects him. We’re not just doing government-to-government coordination – the private sector is part of this reform effort,” said Bagudu.

While acknowledging that the reforms may feel challenging in the short term, Bagudu likened the process to a necessary fitness regimen.

“Our economy is like a body going to the gym. It might feel painful now, but the muscles of progress are forming.

“Mr President is saying: ‘I’m ready to take the pain so our children and grandchildren will inherit a more prosperous Nigeria.’ This isn’t just economic reform – it’s a moral responsibility,” Bagudu added. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Gender inclusion key to trade policy – Minister
General News

Gender inclusion key to trade policy – Minister

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

 

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has stated the reason for mainstreaming gender inclusion in industrial and trade policy.

 

Oduwole made this known on Thursday in Lagos at The Covenant Nation Platform Africa Women in Leadership and Women in Business Conference.

 

The minister noted that women, when equipped with the tools, networks and opportunities, do not just participate; they lead, grow, and multiply value.

 

She added that women in leadership positions are more likely to prioritise collaboration, invest in social infrastructure, and lead with empathy and inclusion.

 

Oduwole noted that companies with more women in leadership outperform their peers and countries with more inclusive policies grow faster and more equitably.

 

“Leadership is not a gendered gift, but the absence of women in leadership is a loss, not just for women, but for society.

 

“That is why I have mainstreamed gender inclusion in industrial and trade policy.

 

“Whether we are designing Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) support funds, shaping trade facilitation strategies, or negotiating under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we must ask: where are the women? This is because that is smart economics.

 

“The business of the future is female and Africa’s future will be driven by women in business,” she said.

 

Oduwole stated that while women account for nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s self-employed population, they face systemic barriers in accessing finance, markets and formal structures.

 

According to her, as Africa rethinks, the continent must begin to reimagine an economy that truly works for women.

 

She said the continent must be guided by a system where startup capital does not require collateral women are statistically less likely to own, and where policies are not gender-blind but gender-intentional.

 

“It must be supported by a system where leadership is not something women have to prove they are worthy of, but something we collectively cultivate, mentor and support at every level,” she said.

 

Oduwole said that her leadership journey had been shaped by a deep commitment to driving transformative change and impact within Nigeria’s economic growth.

 

She noted that her strong foundation in financial systems and business strategy provided a clear lens into how capital moved and how economic structures shaped national development.

 

“Together, these experiences have shaped my approach to leadership; rooted in evidence, equity, and a belief in Africa’s capacity to compete and thrive globally.

 

“I hope my leadership legacy reflects the power of systemic change, and I want to be remembered for caring enough to sacrifice many things to build a more resilient, equitable and sustainable business environment in Nigeria and Africa,” she said.

 

Oduwole also advised women to henceforth mentor with intention, collaborate across borders and lead with purpose. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

FMITI partners NGX Group to achieve bn investment target
Economy/Business

FMITI partners NGX Group to achieve $6bn investment target

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By Taiye Olayemi

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has partnered with the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) to achieve its ambitious $6 billion investment target.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by Mr Adebayo Thomas, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, the commitment was underscored during a Closing Gong Ceremony at the NGX in Lagos.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, outlined FMITI’s ambitious target to facilitate $6 billion in foreign investment into Nigeria’s productive economy in 2025.

Oduwole was at the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on the invitation of the Board and Management of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) to perform the distinguished Closing Gong Ceremony on the Nigerian Exchange in Lagos on April 28.

Explaining further the financial targets and strategic vision of the $6 billion target, she said $3 billion was projected to come from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into key sectors.

According to her, such sectors include infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, and renewable energy.

She explained that these sectors were pivotal to creating jobs, promoting exports, and enhancing Nigeria’s productive capacity.

She said another $3 billion would be mobilised through Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) by leveraging innovative financial instruments like green bonds, diaspora-linked securities, and SME-focused platforms.

She noted that these efforts were aimed at deepening market liquidity and aligning capital flows with national priorities.

Dr Oduwole emphasised the integral role of capital markets in driving economic resilience and sustainable growth.

She said, “Deepening Nigeria’s capital markets is fundamental to improving investment flows, creating jobs, and sustaining long-term economic resilience.”

Also, Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chairman, NGX, reinforced the importance of this collaboration.

He said, “Capital markets are powerful engines of innovation, business expansion and economic inclusion, all of which are essential to advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation objectives.”

Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, highlighted the Exchange’s technology-driven vision.

“We are building a next-generation exchange ecosystem designed to democratise investment opportunities, enhance market liquidity and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for both domestic and international capital,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the notable areas of collaboration included: Strategic Listing of State-Owned Enterprises, Empowering SMEs, and Green and Sustainable Finance.

Oduwole, was at the NGX on April 28 at the invitation of the Board and Management of the NGX Group to perform the distinguished closing gong ceremony on the Nigerian Exchange.

This symbolic ceremony, held on trading days, marks the formal close of the market and provides an excellent platform to showcase leadership, inspire stakeholders, and address critical economic issues. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Media leaders harp on responsible AI use
Foreign

Media leaders harp on responsible AI use

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By Busayo Onijala

Global media leaders have called for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence to ensure mutual progress.

They stated this during the 4th China Media Group (CMG) Forum held in Qufu, Shandong Province of China.

The forum, jointly hosted by CMG and the Shandong Provincial People’s Government had the theme “Exchange, Mutual Learning, Technology Empowerment: The Power of Civilisation in Transformation and Development”.

With an aim to strengthen communication and inject new momentum into building an open and inclusive international communication, about 300 guests were in attendance.

They included international officials, heads of global organisations, scholars, media professionals and leaders from Euronews, CNBC, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and others.

Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary General for Global Communications, urged global media organisations to stand up for information integrity through collaboration.

She said that while generative artificial intelligence brings new productivity and social benefits, it also poses significant risks that fuel a crisis of trust.

While identifying the benefits of AI, Paul Bascobert, President, Reuters, said it is not merely an efficiency tool but also represents a foundational shift in how news can be gathered, verified, contextualised and delivered.

Bascobert said the current AI revolution was a reminder that technological innovation is always transforming media, but the coordination of journalism remains possible.

He, however, said what changes is the capacity of journalists to fill void positions more effectively.

The media leader called on colleagues to embrace AI’s capabilities while maintaining human oversight.

“We must recognise that technological advancements should serve our core journalistic values not close them. We must use AI to expand access to quality journalism.

“AI offers unprecedented opportunities to deliver news.

“The true power of innovation in journalism’t isn’t just efficiency, it is expanding our capacity to reform, connect and foster understanding across our local community,” he said.

In his speech, Andrew Braddel, Vice President and Managing Director of Global Media Services, Associated Press, said AP has been a leader in generative AI, having been the first news publisher to work with open AI , the company behind Chatgpt.

Braddel, however, said AP does not see AI as a replacement for journalists in any way.

“Human oversight is essential so AI cannot replace the journalists in the field, giving invaluable eyewitness reporting as news unfolds.

“We can’t deny that AI has improved speed and efficiency but we face significant concerns regarding intellectual property.

“We must push for a legal framework to protect intellectual property and ensure content creators are adequately compensated.”

He also said AI has the potential to challenge and enhance the media industry, adding that if not embraced, the media risks being left behind.

Earlier, Shen Haixiong, CMG President, emphasised the group’s commitment to building bridges of dialogue through media communication.

CMG, he said, was ready to collaborate with global partners to continuously inject the power of civilisation into global peace and development.

Shen said the flourishing of civilisations require communication and mutual construction, recalling that Chinese civilisation has always favoured consensus, tolerance and openness in the face of conflicts.

“Only through communication and mutual construction can civilisation flourish and prosper forever, ” he noted.

Also, Lin Wu, Secretary, Communist Party of China Shandong Provincial Committee, said that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to media development as it serves as a bridge and link to enhance mutual trust.

He said that the province has implemented Xi’s important instructions on strengthening international communication capacity and deepening exchanges among civilisations.

“We have leveraged technologies such as AI, 5G, and VR to drive media innovation, actively telling China and Shandong stories to the world.

“We hope to take this forum as an opportunity to work side by side with media friends, jointly advancing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, accelerating the building of an all-media communication network.”

Some highlights of the forum were the launch of projects aimed at promoting mutual learning such as “The CMG AI technology innovation application intelligent platform”.

“China Up Close: Shandong Tour” was also launched to bring international journalists together to learn about China’s historical heritage and innovative progress from a global perspective. (NAN)

Edites by Ismail Abdulaziz

AfDB’s Adesina visits Buhari, expresses gratitude as tenure nears end
General News

AfDB’s Adesina visits Buhari, expresses gratitude as tenure nears end

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By Lucy Ogalue

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, on Thursday, paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari to express appreciation for his unwavering support during his tenure at the bank.

Adesina’s second term as AfDB President concludes in September.

He said that the visit was an opportunity to thank Buhari for backing his candidacy, which was first nominated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He also thanked him for standing by him during key moments in his leadership journey.

“He strongly stood by me in difficult times, which ensured my re-election.

Thank you, Sir,” Adesina said.

He recalled how, during his initial campaign for the AfDB presidency, he arrived in one of the member countries only to be reminded that President Jonathan, who had nominated him, was on his way out of office.

Describing himself as a “stranded candidate,” Adesina recounted seeking a meeting with then-incoming President Buhari to secure his continued support.

During their recent meeting, Buhari reflected on their first encounter and commended Adesina’s integrity and professional achievements, noting that he had long admired his work.

Buhari affirmed that in spite of Adesina’s affiliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he supported individuals based on merit rather than party lines.

“I always look at people as Nigerians, and if they need assistance, I support them on their merit,” Buhari said.

The former president also congratulated Adesina on the official launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

The initiative, a flagship programme under Adesina’s leadership, which aims at transforming agriculture and boosting agro-industrialisation across Africa.

Adesina was first elected President of the AfDB in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the continent’s premier development finance institution.

His visit to Buhari is part of a series of courtesy calls and engagements as he prepares to conclude a decade of transformative leadership at the bank.

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Nigerian Breweries records N1.1trn revenue, up 81% in 2024
Economy/Business

Nigerian Breweries records N1.1trn revenue, up 81% in 2024

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By Rukayat Moisemhe and Taiye Olayemi

Nigerian Breweries Plc says it generated N1.1 trillion in revenue for the financial year ended December, 2024.

The company’s Managing Director, Hans Essaadi, disclosed this at the company’s pre-annual general meeting media briefing on Thursday in Lagos.

According to Essaadi, the N1.1 trillion revenue marks an 81 per cent increase from the company’s 2023 revenue of N599.5 billion.

He, however, noted that the cost of goods sold rose by 98 per cent, driven by high inflation and the impact of the Naira devaluation.

“Despite these challenges, our operating profit grew by 59 per cent, supported by disciplined cost management,” Essaadi added.

He explained that net finance costs surged by 34 per cent to N253 billion, mainly due to higher interest expenses and the foreign exchange impact on payables.

“This weighed heavily on the bottom line, pushing our net loss up by 36 per cent to N145 billion,” he said.

Essaadi noted that the company’s results from operating activities soared by 53.7 per cent from N44.49 billion in 2023 to N68.403 billion in 2024.

He said the loss for the year 2024 stood at N144.338 billion, a 36.5 per cent increase from the company’s loss of N105.769 billion in 2023.

According to him, the Nigerian Breweries’ share capital witnessed a 201.5 per cent increase from N5.138 billion in 2023 to N15.492 billion in 2024.

He explained that there was also a 614.2 per cent surge in the company’s total equity from N65.17 billion in 2023 to N465.47 billion in 2024.

The managing director explained that during the year under review, the principal activities of the company remained the brewing, marketing and selling of lager, stout and non-alcoholic drinks.

He said the company’s 2024 results were shaped by a complex and challenging business environment, significantly impacting operations and livelihoods nationwide.

He said that economic pressures, including high inflation rates and the devaluation of the naira, drove up operational costs and the price of raw materials.

He explained that Nigeria’s inflation rate soared to a near 30-year high of 34.8 per cent in December 2024.

“In spite of these hurdles, Nigerian Breweries demonstrated resilience through strategic adaptations, including a recapitalisation of the company through a rights issue.

“It was also resilient through increased local sourcing, innovation and further diversification through the completion of the acquisition of majority stakes in Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Ltd.

“Our ambition is to leverage diversity, promote equity, and embed inclusion to create business value in a fast-changing and complex environment, which positively impacts our customers and consumers and benefits the company,” he said.

Also, Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries, said, “We are hosting this session as a precursor to our AGM to share with you all of the relevant information about our business and to strengthen our relationship with the media.

“We recognise that 2024 was a challenging year for business in Nigeria and for many businesses in Nigeria.

“This was a fallout of the economic slump of 2023, followed by a narrow decline, and all of this also led to a cash crunch, along with foreign exchange scarcity, high inflation and a wealth crisis and we all lived through it.

“In spite of these challenges, we shaped our organisation for transformational growth to meet the needs of our customers and consumers all over Nigeria and beyond.

“So we remain committed to our purpose and are perfectly in the joy of true togetherness and inspiring a better world,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

ECOWAS bank, EIB partner to promote environmental sustainability
General News

ECOWAS bank, EIB partner to promote environmental sustainability

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By Fabian Ekeruche

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) in conjunction with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has announced a €100 million financial partnership to support climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region.

A statement signed by Anita Somda-Dala, Head of Communications at EBID, said the partnership had the support of the European Union (EU).

The statement said the €100 million credit line signed under a EUR 150 million envelope was the EIB’s first operation with the EBID.

It said the aim was to support economic development, climate action and environmental sustainability in the ECOWAS region, which fills the financing gap in these areas and contributes to sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction.

“This facility affirms joint EBID and EIB targeted support for sustainable investments across the ECOWAS region, with particular support for sectors contributing to climate mitigation.

“The project which will be financed by this operation target particularly renewable energy including small and medium-sized photovoltaic projects, sustainable agriculture and water treatment,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the project-targeting total investments of at least €300 million – is in line with the strategic priorities of the ECOWAS region and is part of the EU strategy in Africa under the Africa-European Union Green Energy Initiative.

“It also responds to the ECOWAS Vision 2050 ambitions linked to the environment, economic growth, private sector development and regional integration as well as the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and the Action Plan for 2022-2030.

“It contributes to various Sustainable Development Goals such assustainable agriculture, health and quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy,” said the statement.

The statement quoted the EBID Vice President, Risk and Control, Dr Mory Soumahoro, as saying:
“We appreciate this line of credit as an initiative of the European Investment Bank to help ECOWAS countries increase their growth and sustainable development.”

“This partnership demonstrates EBID’s commitment to supporting regional member countries’ access to sustainable sources of finance.”

It also quoted the EIB Vice-President, Ambroise Fayolle , as saying: “I am very delighted to sign this first operation with the EBID to support economic development, climate action and environmental sustainability in the ECOWAS region.

“It will help to bridge the financial gap in this region while contributing to reduce poverty and ameliorate daily lives.
“Through EIB Global, our branch dedicated to development, we aim to support the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and key sectors in the region such as innovation, digital economy, renewable energy, water, agriculture and transport.”

The statement quoted Jozef Síkela, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships as saying that more than  half a billion people in Africa still lack access to electricity.

“The partnership between the EBID and EIB is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate action in Africa.

“By mobilising €300 million for projects that promote cleanenergy, we are empowering people in the ECOWAS region to build a greener and more prosperous future.”

The statement said the EIB loan would be accompanied by technical assistance programme of the EIB with climate action focused training and capacity building.

“This is closely aligned with the EIB and EBID initiatives supporting sustainable development,” the statement added.

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

EU launches €300,000 grant for Eurocham Nigeria
General News

EU launches €300,000 grant for Eurocham Nigeria

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By Rukayat Adeyemi
The European Union (EU) has launched a 300,000 euro grant for Eurocham Nigeria Institutional Development Support to strengthen its secretariat, expand advocacy, and enhance external engagement for its members.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, announced this on Thursday during Eurocham’s 25th Annual Stakeholders Conference, held in Lagos.
Mignot said the 300,000 euro three-year grant is part of the EU’s effort to support Eurocham in fulfilling its mandate and expanding its membership base in Nigeria.
He explained that by reinforcing Eurocham’s role in advocacy and policy dialogue, the grant aims to create a conducive business environment through strategic engagement with governments, policymakers, and stakeholders.
According to him, the grant will enable Eurocham to promote trade and investment opportunities, benefitting both European and Nigerian economies, while reinforcing the EU’s role as Nigeria’s strategic partner.
The ambassador noted that launching the grant is a significant step toward deepening EU-Nigeria trade relations.
“A highlight of 2024 I wish to underscore is the approval of a three-year €300,000 grant, awarded to Eurocham last year.
“This financial support will strengthen the Chamber’s administrative capacity and allow further expansion of external activities and advocacy work on behalf of its members,” he said.
Emphasising the EU’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Eurocham Nigeria, Mignot noted that strong governance, coordination with EU states, and bilateral chambers are key to its success.
He said: “By building on past achievements, we create greater opportunities in key areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
“It bears repeating that the EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment and development financing.”
Regarding the EU Global Gateway Strategy, a four-year grant for Nigeria and other African nations to enhance infrastructure, Mignot said the EU looks forward to greater project visibility.
He highlighted projects such as the ‘Omi Eko’ water transportation initiative and expanding commitments to digital skills.
This includes e-governance and supporting the deployment of 90,000 km of fibre optic cables across Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigerian government.
“Investments in agriculture, renewable energy, vaccine manufacturing, and sustainable transportation are key objectives where we rely on the Chamber,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
1,000 persons to benefit from NNPC Foundation cataract surgery
General News

1,000 persons to benefit from NNPC Foundation cataract surgery

628 total views today

 

By Yetunde Fatungase
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has begun a free cataract extraction surgery programme for 1,000 individuals across states in the South-West region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that screening for the surgeries began on Dec. 16, 2024, while the procedures officially started on Monday.

Speaking with NAN, Dr Anne Amugo, the lead consultant physician to the foundation, said that the initiative was intended to give back to society.

Amugo stated that no fewer than 100 individuals had been scheduled for surgery on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta.

He said that surgeries would be performed at the FMC Abeokuta, Likosi Health center, Mosimi, FMC Joga and FMC Ajebo, all in Ogun.

The four centres, she said, would cater to beneficiaries from the South-West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.

“Our team is working together to bring succour to Nigerians.

“Blindness brings darkness to a person’s life but the hope of restoring light is treasure you can’t imagine.

“We have commenced the surgeries proper today, but we’ll have the formal flag off on Wednesday,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Peter Abikoye, a Consultant Ophthalmologist, FMC Abeokuta, commended the initiative, saying “it is worthy of emulation.”

He described it as a Christmas and New Year gift for the elderly.

Abikoye said that surgeries had been performed on 50 persons while assuring that the other 50 would be completed before the end of work on Monday.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with NAN appreciated the foundation for finding it worthy to bless them with the initiative.

Mrs Omolayo Tijani, a teacher, expressed her happiness for benefiting from the free surgery.

Tijani said she had undergone screening in December 2024 and was happy to have had the surgery done on Monday morning.

Another beneficiary, Mr Isaac Ayanwale, expressed deep gratitude to the organisers, stating that he had been struggling to raise money for his cataract surgery before learning about the initiative on the radio.

He expressed hope of regaining his sight when he visited the hospital on Tuesday to have the plaster removed from his eye. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

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