First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Priceless Gift of Sight programme has was restored sight of over 2,000 visually impaired people in Kebbi State.
FCMB in partnership with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) made it possible as beneficiaries received free eye testing, optical services, surgeries, glasses, and other preventive/corrective treatments for various eye defects.
The FCMB’s Priceless Gift of Sight programme has been running for 14 years in partnership with TCF. The programme aims to prevent avoidable blindness and restore the sight of disadvantaged and lower-income Nigerians.
FCMB’s Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Diran Olojo, who spoke at the outreach programme in Kebbi, said; “Visual impairment is a disability that often leads to reduced access to information, mobility, loss of income, and decreased quality of life. It robs most of its victims of productivity. As a result, they will likely be unable to make ends meet for themselves and their families, fuelling poverty.”
“FCMB is proud that its Priceless Gift of Sight programme is bridging the gap, preventing avoidable blindness, and restoring the sight of disadvantaged Nigerians.”
“FCMB will continue to support initiatives that ensure accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, regardless of their background, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 – Good Health and Well-Being and 10 – Reduced Inequalities.”
Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State commended FCMB and TCF for being responsive and sustaining the programme in the last 14 years.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Abubakar Umar said the state government will continue to welcome organisations and non-governmental bodies willing to contribute to the health and social well-being of the people.
However, TCF’s Programme Manager, Mr. Chandarkne Deshpande, said; “Our partnership with FCMB has been a very healthy relationship. We have reached over 350,000 people across Nigeria, providing free testing, optical services, surgeries, glasses, and eye disease management. Through this, we have been able to turn around the lives of people for the better.”
