*Etisalat
About 50 indigenes of Gombe State have regained their sight after benefitting from a Free Eye Surgery programme sponsored by one of Nigeria’s telecommunications operators, Etisalat, in partnership with Charity for Cheer Foundation and the State Government.
The initiative, which was designed to support Etisalat’s host communities, as well as vulnerable Nigerians, held for three days at the Gombe Specialist Hospital, with 50 patients suffering from cataract infections successfully operated upon.
Speaking at the flag-off of the initiative, the Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, who was represented by the company’s Head, Government and Community Relations, Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, said the initiative reflects the company’s dedication to delivering on sustainable community support programmes that complement the efforts of governments to the utmost benefit of the people.
“Etisalat is committed to delivering sustainable community support programmes. We are truly passionate about helping our host communities because we believe that corporate organisations should make positive impacts on the host communities in which they operate. The Free Eye Surgeries Camp is a rewarding experience that helps visually impaired and vulnerable persons recover their full sight to enable them remain productive members of their immediate communities,” he said.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Pero/Chonge Constituency in the Gombe State House of Assembly and member, House Committee on Health and Human Services, Hon. BubaYakubu, while commending Etisalat for the initiative, pledged the commitment of the State Government to creating a sustainable business environment for the operator and other partner businesses in the state.
“We are really happy with you over this initiative because you have shown responsibility to work with the State Government in delivering quality healthcare services to the indigenes. We will return this gesture by working hard to ensure you have an enabling environment for your business operations,” he said.
Speaking in a similar vein, the Director, Administration and Finance, State Ministry of Health, Hassan El-Rasheed, noted that though “it is government’s responsibility to cater for all people in the communities, the partnership with Etisalat has taken part of the burden off the Government.”
Among the beneficiaries were Abubakar Yaro, a 74-year- old retired soldier who had suffered from cataract infection for five years before the operation. His son, Abubakar Ishaku who was by his bedside, revealed that the operation was a relief to the family.
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