The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, has called on political office holders across all levels of government to deepen democracy at the grassroots level through life-saving programmes with direct impact on the well-being and livelihoods of their constituents.

Hon. Bello made the call while delivering a keynote address at a One-day Optical Medical Outreach themed “Restoring Sights, Renewing Hope and Transforming Lives through Accessible Eye Care” for over two thousand (2,000) residents of Ijebu- East, Ijebu-North and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas, held at the Ijebu Imusin Muslim Community Events Centre.

Bello said the optical medical outreach programme tagged “Jigi Bello” is part of his contributions to deepening democracy in his federal constituency and involves free eye tests and glasses meant to restore hope, improve the quality of life of the people and promote human dignity.

He added that the programme reminds all the beneficiary communities and individuals that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few, but an opportunity available for all.

He said, “The programme is also important as it brings this essential service closer to the people and increase an opportunity for early detection, professional advice, appropriate treatment and referral where necessary.”

While promising to offset the cost of referrals, Hon. Bello called on other political office holders to do more for residents of their constituencies by embarking on programmes with direct impact on their well being.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government Area, Dr Kehinde Oluwadare, praised Hon Kehinde Bello for the impact of the Optical Medical Outreach on the beneficiaries, and asked him to sustain the programme for the overall well-being of the people.

A foremost traditional ruler in Ijebu East Local Government, the Moyegeso of Ijebu-Itele, Oba Mufutau Kasali, who also benefited from the medical outreach, called on other political office holders and well-meaning individuals in the local government and beyond to give back to society through several other outreach programmes.

Two beneficiaries of the medical outreach, Mrs Arinola Adesanya and Pa Sanni Babatunde, thanked the sponsor, Hon Kehinde Bello, and also expressed satisfaction with the optical test and eyeglasses, which they said will go a long way in aiding their eyesight.