Anuma Urges Police Officers, Others to Prioritize Eye Health for Effective Policing
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, has emphasized that good vision plays a crucial role in effective policing, noting that officers of the Nigeria Police Force rely heavily on their eyesight to perform vital duties.
Dr. Anuma made this known, according to a statement released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), during the flag-off of a free eye screening and distribution of eyeglasses to staff of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), and Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The initiative was organized by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Health and Police Affairs. The event took place at the Ministry’s headquarters, Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
Highlighting the importance of visual health, the Permanent Secretary explained that essential police functions such as reading and analyzing reports, identifying investigative details, and maintaining vigilance in public safety operations depend greatly on clear eyesight.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to ensure that officers, ministry staff, and all Nigerians have access to affordable and quality eye care services.
According to him, “Protecting their eyesight means protecting their ability to serve the nation. This is why we are pleased to collaborate with ODORBN and the Federal Ministry of Health to raise awareness, provide eye screenings, and integrate eye care into workplace wellness programmes.”
Dr. Anuma further noted that the partnership underscores the fact that eye health is not solely the concern of medical professionals but a matter of national importance that affects every sector, including security and law enforcement.
“Eye health is often overlooked until problems emerge,” he stated. “However, research shows that most visual impairments are preventable or treatable if detected early. Simple measures such as regular eye checks, the use of corrective lenses, or timely surgeries for conditions like cataracts can significantly improve productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.”
He also remarked that Nigeria is joining the rest of the world to commemorate World Sight Day 2025, themed “Love Your Eyes: Vision for All.” The theme, he said, underscores the collective responsibility to ensure that every individual, regardless of background or profession, enjoys the gift of good vision.
The Permanent Secretary maintained that access to quality eye care should not be a privilege for a select few but a right for every Nigerian. He added that the call for “Vision for All” aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of universal health coverage and inclusive wellbeing.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Igbo Okafor, expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s support of the initiative aimed at preventing blindness and visual impairment through early detection of refractive errors.
He noted that the programme was organized in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), reaffirming the Board’s dedication to maintaining professional standards and ensuring Nigerians have access to quality eye care.
Dr. Okafor encouraged participants to prioritize high-quality eyewear, highlighting the benefits of blue-coated lenses for protection against harmful light sources. He assured that the Board continues to regulate optometric facilities nationwide to guarantee that only quality care is provided to the public.
