Kehinde Bello calls for grassroots democracy investments during an optical medical outreach in Ogun State.
Political office holders in Nigeria have been urged to deepen democracy at the grassroots by investing in programmes that directly improve the well-being of their constituents. The call was made by Kehinde Bello, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency.
The appeal was delivered during a one-day optical medical outreach programme organized for more than 2,000 residents across Ijebu East, Ijebu North, and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas of Ogun State. The humanitarian event, tagged Jigi Bello: Restoring Sights, Renewing Hope and Transforming Lives through Accessible Eye Care, took place at the Ijebu Imusin Muslim Community Events Centre, according to information published by punchng.
Through this strategic initiative, vulnerable residents received free eye examinations and corrective glasses, bridging the healthcare gap in underserved communities. Key stakeholders, including local government chairmen and traditional rulers, commended the humanitarian effort and encouraged other public servants to replicate similar welfare interventions.
Investing in grassroots democracy and community welfare
Kehinde Bello emphasized that political leadership must extend far beyond merely occupying public offices. He stated that leaders have a fundamental duty to deliver tangible benefits that actively improve the lives of everyday citizens at the grassroots level.
By launching the eye care intervention, the Ogun State official aimed to strengthen local democracy and promote human dignity. He noted that essential healthcare services should never remain a privilege reserved exclusively for a privileged few, but rather function as an accessible opportunity available to all citizens.
Providing free eye examinations and corrective glasses
The medical outreach successfully catered to over 2,000 residents from Ijebu East, Ijebu North, and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas. Beneficiaries received comprehensive eye examinations, professional medical advice, appropriate treatment, and necessary referrals for advanced care.
To ease the financial burden on participants, the governor aide publicly pledged to personally bear the complete cost of all medical referrals arising from the exercise. Local beneficiaries like Mrs Arinola Adesanya and Pa Sanni Babatunde expressed immense satisfaction, confirming that the new glasses will significantly ease their daily activities.
Traditional and local government leaders endorse the outreach
The Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Dr Kehinde Oluwadare, commended Kehinde Bello for executing the healthcare intervention. Oluwadare urged the coordinator to sustain the programme, highlighting its immense value in uplifting residents and strengthening local political structures.
Similarly, the Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Mufutau Kasali, praised the initiative after benefiting from the medical screening. The traditional ruler called upon other political office holders and well-meaning individuals to launch similar humanitarian programes to alleviate community challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kehinde Bello?
Kehinde Bello is the Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency.
What is the Jigi Bello initiative?
The Jigi Bello initiative is an optical medical outreach programme that provides free eye examinations and corrective glasses to residents across Ogun State.
How many people benefited from the Ogun State medical outreach?
More than 2,000 residents from Ijebu East, Ijebu North, and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas benefited from the free eye care services.
Which traditional ruler commended the medical outreach?
The Moyegeso of Itele in Ijebu East Local Government Area, Oba Mufutau Kasali, commended the humanitarian initiative and urged leaders to support their communities.
