Marwa Commission NDLEA/NOA vision centre prioritizes staff eye care

Stanley Ihedigbo

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, has commissioned a high-tech Vision Centre at the agency’s National Headquarters Annex in Abuja.

The centre is part of the agency’s efforts to promote staff welfare and boost morale

According to the Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the facility, a product of a strategic partnership between the Agency and the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and its partner, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, is designed to provide comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality eye care services to NDLEA personnel and members of the public.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Marwa expressed deep appreciation to the NOA and its partners for considering the NDLEA worthy of such a vital collaboration.

“We are here with every sense of fulfillment and happiness to commission this Vision Centre,” he stated while reflecting on the personal and public importance of vision health. Drawing from his own experience with eye care, Marwa urged officers, men and women of the Agency to prioritize regular eye checkups, noting that vision is key to productivity and quality of life. He also commended the dedication of the team of optometrists managing the centre, while acknowledging their pioneering role and voluntary service.

“We appreciate you for accepting to serve in this capacity even on uncharted grounds. This Centre is a worthy addition to our several initiatives to promote and cater for the wellbeing of our workforce”, he added.

In his remarks, the NOA President, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, described the commissioning as the culmination of a purposeful collaboration with the NDLEA and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation.

He recalled how the idea for the centre was birthed during a meeting in Lagos and praised the leadership of the Agency for embracing the initiative.

“This Vision Centre is one of only a few we have established within government institutions. It stands out as a model for sustainable eye care delivery. With support from our partners in France and Dubai, we are bringing world-class equipment and services here, ensuring access to premium eye care and quality eyeglasses for NDLEA staff and their families”, Dr. Anderson stated.

The Director, Medical Services of NDLEA, Dr. Audu Okpe in his welcome remark noted that the establishment of the NDLEA-NOA Vision Centre marks another milestone in the Agency’s growing portfolio of staff welfare initiatives under the leadership of Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa.

“It also underscores a broader commitment to fostering public health partnerships between security institutions and professional medical bodies in Nigeria”, he stated