The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed commitment to strategic collaboration with stakeholders in the health sector, as part of efforts to promote eye health and prevent avoidable blindness across the country.
This assurance was given when the Nigerian Optometric Association, led by its President, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, paid an advocacy visit to the Director General of NOA at the Agency’s headquarters.
Representing the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr. Abiodun Olufemi Ayoola, welcomed the delegation and commended the Association’s efforts in advancing eye care services in Nigeria.
Dr. Ayoola reiterated NOA’s readiness to partner with the Association in driving sustained public awareness on eye health, emphasizing the Agency’s extensive grassroots structure and communication platforms.
He noted that NOA would leverage its nationwide presence to amplify key messages on preventive eye care and early detection of vision-related conditions.
He further highlighted the Agency’s newly launched indigenous digital Artificial Intelligence chatbox , CLHEEAN ( an acronym for Crime and Lawlessness, Health,Education Environment and, Abuse, and Nationalism), as a strategic tool for deepening citizen engagement and promoting behavioral change across communities.
President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Dr.Chimeziri Anderson underscored the urgent need for intensified public enlightenment on eye care, noting that a significant proportion of blindness in Nigeria is preventable with timely intervention and proper awareness.
He expressed the Association’s willingness to collaborate with NOA in implementing targeted campaigns and community-based outreach programmes.
Other Directors present at the meeting included Barr. Theresa Nnalue of Community Safety and Compliance; Bala Musa , Communications and media; Mrs. Adaline Waye,Community Outreach and Development and Acharu Opaluwa of Abuse,Rights & Nationalism .
The meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration aimed at reducing the burden of avoidable blindness and improving the overall eye health of Nigerians.
