OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has expanded its ongoing healthcare outreach programme to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, with an initial target of 1,000 beneficiaries.
The initiative, which previously catered to commercial drivers across the state, is now being extended to police personnel as part of efforts to support their health and welfare.
Speaking during the launch of the programme for police officers on Friday 13, February at the State Police Command in Ikeja, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Adekoya Hasan, said the extension reflects the administration’s commitment to the wellbeing of security personnel.
He explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier approved a comprehensive package for 10,000 drivers in Lagos State and has now broadened the scope to include members of the police force.
According to Hasan, the outreach is designed to complement ongoing welfare efforts by the police leadership, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.
“We recognise that without the police, society cannot be safe. They are the backbone of our security architecture. This programme is our modest contribution to support their health and wellbeing,” he said.
The initiative includes free eye screening, prescription and distribution of eyeglasses, as well as general medical checks.
Participants are first registered and issued identification numbers before proceeding to designated testing points.
Four eye-testing tables were set up at the venue to ensure a smooth screening process. Officers also undergo vital checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar level assessments.
Those diagnosed with vision challenges are provided with prescription glasses at no cost. Organisers also disclosed that beneficiaries would receive customised Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and other support packages.
Some of the officers who benefited from the programme expressed appreciation to the state government and the police leadership.
Inspector Bello Adewale described the initiative as timely, noting that it was his first time using prescription glasses.
“I discovered during the test that I had difficulty reading small print. The glasses prescribed for me have made things much clearer,” he said, expressing gratitude to the police authorities and the Lagos State Government for the intervention.
Another beneficiary, Superintendent Yabo Obarasha of the Lagos State Police Command, said she had been experiencing difficulty reading and had planned to seek medical help before learning about the free screening.
“I was informed about the initiative at the Police Headquarters in Ikeja. After the test, I was given glasses free of charge. I can now read clearly, and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up the programme in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance the health and productivity of security personnel in Lagos.
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