Free Eye Surgeries Continue as Olu of Warri Partners Africa Cataract Foundation And Cure Blindness

– The Outreach will run until December 31, extending to rural communities along the Forcados, Escravos, and Benin Rivers,” Dr. Okorodudu tells Warri Sentinel News

At the Agbowu Medical Centre in Ekurede Itsekiri, a quiet yet profound transformation is unfolding. Elderly men and women some led by their children, others guided gently by volunteers arrive with dimmed vision and leave with renewed sight. For many, it is nothing short of a miracle.

Behind this life-changing initiative stands the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation, in collaboration with the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Cure Blindness, under the Three Rivers Project.

Together, they are offering free cataract surgeries to Itsekiri indigenes a rare and invaluable opportunity for those who would otherwise never afford the high cost of eye care.

Yet, despite the promise of sight, attendance has been surprisingly low.

“We gave the Itsekiris the highest allocation this year, but the turnout has not been encouraging,” stated Dr. Mejuya Okorodudu, founder of the Africa Cataract and Eye Foundation, during Monday’s session at the centre. “This is a lasting gift. If you receive the gift of vision, it changes everything. But we need the people to come out.”

This year’s outreach, the fourth in the series offers 1,000 free cataract surgeries, 1,000 cataract sunshades, 2,000 post-surgery medication packs, and 1,000 reading glasses to beneficiaries. The programme, which runs until December 31, covers riverine and rural communities along the Forcados, Escravos, and Benin Rivers, with surgical bases in Warri North, including a theatre in Ogheye and outreach centres in Oboghoro and other coastal areas.

For Dr. Okorodudu, this mission is deeply personal. “My grandfather gave me a name that means a child is born so that we do not suffer. That’s my drive,” he revealed. “I don’t want anything from them only to help.”

The average cost of cataract surgery in Nigeria is around ₦500,000, a sum far beyond the reach of most rural dwellers. “Where will they find that kind of money?” he asked. “Let us help these ones those who cannot afford care.”

Despite the logistical challenges, sometimes spending over a million naira just to reach certain remote communities Dr. Okorodudu remains undeterred. With limited hands, he performs between 20 and 60 surgeries a day, depending on assistance. Support has begun to trickle in, including a boat donated by an Ijaw man to ease travel between coastal communities.

Dr. Okorodudu performing surgery on an elderly patient

The outreach continues across Delta State, with plans to move to Egbema and Burutu for the Ijaw segment of the programme. “But I gave the Itsekiris the bulk,” Dr. Okorodudu noted. “It just started. I want them to come out and register now.”

As patients emerge from surgery, their faces light up some seeing clearly for the first time in years. It is a simple, powerful reminder of what this project represents: not charity, but renewal.

“I see the reason why I’m on earth,” Dr. Okorodudu said. “Not everyone finds theirs. But I have. There is a finite time to do this work if they come now, I will do it.”

For the Itsekiri people, the message is clear: sight is being restored, but only to those who step forward.