By Huldah Shado

The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), is set to provide free cataract surgeries to at least 500 Nigerians as part of activities marking the 80th birthday celebration of its Presiding Bishop, Dr. Mike Okonkwo.

The medical outreach will be conducted at the Eye Foundation in Ikorodu, Lagos, following a screening exercise for prospective beneficiaries.

Interested individuals can collect registration forms at TREM’s headquarters in Obanikoro, Lagos, or register online.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Reverend Chinedu Nkere, said the initiative was inspired by Bishop Okonkwo’s lifelong commitment to community service and development.

“We chose cataract surgery because restoring sight significantly improves quality of life,” he said.

In addition to the surgeries, other events lined up for the celebration include the annual Mike Okonkwo Lecture and a football tournament.

The lecture, themed “The Nigeria of Our Dream: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder”, is scheduled for September 4, 2025, with former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo billed as keynote speaker.

Meanwhile, the football tournament, featuring 44 teams, will kick off on June 14, 2025.

By Omoniyi David

Sundry Foods Limited (SFL), in partnership with the Armed Forces Blood Centre, marked the 2025 World Blood Donor Day with an internal blood donation exercise at its corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The initiative, held over the weekend, drew participation from more than 100 staff volunteers across all departments, demonstrating the company’s commitment to saving lives and supporting public health.

Observed globally on June 14, World Blood Donor Day raises awareness about the need for safe blood and celebrates voluntary, unpaid donors for their vital role in healthcare systems.

Head of Marketing at SFL, Nduka Mokwunye, said the company’s initiative aligns with its corporate social responsibility (CSR), goals and the 2025 World Blood Donor Day theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.”

Executive Director of SFL, Nnamdi Opara, described the in-house drive as a modest but meaningful contribution to boosting blood bank supplies and raising awareness about the importance of donation.

“Saving lives is not just the responsibility of caregivers. At SFL, we value the health and well-being of our host communities and believe in playing our part,” he said.

Opara emphasized that regular blood donation is essential for medical emergencies, surgeries, and treatments, noting that hospitals rely on steady blood supplies to function effectively.

“SFL is constantly looking for ways to positively impact lives. Our CSR teams are dedicated to identifying opportunities that benefit our communities in meaningful ways,” he added.

Sundry Foods Limited is the parent company of Kilimanjaro, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands.

Since its inception in 2004, the company has prioritized the health and well-being of its host communities through various social initiatives.

By Huldah Shado

The Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), has renewed calls on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to integrate skin cancer screening and treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to alleviate the growing health burden on persons with albinism.

Speaking at the International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD), 2025 celebration in Abuja, Dr. Bisi Bamishe, President of the association, said the appeal was in line with this year’s theme: “Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives.”

She described the theme as a powerful call to action, stressing that timely policy intervention could save lives and restore hope to the albinism community.

“Harsh environmental conditions and limited access to health services have led to a sharp rise in skin cancer cases among persons with albinism,” she said. “Many are dying needlessly because they cannot afford the cost of treatment. Including skin cancer care in the NHIS will make a life-saving difference.”

Dr. Bamishe also raised concerns about the educational challenges faced by students with albinism, especially due to visual impairments.

She urged the government to fully implement the National Albinism Policy on Education, ensuring the provision of learning aids and inclusive tools to promote quality education.

Highlighting AAN’s progress over the past two years, Dr. Bamishe announced that the association now has active chapters in 26 states, with plans to expand to the remaining 10.

She also noted its formal registration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and several government agencies.

In his remarks, Prof. Sam Amadi, Chairman of the AAN Board of Trustees, praised the association’s growing visibility and impact.

He emphasized the importance of unity and sustained advocacy in achieving the association’s mission.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kaura Wakili, Chairman of JONAPWD (FCT Chapter), acknowledged the unique challenges confronting persons with albinism and applauded their resilience and commitment to advocacy.

A stakeholder, Mr. Afam Kasim, advised persons with albinism to take proactive steps to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet rays by using sunscreen and other sun-protection measures to prevent skin cancer.

The IAAD 2025 event drew participation from stakeholders across public and private sectors, as well as state representatives of the AAN from across the federation, united in the call for improved health, education, and inclusion for persons with albinism.