As part of the celebrations marking the 80th birthday of Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), a partnership has been formed between TREM and the Eye Foundation to provide free cataract surgeries to Nigerians in need.
The initiative aims to assist individuals suffering from cataracts, a condition that clouds the natural lens of the eye and causes blurry or impaired vision. The program will include free screenings and surgeries at the Eye Foundation Centre in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Reverend Chinedu Nkere, Chairman of the committee overseeing the initiative, highlighted that these free surgeries are part of Dr. Okonkwo’s larger legacy of humanitarian service and community outreach.
“Cataracts are one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, particularly among low-income Nigerians. By offering these surgeries at no cost, we are giving 500 people a second chance at sight and a better quality of life,” Nkere explained.
The cataract surgeries are just one of several initiatives planned to honor Dr. Okonkwo on his milestone birthday. Outside of his role in the church, Dr. Okonkwo’s impact is felt through the Empowerment for the Less Privileged (ELP) Foundation, which focuses on hospitals, vocational training, education, and health outreach programs.
In addition, Dr. Okonkwo and his wife, Bishop Peace Okonkwo, have been actively involved in numerous community-based projects. These include cervical cancer screenings for rural women, empowerment programs for widows, and mentorship programs for youth.
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