Imo Optometrists Celebrate ‘Anya Ndi Imo Di Nma During 2025 End of the year.
Honour NURTW Chairman Ikenga Jeff Eze Others at Award Dinner
By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Imo State Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to improved eye health for residents of the state through its flagship initiative, Anya Ndi Imo Di Nma.
The reaffirmation was made on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the association’s Award Dinner held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, which attracted NOA members and dignitaries from government and the private sector.
At the event, the association honoured the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Imo State Chapter, for its partnership in facilitating free eye examinations and treatment for transport workers across the state. The award was presented to the Imo State Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Ikenga Jeff Eze (Olumo Imo), in recognition of the union’s collaboration and synergy with NOA.
Presenting the award, the Imo State NOA Chairman, Dr. Patrick Iwuchukwu, commended the transport union for its support, noting that the partnership significantly enhanced the success of community-based eye care outreach programmes.
Receiving the plaque on behalf of the NURTW chairman, Comrade Alvan Opara, Chief of Staff Imo State NURTW Boss, said the union was encouraged by the recognition and pledged continued partnership with Imo optometrists in all programmes aimed at improving eye health in the state.
The award dinner followed the highly celebrated 2025 World Sight Week activities organised by NOA in Imo State, during which over 4,000 residents received treatment for various eye conditions. The programme focused on the theme, “Road Safety Through Vision Care for Drivers,” drawn from the 2025 global theme, “Love Your Eyes.”
In his address, Dr. Iwuchukwu described the event as the culmination of a productive year marked by transformation, vision, hard work and increased visibility for the association. He expressed appreciation to key partners, including the Imo State Ministry of Health, AIHWA Vision Care, Federal Road Safety Corps, NURTW, Fidson Healthcare, Brightstar Hospital and Skipper Eye-Q, among others.
“Our administration’s mantra, Anya Ndi Imo Di Nma, means the healthy, shining eyes of Ndi Imo,” he said. “After the kind of year we have had, the eyes of Imo people—and even those of NOA Imo members—are shining with pride, impact and a sense that we have truly tried.”
Dr. Iwuchukwu, who also serves as Head of Quality Assurance at the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA), said the association’s strategic vision for sustainable eye health delivery was anchored on system strengthening, professional development, members’ welfare, community service, advocacy, research and innovation, as well as membership engagement.
He commended the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma for its health-friendly policies and support for NOA activities, while also calling for stronger integration of eye health into state and local government health policies, dedicated budgetary provisions for eye care, expanded school and community screenings, and evidence-based partnerships with NOA.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled *“Eyes on the Ball: Celebrating Clarity, Care, and Commitment to Anya Ndi Imo,”* President-Elect of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO), Dr. Ozy Okonokhua, applauded Imo optometrists for their strides and urged them to sustain accessible, affordable and quality eye care services. He also called on government, organisations and individuals to partner with NOA to promote better eye health.
The event, chaired by Hon. Dr. Jaff Azubuine, featured an eyewear parade, presentation of awards to deserving individuals and organisations, as well as entertainment.
Among those honoured were the Chaplain, Imo State Government House, Rev. Fr. Prof. Gilbert Alaribe; the Executive Secretary of IMSHIA, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike; former Imo State lawmakers, Hon. Max Odunze and Hon.Mrs. Ngozi Obiefule; a former NOA chairman, Dr. Martins Ohiri; and the Imo State NOA Vice-Chairman, Dr. Joyce Iroakazi, among others.
