In A significant humanitarian gesture, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an ophthalmic outreach programme in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare in underserved communities.
The initiative was officially launched on Friday and will run from August 1 to August 7, 2025.
Held at the Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital in Elebu, the programme is part of the renowned “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer initiative, which is powered by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief). It underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to supporting global health efforts and championing volunteerism.
Mohammed Alsahabi, the Saudi Press Attaché in Nigeria, shared that residents of Ibadan and neighboring areas will benefit from a wide range of free eye care services. Among these are advanced diagnostic screenings, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens (IOL) implants, treatments for refractive errors, and the distribution of prescription glasses.
The outreach, he explained, is being carried out on the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “This Ibadan phase marks another major milestone in KSrelief’s mission to combat avoidable blindness in Nigeria,” Alsahabi affirmed.
He highlighted that since the initiative’s inception in 2019, over 218,000 eye exams have been conducted, more than 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries have been performed, and over 45,000 eyeglasses distributed. Previous intervention programmes have taken place in states such as Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, and Lagos, positively impacting thousands of lives.
Looking at its global footprint, Alsahabi disclosed that KSrelief has implemented over 3,612 relief projects across 108 countries since 2015. Its blindness prevention programmes are currently active in Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Mauritania, aligning with international commitments to global health.
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He concluded by emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s initiative to bring the “Saudi Noor” programme to Ibadan strengthens longstanding ties with Nigeria and reaffirms the kingdom’s dedication to human dignity, healthcare accessibility, and eliminating preventable blindness.
“Saudi Arabia’s move to bring the ‘Saudi Noor’ initiative to Ibadan deepens its longstanding ties with Nigeria and reaffirms its commitment to human dignity, access to quality healthcare, and the elimination of preventable blindness,” Alsahabi stated.
During the event, some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude. Alhaji Tajudeen Adebayo spoke openly about his appreciation for the Saudi government’s efforts. “I am truly grateful. I urge everyone, regardless of their religion, who is experiencing vision problems, to take advantage of these free services,” he said, emphasizing that the programme is open to all without discrimination.
Kasali Mariam, another attendee who has already undergone an initial eye check-up and awaits treatment, shared her optimism. “I hope my eye problem will finally be resolved,” she said, expressing hope for a brighter future through the programme.
This outreach program highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian causes. It underscores the importance of international solidarity in addressing preventable blindness and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
