By Olasunkanmi Akoni

At least 1,000 officers of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos are to benefit from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s free eye care initiative as part of sustained effort to enhance the operational fitness and welfare of security personnel across the State.

The exercise, organised by the State Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with the Zone 2 Police Command, which comprises of Lagos and Ogun States, was held on Wednesday, at the Command’s Headquarters, King George V Road, Onikan, Lagos Island. It marks latest in a series of initiatives that previously covered Policemen at Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja G.R.A, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and commercial drivers.

Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, at the event, explained that the programme is a social inclusion initiative embedded within the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu as part of efforts to enhance welfare and operational efficiency of security officers in the state.

According to Hassan, the inclusion of the Zone II Police Command followed an urgent appeal upon learning about the initiative which was promptly approved by the governor.

The two-day exercise witnessed a high turnout, as policemen thronged the venue to be part of the free medical outreach.

Deputy-Inspector General of Police, DIGP, Adegoke Fayoade, incharge of the Zone 2 Command, is expected to declare the exercise closed on Thursday, with a goodwill message.

Medical professionals involved in the programme conducted various health checks, including blood pressure tests, consultations, and eye examinations for officers of the command.

Speaking during the exercise, Dr. A. Helena, a United Kingdom-based family physician and lifestyle health expert, described the programme as a commendable initiative that prioritises the welfare of officers who play a critical role in maintaining security.

Helena, who practices at Mexborough Integrated Health Care Centre in Doncaster, United Kingdom, said she joined the programme after reading about it online and reaching out to the organisers to offer her support.

She praised the Lagos State Government for partnering with the police to address health concerns within the force, noting that investing in the health of officers would ultimately strengthen community safety.

According to her, interactions with officers during the exercise revealed the need for greater health awareness and improved health-seeking behaviour.

“One of the major challenges we discovered is that many people are not compliant with their medications even after diagnosis. Programmes like this help to educate them and encourage them to take their health more seriously,” Helena said.

She also urged officers to make use of available medical services, including clinics within their commands, stressing that preventive care and early diagnosis are key to maintaining good health.

One of the beneficiaries, Inspector Olusola Ogundare of the Zone 2 Police Command, expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial.

Ogundare explained that the medical personnel conducted detailed consultations and recommended further medical tests for some officers, while others received corrective glasses after undergoing eye examinations.

“The personnel they brought are doing very well. Some of the questions they asked addressed issues many of us are facing. After the eye tests, many of us were given reading glasses, and some officers were advised to go for further tests outside,” he said.

He appealed to the Lagos State Government to sustain the programme, noting that the demanding nature of police work often prevents officers from seeking regular medical care.

“Because of the nature of our job, many of us do not have the time to go for medical tests. Bringing this to our doorstep encouraged us to participate and now we know the next steps to take concerning our health,” Ogundare stated.

The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts under the Sanwo-Olu Police Care Initiative to promote preventive healthcare, improve officers’ well-being, and enhance their capacity to serve the public effectively.