By Olasunkanmi Akoni

At least 1,000 officers of the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, are benefiting from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s free eye care initiative aimed at improving the operational fitness and welfare of security personnel.

The exercise, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Zone 2 Police Command, was held on Wednesday at the command’s headquarters on King George V Road, Onikan, Lagos Island.

The command covers both Lagos State and Ogun State.

The outreach is the latest in a series of similar programmes that previously benefited officers at the Lagos State Police Command, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and commercial drivers across the state.

Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Transportation and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, said the programme is a social inclusion initiative under the THEMES+ Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

According to him, the initiative is designed to enhance the welfare and operational efficiency of security personnel serving in the state.

Adekoya explained that the inclusion of the Zone 2 Police Command followed an appeal after officials learned about the initiative, which was subsequently approved by the governor.

The two-day exercise recorded a large turnout as officers participated in the free medical outreach.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the command, Adegoke Fayoade, is expected to formally close the exercise 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.

Speaking during the exercise, a United Kingdom-based family physician and lifestyle health expert, A. Helena, described the programme as a commendable initiative that prioritises the welfare of officers responsible for maintaining public safety.

Helena, who practices at the Mexborough Integrated Health Care Centre, said she joined the programme after learning about it online and offering her support to the organisers.

She commended the Lagos State Government for partnering with the police to address health concerns within the force, noting that investing in officers’ health ultimately strengthens community safety.

According to her, interactions with officers during the outreach highlighted 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 said medical personnel conducted detailed consultations and recommended further 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,” he said.

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