Mirian Gom 
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong
PLATEAU, Nigeria — The Plateau State Government has renewed efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and expand access to quality eye care as it marks the 2026 World Sight Day.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, disclosed this in a statement on Monday ahead of World Sight Day, which will be observed on October 8 under the theme, “Love Your Eyes.”
Ba’amlong said the theme highlights the importance of protecting vision, noting that good eyesight is essential for learning, employment, mobility, communication and quality of life. “Loving our eyes therefore means taking practical steps to protect our vision and seeking appropriate eye care whenever the need arises,” he said.
The commissioner warned that untreated vision problems could affect education, productivity, independence and household welfare. He said children, farmers and other workers whose daily activities depend on good vision could be particularly affected.
Ba’amlong said the Plateau State Government, under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, was committed to making eye care more accessible to residents regardless of age, gender, location or economic circumstances. “Our goal must be an eye health system where every person—regardless of age, gender, location or economic circumstances—has the opportunity to receive appropriate eye care,” he said.
The commissioner identified underserved and hard-to-reach communities as a priority. He called for a shift from isolated interventions to coordinated and sustainable eye health programmes.
According to Ba’amlong, partnerships with development organisations, non-governmental organisations, health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, schools and community groups have helped expand eye health awareness, screening, equipment, training and access to care.
Ba’amlong also advised parents and caregivers to watch for changes in children’s vision and seek professional assessment when necessary.
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