The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Vision Centre at the agency’s National Headquarters Annex in Abuja.
The facility, developed through a strategic partnership involving the NDLEA, the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, aims to offer accessible, high-quality eye care services to NDLEA personnel and the general public.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Marwa expressed appreciation to the NOA and its partners for selecting the agency for such a valuable initiative.
“We are here with a great sense of fulfilment and satisfaction to open this Vision Centre,” he said, reflecting on the critical role of eye health in productivity and quality of life.
Sharing personal reflections, he encouraged officers and staff to undergo regular eye checks, noting that good vision directly impacts performance and overall wellbeing.
He also praised the commitment of the optometrists managing the centre, acknowledging their pioneering role and voluntary service. “We commend your dedication to serving in this capacity, especially in uncharted territory. This centre complements our ongoing efforts to promote the welfare of our workforce,” he added.
President of the Nigerian Optometric Association, Dr Chimeziri Anderson, described the project as the fruit of deliberate collaboration between the NDLEA and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. He recounted that the concept emerged during a meeting in Lagos and credited the NDLEA leadership for embracing the idea.
“This Vision Centre is among a select few established within government institutions and stands as a model for sustainable eye care delivery,” Dr Anderson noted.
He added that, with support from international partners in France and Dubai, the facility is equipped with world-class tools to ensure that NDLEA staff and their families have access to premium eye care and quality eyewear.
In his welcome remarks, NDLEA Director of Medical Services, Dr Audu Okpe, described the centre’s launch as a major milestone in the agency’s staff welfare initiatives under Marwa’s leadership.
He further stressed that the development signifies a broader commitment to fostering public health collaboration between security agencies and professional healthcare associations in Nigeria.