BATMEDICS, a prominent support group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sponsored a free eye screening exercise for approximately 500 commercial drivers and motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative, held on October 8, 2026, at the Abuja Medical Store (ACMS), was organised in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day. This humanitarian effort aimed to provide access to essential eye care services, promoting road safety and community health.
The intervention included free prescription medications and funding for corrective eye surgeries for beneficiaries diagnosed with severe visual impairments. According to Ojeje Onimisi, Director-General of BATMEDICS, the initiative was designed to improve access to essential healthcare for professional drivers whose occupations require optimal vision and sustained physical alertness. Onimisi stressed that regular medical examinations, particularly eye tests, were essential to ensuring that drivers remained fit to perform their duties safely.
Onimisi emphasised that drivers occupy a critical position in the nation’s transport system and that regular health checks, including detailed eye examinations, must be institutionalised to ensure they are fit for the rigorous demands of their jobs. He added that BATMEDICS was committed to ensuring that the exercise delivered lasting benefits beyond diagnosis by providing the necessary medications and funding critical eye surgeries for eligible beneficiaries.
The initiative forms part of BATMEDICS’ broader healthcare interventions targeting vulnerable groups and communities whose occupations expose them to specific health risks. The organisation also urged motorists to prioritise their eye health and seek prompt medical attention when they experience symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness, and persistent eye strain.
Representing the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, Assistant Corps Marshal ACM Ibrahim M. Bazama commended BATMEDICS for the partnership, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to road safety. Bazama noted that good eyesight was fundamental to safe driving, enabling motorists to interpret road signs, identify pedestrians, and respond appropriately to potential traffic hazards.
The exercise was widely appreciated by beneficiaries, many of whom expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access ophthalmic services that would otherwise have been financially difficult to obtain. The drivers also commended Seyi Tinubu for supporting the initiative and helping to bring essential eye care services closer to them. They described the intervention as particularly beneficial to commercial drivers, who often prioritise their daily economic responsibilities over routine medical examinations.
Through the initiative, BATMEDICS reaffirmed its commitment to community healthcare and preventive interventions, while highlighting the important connection between good vision, drivers’ well-being, and safer roads. The organisation’s efforts aim to promote a culture of health and safety among drivers and the general public, ultimately contributing to a reduction in road crashes and related incidents.
Key points
- BATMEDICS sponsors free eye screening, medication, and surgeries for 500 commercial drivers and motorists in FCT to promote road safety and community health.
- The initiative included free prescription medications and funding for corrective eye surgeries for beneficiaries diagnosed with severe visual impairments.
- The exercise was organised in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day.
