Bringing Sight and Hope: Senator Echocho’s Eye Centre Bill Gains Approval »

Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho’s consistency, vision, and unflinching commitment to legislative excellence have continued to place him in a class of his own within Nigeria’s National Assembly. Since his election to the Red Chamber, representing Kogi East Senatorial District, the renowned investment banker-turned-lawmaker has not only made his presence felt but has also demonstrated what it means to translate legislative responsibility into tangible outcomes for his people.

Among his many legislative interventions, one that stands out as a milestone achievement is the Bill for the Establishment of the National Eye Centre, Ochadamu, located in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. This bill, which has now successfully passed through the legislative process, is a significant step in addressing both the healthcare and socio-economic needs of the people of Kogi East and Nigeria at large.

Ochadamu is not a strange name in Nigeria’s healthcare history. During the colonial era, the community was home to the once-thriving Holy Memorial Hospital, Ochadamu, which was renowned for its excellence under the management of German medical professionals. At its peak, the hospital attracted patients from far and wide, turning the sleepy community into a hub of medical tourism.
Unfortunately, the fortunes of the hospital began to dwindle following the exit of the foreign administrators. Over time, the institution fell into disrepair, with its infrastructure crumbling and a complete absence of qualified personnel to run it. What was once a proud medical institution is today a relic of the past doted with dilapidated structures and vast, abandoned land that echoes with stories of better days.

Determined to reverse this decline and breathe life into the health sector of Kogi East, Senator Echocho sponsored the Bill to establish a National Eye Centre at Ochadamu. His aim was clear: to restore the community’s historical relevance in medical service delivery while addressing the rising cases of eye-related ailments among Nigerians.
The Bill did not go unnoticed in the hallowed chamber. It received overwhelming support, and the Senate passed it after a thorough review by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo. During the plenary session in Abuja, lawmakers acknowledged the significance of the proposed eye centre and commended Senator Echocho for his foresight and dedication to national development.

Several distinguished senators spoke in favour of the Bill, emphasizing the potential impact of a federal eye care facility in Ochadamu. They noted that the centre would not only benefit the people of Kogi State but also serve as a strategic health facility for the South-East, South-South, South-West, and North-Central zones, thanks to Kogi’s unique position as a gateway state bounded by ten other states.

The National Eye Centre, Ochadamu, when operational, is poised to be more than just a healthcare institution. It will be a driver of economic development, creating direct and indirect jobs for medical professionals, support staff, artisans, traders, and transporters. The influx of patients and medical tourists will stimulate local businesses and infrastructure development, thereby uplifting the standard of living in the area.

Moreover, the centre will bring quality eye care services closer to Nigerians, especially those who previously had to travel long distances to access specialized treatments. In a country where millions suffer from preventable and treatable eye conditions, the establishment of this centre could not have come at a better time.

At the passage of the Bill, the atmosphere in the National Assembly was electric. Senator Echocho was met with thunderous applause from his colleagues, many of whom praised his legislative vision and tireless efforts. It was a moment of national unity, as senators from across party lines acknowledged the transformative potential of the Eye Centre and the thoughtful leadership that brought the idea to fruition.

Senator Echocho’s initiative is a shining example of legislative pragmatism; a demonstration of how elected officials can directly impact the lives of their constituents through effective policy-making and advocacy. It underscores his understanding of the nexus between health and economic development and his resolve to bridge gaps that have long held communities back.

This milestone is yet another feather in the cap of Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, who has distinguished himself as a people-focused legislator with a passion for development. From sponsoring bills that touch on critical sectors to ensuring oversight functions are tailored to deliver real dividends of democracy, Echocho continues to exemplify what responsible representation should look like.

His track record thus far reaffirms that his political journey is not just about rhetoric but about results; measurable, impactful, and inclusive. The establishment of the National Eye Centre, Ochadamu, is not just a project; it is a legacy that will speak for generations.

As the people of Kogi East and, indeed, Nigeria look forward to the establishment, operationalization of the National Eye Centre, one thing is clear: Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho’s continuity in office is vital for the sustained socio-economic transformation of his constituency. With purposeful legislation like this, he has set a benchmark for leadership that is visionary, people-driven, and rooted in development.
The National Eye Centre in Ochadamu will not only restore a lost heritage but also open a new chapter in the healthcare narrative of Nigeria, thanks to the foresight and commitment of one senator who dared to dream and deliver.

Dr Ezekiel Amodu
Writes from Abuja
Federal Capital Territory

16 May, 2025