Schoolgirl Seeks Urgent Support to Save Sight as Stakeholders Advocate Improved Access to Healthcare
An underage pupil of Christ Church School, Mapo, Ibadan, Miss Farida Ismail, has appealed for urgent assistance to save her eyesight after experiencing delays in accessing specialist medical care for a serious eye condition.
Farida, who was identified for treatment during the Catch Them Young Initiative organised about three months ago, said she has been battling a worsening eye condition and fears that further delays in receiving specialist attention could affect her vision permanently.
According to her caregivers, the pupil visited Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, in search of medical attention but was unable to access care as a result of the hospital protocols and other reasons yet to be known by NewsRegister.
They said the experience prompted them to seek care at another health facility.
Speaking with journalists, the young pupil appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde, public spirited individuals, corporate organisations and charitable foundations to assist with the cost of her treatment, explaining that her parents are unable to finance the specialised care she requires.
”My eyes are getting worse. My father is physically challenged, while my mother survives through a small roadside business. I don’t want to lose my sight because my family cannot afford treatment. I appeal to kind hearted Nigerians to help me so I can return to school and achieve my dreams,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Iseya Television, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, called for continuous efforts to improve access to quality healthcare, especially for children and other vulnerable members of society. She noted that public hospitals remain a critical source of healthcare for many low income families and stressed the importance of ensuring that patients receive timely attention.
She also appealed to the Oyo State Government to review any issues that may hinder prompt service delivery in public health facilities and strengthen measures that will improve patients’ experiences across government hospitals.
Mrs. Aluko commended the medical personnel at Oni and Sons Hospital and Eleta Eye Institute for attending promptly to the pupil after she was taken to their facilities.
She also appreciated Mrs. Adeyemo for donating ₦50,000 towards Farida’s treatment and appealed to Hon. Akeem Ige, Hon. Abass Adigun (Agboworin), philanthropists and corporate organisations to support the child’s medical expenses.
The Head Teacher of Christ Church School, Mapo, Mr. Olufemi Olaniyi, described Farida as a disciplined and promising pupil, expressing hope that timely intervention would enable her to continue her education without the burden of avoidable vision loss.
Stakeholders who spoke on the matter urged the Oyo State Government to continue strengthening the healthcare system by promoting efficient service delivery, improving patient support mechanisms and ensuring that children requiring urgent medical attention receive the care they need.
They also appealed to well meaning Nigerians to support Farida’s treatment, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy good health and quality education.
The hospital had not issued an official response on the matter as of the time this report was filed.
Source: National DailyNews
Schoolgirl Seeks Urgent Support to Save Sight as Stakeholders Advocate Improved Access to Healthcare
Byadmin
Jul 21, 2026