Nasarawa Man Regains Sight After 20 Years Of Eye Problems
A 28-year-old farmer, Monday Jatau, from Angwan Sabo community in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, has reportedly regained his sight following corrective eye surgeries during a free medical outreach organised by the Jennifer Etuh Foundation.
Jatau, who said he had been completely blind for about five years, received treatment during the foundation’s five-day medical outreach at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Akwanga.
According to verified sources, Jatau lost the use of his right eye about 20 years ago after his late father, who was also blind, accidentally struck it with his walking stick while they were travelling to a market.
He continued to rely on his left eye until it developed an unspecified problem about five years ago, leaving him unable to see with either eye.
The farmer said his loss of sight affected his livelihood and family life, making it difficult for him to continue farming and provide for his household.
He said he sometimes struggled to obtain food and that his wife eventually left him with their two children.
Jatau said he learnt about the free medical outreach through an announcement at his village church, where his pastor informed residents about the opportunity to receive treatment.
Despite his financial difficulties, he travelled to the hospital in the hope of receiving medical assistance.
“I never imagined that I will be able to see with my two eyes again but they made it possible through the correction surgeries,” he said, expressing gratitude to the foundation.
Medical Outreach Targets 3,000 Beneficiaries
The medical intervention was funded by the Jennifer Etuh Foundation, with Pro-Health International serving as its implementing partner. Other participating organisations and institutions included Peace House, the Nasarawa State Government and Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported on Thursday that the foundation’s Programme Manager, Joe Otu, said the outreach was targeting 3,000 beneficiaries for free medical services, including more than 100 surgeries.
According to NAN, the exercise commenced on October 12, 2026, and provided medical services to residents of Akwanga and surrounding communities.
The agency also quoted Clement Tenufa, an ophthalmologist and head of the hospital’s eye care unit, as saying that about 25 eye surgeries, mainly for cataracts and pterygium, had been performed as of Wednesday.
The medical team comprised professionals from different parts of the country who provided treatment and other healthcare services.
The outreach also covered basic medical procedures, the treatment of chronic conditions, health education, counselling and the provision of prescribed medications, according to The PUNCH.
Residents were also screened for conditions including high blood pressure, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, malaria and elevated blood sugar levels.
Hospital Chief Commends Foundation
The Chief Medical Director of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Dr Esala Abene, commended the foundation and its partners for extending healthcare services to residents who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment.
He also emphasised the importance of routine medical examinations, noting that some health conditions could remain undetected without proper screening.
Reports by NAN and Vanguard indicated that the outreach was part of the foundation’s healthcare interventions for vulnerable communities.
For Jatau, the surgery has offered hope after years of living with severe visual impairment.
However, the reports reviewed did not establish the extent of his long-term visual recovery or whether he would require further treatment.
