The second phase of Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei’s Medical Outreach, which was flagged off at the Amassoma Town Hall and commenced simultaneously on 27 January 2026 at designated centres across communities in the Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, successfully concluded on Saturday, 31 January 2026.
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The five-day outreach programme, organised in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), featured comprehensive eye medical examinations and the provision of free medicated glasses, drugs, and referrals for advanced care. The exercise was carried out in Amassoma, Ekeni, Foropa, Lobia 1, Igbomotoru, Peremabiri, Diebu, Opuama, Amatolo, Otuan, Oporoma, and Aguobiri communities.
The Honourable Member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Pere Alfred, described the outreach as a fulfilment of his campaign promise to improve access to quality healthcare for his constituents.
According to him, some communities had written to the Honourable Member requesting visits to enable residents access medical care. He explained that several outreach centres were strategically located at constituency hubs to allow neighbouring communities also benefit from the programme. He added that information about the outreach was widely disseminated through both print and electronic media to ensure maximum participation.
Speaking at the event, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed, who was represented by the Bayelsa State Council Chairman, Mr. Agbo Ayikana, said initiatives of this nature play a critical role in bridging healthcare gaps at the grassroots level.
He noted that good eyesight is essential to productivity and societal contribution, stressing that the outreach was designed to address eye-related challenges, given the importance of vision as a vital human organ.
Delivering a lecture on the theme “Visual Impairment and Its Effect on Human Performance,” Dr. Sylvester Okete of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, described the eye as a crucial organ that significantly influences human productivity and quality of life.
Dr. Okete advised residents to adopt healthy lifestyles by maintaining proper nutrition and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged exposure to radiation, in order to protect their eyesight. He further highlighted the benefits of nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, retinol-rich red oil, carrots, fruits, and vegetables in improving and maintaining good vision.
Beneficiaries of the Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei Medical Outreach, including the Acting Amananaowei of Amassoma, HRH Godswill Akedesuo, expressed appreciation to Hon. Ambaiowei and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for bringing the intervention closer to the people.
According to HRH Akedesuo, the outreach was impactful because it covered communities across Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, adding that he personally benefited from a pair of medicated glasses to address his eye challenge.
Another beneficiary, Kalabiri Kime, commended the initiative, describing access to free eye care as invaluable, while the Amassoma Council of Chiefs Spokesman, Chief Wilphant Tuoworiyan, noted that the programme saved residents significant medical costs and deserved commendation.
Madam Medley Shiloko, also a beneficiary, said she was examined, diagnosed with an eye condition, and provided with medicated glasses and tablets. Similarly, Akpo-Ezoukumo Goodhead praised the lectures and overall organisation of the outreach, praying that the Honourable Member would continue to do more for the people, noting that the community still greatly needed such interventions.
The exercise covered all four state constituencies within Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, further underscoring its wide reach and impact.
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