First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and its implementation partner, the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF), are marking a significant milestone: 15 years of the Priceless Gift of Sight programme, which has provided free eye care to over 400,000 Nigerians.

The programme, highlighted by a recent outreach event in Calabar, Cross River State, provides testing, optical services, surgeries, and disease management to combat preventable blindness.

"The intervention by First City Monument Bank and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation is laudable," said Reverend (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of the Cross River State Governor. "Both organizations have demonstrated a genuine concern for humanity. We are pleased that thousands of people across Nigeria, including many from Cross River and the neighboring states, suffering from one form of eye defect or another, can now go back to their normal lives and pursue their aspirations."

"Our collaboration with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation has been instrumental in delivering critical eye care services," said Mr Diran Olojo, FCMB's Group Head of Corporate Affairs. He emphasized the initiative's alignment with FCMB's broader commitment to social sustainability and equal opportunity for all.

The Priceless Gift of Sight addresses a critical need, as 90% of blind people globally live in poverty-stricken areas. "Blindness often leads to loss of income, social isolation, and limited access to information," Olojo stated. "This initiative is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and blindness."

Beneficiaries have also expressed their gratitude. "I haven't seen properly in six years," said Thomas Olekama, who travelled from Lagos for the free surgery. "I thank God, FCMB, and the Foundation for allowing me to see again."

First City Monument Bank, a part of the FCMB Group, is committed to making life better and empowering communities where it operates. The Priceless Gift of Sight programme shows how serious the Bank is about helping people and positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.

•PHOTO: Standing from left; Head, CSR & Sustainability, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Omoniyi Iyanda; Council member of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, Hon Emmanuel Archibong; Representative of the First Lady of Cross River State/Special Adviser to the Government on Gender Mainstream, Dr Asibong Iyang; Council member of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, Hon. Ntusam Ntoe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mrs. Atom Ekpeyong; an Official of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) of India, Dr. Schrilandier and Zonal Head, Calabar of FCMB, Mr. Charles Emefiele with some beneficiaries of the FCMB-sponsored Priceless Gift of Sight Initiative during the outreach programme organised by the Bank in partnership with the Foundation to commemorate 15th year anniversary of the initiative in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, on July 4, 2024.

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