By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State Government has sponsored an eye surgery for 14-year-old Ayomide Aiyedatiwa, who had been battling cataracts for several years.

The teenager’s case came to the attention of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, through the Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, during her visit to the Ondo State Children’s Home in Akure a few weeks ago.

Ayomide Aiyedatiwa was found abandoned on the streets of Akure during the administration of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. In March 2025, it was discovered that he had developed cataracts in one eye.

Representing the Governor, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs had immediately shown interest in ensuring the boy received the appropriate medical treatment to address his condition.

Initially referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the surgery was eventually performed at the Millennium Eye Centre, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Complex, marking a historic first for such an intervention within the state.

Speaking on the development, Dr Osamaye emphasised that the social welfare of every child in Ondo State remains a priority for the Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

She lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his swift intervention and commended the caregivers, Mrs Aduloju, Nurse Aarinola Adamolekun and other medical personnel who successfully carried out the surgery on 23rd April 2025.

She praised the Governor’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services for the vulnerable, noting that the government’s prompt response prevented the boy from going blind.

Dr Osamaye assured that the administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the people of Ondo State.

She further urged the Ondo State Technical Working Group for Alternative Childcare and Protection to develop realistic, state-specific strategies and guidelines during their inauguration.