Eleta Eye Institute Group has always been a leading figure in the care of eyes in Ibadan, Nigeria and the World at large, well known also in the Ophthalmology World. Every year expect something new and different from Eleta Eye Institute.

This year is not different as Ibadan Serra Club in conjunction with Eleta Eye Institute Group carried out series of outreaches, free eyes screening and 75 cataract surgeries to be done in honor of Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, to mark his 75th birthday. 

The birth of the Trinity outreaches then started. Let’s celebrate our Archbishop with the rural people of Ibadan, the Church has always been our foundation, so the local Parishes were used as base. St. Cyprian, Oke-Offa; St. Michael, Idi-Ayunre; and St. Michael, Yemetu. The outreaches took place on the agreed date, 12th, 13th and 14th of September, 2024 respectively. 

At St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Oke – Offa, 211 persons with different eyes defect were screened, from which 62 cataract cases were found. At St. Michael Catholic Church, Idi – Ayunre, a total number of 121 persons were screened and 20 cataract cases were found and at St. Michael, Yemetu, 218 persons were screened and 60 cataract cases were found. A total of 142 cataract cases found.

Prior to the surgery’s day, Patients were prepared on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th September, 2024. The surgeries were done on September 21st, 2024. The Archbishop who was unavoidably absent was ably represented by the Institute’s Chaplain, Mgrs. Peter Otubusin who in his usual quiet, gentle and friendly manner welcomed all the Patients on behalf of the Archbishop. 

Rev. Fr. Chritopher Ojikutu who was also in attendance gave the opening prayer, he committed the day’s, activities, Doctors and Staff into the hands of God for a successful surgery. Also in attendance were Eleta Eye Institute Group Chairman, Dr. B.G.K. Ajayi, Members of the Board of Trustee who gave invaluable moral support to the Staffs and Surgeons throughout the surgery. 

Surgeons carried out surgeries for hours on 70+ Patients and still counting from the following week. The outreaches have become a beckon of hope for many individuals who are gradually losing their sight, and Eleta Eye Institute Group has continued to be a leading force in that aspect and they are not relenting. 

We cannot but include our beloved Priests of the Archdiocese in all of this, we indeed appreciate your sacrifices, commitment and the unweaving love shown to all at all time, theirs will hold November 21, 2024.

We cannot but thank God for our Archbishop at 75, it’s our prayer that God should grant you many more years and all He does through Eleta Eye Institute Group, Ibadan Serra Club for their wisdom, Eleta Eye Institute for embracing and fostering the idea, Staffs of Eleta Eye Institute for their tenacity and doggedness to the purpose of the Institute, Monsignor Theophilus Fadeyi, Rev. Fr. Matthew Oniseitan and Rev. Fr Charles Onyema for their immeasurable support before and during the outreach, and all our Donors who have in one way or another helped put a lasting smile on people’s face and celebrated Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin @ 75 in a wonderful and memorable way. 

This entire effort is a testament and confirmation of the Institute’s commitment to providing quality Eye Care to an underserved community, breaking financial barriers and preventing unnecessary blindness.