In an extraordinary collaboration, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) of India have successfully transformed the lives of more than 300,000 Nigerians through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the “Priceless Gift of Sight.”
A Glimpse into Transformation:
Since 2009, FCMB’s annual intervention has provided free eye surgeries, corrective testing services, and glasses, targeting underprivileged adults and children across communities in Nigeria. The initiative, spanning thirteen consecutive years, has not only restored sight to almost 17,000 visually impaired Nigerians but also conducted tests to correct various eye defects, ensuring a comprehensive impact.
Geographic Reach and Sustainable Impact:
FCMB’s commitment is evident across regions, with interventions in Kebbi, Cross River, Imo, Abuja, Katsina, and Adamawa. Beyond the restoration of sight, the program raises awareness about the prevalence of cataracts in Nigeria and significantly improves the socio-economic well-being of beneficiaries and their families.
Empowering Indigenous Healthcare:
The initiative serves as a training ground for indigenous medical and para-medical personnel, enhancing their skills through training provided by TCF’s expert medical team. Modern surgical techniques, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, are employed to ensure quality and affordable surgeries for those in need.
Comprehensive Care and Oversight:
FCMB and TCF leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of each surgery. From community screening to patient transportation, ophthalmic examinations, and post-operative care, every step is meticulously executed. The initiative even includes random post-operative audits by independent ophthalmologists to confirm the surgery’s efficiency and beneficiaries’ health.
FCMB’s Commitment to Visionary CSR:
Mr. Diran Olojo, Group Head of Corporate Affairs at FCMB, emphasizes the importance of the Priceless Gift of Sight as a cornerstone of the bank’s CSR initiatives. “The importance of sight to the well-being of an individual and nation cannot be underestimated,” he notes, expressing pride in the program’s transformative impact.
A Decade-Long Partnership:
Chief Operating Officer of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, Mr. Shravan Kasam, lauds FCMB’s decade-long commitment to the Mission for Vision program. The sustained partnership highlights FCMB’s dedication to society and the tangible impact on those who would have faced avoidable visual impairment.
Real-Life Testimonies:
Malam Labaran Danjo, a 2015 beneficiary from Kebbi state, shares a moving testimony of how the program changed his life after 13 years of struggling with poor sight. The 52-year-old farmer expresses gratitude for the successful surgery, stating that it revitalized his life and economic situation.
Looking Ahead:
FCMB envisions extending this impactful program to more communities and states, reinforcing its dedication to community and human development interventions nationwide. The bank’s CSR philosophy focuses on poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, making a lasting impact on its customers and communities alike.
FCMB and TCF: Illuminating Lives, One Surgery at a Time.
