By Fatima Saka
ABUJA — “I may not see with my eyes, but I understand the value of sight more deeply than most.” With those profound words, Nigerian celebrated musician and producer Cobhams Asuquo stirred hearts at the World Sight Day 2025 commemoration in Abuja on Thursday, urging Nigerians to love, protect, and prioritize their eyes before it’s too late.
The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme, Sightsavers, and partners, focused on the theme “Love Your Eyes.” For Asuquo, blind since birth, the irony of speaking about vision became a powerful metaphor for awareness, resilience, and gratitude.
“You don’t have to lose your sight to recognize its value,” he said. “Sight is a precious gift, and no one should have to lose it to understand how much it means.”
Cobhams shared that his blindness has given him a profound appreciation for how vision shapes autonomy and connection. “My ability to move freely today is made possible through others who see for me. Their sight gives me freedom. So their eye health is not just their business, it’s mine too,” he said, drawing attention to how vision care is a shared responsibility.
Highlighting the transformative power of assistive technology, Asuquo credited tools like screen readers, navigation apps, and smart glasses for empowering people with visual impairment to thrive.
“Technology has changed the story,” he noted. “Today, I read, write, send emails, and conduct business globally without sight. That’s the power of inclusion and innovation.”
He called for greater investment in technology, education, and rehabilitation for those with vision loss, while urging everyone to embrace regular eye checks and preventive care.
Reflecting on his journey, the award-winning artist reminded the audience that blindness does not equate to limitation.
“Vision loss is not the end of one’s story,” he said. “It can be the beginning of seeing the world, and yourself, in a different light.”
Engaging with students at the event, Asuquo encouraged young Nigerians to be intentional with their lives. “Be present,” he said. “Your life is happening now. Use technology to learn and grow, not to compare or despair. You have limitless potential.”
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Commending Asuquo’s powerful testimony, Dr. Oteri Okolo Eme, National Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme, described his message as a mirror of the event’s purpose.
“He embodies hope,” Dr. Eme said. “Even as we acknowledge that 84% of blindness in Nigeria is preventable, his story reminds us that life after vision loss can still be full of meaning and purpose.”
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