IHO DIMEZE KING, EZE (DR.) MARTIN CHIEZE AMAKU, TO DISTRIBUTE 10,000 FREE EYE GLASSES, SPONSOR MORE THAN 2,000 FREE EYE SURGERIES
By Emeka Amaefula
History was made on Saturday, July 11, 2026, when the Traditional Ruler of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku, JP (Dimeze II), announced a comprehensive free eye healthcare programme for the people of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
The monarch disclosed that the initiative will provide 10,000 free prescription eye glasses and more than 2,000 free eye surgeries, including cataract, glaucoma and other vision-restoring procedures. According to him, the humanitarian programme is designed to improve eye health, restore sight and enhance the quality of life of thousands of beneficiaries.
He announced that the 10,000 free eye glasses distribution and more than 2,000 free eye surgeries are scheduled to take place in December 2026 as part of activities leading to the 2026 Dimeze Day Celebration, which will be held on December 27, 2026.
HRM Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze AMAKU
The venue for the medical outreach is Ikeduru Local Government Area Stadium, Iho Dimeze Town, Imo State, Nigeria.
According to the monarch, the programme is being organised under the sponsorship of the MartBopic Humanitarian & Community Development Foundation, the non-governmental organisation through which all the humanitarian and community development initiatives of the royal father are coordinated.
He explained that the free eye care programme is primarily for the people of Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community and Ikeduru Local Government Area, while qualified beneficiaries from other parts of Imo State will also benefit from the humanitarian intervention.
Traditional Igbo kola nuts
Eze Amaku made the announcement while addressing men during a special gathering he described as “Omenala Lectures,” where he spoke extensively on the significance of the kola nut in Igbo culture and the importance of embracing traditional values and spiritual discipline as pathways to a successful and fulfilling life.
The royal father urged men to uphold the moral and cultural values handed down by their forefathers. He advocated responsible family life and expressed support for polygamy, arguing that, when practised with fairness, responsibility and faithfulness, it could help reduce marital infidelity and strengthen family bonds.
Barr. Augustine Chuks Njoku President General, IDTU
He also advised men to refrain from practices he said are traditionally forbidden, including oral sexual acts and eating meals prepared by their wives during their menstrual period. According to him, a man’s spiritual strength depends largely on self-discipline and the proper management of his household.
The monarch warned men against coveting another man’s wife or removing ancient landmarks, stressing that respect for cultural values and moral principles contributes to personal success and societal stability.
Quoting Job 8:8–10 (KJV), he said:
“For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers… Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?”
He also referred to Jeremiah 35, where the Rechabites were commended for faithfully obeying the instructions of their forefather, Jonadab.
Citing Proverbs 22:28 (KJV), he quoted:
“Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
He further quoted Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV):
“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth…”
Referring to Psalm 82:6 (KJV), he declared:
“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”
Chief Obed Amadi Akpaka Village chief with other chiefs at the event
He also cited Leviticus 8:10 (KJV):
“And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.”
Explaining his advocacy for polygamy, Eze Amaku maintained that it was intended to discourage adultery, strengthen family ties and promote marital harmony. He encouraged married couples to maintain healthy marital relationships and advised intending couples to make proper enquiries into family values before marriage, in keeping with the traditions of their forefathers.
In his remarks, the President-General of Iho Dimeze Community, Barrister Augustine Chuks Njoku, commended the monarch for his profound teachings on the customs, traditions and cultural heritage of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom. He also praised the monarch and the MartBopic Humanitarian & Community Development Foundation for initiating what he described as one of the largest free eye healthcare interventions ever planned for the area, expressing confidence that thousands of residents would benefit from the programme.
Barr. Njoku also announced the introduction of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the management of Eke-Ijedibia Market, explaining that the arrangement would involve collaboration between the Iho Dimeze Town Union and the appropriate local government authorities in accordance with statutory provisions.
He stated that proceeds generated from the PPP arrangement would be channelled towards the reconstruction of the Iho Dimeze Town Hall as part of the community’s ongoing development efforts.
