NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture Delivers Free Eye Care to Over 2000 Patients in Imo State
In a significant corporate social investment initiative, the NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture has provided free surgeries and comprehensive eye care services to more than 2000 indigent residents of Imo State. The outreach, which targeted aged individuals, widows, and children with sight challenges, was conducted over a three-day period in Owerri, the state capital.
Corporate Commitment to Community Health
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, Mrs. Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy Plc, emphasized that this outreach falls under the company's signature 'Eye Can See' Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme. Represented by Mrs. Esther Icha, General Manager of Corporate Social Investment & Social Performance, Afe revealed that since the programme's inception in 2017, a total of 23,447 individuals have been screened, 797 surgeries have been conducted, and 13,525 pairs of eyeglasses have been distributed—all completely free of charge to beneficiaries.
The initiative was specifically designed to impact the health and wellbeing of host communities by providing free access to essential eye care services, including comprehensive screenings, reading glasses, and cataract surgeries. Afe explained that the current high cost of eye care makes it imperative for the NNPC/Seplat JV to sustain and expand this programme, thereby reaching a wider array of community members.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Afe further highlighted that this initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-Being. "For us as a company, we are very happy to do this because of the positive impacts on the stakeholders at the community level," she stressed, underscoring the Joint Venture's broader commitment to delivering sustainable, high-impact social investments.
In his remarks, Olanrewaju Igandan, Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), welcomed all participants and commended Seplat Energy for driving this transformative initiative. Represented by Bunmi Lawson, Deputy Manager of External Relations at NUIMS, Igandan stated that "NNPC Limited is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people who host our businesses and operations."
He added that these efforts have changed numerous lives, giving people the opportunity to see clearly and enjoy life again. Looking toward the future, Igandan assured that "We recognize that there are still many challenges and there is more work to be done. The goal is not just eyecare but to support welfare and more prosperous communities."
Beneficiary Testimonials and Comprehensive Care
The beneficiaries expressed profound delight and gratitude for the opportunity to receive critical medical care at no cost. Dr. Fred Nnamdi, Lolo Igolo Njemanze, and Chief Ernest Onyeneke—three individuals who benefited from eye surgeries—commended the Joint Venture for what they described as a wonderful, life-changing initiative. They praised the team of medical personnel for their excellent service delivery, which has restored their sight and given them a renewed chance at a better life.
Beyond eye care, the programme also included screenings for other health challenges such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Beneficiaries received professional counselling, necessary medications, and referrals for further treatment as required, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.
This edition of the 'Eye Can See' programme underscores the ongoing commitment of the NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture to corporate social responsibility and community development in Nigeria's oil-producing regions.
