By Faridat Salifu
In a collaborative effort to address poverty and healthcare challenges in oil-producing communities, the Imo State government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and SEPLAT Oil Drilling Company have joined forces.
The genesis of this partnership was unveiled during the NNPC/Seplat Energy Joint Venture event known as the ‘Eye Can See Programme 2023 (Eastern Asset)’ on October 5th, 2023, in Owerri, Imo State.
The ‘Eye Can See Programme 2023 (Eastern Asset)’ represents the signature Corporate Social Responsibility healthcare program of the NNPC/Seplat Energy Joint Venture. It is designed to deliver high-quality eye care services to residents in the company’s host communities.
During this event, over 300 individuals received essential eye treatments, including eye surgeries and the distribution of reading glasses.
NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Bala Wunti, emphasized that this medical initiative was an integral part of the company’s outreach efforts to support its host communities. Representing Mr. Wunti, Wilson Halimat stated, “This program is a testament to our commitment to social responsibility.”
The NNPC remains dedicated to addressing the needs of its people and will persist in its focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, spanning health, education, and other sectors. Remarkably, the ‘Eye Can See’ program has already provided healthcare to over 96,000 individuals.
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The Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Henry Okafor, expressed his appreciation for the program’s continuity and commended SEPLAT for keeping its promise.
He emphasized the significance of this initiative in fostering community cohesion and urged SEPLAT to keep the government informed of its activities for record-keeping.
This program is specifically designed to cater to individuals of all age groups, including men, women, and children, who are facing eye-related issues. Its primary aim is to offer free eye care services, visual aids, and cataract surgeries to residents of NNPC/SEPLAT operational communities.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which seeks to promote good health and well-being, the program strives to ensure healthy lives for all.
Over the course of its 12-year existence, this initiative has made a significant impact, having provided 96,411 eye treatments, distributed 45,074 reading glasses, and conducted 4,218 surgeries. In the Eastern Asset of the Joint Venture, where the program was inaugurated in 2017, it has screened 16,546 individuals, provided 7,737 eyeglasses, and performed 577 surgeries.
The ongoing campaign aims to expand its reach, with plans to assist 3,000 individuals, perform 150 cataract surgeries, and distribute 2,000 eyeglasses.
The enduring commitment of Imo State, NNPC, and SEPLAT to the welfare of their host communities through initiatives like the ‘Eye Can See Programme’ serves as a beacon of hope, bringing improved healthcare and a brighter future to the people it touches.
