The NNPC Foundation has launched a free cataract extraction programme for 1,000 low-income residents across six northeastern states—Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, as part of a broader effort to address avoidable blindness in Nigeria.

The surgeries are being conducted at the Eye Centre of the Specialist Hospital in Yola, Adamawa State.

The initiative is part of a nationwide campaign by the Foundation to combat cataract-induced blindness, a condition that accounts for nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organisation. The effort aligns with NNPC Foundation’s broader mission to deliver critical healthcare support to underserved populations across the country.

Speaking at the official launch, Dr. David Bala, Director of Programme and Development, who represented the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella N. Arukwe, emphasised the significance of the intervention.

“It is an honour to stand before you today as we launch the NNPC Foundation Free Cataract Screening and Extraction Programme in the geopolitical zone,” Dr. Bala said. “We recognise that sight is a fundamental pillar of human dignity and opportunity. Through this initiative, we are not just restoring vision; we are restoring lives.”

He added that the Foundation has been embarking on life-changing initiatives across the country as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“Over the past two years, the NNPC Foundation has implemented various health initiatives, including glaucoma screening, free cancer testing and counselling, non-communicable disease treatment, distribution of medical consumables, cardiovascular surgeries, and support for flood victims in Borno State,” he stated.

The Yola outreach is part of a larger national drive by the Foundation to reach 6,000 beneficiaries; 1,000 in each of the six geopolitical zones. The program involves free screening, surgeries, and awareness creation on eye health.

Adamawa State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Felix Tangwami, who was represented by Dr. Stephen John, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the ministry, commended the NNPC Foundation for the timely and impactful intervention.

“This event marks a significant milestone not only in public health service delivery but in affirming our shared commitment to restoring dignity and improving quality of life for our people,” he stated.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. D.Y. Ribadu, the team lead for the initiative, described cataract as the leading cause of blindness in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast where the prevalence stands at 6.1%.

“This is not merely a clinical outreach; it is a transformative gesture — offering renewed vision, hope, and a chance at a more meaningful life for 1,000 beneficiaries,” Dr. Ribadu said.

The Foundation affirmed that the outreach is in line with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

With this initiative, the NNPC Foundation reiterates its pledge to continue driving sustainable and inclusive healthcare solutions across Nigeria.