No fewer than 5,000 residents across two local governments are expected to benefit from a 10-day free medical outreach organised by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

The programme, which is in collaboration with the Bayelsa Ministry of Health, Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Uzu Field, GSW, and Epu2 Project Teams, offers a wide range of accessible, quality healthcare services. It was flagged off in Kaima Community, Kolokuma/Opokuna Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Kaima Referral Hospital on Thursday, Mr. Igo Weli, General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, said the program is aimed at enhancing healthcare services for the people.

Weli was represented by Mr. Evans Krukrubo, Community Relations Manager at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

According to him, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and our joint venture partners—Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, TotalEnergies, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources—are proud to support this initiative.

“This is a 10-day community-focused initiative that provides comprehensive eye care services to the people of the communities that house projects of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

“The projects and communities covered in this program include EPU2 Project communities (Kaima, Okorotomu, Igbainwari, Orubiri, Gbaran-ama, Ayibabiri, in Kolokuma/Opokuna LGA), UZu Project communities (Polaku, Asaingbini, Tonuama, Koroama, Kumboama, in Gbaran), and GSW Project communities (Opolo, Onopa, Yenizuegene, Etegwe, in Epie/Atissa).

“We also know that these medical services will serve people from communities surrounding these areas in Bayelsa State,” he said.

He stated that the Vision First Program is one of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited’s flagship Health-In-Motion initiatives—an impactful, nationwide community healthcare program designed to bring essential healthcare to the people.

He said: “Through the Vision First Program, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited aims to help every member of their host communities protect their eyesight, ensuring that this essential asset is preserved and cared for. Beyond improving access to treatment, this program will also help in reducing the prevalence of avoidable blindness in a sustainable way.”

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the state was determined to take qualitative healthcare to the doorsteps of every citizen of Bayelsa.

He lauded Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and its partners for the great initiative, stating that the Gov. Douye Diri-led administration has taken bold steps in healthcare delivery to the people of Bayelsa.

The Paramount Ruler of the community, King Jerry Purutoru, commended the oil company for the free medical care offered to the people of Kaima Community in Kolokuma/Opokuna LGA.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Mercy Ebiwari, also commended the company for the free medical services and appealed that it be extended to more communities in Bayelsa.