Over 1,000 residents in Bayelsa State have so far received free cataract surgeries and treatments at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation South South Free Cataract Screening and Extraction Surgeries programme.

The programme began last week at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Yenagoa, the state capital.

The foundation, a non-profit making business of the NNPC had earlier commenced screening for beneficiaries of the free cataract surgeries on April 1st, 2025, before the ceremonial flag-off.

Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the foundation, said the foundation is embarking on the Cataract screening and extraction programme across the six (6) geopolitical zones of Nigeria, to arrest prevalent vision impairment and blindness across the country caused by Cataract, and overall to improve and strengthen the health of the communities.

Represented by Mr. Jude Ayalogu, Manager, Health Services in the foundation, Mrs. Arukwe, said cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness globally and account for nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

She said, “In rural and underserved areas, limited access to quality eye care exacerbates this challenge and many individuals live with avoidable blindness because they cannot afford or access the care they need.

“The challenge is not just a health issue – it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss impacts productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.

“At NNPC Foundation, we recognize that sight is more than just a sense; it is a fundamental pillar of human dignity and opportunity. This understanding forms the foundation of our outreach programme.”

She emphasised that NNPC Foundation will continue to provide support for accessible, affordable, and sustainable healthcare for Nigerians across the geopolitical zones.

Flagging off the program, the Bayelsa first lady and wife to the Governor, Mrs. Gloria Diri, while commending NNPC for their commitment to improving health care in Nigeria, said Cataract is a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.

Mrs. Diri said she was impressed by the giant stride by the NNPC to combat blindness deliberately and intentionally, especially in Bayelsa State and the south-south region.

She urged Bayelsans to take advantage of the program and help spread the news to communities beyond the state capital

Earlier in his welcome address, the Medical Director, FMC, Dr. James Omietimi, appreciated the NPC foundation for taking up the challenge to tackle the menace and to restore the vision and hope of many in this part of the world.

He said “Choosing FMC Yenagoa for this programme is a privilege and honour to the hospital. I will use this opportunity to call on other partners alike to rise up to the challenge to tackle other life-threatening diseases, particularly, now that foreign aid is being cut.

“The eye is the light of the body and when there is a distortion in vision it greatly impacts one’s life. Restoring one’s vision is restoring the light of the body.”