Over 5,000 people, majorly from the oil producing communities of Imo State, have benefited from the free eye care services organized by Seplat Energy in partnership with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Speaking at the flag-off of the programme tagged “Eye Can See,” held in Owerri on the weekend, the Seplat Energy Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, said the event was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at addressing the health challenges of their host communities.

Otokhine listed the services offered at the programme to include eye checks and surgery, sugar level and high blood pressure tests, and the distribution of over 5000 medicated glasses and drugs, among others.

He said, “Today, we celebrate one of our flagship healthcare initiatives: the ‘Eye Can See’ programme. Since its inception in 2012, this initiative, delivered in partnership with the NNPC, has provided free, comprehensive eye care to over 22,084 patients, performed 726 life-changing eye surgeries, and distributed 12,307 prescription glasses.

“Our mission is clear: to reduce preventable blindness, promote early detection of eye diseases, and enhance the quality of life for all beneficiaries.”

Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC, represented by Senior Advisor, Government Relations, Mrs. Wilson Kehinde, said the goal of the initiative was “not just to provide eye care but to support a healthier and more prosperous community where everyone has access to good healthcare and development opportunities. Ultimately, we are not only restoring vision but we are also restoring hope for the future.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, the State Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Emeka Mgbudem, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. M. C. Ubaka (represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Austin Ukeji), and the Traditional Ruler of Opuoma Community in Egbema, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area, Eze Sylvester Okwuodu, commended Seplat and NNPC for the initiative, stressing that the program has enhanced their general development, including health, education, and human capacity building.

“When I look at the array of people treated for glaucoma and cataracts today, it demonstrates that their vision is for a better future. Seplat has remained our best partner, and we are proud of the work they are doing,” Mgbudem said.