No fewer than 5,000 people drawn from the oil-producing communities in Imo State have received free eye care services courtesy of Seplat Energy in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Over 50 of the beneficiaries underwent various surgeries, while others received free medication, medicated glasses, and other supportive medical items.
Flagging off the medical outreach, tagged “Eye Can See” in Owerri over the weekend, the organisers said it was part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at giving back to society, especially to the host communities and the state in general.
Addressing newsmen at the flag-off event, the Seplat Managing Director, Eastern Asset, Mr. Ibi-Ada Itotoi, represented by the Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, said, “This week-long healthcare initiative is well designed to positively impact the host communities by being a partner in their progress and success stories, among other CSR initiatives.”
“Initiatives such as ‘Eye Can See’ ensure that our communities experience the tangible benefits of our presence and that our commitment goes beyond business operations,” he added.
Also, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Bala Wunti, represented by the Asset Manager at the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Mr. Obinna Otuu, said, “This initiative is a testament to our deep-seated commitment to the well-being of the communities we serve.
“Through this programme, NNPCL and Seplat Energy are not only addressing urgent medical needs but also educating communities on managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to vision loss.”
Speaking also, the Senior Manager, Sustainable Social Investment and Social Performance, Mrs. Esther Icha, listed the services offered in the outreach to include weight, heart, liver, and blood sugar level checks, as well as general eye examinations.
She disclosed that people identified with cataracts during the eye checks were taken to the hospital for surgeries, while others were educated on how to manage their diagnoses and keep their eyes safe.
In his remarks on behalf of the state government, the State Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hon. Emeka Mgbudim, expressed confidence in the activities and programmes of Seplat in the state, noting that they have proven their capacity in human capital development.
Some of the beneficiaries of the outreach, including Chief Hyginus Onyeuka, who successfully underwent cataract surgery, shared their transformative experiences.
Onyeuka said he had been blind for many years but regained his sight after the humanitarian gesture of Seplat Energy and NNPC, saying, “I can’t thank Seplat enough for restoring my sight. This programme is nothing short of a miracle for people like me.”
