…reaffirms commitment to quality healthcare
The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has kicked off the 2024 edition of the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, one of its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Benin City, Edo State.
The event, which took place at the Oba Palace, Benin City, is designed to provide free reading glasses, treat other eye related problems, and educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect glaucoma. It is also geared towards educating patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rate of hypertension and diabetes.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Ayodele Olatunde, who was represented by the Base Manager, Western Assets, Emmanuel Otokhine, commended Edo State Health Management Board and other partners that have supported the programme over the years.
He assured that, “Seplat and our JV partners are committed to continuing this programme, and all we ask is that you continue to cooperate with us to take advantage of the opportunity that this programme offers and also spread the news to let others also enjoy the benefits of the programme.”
On his part, the Corporate Communications Manager, NEPL, Alhaji Dahiru Abubakar, represented by the company’s Liaison Officer, Faith Otitinor, said, “It is our pleasure as an organization in partnership with Seplat to roll out the “Eye Can See” optical care programme for the community. Over the years, we have partnered with highly reputable medical practitioners who have proven themselves in the field of optical care to deploy this programme and we pledge our undiminished collaboration towards human and capital development in Edo state.”
Also commending the Seplat Energy JV for its commitment to positively impacting lives through the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, Chief Isaac Oghafua, the Oyeoba of Benin kingdom, said, “Seplat has made significant strides in improving community health and the people living in our community have felt their impact. The Palace is always happy when this programme happens because our own family members within and outside the Palace have directly benefited from the initiative.”
The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, which commenced 12 years ago, has delivered over 96,000 eye treatments, dispensed over 45,000 reading glasses and performed more than 4,000 surgeries. The current programme is projected to screen 6,000 persons, perform 350 surgeries and dispense 5,000 reading glasses across various communities.
One of the beneficiaries of the ongoing programme, Mrs Florence Ayewoh, expressed joy that she could see well now, saying “I am really grateful to Seplat for making me see well again; may God bless all of you and those who sent you to come.”
The Seplat Energy JV collaborates with reputable medical practitioners and organizations that include the Family Health Outreach Association and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria to deliver the ‘Eye Can See’ programme in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which is designed to deliver good health and wellbeing to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages.
