…Over 110,000 eye treatments recorded since launch

BY MONDAY OISE

BENIN CITY – The 2025 edition of the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture’s flagship healthcare initiative, “Eye Can See,” culminated in a grand ceremony at the Oba of Benin’s Palace in Benin City.

Now in its 13th year, the three-day outreach continues to provide free eye care services, ranging from consultations and reading glasses to cataract surgeries and health education on eye-related conditions and associated illnesses like glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes. 

The initiative targets residents of the host communities of the Joint Venture (JV).

Delivering the opening remarks, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, represented by Esther Icha, Senior Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance—reaffirmed that the programme is entirely free for all beneficiaries.

“Every part of this programme is free of charge,” Icha said. “For those with additional health challenges, including hypertension or diabetes, we have doctors on ground to attend to them.”

Representing Edo State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Director of Medical Services, Dr Edward Aisowieren, lauded Seplat Energy JV for the initiative’s far-reaching impact, noting that the “Eye Can See” programme is truly changing lives for the better.

He added, “More than half the causes of blindness are preventable or treatable. This initiative has given many their sight back and is a commendable intervention.”

The Obkhavbaye of Benin, Chief Raphael Oronsaye, who represented the Oba of Benin, expressed appreciation to the Seplat JV and encouraged community members to embrace such impactful initiatives.

Representing NEPL, Owunari Tomikeimieye praised the turnout and urged parents to sensitise their children and wards on the importance of preserving oil and gas infrastructure. 

He noted that the revenue generated from such resources funds life-changing projects like “Eye Can See.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dennis Laure thanked the Seplat JV for helping many overcome long-standing eye problems that had negatively affected their daily lives and livelihoods.

Since its inception, the “Eye Can See” initiative has recorded impressive achievements, including 110,634 eye treatments, 55,382 reading glasses distributed, and 4,752 successful cataract surgeries..