The NNPC/Seplat Energy Joint Venture kicked-off the 2023 edition of the Eye Can See Programme (Eastern Asset) on 5th October, 2023 in Owerri, Imo State.
The initiative is the signature Corporate Social Responsibility healthcare programme of the NNPC/Seplat Energy JV, designed to provide quality eye care for people in its host communities.
The programme which is targeted at men, women and children with eye problems aims to ensure the provision of free eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for Cataract within NNPC/Seplat Energy operational communities. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, purposed to deliver Good Health and Well Being, to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director, Seplat East Onshore Limited, Mrs. Ibi-Ada Itotoi, noted that the Eye Can See initiative is part of the projects executed by the joint venture partners every year, assuring that the programme will be back next year, with improvements from feedbacks.
“This outreach is a way of saying ‘Thank You’, for allowing us to operate in your communities, for cooperating with us and for having your representatives at the various fora, because without your cooperation, there is no way we can operate and we sincerely appreciate that. There is no greater joy for any human being than to see that, because of what you are doing, someone’s life is being improved,” she added.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala M. Wunti, represented by Mrs. Halimat Wilson of the agency, noted that, “This (Eye Can See programme) is a significant moment in our annual calendar year, as history is always made, not only for the NNPC Limited/ Seplat Energy but for the entire beneficiaries, host communities and the nation at large.”
He further expressed gratitude to the men, women, youths, community leaders, traditional rulers, Imo State Government and other stakeholders who have supported the NNPC/Seplat JV operation all these years.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Imo State, Dr. Henry Okafor, noted that, “There are multifarious oil companies operating in Imo State and the state government is watching keenly, on how each of these companies perform. And I must tell you that Seplat is one company that has been very consistent and doing very well in Imo State. So, on behalf of the people and government of Imo State, particularly the hydrocarbon areas in Imo State, we want to thank Seplat for keeping your promise.”
He also advised the company to keep the state government abreast of its other CRS activities in the state, as the government is keeping records. “Our Governor is happy with you and whatever you need to make your operations go smoothly will be assisted, because we also need the 13% derivation accruable to the state government from your production.”
Other objectives of the Eye Can See initiative include to provide free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities, reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses and treat other related eye problems, educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Glaucoma and also educate patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.
The initiative which commenced 12 years ago has delivered 96,411 eye treatments, dispensed 45,074 reading glasses and performed 4,218 surgeries. In the JV’s Eastern Asset, where the programme was introduced in 2017, 16,546 persons have been screened, 7,737 Eye glasses dispensed and 577 surgeries performed.
The ongoing programme is planned to screen 3,000 persons, perform 150 cataract surgeries and provide 2000 reading glasses.
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