The Seplat Energy JV has launched this year’s edition of its “Eye Can See” corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, Edo State.
The CSR health programme is designed to ensure the provision of eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for Cataract, Glaucoma and other eye problems within NNPC E & P Limited/Seplat Energy operational communities in Edo and Delta states.
The programme is targeted at men, women and children towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well Being.
Other objectives of the programme include the provision of free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities; prevention and reduction in cases of permanent loss of vision.
Additionally, is the provision of free reading glasses and treatment of other related eye problems; educating patients on ways to care for the eyes; and how to detect eye diseases, as well as lifestyle changes required to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.
Speaking during the programme on Friday, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, was quoted as saying that the Seplat/NNPC E&P Eye Can See CSR programme is designed to ensure the provision of eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for different eye problems within the Joint Venture (JV) operational communities.
Afe added that “Since the inception of the programme in 2012, the lives of many in our host communities and other areas have been richly impacted. A total of 96,411 patients have been screened; 45,074 reading glasses have been dispensed; and 4,218 surgeries performed.
“And the 2023 edition, which is being flagged off at the Oba’s Palace Benin today, will further boost these numbers. About 90 communities will be served using 13 centres across Edo and Delta states.”
The programme is designed to ensure the provision of eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for different eye problems within the Joint Venture (JV) operational communities.
In his remarks, the Director, New Energy, Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon, expressed gratitude to NNPC E&P Limited and other stakeholders involved in making the initiative a success.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Palace, the government of Edo and Delta states, and NNPC E&P Limited for their unwavering support. Their collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative over the years,” Okon said.
In his goodwill message, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by the Esere of Benin Kingdom, Stanley Obamwonyi, thanked Seplat Energy and partners for the delivery of the programme, which he noted had been consistent over the years.
“We thank Seplat Energy for the constant featuring of this Eye Can See programme, which has tremendously helped my people. We can only urge you to continue in this light,” the Oba said.
In his message, the Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited, Ali Zarah represented by the Deputy Manager Community Relations, Ajakaye Emily Ladi, expressed gratitude for the support received from the host communities and extended its appreciation to Seplat Energy for the partnership in implementing the “Eye Can See” programme for 12 years.
He said the collaboration between the two entities is aimed at enhancing eye care and visual aid services, including surgical treatments for various eye challenges within the operational communities.
