Seplat Energy through its flagship ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, a medical outreach, has offered free eye care to over 5,000 persons in Imo.
BRANDPOWER reports that the eye and other health care treatments were administered on residents of Owerri and environs in Owerri on Thursday.
The weeklong outreach was carried out in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
It covers critical eye care services such as free screenings, surgeries and distribution of eyeglasses to underserved residents in its host communities.
Speaking during the flag-off of the outreach, the company’s Managing Director, Eastern Asset, Mr Ibi-Ada Itotoi, represented by the Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Mr Emmanuel Otokhine, emphasized their dedication to holistic people and community development.
“We are not just an operator in the regions where we work; we are partners in progress.
Initiatives such as ‘Eye Can See’ ensure that our communities experienced the tangible benefits of our presence and that our commitment goes beyond business operations.” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPCL, Mr Bala Wunti, represented by Mr Obinna Otuu, Asset Manager at the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services said the program had a broader impact.
“Success is not only about managing resources but about uplifting lives. The ‘Eye Can See’ 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,” he said.
Also, the Traditional Ruler of Mgbala-Agwa autonomous community, Eze Blaise Ubah, said that Seplat Energy had consistently stood out as a responsible corporate citizen.
“Seplat has consistently stood out as a responsible corporate citizen, bringing this programme to our community as they have in previous years, and they continue to set the standard for others in the industry,”he said.
Chief Hyginus Onyeuka, who successfully underwent cataract surgery, shared his transformative experience:
“I was blind for many years, but today I can see clearly. I can’t thank Seplat enough for restoring my sight. This programme is nothing short of a miracle for people like me”, he said.
BRANDPOWER further reports that the outreach which began in 2012 has, ssince its inception, reached over 105,000 Nigerians, performed 4,560 life-changing eye surgeries, and distributed more than 51,000 reading glasses.