BY KENNETH EZE
No fewer than 80,194 persons across Edo and Delta have been impacted in the free eye care medical services bankrolled by Seplat Energy, operators of the NPDC/SEPLAT joint venture.
Director External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat, Dr Chioma Nwachukwu, disclosed this, Tuesday, at the 9th edition of the annual Corporate Social Responsibility programme of the company tagged “Eye Can See Initiative” at the Oba’s Palace, Benin City.
Nwachukwu said that the figure was from the inception of the programme nine years ago.
Seplat, through the programme, she said, impacted 80,194 persons; dispensed 35,755 reading glasses, and performed 3,456 cataract and related surgeries.
She noted that ensuring sustainability of Seplat’s host communities remained a priority for the company, particularly the health and wellbeing of the people.
“We are committed to partnering with our host communities with the view to touching lives. The Eye Can See programme has been on since 2012, and every year, the company brings a dedicated team of medics to ensure it makes the right and needed impacts.
“Our focus on the good health and wellbeing of our people is unwavering, and this is in line with Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages,” she added.
She revealed that the programme, which witnessed large turnout of people from Benin and its environs commenced last Thursday.
Those who showed up, she added, would have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses or get operated upon to remove visual impairing cataracts.
Nwachukwu highlighted that “The programme will be deployed in different centres across Delta and Edo States.
“Thousands of Nigerians will be screened for eye ailments, surgeries performed, and eye glasses dispensed.”
On hand to welcome the company and dignitaries to the palace, was a representative of the Oba of Benin, Eware II, the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, Chief John Oviesoge.
He lauded Seplat for supporting and enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of members of its host communities and pledged his kingdom’s support to the company and its activities.
He commended the company’s resolve to continue to invest in its areas of operation, saying the move had helped to boost the fortunes of the areas.
Those who benefited from the initiative commended Seplat for bringing hope to their lives and giving them the opportunity to maximise their potentials.
The programme, which offers free premium optical care is open to anyone that comes to any designated venue whenever it is deployed.
