By Prisca Nguzo
In a bid to combat preventable eye diseases and blindness, Seplat Energy in collaboration with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has offered free eye care services to 5, 000 people drawn the oil producing communities in Imo State.
About 50 of the beneficiaries underwent several surgeries while others received free drug, medicated glasses among supportive medical items.
Flagging off the medical outreach, tagged "Eye Can See" in Owerri, weekend, the organisers said it was part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR initiative aimed at giving back to society, especially to the host communities and state in general.
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Addressing newsmen at the flag off event, the Seplat Managing Director, Eastern Asset, Mr Ibi-Ada Itotoi, represented by the Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Mr Emmanuel Otokhine said, "this week-long healthcare initiative is well designed to positively impact the host communities by being a partner in their progress and success stories among other CSR Initiatives."
"Initiatives such as ‘Eye Can See’ ensure that our communities experience the tangible benefits of our presence and that our commitment goes beyond business operations", he added.
Also, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPCL, Mr Bala Wunti, represented by the Asset Manager at the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Mr Obinna Otuu, said, "this 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."
Speaking also, the Senior Manager, Sustainable Social Investment and Social Performance, Mrs. Esther Icha, listed the services offered in outreach to include weight, heart, liver, blood sugar level checks, as well as general eye examinations.
She disclosed that people identified with Cataracts during the eye checks were taken to the hospital for surgeries while others were educted on how to manage their diagnosis well as keep the eyes safe.
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In his remarks on behalf of the State Government, the State Commissioner For Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hon. Emeka Mgbudim expressed confidence in the activities and programmes of Seplat in the state, noting that they have shown themselves approved in capacity and human capital development.
Some of the beneficiaries on the outreach including Chief Hyginus Onyeuka, who successfully underwent cataract surgery, shared their transformative experience.
Onyeuke said he had been blind for many years, but regained his sight after the humanitarian gesture of the Seplat Energy and NNPC, saying "I can’t thank Seplat enough for restoring my sight. This programme is nothing short of a miracle for people like me.”
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