No fewer than 80,194 persons across Edo and Delta has so far been impacted in the free eye care medical services provided by Seplat Energy PLC, operators of the NPDC/SEPLAT joint venture.
Dr Chioma Nwachukwu, Director External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat disclosed this in her remarks in Benin, on Tuesday.
She was speaking at the nineth edition of the annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) programme of the company tagged “Eye Can See Initiative” at the palace of the Oba of Benin.
Nwachukwu explained that the figure was from the commencement of the programme nine years ago.
According to her, Seplat has, through the programme, impacted 80,194 persons; dispensed 35,755 reading glasses, and performed 3,456 cataract and related surgeries.
She noted that ensuring sustainability of the communities where Seplat operates remains top in the agenda of the company particularly the health and well-being of their 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 well being 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 revealed that the programme which witnessed large turn out of people from within and outside of Benin commenced last Thursday.
She added that those who showed up would have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses or get operated upon to remove visual impairing cataracts.
“The programme will be deployed in different centres across Delta and Edo states.
“Thousand of Nigerians will be screened for eye ailments, surgeries performed, and eye glasses dispensed”, Nwachukwu said.
Welcoming the company and dignitaries to the palace, Chief John Oviesoge, the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, representing the Oba of Benin, Eware II.
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 also 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eye Can See programme was in addition to other yearly social programmes deployed by Seplat in her areas of operation.
Some beneficiaries of the programme received free eye screening and treatment with and had their sights restored following surgery.
They commended Seplat for bringing hope to their lives and giving them the opportunity to maximise their potential.
The programme, which offers free premium optical care is open to anyone that comes to any designated venue whenever it is being deployed.