NEPL/Seplat Energy JV has kicked off the 2024 edition of the Eye Can See initiative, one of its flagship corporate social investments (CSI) in Benin, Edo State.
The event held at the palace of the Oba of Benin was designed to provide free optical treatment to members of the communities within NEPL/SEPLAT operational communities.
The programme, targeted at men, women and children with eye problems, was to ensure the provision of free eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for cataract, as well as reduce cases of permanent loss of vision.
The initiative also provided free reading glasses, treated other related eye problems, educated patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect glaucoma and also enlightened patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.
The managing director, Seplat West Limited, Ayodele Olatunde, who was represented by the base manager, Western Assets, Emmanuel Otokhine, thanked the Edo State Health Management Board and other partners, who have supported the programme over the years.
“Seplat and our JV partners are committed to continuing this programme and all we ask is that you continue to cooperate with us, to take advantage of the opportunities that this programme offers and also spread the news to let others also enjoy the benefits of the programme,” he said.
The corporate communications manager, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), Alhaji Dahiru Abubakar, who was represented by the community liaison officer, Faith Otitinor, said, “It is our pleasure as an organization, in partnership with Seplat, to roll out this eye care programme for the community. Over the years, we have partnered with highly reputable medical practitioners, who have proven themselves in the field of optical care to deploy this program and we pledge our undiminished collaboration towards human and capital development in Edo State.”
Commending the Seplat Energy JV for its commitment to positively impacting lives through the eye care initiative, the Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua, affirmed that, “Seplat has made significant strides in improving community health and the people living in our community have felt their impact.”
The Eye Can See initiative which commenced 12 years ago has delivered over 96,000 eye treatments, dispensed over 45,000 reading glasses and performed more than 4,000 surgeries.
