Seplat Energy Joint Venture has boosted eyecare services for the people of Edo State.
This was achieved through the 2025 edition of the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture flagship healthcare initiative, “Eye Can See,” held at the Oba of Benin’s Palace, Benin City.
The director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by the senior manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Esther Icha, stated that the initiative has been sustained by the continued cooperation of the Joint Venture partners.
She said, “Every part of this programme is free of charge and for those who have come here with other health challenges apart from eye problem, including hypertension and diabetes, we have doctors here to attend to them.”
The Edo State commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, represented by the director of Medical Services, Dr Edward Aisowieren, commended Seplat Energy for giving back to the society and acknowledged the concrete impact of the initiative.
He observed that in keeping to its name, the “Eye Can See” initiative is, indeed, positively transforming lives.
He pointed out that more than half of the ailments that lead to permanent loss of sight are treatable and thanked Seplat Energy and its partners for coming to the rescue.
“I want to thank the organisers of this programme. I can see for myself that all those who were operated on, under this initiative, can see with their eyes, which is a plus for the organisers. I understand that over the years, this has been going on while hundreds of our people have received free eyecare from Seplat Energy,” he said.
The Obkhavbaye of Benin, Chief Raphael Oronsaye, who represented the Oba of Benin, commended Seplat Energy and urged the people to always appreciate and take advantage of good initiatives by worthy corporate citizens.
Also present at the event were representatives of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), led by Owunari Tomikeimieye.
He commended the people for turning out enmasse for the initiative and urged the parents to encourage their children and wards to help preserve oil and gas assets in their domain.
He pointed out that it is from such resources that the Seplat JV would be able to continue delivering such life-changing initiatives to the host communities.
A beneficiary, Dennis Laure, who spoke on behalf of thers, thanked Seplat JV for helping them overcome eye-health challenges which has been negatively impacting their lifestyles and means of livelihood for many years.
Since inception, the “Eye Can See” programme has carried out 110,634 eye treatments, conducted 4,752 cataract surgeries and distributed 55,382 reading glasses.
