NEPL/Seplat Energy JV Commences ‘Eye Can See’ In Benin

…Reaffirms commitment to quality healthcare

By Simeon OSAJIE

The  NEPL/Seplat Energy JV has kicked off the 2024 edition of the Eye Can See initiative, one of its flagship Corporate Social Investment in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The event, which took place at the Oba Palace, Kingsquare, Benin City is designed to provide free reading glasses, treat other related eye problems, educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect glaucoma and also educate patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rate of hypertension and Diabetes.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, ,Ayodele Olatunde who was represented by the Base Manager, Western Assets, Emmanuel Otokhine commended the Edo State Health Management Board and other partners, who have supported the programme over the years.

He assured, “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 opportunity that this programme offers and also spread the news to let others also enjoy the benefits of the programme”.

On his part, the Corporate Communications Manager, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) Alhaji Dahiru Abubakar, represented by the Company Liaison Officer, Faith Otitinor, said “It is our pleasure as an organization in partner with Seplat to roll out the “Eye Can See” optical care programe 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”.

Also commending the Seplat Energy JV for its commitment to positively impacting lives through the Eye Can See initiative, the Oyeoba of Benin kingdom, Chief Isaac Oghafua, affirmed that “Seplat has made significant strides in improving community health band the people living in our community have felt their impact. The Palace is always happy when this programme happens because our own family members within and outside the Palace have directly benefited from the initiative”.

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 .The current programme is projected to screen 6,000 persons perform 350 surgeries and dispense 5,000 reading glasses across various communities.

One of the beneficiaries of the ongoing programme, Mrs Florence Ayewoh, expressed joy that she could see well. “I am really grateful to Seplat for making me see well again, May God bless all of you and those who sent you to come.”

The Seplat Energy JV collaborates with reputable medical practitioners and organizations, including the Family Health Outreach Association and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, to deliver the Eye Can See Programme in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which is designed to deliver Good Health and Well Being to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages.