On June 16th, 2023, Seplat Energy JV inaugurated the annual Eye Can See Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at the prestigious Oba’s Palace.
The renowned energy company’s flagship CSR health program aims to deliver comprehensive eye care, visual aid, and surgical treatments for conditions such as Cataract, Glaucoma, and other eye-related issues in the operational communities of NNPC E & P Limited/Seplat Energy in Edo and Delta states.
Beyond eye care, the program also provides lectures on achieving overall well-being in the face of health challenges such as hypertension and diabetes.
Its primary objective is to contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being for all.
The Eye Can See initiative encompasses various goals, including the provision of free optical treatment at all levels for community members, prevention and reduction of permanent vision loss, distribution of free reading glasses, treatment of other eye-related conditions, patient education on eye care and disease detection, as well as advocating for lifestyle changes to combat hypertension and diabetes.
During the ceremony, Chioma Afe, the Director of External Affairs and Sustainability, emphasized that the Seplat/NNPC E&P Eye Can See CSR program was specifically designed to address eye care needs, offer visual aids, and provide surgical treatments within the Joint Venture (JV) operational communities. She underscored how the initiative aligns with the pursuit of good health and well-being as outlined in the UN SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages.
Afe stated, “Since its inception in 2012, the program has had a significant impact on the lives of many in our host communities and beyond. We have screened a total of 96,411 patients, dispensed 45,074 reading glasses, and performed 4,218 surgeries. The 2023 edition, inaugurated at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City today, will further expand these numbers. A total of 90 communities will benefit from this initiative, utilizing 13 centers across Edo and Delta states.”
Effiong Okon, the Director of New Energy at Seplat Energy, expressed gratitude to NNPC E&P Limited and other stakeholders who played integral roles in the program’s success. Okon extended appreciation to the Palace, the governments of Edo and Delta states, and NNPC E&P Limited for their unwavering support throughout the years. He further emphasized Seplat Energy and its partners’ commitment to enhancing the program’s impact by leveraging relevant technologies and resources. Okon called upon the host communities to continue supporting Seplat’s operations, as the company remains dedicated to serving and giving back to society.
In a goodwill message, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the representative of the revered Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, commended Seplat Energy for consistently organizing the Eye Can See program, which has immensely benefited the people of Benin. He urged the company to sustain its efforts in this noble cause.
Representing the Managing Director of NNPC E&P Limited, Ali Zarah, Ajakaye Emily Ladi, the Deputy Manager of Community Relations, expressed gratitude to the host communities and extended appreciation to Seplat Energy for their twelve-year partnership in implementing the “Eye Can See” program. Ladi highlighted that the collaboration aims to enhance eye care and visual aid services, including surgical treatments, for various eye conditions within the operational communities.
The Eye Can See program fulfills its initial promise by providing professional healthcare to the communities, creating a platform for managing and referring patients with hypertension and diabetes, offering free optical treatment at all levels, preventing and reducing cases of permanent vision loss, distributing free reading glasses, treating other eye-related diseases, educating patients on eye care and the detection of Cataracts and Glaucoma, and promoting lifestyle changes to combat hypertension and diabetes.
