NNPC Foundation provides free cataract screening, extraction to 6,000 Nigerians

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation, has disclosed that no fewer than 6,000 people will benefit from its free cataract screening and extraction, as part of its commitment in improving the lives of Nigerians.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, at the flag off of free cataract screening and extraction for the South West geopolitical zone, held on Wednesday, at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abeokuta.

Arukwe represented by the Foundation’s Deputy Manager, Special Programmes, Mrs Teniola Aboh, explained that 1000 Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones of the country would benefit from the programme.

She noted that the exercise was aimed at combating the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts.

Arukwe said the eye condition had severely impacted on many Nigerians, hinting that cataracts remained one of the leading causes of blindness globally.

She explained that nearly 50 percent of blindness cases in Nigeria are caused by cataract.

“According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50 percent of blindness cases in Nigeria are caused by cataracts.

“In underserved areas, such as many parts of the South-West, limited access to quality eye care exacerbates this challenge. This is more than a health issue, it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.

“As we move forward, let us see this not merely as an outreach but as a transformative movement. NNPC Foundation will remain committed to promoting accessible, affordable, and sustainable healthcare across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Together, we can build a healthier, brighter future, one community at a time,” she added.

Also speaking, the leading consultant physician to the Foundation,Dr, Anne Amugo, said that the NNPC Foundation is committed to completing the project.

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Amugo said, “We are currently screening candidates in the Southwest states. In Ogun State, we have screened over 600 individuals, and in Lagos, we have already screened over 100. We have surpassed our initial projection of 1,000, with over 700 screened so far, and the screening process is ongoing.

“Surgical procedures have also commenced, with over 100 successful operations performed. The NNPC Foundation is undertaking this initiative as a responsible corporate citizen, aiming to positively impact the lives of indigent Nigerians.

“While the primary focus is on supporting indigent individuals, some non-indigent persons are also benefiting from the program. The NNPC Foundation is proud to be restoring vision to those in need, enabling them to regain theirs productivity and independence.

“Notably, we have identified three children born with blindness, and their sight has been successfully restored. One of these children was previously referred to the University College Hospital (UCH) but was unable to receive treatment due to financial constraints. The restoration of their sight brings immense joy to their families.”

The Chief Medical Director of FMC, Dr Adewale Musa-Olomu, appreciated the NNPC Foundation for the kind gesture extended to Nigerians.

Musa-Olomu said the facility over the years had been providing qualitative healthcare services to Nigerians.

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