The flagship healthcare initiative of the NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture, otherwise known as “Eye Can See”, has recorded 110,634 eye treatments since the inception of the programme.
In addition, the healthcare delivery programme has also distributed 55,382 reading glasses and successfully completed 4,752 cataract surgeries.
The 2025 edition of the NEPL/Seplat initiative took place with a grand ceremony held at the Oba of Benin’s Palace, Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday.
Now in its 13th year, the three-day programme continues to provide free eye care services, including consultations, reading glasses, cataract surgeries, and health education on conditions such as glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes to thousands of beneficiaries in the JV’s host communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, who was represented by the Senior Manager of Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Esther Icha, stated that the initiative had been sustained by the continued cooperation of the Joint Venture partners.
Afe pointed out that, “Every part of this programme is free of charge, and for those who have come here with other health challenges aside from eye problems, including hypertension or diabetes, we have doctors here to attend to them.”
Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who was also represented by Dr Edward Aisowieren, Director of Medical Services, commended the Seplat JV and acknowledged the concrete impact of the initiative.
He observed that, true to its name, the “Eye Can See” initiative is positively transforming lives.
Dr Oshiomhole 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 ongoing while hundreds of our people have received free eye care from Seplat Energy,” the commissioner reaffirmed.
The Obkhavbaye of Benin, Chief Raphael Oronsaye, who represented the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, commended the Seplat Energy JV and urged the people to always appreciatively take advantage of good initiatives by worthy corporate citizens.
Also present were representatives of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), led by Owunari Tomikeimieye.
He commended the people for turning out en masse for the initiative and urged 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 host communities.
Dennis Laure, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Seplat JV for helping them overcome eye health challenges, which had negatively impacted their lifestyles and livelihoods for many years.
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