In line with its commitment to advancing community health and wellness, Seplat Energy, in partnership with its joint venture partners, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has impacted over 22,084 people with free eye care since 2012.
Additionally, the company stated that it has performed 726 life-changing eye surgeries and distributed 12,307 prescription glasses.
These achievements were disclosed during the flag-off of the 2025 edition of its flagship healthcare initiative, Eye Can See, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The opening ceremony of the programme, held at the Full Moon Hotel, Owerri, provided free eye care services, cataract surgeries, and reading glasses to thousands of residents, particularly the underserved and vulnerable.
According to a statement by the company, this marked another impactful chapter in Seplat Energy’s long-standing mission to deliver sustainable social investments across its host communities. The intervention aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director of Seplat East Onshore Limited, Ibi-Ada Itotoi, highlighted the core objective of the initiative, stating that the Eye Can See programme embodies the company’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive healthcare, and meaningful corporate social investment.
“At Seplat Energy, we believe that true corporate success is measured not only by financial performance but by the positive and enduring impact we create in the lives of the people and communities we serve. Our approach to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is rooted in the conviction that business must be a force for good, driving progress, equity, and well-being for all.”
Emmanuel Otokhine, Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Seplat Energy, represented Itotoi, alongside Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, at the opening ceremony.
Afe stated, “Today, we celebrate one of our flagship healthcare initiatives: the Eye Can See programme. Since its inception in 2012, this initiative—delivered in partnership with the NNPCL—has provided free, comprehensive eye care to over 22,084 patients, performed 726 life-changing eye surgeries, and distributed 12,307 prescription glasses.”
In addition to medical services, beneficiaries received awareness materials on daily eye care practices and early warning signs of visual impairment, promoting a culture of preventive health behaviour.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, was represented at the ceremony by Mrs Wilson Halimat, Senior Adviser, Government Relations, NUIMS.
According to Omotowa, “We are here to connect with our primary constituents in an effort to consolidate our sustainability initiatives. These efforts have transformed many lives, and much more still needs to be done. This reflects our continuous commitment to sharing health-related knowledge and resources to help our people and ensure their well-being.”
Emeka Mgbudem, Honourable Commissioner of the Imo State Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, stated that Seplat Energy and the NNPCL have “given us the opportunity to experience what is known as true impact. They are changing the narrative. This is not an ordinary act of charity but a demonstration of commitment. Through this programme, the underprivileged and underserved are being reached.”
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Imo State Ministry of Health, Dr Austin Okeji, who represented the Commissioner, expressed the state government’s willingness to continuously partner with focused and progressive-minded establishments like Seplat Energy and NNPCL, in line with the vision of the 3R mantra of the Imo State government.
The Chairman of the Imo House of Assembly Committee on Oil and Gas, Mr Francis Osuoha, described the initiative as commendable and encouraged Seplat Energy to continue and expand its intervention.
A beneficiary, Mrs Veronica Okereke, 73, from Mbaitoli, expressed gratitude to Seplat for her free surgery and prayed for divine blessings on the company’s efforts.
Another beneficiary, Mr Charles Njoku, who underwent cataract surgery, also thanked Seplat Energy for its thoughtful intervention.
The Eye Can See initiative not only restores sight but also enhances economic productivity by helping people return to work, education, and family life without the burden of untreated vision problems.
As Seplat Energy and the NNPCL deepen their commitment to community development, the Eye Can See initiative remains a powerful example of corporate social investment, delivering tangible and lasting value—particularly in the face of healthcare gaps across Nigeria.
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