The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has provided free eye screening, surgeries and other healthcare services to thousands of residents in Edo State.
The medical outreach was conducted in partnership with the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH) under the “Eye Can See” initiative of the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture.
The three-day programme, held at the Edo Specialist Hospital in Benin, featured free eye screening, cataract and other eye surgeries, distribution of prescription glasses, basic health checks and dental care services.
While the joint venture supplied medical consumables, the hospital provided personnel and facilities for the outreach, which ended on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Mrs Chioma Afe, said the initiative was improving access to quality eye care and promoting better vision health in Edo and Delta states.
Afe said the programme had continued to restore sight, improve healthcare access and enhance the wellbeing of communities through sustainable healthcare interventions.
According to her, the impact of the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting improved health outcomes and sustainable development in its host communities.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr Antonia Inibukun-Njoku, described the partnership as a major step toward expanding access to quality healthcare in the state.
She said the collaboration marked a new phase in implementing the long-running “Eye Can See” initiative by combining the resources of the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV with the hospital’s specialist expertise.
“This year’s programme is unique because it is being hosted in collaboration with Edo Specialist Hospital.
“The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative has been implemented in Edo for several years, but this is the first time we are partnering in this way, and we are delighted to be part of it,” she said.
Inibukun-Njoku said the partnership extended beyond eye care, with beneficiaries also receiving access to a broad range of medical and surgical services.
She commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for the collaboration, noting that it would help bridge healthcare gaps and improve health outcomes across communities.
“We appreciate Seplat Energy JV for choosing to work with Edo Specialist Hospital and for remaining committed to initiatives that improve people’s lives.
“Collaborations like this strengthen healthcare delivery and enable more people to benefit from quality medical services.
“We hope to see this partnership continue to grow and impact even more lives,” she said.
The Edo Government also commended the initiative, describing it as a valuable intervention that complemented efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Health, Dr Andrew Iyamu, said the outreach had brought healthcare closer to the people at no cost.
“I applaud the Seplat JV for bringing this initiative to Edo. I have been through the process and it is quite commendable.
“I can attest as a beneficiary that this initiative has helped in taking healthcare closer to the people and at no cost to members of the public,” he said.
Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the free medical services provided during the outreach.
Mrs Victoria Okoduwa described the programme as rewarding and thanked the organisers for the care and medication she received.
“It has been an amazing experience. I just had my eyes checked and received some medication. I want to say thank you to the Seplat JV for providing everything,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Lovet Okhueliegbe, commended the quality of care and professionalism displayed by the medical team throughout the exercise.
“They check your vitals. You then go to the specialists – ophthalmologists, who take care to explain before deciding if you need glasses, eye drops or surgery. They even served us snacks,” she said.
