The NNPC Foundation has successfully provided 1,000 free cataract extraction surgeries to residents of Ogun State.
According to Dr. Peter Abikoye, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, the surgeries, which included procedures for children, were conducted in January 2025 after patient screenings began in December 2024. The surgeries were carried out across four centers: FMC Idi-Aba, Abeokuta; Lukosi Health Centre, Mosimi; FMC Joga-Orile; and FMC Ajebo.
Dr. Abikoye described the initiative as “successful, all-encompassing, and all-engaging,” noting that three of the beneficiaries were children who had successful cataract extractions. He highlighted that the foundation achieved its goal of performing 1,000 surgeries within three weeks.
Breakdown of the surgeries
- Mosimi Centre: 110 surgeries performed.
- Joga-Orile Centre: 51 surgeries performed, despite recruiting 90 cases.
- FMC Abeokuta: The majority of the surgeries were completed hereafter patients from Ajebo were mobilized due to inadequate resources at the local facility.
“Postponing the surgeries wasn’t an option, so patients from Ajebo had to travel to FMC Abeokuta for their procedures,” Abikoye explained.
Dr. Abikoye emphasized the rarity of including children in such exercises due to the highly specialized nature of pediatric eye care. However, the foundation insisted on their inclusion. To ensure success, a consultant pediatric ophthalmologist was recruited from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
“Children’s eye care is a sub-specialty within ophthalmology, requiring highly specialized expertise. We thank God for the success of the surgeries, as one of the children has already regained her sight,” he said.
Beneficiary Testimonies
Mrs. Adebisi Aliu-Odunuga, the mother of one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude to the foundation for helping the less privileged. She also praised FMC staff for their patience during her moments of frustration.
In an emotional display, Mrs. Aliu-Odunuga counted her fingers while her daughter joined in, demonstrating her restored sight to onlookers.
Another beneficiary, Folasade Adeleye, expressed hope for her daughter’s full recovery, noting that she could now see with one eye and hoped for the restoration of the second eye soon.
Dr. Abikoye called on other organizations and individuals to emulate the NNPC Foundation’s gesture to restore hope to underserved communities.
“This initiative has given sight to those who had lost it and brought hope to families. We encourage more groups to support such life-changing projects,” he added.
