No fewer than 3,757 persons have so far benefitted from the free medical eye surgery carried out by Seplat Energy PLC, an indigenous oil company in Nigeria in it’s host states of Edo and Delta.
Dr. Chioma Nwachukwu, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability of the company disclosed this yesterday in Benin at the company’s ongoing free medical eye services, tagged “Eye can See” programme.
Nwachukwu, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Otokhine, Operations Based Manager of the company, said the programme commenced in 2012.
She disclosed that since the commencement of the programme, about 86, 226 persons had so far been screened for various eye problems, while 38,555 free medical glasses were dispensed.
According to her, “the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, our signature CSR health programme, is designed to provide quality eye care for persons in our communities”.
“It is also providing free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities, prevent and reduce cases of permanent loss of vision, provide free reading glasses and treat other related eye problems.
“We also educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Glaucoma, educate patients on lifestyle change to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.”
Nwachukwu further disclosed that the target audience included men, women and children.
She also revealed that the programme would be deployed within several communities clustered in 13 centres across Edo and Delta.
Mr John Onyekama, Manager External Relations, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), representing the Managing Director, said the NPDC supported good ventures.
“NPDC recognises good venture, and that is why we are supporting this joint venture with Seplat”.
During the exercise, Chief Patrick Ukah, Secretary to Delta Government, encouraged the indigenous oil company not to relent on its CSR to it’s host communities.
Ukah represented by Mr. Jude Mordi, noted that the company was in the forefront of caring for the people through its Social Corporate Responsibility.
“However there is room for improvement because we believe that Seplat is helping the government.
“And as a government, we will continue to provide enabling environment for you to operate,” he said.
Similarly, Prof. Obehi Aikoria, Edo Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr. Stevenson Ojiefo, appreciated the company for the gesture.
Aikoria noted that the company’s corporate responsibilities, focused on health and education, could not be undermined and appealed for more to be done.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended the company for bringing succour to them concerning their eyes.
The exercise commenced on Monday in Benin and ended yesterday.
NAN also reports that exercise was held at the palace ground of the Oba of Benin.
