Seplat Joint Venture has kicked off the 9th edition of its annual Eye Can See initiative in Edo and Delta Communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that Seplat Energy Plc, operators of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC)/Seplat Joint Venture has kicked off the 9th edition of its annual Eye Can See Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The major activation which took place at the Oba of Benin’s palace on Thursday, September 8, 2021, witnessed a large turn out of people from within and outside of Benin City who showed up to have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses, or get operated upon to remove visual impairing cataracts.
Seplat noted that the programme will be deployed in different centres across Delta and Edo states where thousand of Nigerians will be screened for eye ailments, surgeries performed, and eyeglasses dispensed.
Present at the flag-off of the programme were the chiefs led by Chief John Oviesoge, the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, who represented the Oba of Benin, key government officials, traditional rulers, NPDC representatives, and the media, amongst other dignitaries.
The Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, in her remarks, maintained that ensuring the sustainability of the communities where Seplat operates remains top in the agenda of the company particularly the health and well-being of their people.
Dr. Nwachuku said: “We are committed to partnering with our host communities with the view to touching lives. The Eye Can See programme has been on since 2012, and every year, the company brings a dedicated team of medics to ensure it makes the right and needed impacts. Our focus on the good health and well-being of our people is unwavering, and this is in line with Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages.”
She stated that Seplat has, through the programme, impacted 80,194 persons; dispensed 35,755 reading glasses, and performed 3,456 cataract and related surgeries.
Chief Oviesoge while welcoming the company and dignitaries to the palace, lauded Seplat for supporting and enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of members of its host communities and pledged his kingdom’s support to the Company and its activities.
He admitted and applauded the Company’s resolve to continue to invest in its areas of operation, saying the move has helped to boost the fortunes of the areas.
Seplat’s Eye Can See programme is in addition to other yearly social programmes deployed by the organisation in its areas of operation.
Beneficiaries of the programme who received free eye screening and treatment with many whose sights were restored following the surgery commended Seplat for bringing hope to their lives and allowing them to maximise their potential.
The initiative which offers free premium optical care is open to anyone that comes to any designated venue whenever it is being deployed.
Seplat through this programme is restoring hope to those with visual impairment by giving cures to their eye problems which will give them the capability to generate income for themselves and their families.
