By Our Correspondent
Benin – April 12, 2019: Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc., operators of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC)/SEPLAT joint venture concluded the 8th edition of its annual Eye Can See Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR )programme on Friday, April 12, 2019.
The programme, which commenced from March 19, 2019 was rounded off at the Oba of Benin’s palace and witnessed a large turn out of people from within and outside the city who showed up to have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses or get operated upon to remove visual impairing cataracts.
Within one month of the programme, it was deployed in 15 centers across Delta and Edo states. Over 9,500 Nigerians were screened for eye ailments, 350 surgeries performed, and 4000 eye glasses dispensed.
Joining Seplat to mark the end of the programme were the chiefs led by Chief S. O. Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom, who represented the Oba of Benin, key government officials, health sector personnel, NPDC representatives and other dignitaries.
During his remarks Mr. Effiong Okon, Operations Director, Seplat, highlighted that ensuring sustainability of the communities where Seplat operates remains top in the agenda of the company particularly the health and well-being of their people.
Okon 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.”
Welcoming the company and dignitaries to the palace, Chief Obamwonyi 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 commended the Company’s resolve to continue to invest in its areas of operation, saying the move had helped to boost the fortunes of the areas.
Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, General Manager, External Affairs and Communications, Seplat, also commenting, retorted that the Eye Can See programme is in addition to other yearly social programmes deployed by the Company in her area of operation. She emphasised the company will continue to support and deploy such sustainable initiatives.
Beneficiaries of the programme who received free eye screening and treatment with many whose sights were restored following surgery, commended Seplat for bringing hope to their lives and giving them the opportunity to maximise their potential.
As at 2018, over 65,000 patients have benefitted from the programme, which started in 2012 and which has since dispensed 26,855 reading glasses and successfully performed 2,729 eye surgeries.
Dr. Nwachuku added: “This programme, which offers free premium optical care is open to anyone that comes to any designated venue whenever it is being deployed. The company is by this programme restoring hope to those with visual impairment. Having their eye problems cured gives them the capability to generate income for themselves and their families.”
ABOUT EYE CAN SEE
Eye Can See is an annual premium optical care SEPLAT provides to her communities. This annual programme which started in 2012 has become invaluable to members of our communities which have limited or no access to quality eye care but have deluge of people burdened by eye problems. The programme provides free eye screening, free eye surgeries for persons with cataracts, free reading glasses and eye medication to enable recipients to alleviate their eye problems. Through this Eye Can See programme Seplat is facilitating the country, Nigeria, meet up with Sustainable Development Goals 3 which promotes good health and well-being.
We have consistently met expectations set at the outset of this programme and happy to add that we have indeed excelled in various forms.
ABOUT SEPLAT
Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc is a leading indigenous Nigerian oil and gas exploration and production company with a strategic focus on Nigeria, listed on the Main Board of the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) (LSE:SEPL) and the Premium Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (“NSE”) (NSE:SEPLAT).
Seplat is pursuing a Nigeria focused growth strategy and is well-positioned to participate in future divestment programmes by the international oil companies, farm-in opportunities and future licensing rounds. For further enquiries please refer to the company website, http://seplatpetroleum.com/
