By Chinonso Alozie

Owerri – The Seplat Energy on Friday said it has performed 4,500 eye surgeries and delivered 51,000 eyeglasses to those having eye challenges in communities in the country.

The Managing Director, Eastern Asset, Seplat Energy, Ibi-Ada Itotoi, disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri, on the ongoing “eye can see” healthcare initiative.

According to Itotoi, who was represented by the Base Manager, Eastern Asset, Seplat Energy, Emmanuel Otokhine, said it was in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, “We are not just an operator in the regions where we work; we are partners in progress. Initiatives like ‘Eye Can See’ ensure that our communities experience the tangible benefits of our presence and that our commitment goes beyond business operations.

“For over five days, the programme has been delivering critical eye care service free screenings, surgeries, and distribution of eyeglasses to thousands of underserved residents, reaffirming the JV’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access in its host communities.

“This year’s flag-off of the eye can see program lme in Imo state is marking a significant milestone in Seplat’s long-standing legacy of impactful healthcare outreach, which began in 2012. Since its inception, the initiative has, before now, reached over 105,000 Nigerians, performed 4,560 life-changing eye surgeries, and distributed more than 51,000 reading glasses—all with the aim of reducing preventable blindness, promoting early detection of eye diseases, and enhancing the quality of life for beneficiaries.”

In his remark, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, who was represented by Dr. Obinna Otuu, Asset Manager at NUIMS, said: “Through this programme, NNPCL and Seplat Energy are not only addressing urgent medical needs but also educating communities on managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to vision loss.”

For one of the beneficiaries, Chief Hyginus Onyeuka, said:“I was blind for many years, but today I can see clearly. I can’t thank Seplat enough for restoring my sight. This programme is nothing short of a miracle for people like me.”

Among the dignitaries that attended the occasion were, the Imo state Commissioner for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Emeka Mgbudem, HRH Eze Blaise Ubah, the Olu Oha II of Mgbala-Agwa Autonomous Community, Oguta LGA of Imo state, among others.