ABEOKUTA – Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation on Wednesday flagged off the commencement of free cataract eye surgeries for 1000 beneficiaries in Ogun State and across southwest states.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday held at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe noted that the initiative was a significant stride in the company’s commitment to improving lives and enhancing the health of the communities.
The Managing Director represented by Mrs. Teniola Abu explained further that, the purpose of the surgeries was to combat the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, a condition that has severely impacted many Nigerians.
According to her, in the last 20 months, NNPC Foundation has spearheaded numerous healthcare initiatives, including; A pilot eye screening and glaucoma treatment programme for over 290 individuals in Abuja, Free cancer screenings and counseling sessions for approximately 3,440 people across the six geopolitical zones, a medical outreach in Garki Village, Abuja, addressing non-communicable diseases and providing medical consumables to about 450 individuals among others.
She posited that in underserved areas, such as many parts of the South-West, limited access to quality eye care exacerbates the challenge of cataract of the eyes.
“This is more than a health issue, it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life. At NNPC Foundation, we understand that vision is not merely a sense—it is a fundamental enabler of human dignity and opportunity. This understanding is at the core of our initiative.
“Through this programme, we aim to provide free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health. We anticipate restoring sight to up to 1,000 individuals in the South-West. Beyond the numbers, this means transforming lives—helping breadwinners regain their livelihoods, empowering students to pursue their studies, and enabling individuals to experience the joys of life once again.
“This initiative is driven by two primary motivations: Our Mission: As the social impact arm of NNPC Limited, we are dedicated to creating sustainable, far-reaching initiatives. This programme embodies our commitment to building a society where no one is left behind. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10—Reduced Inequalities, by addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
“Our Focus Areas: Healthcare and community development remain integral to our work. By addressing preventable blindness, we not only transform individual lives but also strengthen families and local economies.
“This initiative is not merely a step forward—it is a significant stride in our commitment to improving lives and enhancing the health of our communities. The programme, commencing here in the South-West, will expand to other geopolitical zones across the country in the coming months. It’s purpose is to combat the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, a condition that has severely impacted many Nigerians.
“Over the past 20 months, NNPC Foundation has spearheaded numerous healthcare initiatives, including: A pilot eye screening and glaucoma treatment programme for over 290 individuals in Abuja, Free cancer screenings and counseling sessions for approximately 3,440 people across the six geopolitical zones, A medical outreach in Garki Village, Abuja, addressing non-communicable diseases and providing medical consumables to about 450 individuals.
“As we move forward, let us see this not merely as an outreach but as a transformative movement. NNPC Foundation will remain committed to promoting accessible, affordable, and sustainable healthcare across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Together, we can build a healthier, brighter future, one community at a time.”
Earlier, the consultant and coordinator for NNPC Foundation Free Cataract Extraction Surgeries, Dr. Mrs Anne Okorafor Amugo, said over 700 beneficiaries have been screened in both Ogun and Lagos States during the screening exercise.
She added that a total number of 160 surgeries were performed within 48hours the screening exercise was conducted.
She, however, assured that the exercise will spread across other geopolitical zones of the country in the coming months.
