NEPL/Seplat Energy JV, Edo Specialist Hospital Collaborate on Healthcare Outreach
Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin
The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) and the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH) have collaboratively carried out a special edition of JV signature healthcentric Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, titled: “Eye Can See.”
The three-day event hosted at the ESH premises, Benin City, the Edo State capital, witnessed a massive turnout with thousands of eye screenings and surgeries on the critical ones. Hundreds of eye glasses were given out free of charge to members of the public.
The programme also featured basic health checks and dental care, with the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV providing consumables and the ESH backing with personnel and infrastructure.
According to the foremost energy company, its unwavering commitment to the ‘Eye Can See’ programme has continued to make a meaningful impact across Edo and Delta States, demonstrating the company’s dedication to improving access to quality eye care services, restoring sight, and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and communities through sustainable healthcare interventions.
The Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, speaking during the exercise, said the initiative is indeed improving access to eye care services and promoting better vision health for communities across Edo and Delta States.
Identifying the programme’s achievements, community outreach efforts, and Seplat Energy’s continued commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes and supporting sustainable development in the region, she said the dividends of the health intervention programme cannot be overemphasized.
The Chief Medical Director of ESH Hospital, Dr. Antonia Inibukun-Njoku, also speaking lauded the partnership between the JV and the hospital, describing it as a significant collaboration expanding access to quality healthcare and bringing life-changing medical services closer to communities in Edo State.
According to Dr Inibukun-Njoku, the partnership marks a new chapter in the delivery of the long-running ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, as it brought together the resources of the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV and the specialist expertise of the hospital to provide comprehensive medicare to hundreds of beneficiaries.
“This year’s programme is unique because it is being hosted in collaboration with Edo Specialist Hospital. The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative has been implemented in Edo for several years, but this is the first time we are partnering in this way, and we are delighted to be part of it,” she said.
She explained the collaboration goes beyond eye care, with beneficiaries receiving access to a broad range of medical and surgical services.
The CMD expressed gratitude to the NEPL/Seplat JV for partnering with the ESH, noting the collaboration would play a vital role in addressing healthcare gaps and improving health outcomes across communities.
“We appreciate Seplat Energy JV for choosing to work with Edo Specialist Hospital and for remaining committed to initiatives that improve people’s lives. Collaborations like this strengthen healthcare delivery and enable more people to benefit from quality medical services. We hope to see this partnership continue to grow and impact even more lives.”
Many of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access free healthcare and the restoration of their ailing sights.
Among those who expressed gratitude for the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative were Victoria Okoduwa, Stanley Eromonsele, Lovet Okhueliegbe, and John Kassia.
Okoduwa lauded the process, saying, “It has been an amazing experience. I just had my eyes checked and received some medication. I want to say thank you to the Seplat JV for providing everything.”
On her part, Okhueliegbe described the professional care as perfect, thanking Seplat Energy. “They check your vitals. You then go to the specialists – ophthalmologists – who take care to explain before deciding if you need glasses, eye drops or surgery. They even served us snacks.”
The Edo State Government, represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, who also benefited from the programme commended the JV for what he described as an excellent initiative that supports the state government’s efforts to make quality health services available to all.
“I applaud the Seplat JV for bringing this initiative to Edo State. I have been through the process and it is quite commendable. I can attest as a beneficiary that this initiative has helped in taking healthcare closer to the people and at no cost to the members of the public,” he said.
The ongoing outreach is providing free eye screening, consultations, medical treatment, surgeries and other healthcare services, reinforcing the value of strategic partnerships in expanding access to quality healthcare and improving the wellbeing of communities across Edo State.
