NEPL/Seplat Energy deepens health impact in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), and Seplat Energy Joint Venture, JV, has partnered with Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH), for a special edition of its signature health Corporate Social Investment (CSI), initiative, ‘Eye Can See’.

The 3-day outreach held at the ESH premises in Benin City recorded a massive turnout, with thousands of eye screenings and surgeries carried out. Hundreds of eye glasses were also distributed free to members of the public.

The programme also featured basic health checks and dental care. The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV provided consumables while ESH supplied personnel and infrastructure.

The outreach provided free eye screening, consultations, treatment, surgeries and other healthcare services, reinforcing the value of strategic partnerships in expanding access to quality healthcare across Edo State.

Speaking earlier, the Director (External Affairs & Social Performance), Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, reiterated the JV’s commitment to ‘Eye Can See’ continues to make meaningful impact across Edo and Delta States through improved access to quality eye care, restoration of sight, and sustainable healthcare interventions.

Afe added that the initiative is improving access to eye care and promoting better vision health in the region.

“The dividends of the health intervention programme cannot be overemphasized,” she said.

On her part, the Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. Antonia Inibukun-Njoku, described the partnership as a significant collaboration in bringing life-changing medical services closer to communities.

“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,” she said.

She noted the collaboration goes beyond eye care, as beneficiaries also accessed a broad range of medical and surgical services.

“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,” Dr. Inibukun-Njoku added.

In his remarks, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, the Special Adviser on Health to Governor Monday Okpebholo, commended the JV.

“I applaud the Seplat JV for bringing this initiative to Edo State. I can attest as a beneficiary that this initiative has helped in taking healthcare closer to the people and at no cost to the public,” he added.