Seplat Energy Plc, operators of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC)/SEPLAT joint venture has offered free eye treatment to residents in Edo and Delta States.
The exercise, which took place at the palace of the Oba of Benin, witnessed a large turnout of people who came to have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses or get operated upon to remove visual impairing cataracts.
Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, said the annual free treatment is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to its host communities.
She said the focus of the yearly programme, started since 2012, is for the good health and well-being of the people in line with Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3 of ensuring healthy lives and promote wellbeing of all at all ages.
According to her, Seplat has, through the programme, impacted 80,194 persons; dispensed 35,755 reading glasses, and performed 3,456 cataract and related surgeries.
She said the exercise, titled”The Eye Can See,” is part of other yearly social programmes deployed by Seplat in its areas of operation to improve the lives of the people.
She added that Seplat also used the programme to restore hope to those with visual impairment and given them the capability to generate income for themselves and their families.
The representative of the Oba of Benin, Chief John Oviesoge, the Eribo of Benin Kingdom, commended Seplat for supporting and enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of members of its host communities.
He assured Seplat of host communities support in all its activities.
The beneficiaries, who received free eye screening and treatment, commended Seplat for giving hope and opportunity to maximise their potentials.
