Seplat Energy, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has launched its flagship healthcare initiative, "Eye Can See programme," in Akwa Ibom State. The programme aims to provide free eye care services to about 6,000 residents across Uyo, Eket, and Ibeno local government areas. The week-long medical exercise, which marks the first edition of the initiative in the state, was kicked off in Uyo, the state capital.
The free eye care outreach provides eye screening, treatment, reading glasses, and sight-restoring surgeries for eligible patients. Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, Sen. Udoma Udo, stated that the programme was in fulfilment of a promise made to the state government after Seplat acquired Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited assets. He emphasized the company's dedication to holistic people and community development, adding that good vision supports learning, work, independence, and dignity.
Udoma highlighted that the initiative is a testament to the company's deep-seated commitment to the well-being of host communities. He noted that through this programme, NNPC Limited 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. The programme has been active for 14 years, screening 130,771 patients, distributing 67,491 pairs of glasses, and performing 5,350 surgeries.
Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon, disclosed that the medical outreach started in 2012 in Edo, Delta, and Imo states. He stated that in 2025, about 13,726 beneficiaries were reached, with 7,074 glasses distributed and 471 surgeries completed. Okon added that the initiative has grown from outreach to permanent capacity, citing the Sapele Eye Centre in Delta built by the joint ventures and the Sight First programme in Imo State.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, described the intervention as timely and significant. He noted that cataract accounts for about 43 per cent of blindness in Nigeria and commended the joint venture of Seplat Energy and NNPC for helping beneficiaries regain sight. The governor emphasized the impact of visual impairment on families' productivity and the importance of the programme.
Beneficiaries of the programme have expressed gratitude to Seplat Energy and NNPC for the life-changing initiative. Mrs Rose Edenteghe, a teacher, recounted how deteriorating eyesight had affected her ability to read and teach, but the programme gave her back her sight and dignity. James Etuk, another beneficiary, described the exercise as life-changing, providing free eye screening and treatment that would have cost a fortune.
The "Eye Can See" programme demonstrates Seplat Energy's commitment to contributing proactively to the development of communities where it operates. The company's efforts to address urgent medical needs and educate communities on managing chronic conditions have been commended by stakeholders. The programme's impact on beneficiaries and the community will be closely monitored, and its sustainability will be assessed in the coming years.
Key points
- Seplat Energy and NNPC launch "Eye Can See" programme to provide free eye care services to 6,000 residents in Akwa Ibom State.
- The programme aims to address urgent medical needs and educate communities on managing chronic conditions that can lead to vision loss.
- The initiative has screened 130,771 patients, distributed 67,491 pairs of glasses, and performed 5,350 surgeries over 14 years.
