Seplat Energy JV Flags Off 2025 ‘Eye Can See’ Programme in Imo State
… Over 22,000 Nigerians Have Benefited Since Inception
Seplat Energy, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has officially launched the 2025 edition of its flagship healthcare initiative, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State.
The opening ceremony, held at the Full Moon Hotel, Owerri, marked another milestone in Seplat Energy’s ongoing commitment to advancing community health and wellness. Thousands of underserved and vulnerable residents received free eye care services, including eye examinations, cataract surgeries, and the distribution of prescription glasses.
This initiative aligns with Seplat Energy’s broader social investment strategy and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which seeks to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
Speaking at the flag-off event, Ibi-Ada Itotoi, Managing Director of Seplat East Onshore Limited, emphasized the essence of the programme, stating that the “Eye Can See” initiative reflects Seplat Energy’s enduring commitment to sustainable development and inclusive healthcare.
“At Seplat Energy, true corporate success is not solely measured by financial performance, but by the positive and lasting impacts we create within the communities we serve. Our Corporate Social Investment approach is rooted in the belief that business must be a force for good—driving progress, equity, and well-being for all,” she said.
Representing Itotoi at the event were Emmanuel Otokhine, Base Manager, Eastern Asset, and Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy.
In her remarks, Afe highlighted the impressive milestones the initiative has achieved since its inception in 2012.
“Since we launched the ‘Eye Can See’ programme in partnership with NNPCL, we have provided free, comprehensive eye care to over 22,084 patients, carried out 726 life-transforming surgeries, and distributed 12,307 prescription glasses,” she noted.
In addition to providing medical services, the programme also delivers educational materials aimed at promoting daily eye care practices and early detection of vision impairment, fostering a preventive health culture among beneficiaries.
Representing the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, Mrs. Wilson Halimat, Senior Adviser, Government Relations, reiterated the company’s dedication to improving the well-being of its host communities.
“Our presence here reflects our continuous commitment to sustainability and health-related initiatives. These efforts have changed many lives, and our resolve remains to reach even more people with knowledge and resources that can improve their lives,” Omotowa said.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development in Imo State, Emeka Mgbudem, lauded Seplat Energy and NNPCL for their meaningful intervention.
“They have given us the opportunity to experience true impact. This is not just an act of charity but a consistent commitment to changing lives. Through this initiative, the underserved and underprivileged are being reached and empowered,” Mgbudem said.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Imo State, Dr. Austin Okeji, Acting Permanent Secretary, expressed the state government’s readiness to continue partnering with Seplat Energy and NNPCL, in line with the vision of the state’s 3R mantra: Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Oil and Gas, Mr. Francis Osuoha, described the initiative as commendable and urged Seplat Energy to sustain and expand its impactful healthcare interventions.
The life-changing nature of the programme was brought to life through the testimonies of beneficiaries.
Mrs. Veronica Okereke, 73, from Mbaitoli, who received free cataract surgery, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Seplat Energy and prayed for the company’s continued success.
Similarly, Mr. Charles Njoku, another beneficiary who underwent successful cataract surgery, commended Seplat Energy for restoring his sight and improving his quality of life.
The ‘Eye Can See’ programme not only restores vision but also boosts economic productivity by enabling beneficiaries to return to work, education, and family activities without the burden of untreated vision problems.
As Seplat Energy and NNPCL continue to strengthen their community development initiatives, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme stands out as a shining example of corporate social investment that delivers tangible and lasting value, helping to bridge critical healthcare gaps across Nigeria.
