In Nigeria, about 4.25 million people face moderate to severe visual impairment, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare access, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Through ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, a firm committed to enhancing healthcare services among the rural dwellers is tackling this challenge. CHINYERE OKOROAFOR reports
In the heart of Nigeria, where healthcare resources can be scarce, a beacon of hope shines through the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative. This programme offers free eye care services, including surgeries, screenings and eyeglass distribution, with a mission to restore sight and transform lives in underserved communities.
Among those whose lives have been profoundly changed is Chief Hyginus Onyoka, an indigene of Izombe in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. After undergoing cataract surgery through the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, Onyoka’s life took a remarkable turn. “I am over the moon, literally,” he exclaimed, his gratitude palpable as he reflected on the new lease on life granted to him through this initiative. The ‘Eye Can See’ programme has become synonymous with hope and progress, helping countless individuals like Onyoka reclaim their vision and, along with it, their independence. Each year, the initiative expands its reach, delivering essential healthcare services to those who need them most.
As Seplat Energy Joint Venture celebrates another successful flag-off of the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, the stories of transformed lives stand as a powerful testament to the positive impact of corporate social responsibility in addressing pressing health issues in Nigeria. “I am seeing very well now, and I thank Seplat for what they have done for my eyes. People who have been blind for many years are now seeing. Before the operation, I couldn’t see anything, but now I can see clearly,” Onyoka, who could not hide his joy, said, beaming with smile.
Interestingly, Chief Onyoka is not alone in his cheerful mode. Adanna Ekeneme, who accompanied her relative to receive free treatment, also expressed her gratitude, saying, “This treatment we got today is what would have cost us much money, but it is free. I pray that Almighty God pays them (Seplat Energy) back and may the company continue to move forward in Jesus’ name.”
It’s clear why Onyoka, Ekeneme, and many other beneficiaries of the health outreach initiative are filled with joy. This programme alleviates the heavy financial burden of medical expenses that families often face. Eye surgeries and specialised treatments can be prohibitively expensive, frequently beyond the means of most rural Nigerians. Reports indicate that cataract surgeries in private hospitals can range from N100,000 to N400,000, depending on the complexity and severity of the case. However, through the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, Seplat Energy not only restores vision but also eases financial strain, enabling families to allocate their resources toward other essential needs, such as education and housing.
This sense of relief and gratitude is palpable in Imo State, often referred to as the Eastern Heartland, where the arrival of Seplat Energy JV’s ‘Eye Can See’ team is met with enthusiastic celebrations. Since its launch in 2012, the programme has become a beacon of hope for communities, particularly in Nigeria’s southern and eastern regions, providing vital free eye care services, including surgeries, screenings and eyeglass distribution.
The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative goes beyond treating vision loss; it empowers families to lead healthier, more productive lives. Restored sight enables fathers to farm again, while children’s new glasses help them excel in school. At its core, the programme aims to prevent avoidable blindness and enhance quality of life for those with visual impairments. For many in Imo State, this initiative represents a transformative opportunity. In rural areas like Obosima, Izombe, and Achi-Mbieri, where healthcare is scarce, the 2024 programme launch brings renewed hope. Over its 12 years, ‘Eye Can See’ has treated over 105,000 individuals, performed 4,560 eye surgeries, and distributed more than 51,000 reading glasses, creating a ripple effect that uplifts families and strengthens local economies.
Seplat Energy aims to alleviate preventable blindness, promote early diagnosis of eye diseases, and enhance beneficiaries’ overall health. In Nigeria, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge, especially in rural areas, where eye care is often neglected. Visual impairments—such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors—affect millions, hindering their ability to lead productive lives. The WHO estimates that nearly 4.25 million Nigerians suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment, predominantly in remote areas lacking adequate healthcare facilities. Seplat Energy’s ‘Eye Can See’ initiative addresses this critical gap.
While the primary goal is to restore vision, the initiative’s impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, fostering local economies and strengthening community ties through its Corporate Social Investment programme. When individuals regain their sight, they not only return to work but also become more active contributors to their families and communities. This positive impact explains the enthusiastic response to the 2024 flag-off from local residents.
Gratitude extends beyond the patients; local leaders also praise the program’s commitment to community welfare. His Royal Highness Eze (Sir) Blaise Ubah, Oluoha II of Mgbala-Agwa Autonomous Community in Oguta LGA, remarked, “What I witnessed today is very encouraging. Seplat is the only company leaving us with such a positive impression. This is the third or fourth time they’ve brought this programme to us, and they stand out among all the oil companies in Imo State. We commend them.”
These testimonies highlight how Seplat Energy has built goodwill and trust within the communities it serves. The company’s contributions to eye care align seamlessly with its broader goals of community development and corporate responsibility. In an era where companies are increasingly expected to give back and promote sustainable development, Seplat Energy has set a commendable standard for Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in Nigeria.
While primarily recognised for its oil and gas operations, Seplat’s community-focused initiatives have solidified its reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen. This commitment to both energy production and human capital development has garnered attention from government stakeholders. At the 2024 ‘Eye Can See’ flag-off, Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Emeka Mgbudem, praised the partnership between Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
He emphasised that the initiative illustrates how corporations can significantly impact national development. “Seplat and NNPC have demonstrated that their partnership extends beyond energy production; it encompasses human development—health, education, and capacity building. Seeing the many people treated for glaucoma and cataracts today shows their vision for a brighter future. Seplat remains our best partner, and we are proud of their work,” Mgbudem stated at the event.
This collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. With millions still lacking access to quality eye care, the significance of such initiatives cannot be overstated. Seplat Energy JV’s ongoing health interventions demonstrate how effective partnerships can tackle longstanding issues and foster lasting change in communities.
Nigeria faces a significant eye care burden, with most cases being preventable. Cataracts lead as the primary cause of blindness, followed by glaucoma, refractive errors, and trachoma. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system remains under-resourced, particularly in rural areas, leaving many vulnerable. The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative addresses these disparities by providing free treatments in underserved regions, making a meaningful difference. With over 105,000 beneficiaries treated since its inception, Seplat JV is creating a tangible impact on countless lives across Nigeria.
While treating existing conditions is vital, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme also emphasises preventing future blindness and visual impairment through education and early detection. Each edition of the program features partnerships with optometrists and ophthalmologists to conduct workshops on common eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. These sessions empower community members with essential knowledge to recognize early warning signs and seek treatment promptly.
In many rural areas, awareness of eye health is limited, and regular check-ups are often viewed as a luxury. By integrating education into the program, Seplat JV is fostering a healthier, more informed population, ensuring that more people understand the importance of eye care and early diagnosis. As Seplat JV enhances its community engagement through initiatives like ‘Eye Can See,’ the company has established itself as a leader in corporate social responsibility. Beyond offering crucial support, Seplat’s approach to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) emphasizes sustainability and long-term impact.
Yet, the journey extends beyond vision restoration. With each cataract surgery performed and every pair of glasses distributed, Seplat Energy JV contributes to a broader vision of a healthier, more productive Nigeria. By addressing immediate healthcare needs while promoting preventive measures, Seplat JV is not only transforming lives but also shaping a brighter future for the country.
