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  • NNPC Foundation trains Enugu farmers on modern agricultural techniques

    NNPC Foundation trains Enugu farmers on modern agricultural techniques

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the NNPC Foundation, has trained farmers in the Nsukka local government area of Enugu State in modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies.

    Speaking in Nsukka during the three-day training for vulnerable farmers, the managing director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, stated that the training was part of the organization’s commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development.

    She emphasized that the foundation is dedicated to implementing impactful programs that align with national priorities and support the federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which aims to ensure food security.

    “This training is a testament to our unwavering commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development.

    “As the corporate social responsibility arm of NNPC Ltd, the NNPC Foundation is dedicated to implementing impactful programs that align with national priorities.

    “This initiative is part of our broader efforts to support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security, increase productivity, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

    “As we gather here today, we must acknowledge the pressing reality of food insecurity in Nigeria,” she stated.

    Arukwe, who was represented by Mrs. Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager of Education and Healthcare Programs at NNPC Foundation, further mentioned that the organization recognizes the importance of agriculture to the livelihood of the nation.

    “At NNPC Ltd, we understand that agriculture remains the primary livelihood for over 70% of Nigeria’s population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, 2024.

    “Yet, many farmers remain trapped in subsistence-level production due to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets; hence, this training is designed to change that narrative.

    “Through this initiative, we will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilization, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies.

    “Our goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production,” she noted.

    While declaring the training open, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Ubru, commended NNPC Foundation for training farmers.

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    Ubru noted that the training presented a critical opportunity for NNPC to equip smallholder farmers with modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies.

    He encouraged all participating farmers to engage fully in the program, which represented their opportunity to learn, share, and grow together in modern farming.

    “Let us work hand in hand to build a resilient agricultural sector that thrives on innovation and collaboration to help achieve food security in the country.

    “With partners in agriculture like NNPC Foundation, we can transform the agricultural landscape of Enugu State and beyond,” he concluded.

    The Commissioner disclosed that Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, would continue to make agriculture a central pillar of his administration to equip farmers and ensure food security in the state.

  • Over 1,000 screened as NNPC Foundation begins free cataract surgeries in southwest 

    Over 1,000 screened as NNPC Foundation begins free cataract surgeries in southwest 

    The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has launched a free cataract screening and surgery program, offering sight restoration sessions to over 1,000 individuals, including three children born blind. 

    The exercise, which commenced on Wednesday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has so far screened more than 650 people. Approximately 160 cataract extraction surgeries have been successfully conducted. 

    Dr. Peter Abikoye, a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of the Ophthalmology Unit at FMC Abeokuta leads the team of specialists performing the surgeries on behalf of the NNPC Foundation. He explained that cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness, often linked to old age and diabetes. 

    Regarding the three children born blind—aged one, seven, and one—Dr. Abikoye noted that congenital cataracts could be the cause. He added that certain metabolic disorders or maternal health conditions during pregnancy could predispose children to cataracts. 

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sowunmi Ebenezer Oluwole, a 50-year-old teacher, shared his experience of living with cataracts for three years, which had significantly affected his productivity and finances. He expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for those unable to afford cataract treatment. 

    The NNPC Foundation’s free cataract surgery project is set to transform lives across the Southwest geopolitical zone.

    Addressing the people at the flag-off that had in attendance, the Olowu of Owu kingdom, Professor (Oba) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Chief Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa Olomu, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella N. Arukwe, said the intervention seeks to combat widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, a condition, she added, has severely impacted many Nigerians.

    Mrs Arukwe who was represented by Dr. Hanne Amugo, said the intervention would be replicated across the six geopolitical zones of the country to bring sight back to 6,000 indigent Nigerians.

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    She said: “Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness globally. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria are caused by cataracts. In underserved areas, such as many parts of the South-West, limited access to quality eye care exacerbates this challenge. This is more than a health issue—it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.

    “At NNPC Foundation, we understand that vision is not merely a sense—it is a fundamental enabler of human dignity and opportunity. This understanding is at the core of our initiative.

    “Through this programme, we aim to provide free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health. We anticipate restoring sight to up to 1,000 individuals in the South-West. Beyond the numbers, this means transforming lives—helping breadwinners regain their livelihoods, empowering students to pursue their studies, and enabling individuals to experience the joys of life once again.”

    “Over the past 20 months, NNPC Foundation has spearheaded numerous healthcare initiatives, including a pilot eye screening and glaucoma treatment programme for over 290 individuals in Abuja, free cancer screenings and counselling sessions for approximately 3,440 people across the six geopolitical zones, medical outreach in Garki Village, Abuja, addressing non-communicable diseases and providing medical consumables to about 450 individuals.

    The CMD of FMC, Prof. Adewale Musa Olomu commended the foundation for the gestures, appealing to it to also extend helping hands to Cancer patients and people needing Open heart surgeries at this specialist hospital because of the cost burden on the patients and their families. 

  • 3,441 persons benefit from NNPC foundation free cancer screening

    3,441 persons benefit from NNPC foundation free cancer screening

    …291 traders benefit from free screening for glaucoma

    Over 3,441 persons have benefited from the free cancer screening intervention of a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) known as NNPC Foundation Limited.

    One of the focus areas of the NNPC Foundation’s healthcare intervention is cancer in 2024.

    The foundation has carried out free cancer screening campaigns across the country, according to its managing director, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe in a press statement yesterday.

    The statement said: “Over 3,441 persons across the country have benefitted from the free screening intervention.”

    The foundation has carried out free cancer screening campaigns across the country.

    One of the Foundation’s free cancer screening campaigns tagged “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening” which held across the six geopolitical zones of the country with screening centres in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo and Gombe States.

    The campaign went beyond providing free screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, to providing health education, workshops, and consultations with healthcare professionals aimed at empowering individuals to recognize early symptoms, adopt preventive health measures, and better understand the importance of regular screenings.

    Explaining the foundation’s focus on cancer,  Arukwe sought a collective battle against the ailment. 

    “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most,” she said.

    Speaking further, she said: “In a country of over 200 million people, too many still lack access to the early detection tools that could make a life-saving difference. NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities. Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and this campaign is a vital step towards that goal.”

    The Foundation had earlier carried out a similar free cancer screening campaign in February 2024 in Abuja.

    The objective of the free screening campaigns is to counter the trend of late-stage diagnoses, which occur frequently due to limited access to screening facilities, cultural stigmas, and insufficient awareness.  

    Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    The most common cancers affecting Nigerian men include prostate and liver cancer, while women are predominantly impacted by breast and cervical cancers.

    The Foundation’s intervention in the health sector is not restricted to the provision of free cancer screening.

    Earlier in the year, it also carried out a medical outreach in Garki community in Abuja. 

    About 450 members of the community received health checkups, treatment, and medical consumables.

    The Foundation also conducted a similar medical outreach programme at the Utako Market in Abuja which saw 291 traders benefit from the free screening for glaucoma.

    NNPC Ltd.’s rejuvenating touch in the health sector also reached those with heart diseases. 

    The Foundation went into partnership with the Nigerian Cardiac Society provided free heart surgeries to 40 patients with various heart conditions in the course of the year. 

    The Foundation’s other health cum humanitarian interventions in the year also include the donation of over 20 trucks of food, water, medical consumables, and sanitary products to the Borno State Government for victims of the devastating flood that ravaged the state earlier in September.

    The Foundation also donated 60 mattresses and dental accessories to Ile-Ife Special School for Children with Disabilities.

    Beyond providing energy to drive industrial and economic growth, NNPC Ltd is also investing heavily in the health of Nigerians to ensure all-round prosperity for Nigeria.