Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc., operators of the NPDC/SEPLAT joint venture recently concluded the 7th edition of its annual Eye Can See CSR programme.
The programme took place at the Oba of Benin’s palace. It witnessed a large turn out from within and outside the city, who showed up to have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses or get operated upon to remove vision impairing cataracts.
On hand to receive the Seplat delegation and encourage the residents of the ancient city to come out in their numbers and benefit from the uncommon gesture by Seplat were chiefs led by Chief S.O. Obamwonyi. The Esere of Benin Kingdom who represented the Oba of Benin.
The Seplat team was led by the CEO, Mr. Austin Avuru. Also in attendance were key government officials, health sector personnel and other dignitaries who joined in the activities.
Welcoming the company and dignitaries to the palace, Chief Obamwonyi thanked Seplat for supporting and enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of the members of their host communities and pledged his kingdom’s support to the company and its initiatives.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Avuru said the project is part of the company’s yearly Corporate Social Investment programmes and its objective is to make quality health care accessible to people in Delta and Edo states, particularly the company’s host and impact communities.
He noted that “members of our host communities are important stakeholders in our mutual enterprise and it is important to support and enhance their health and economic circumstances. That is the reason for this programme, which is in its seventh year and we hope to continue to support and prosecute such sustainable initiatives.”
Members of the community who received sundry treatment and those whose sights were restored following surgery, gave glowing testimonials.
The Eye Can See programme, a key component of Seplat’s Corporate Social Investment, is a health focused community engagement which concentrates on bringing free, qualitative and comprehensive eye care to members of its host communities. Over 57,000 patients have benefitted from the programme, which started in 2012 and which has since dispensed 26,855 reading glasses and successfully performed 2,725 eye surgeries.
This year’s edition ran from June 5 to July 4, 2018.