The Seplat Energy Way – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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As of 2024, approxi­mately 1.13 million Nigerians aged 40 and above—representing about 4.2% of that age group— live with visual impairment, according to the Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Despite this staggering figure, access to quality eye care remains a pressing concern.

Since 2012, the Seplat En­ergy Joint Venture with the NNPC Exploration & Produc­tion Limited (NEPL) has been addressing this challenge head-on through its flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, “Eye Can See.” Over the years, the programme has steadily evolved to bring hope to thousands, offering free consultations, vision screen­ings, cataract surgeries, reading glasses, and critical health edu­cation to underserved commu­nities across Edo, Delta and Imo States—bridging a significant gap in healthcare access, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.

As noted by the company’s Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, the initiative has been sustained by the continued co­operation of the Joint Venture partners, and all services under the programme are free of charge.

The “Eye Can See” initiative demonstrates the long-term value of corporate social investment in Nigeria. It aims to address the critical need for eye care in host communities where access to healthcare is often limited, particularly in rural regions. The initiative has so far delivered 110,634 eye treat­ments, dispensed 55,382 pairs of reading glasses to individuals in need, and performed 4,752 cata­ract surgeries—restoring vision to many who would have oth­erwise faced blindness. These remarkable achievements high­light Seplat Energy’s ongoing commitment to enhancing eye health and providing life-chang­ing medical interventions to its host communities.

A unique aspect of Seplat Energy’s CSI approach is the inclusion of health education as a central component of the programme. In addition to providing medical treatment, “Eye Can See” also educates participants on the link be­tween vision health and other health conditions. According to medical experts, diseases like hypertension and diabetes can lead to vision impairment and even blindness, if left untreat­ed. Through this initiative, the Seplat Energy JV has continued to raise awareness about these issues and has helped partic­ipants take proactive steps toward managing their health.

Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, underscored the impor­tance of this educational aspect of the initiative during the 2025 edition of the programme. He noted that “more than half of the ailments that lead to blind­ness are treatable, and the ‘Eye Can See’ programme is showing our people that with early inter­vention, many of these condi­tions can be prevented.”

THE POWER OF RESTORED SIGHT

At its core, the “Eye Can See” initiative is not just about restoring vision, but also about improving lives. The ability to work, support one’s family and live independently is invalu­able—and Seplat Energy’s initiative has provided these opportunities to many individu­als whose lives were previously constrained by poor vision. Re­storing sight does more than ad­dress a medical issue; it restores a person’s dignity and ability to fully participate in society and the economy, contributing to overall community prosperity.

For many beneficiaries like Dennis Laure from Delta State, regaining sight has meant the return of independence and productivity. Laure, who had been suffering from vision prob­lems for over five years, spoke emotionally about the trans­formative impact the surgery has had on his life at the 2025 edition in Edo State. “Now, I can see clearly. I can go back to my work and live a normal life. I am very grateful to Seplat for this opportunity,” he said.

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

The success of the “Eye Can See” initiative can be attributed not only to Seplat Energy’s com­mitment but also to the strong partnerships it has formed with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and com­munity leaders. The involve­ment of the Oba of Benin, rep­resented by the Obakhavbaye of Benin, Chief Raphael Oronsaye, during the 2025 event, was a testament to the importance of local leadership in driving the success of such initiatives. His endorsement of the programme helped mobilise the community, ensuring that those who needed care were aware of programme and could access the services provided.

INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS

Looking ahead, Seplat Ener­gy has ambitious plans to fur­ther enhance its impact in Edo State. As part of its long-term plans, the company is exploring the establishment of an eye hospital in Edo State, to provide a permanent healthcare facility for residents to access eye care services. The hospital would not only address immediate needs, but also serve as a long-term solution for eye health in the region, ensuring that people have access to the care they need without having to travel long distances.

Recall that on 7 October 2024, the Seplat JV handed over a fully equipped, state-of-the-art Eye Centre it built at the Sapele Central Hospital to the Delta State Government, to serve as a hub for the treatment of all eye-related issues within the region and beyond.

The development of a perma­nent healthcare facility aligns with Seplat Energy’s broader CSI vision, which includes investing in sustainable health­care infrastructure that benefits communities on an ongoing basis. By establishing another dedicated eye hospital in Edo State, Seplat Energy would be laying the foundation for a long-term solution that will continue to serve the people for genera­tions to come.

Seplat Energy’s “Eye Can See” initiative exemplifies how CSI can go beyond short-term philanthropic efforts to create lasting, meaningful change. Through its comprehensive approach to healthcare—which includes medical treatment, health education, and commu­nity empowerment—Seplat Energy has demonstrated the positive impact that companies can have when they prioritise the welfare of their host com­munities.

As Seplat Energy continues its commitment to improving eye health and providing sus­tainable solutions for the future, the “Eye Can See” programme stands as a model for what effec­tive corporate social investment should look like.