By KUNLE KALEJAIYE

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited, a major indigenous player in the petroleum exploration and production business in Nigeria and its Joint Venture partner, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC have commenced its 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, initiatives in host communities.

The 2013 edition of the free eye health programme tagged Seplat Eye Can See CSR initiative is a concerted effort by duo to help the people in Edo and Delta State who play host to their operations to enjoy good health.

NPDC / Seplat operators of Oil Mining Leases 4, 38, and 41 Joint venture Assets, eye sight correction/ restoration programme is an extension of SEPLAT’s Corporate Social Investment initiatives and continuing community engagement platforms which focus on bringing high quality health care to company’s host and impact communities.

According to statement signed by the General Manager Public Affairs and New Business Development, Seplat, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku said the programme comes on the heels of the NPDC/Seplat’s maternal health care project, Seplat safe motherhood project, which provided first-rate health and counseling services to pregnant women including the distribution of pregnancy kit, bags and insecticide treated nets to them.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited, Mr. Austin Avuru, said the project is part of the company’s yearly CSR programmes and its objective is to make good health accessible to people in Delta and Edo States, particularly those in its host communities.

According to him, good eye health and eye care are crucial to preserving excellent vision and protecting overall health because eyes are the “gateway to your soul, and can influence or reveal common or serious health problems — such as diabetes and hypertension amongst other commonly associated health problems.”

During the programme, medical experts, including opticians / ophthalmologists and consultants will conduct free eye screening, correction and restoration surgeries (cataract) and counseling as well as distribute free reading glasses and treatment of eye related diseases like diabetes and hypertension in carefully selected centers across many communities in the two states.

Additionally, the patients will be educated on how to detect Cataracts and Glaucoma and provided post surgery intervention and drugs.

The medical consultants will be supported by the Delta State branch of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) comprising medical doctors, Laboratory attendants, Nurses and Pharmacists.