By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE management of Seplat Energy JV has said that not less than110,634 people have benefited from its free  eye treatment in Edo State which was started 13 years ago.

It stated this at  the 2025 edition of the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture flagship healthcare initiative, “Eye Can See,” which peaked with a grand ceremony held at the Oba of Benin’s Palace, Benin City,

Within the period, 55,382 reading glasses were also distributed and 4,752 cataract surgeries were also successfully  completed.

In her opening remarks at the event, the Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by the Senior Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Esther Icha, stated that the initiative has been sustained by the continued cooperation of the Joint Venture partners.

She pointed out that, “Every part of this programme is free of charge and for those who have come here with other health challenges aside eye problem, including hypertension or diabetes, we have doctors here to attend to them”.

The Commissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, represented by Dr. Edward Aisowieren, Director Medical services, commended the Seplat JV and acknowledged the concrete impact of the initiative.

He observed that in keeping to its name, the “Eye Can See” initiative is, indeed, positively transforming lives.

He pointed out that more than half of the ailments that lead to permanent loss of sight are treatable and thanked Seplat Energy and its partners for coming to the rescue.

The Obkhavbaye of Benin, Chief Ralphael Oronsaye, who represented the Oba of Benin, commended the Seplat Energy JV and urged the people to always appreciatively take advantage of good initiatives by worthy corporate citizens.

Also present were representatives of the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), led by Owunari Tomikeimieye. He commended the people for turning out en masse for the initiative and urged the parents to encourage their children and wards to help preserve oil and gas assets in their domain.

He pointed out that it is from such resources that the Seplat JV would be able to continue delivering such life-changing initiatives to the host communities.

Dennis Laure, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the Seplat JV for helping them overcome eye-health challenges which has been negatively impacting their lifestyles and means of livelihoods for many years.