The Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, on Wednesday, said the foundation remains committed to promoting accessible and affordable healthcare for Nigerians.
Arukwe, represented by Deputy Manager, Special Projects, NNPC Foundation, Teniola Abu, disclosed this at the kick-off of the foundation’s South-West free cataract screening and surgeries for 1,000 people held at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta.
The MD said cataracts remained one of the leading causes of blindness globally while the World Health Organisation had also said that 50 per cent of blindness cases in Nigeria were caused by cataracts.
She said in underserved areas, such as many parts of the South-West, limited access to quality eye care exacerbates the challenge of blindness leading to great social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.
Arukwe said it is against this background that the NNPC Foundation is offering free medical intervention starting from the South-West and later spreading to other geopolitical zones.
She said, “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.”
Giving an overview of the free medical service, the Lead Consultant Physician to the foundation, Dr Anne Amugo, said over 600 people have already been screened in Ogun State.
She said over 100 have also been screened for cataract surgeries in Lagos State, adding that the foundation was already surpassing its 1,000 people target.
Amugo said the foundation has already done 100 successful surgeries since the exercise began while three children born with blindness have also had their sights restored.
“One of these children was previously referred to the University College Hospital but was unable to receive treatment due to financial constraints. The restoration of their sights brings immense joy to their families.
“The NNPC Foundation is undertaking this initiative as a responsible corporate citizen, aiming to positively impact the lives of indigent Nigerians. While the primary focus is on supporting indigent individuals, some non-indigent persons are also benefiting from the programme.
“The NNPC Foundation is proud to be restoring vision to those in need, enabling them to regain their productivity and independence.”
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Adelola Matemilola, as well as the Chief Medical Director of FMC, Abeokuta, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu, lauded the NNPC Foundation for coming to the aid of the residents of the South-West.
They said the free medical intervention should be a regular exercise given its impact in boosting the well-being of the people.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ramoni Bankole, appreciated the foundation for coming to rescue him from cataract illness which almost rendered him blind.