Shell Nigeria has revealed that fewer than 6,575 people had benefitted from an eyecare outreach held in Bariga Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The outreach held from August 26-30 was part of the Vision First Plus programme of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company.
In a statement by Shell Nigeria Media Relations Manager, Gladys Afam-Anadu, beneficiaries from within and outside the LCDA received a wide range of medical services, including eye screening, surgeries, medication, and eyeglasses on the latest campaign to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, SNEPCo’s Managing Director, Elohor Aiboni, said the outreach was a key investment in maintaining a healthy vision.
Represented by the Managing Counsel Upstream Nigeria, SNEPCo, Lara Taiwo-Ogunbodede, Aiboni commended the collaboration, which resulted in the outreach, the third in Lagos since the Vision First Plus initiative was launched in the state two years ago.
She said: “Our sight, a crucial connection to our surroundings, safeguards us from danger, sharpens our minds, and unlocks the doors to learning, economic opportunities, and independence, hence, we consider this intervention as crucial.”
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Bala Wunti, said: “From the smiles of individuals who can see clearly for the first time in years, to the stories of renewed hope and confidence, Vision First has truly become a beacon of light for many. This year, as we continue our journey, our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that no one is left in the dark due to preventable or correctable vision issues.”
The Executive Director and Chairman of Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Professor Olukorede Adenuga, stressed the need for regular eye examinations as individuals get older to prevent avoidable loss of vision.
According to the Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Alabi Kolade, vision outreach is a timely intervention at a time when vision impairment is found to affect the quality of life of adult populations, lower people’s rate of employment and increase the rate of depression and anxiety.
“Sight is life, and it’s for this reason that we cannot thank NNPC-SNEPCo and the partners enough for this opportunity, indeed on our doorstep,” the chairman stated.
Giving a breakdown of the programme performance, Aiboni said out of 1,787 people screened for various eye conditions, 1,696 received prescription glasses and medication, 233 had successful cataract and pterygium procedures and 1,212 persons were treated for ailments.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Olusegun Ogboye, who was represented by a deputy director in the Ministry of Health, Adeniran Ifeyemi, commended NNPC, SNEPCo, and their co-venture partners for the initiative.
