1,000 People Receive NNPC Foundation’s Free Cataract Surgery in Ogun
Published January 8, 2025
No less than 1,000 individuals have benefited from free cataract and extraction surgeries, a significant healthcare initiative launched by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation Ltd/Gte in Ogun State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
This initiative aims to address the widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, which are responsible for nearly half of all blindness cases in Nigeria. The surgeries are being held at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, Barr. Emmanuella N. Arukwe, who was represented by Mrs. Teniola Abu, Deputy Manager of Special Projects at the NNPC Foundation, emphasized that this program is a significant step toward improving the lives and health of communities.
Arukwe stated that the initiative embodies the foundation’s commitment to creating a society where no one is left behind. “It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10. This is more than a health issue; it is also a social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly impacts productivity, independence, and overall quality of life,” she expressed.
Dr. Anne Okoroafor Amugo, the Consultant Coordinator, informed reporters on the sidelines of the event that surgical procedures would begin immediately after screening. She noted that this exercise is part of the foundation’s social responsibility to citizens.
“In Ogun State, we have screened over 600 individuals, and in Lagos, we have screened more than 100. We may exceed our initial projection of 1,000, with over 700 already screened, and the process is ongoing. Surgical procedures have also commenced, with over 100 successful operations performed,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Abikoye, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at FMC, advised patients to consistently seek medical attention to prevent blindness, emphasizing that early detection is key to treatment.
“Cataracts are not a curse; they are a natural phenomenon that comes with age. However, they can cause total blindness, making this initiative a vital resource for those affected. We see the significant impact that the NNPC Foundation is having for people in this country, and we hope such initiatives continue to aid the poor.”
Dr. Abikoye also mentioned that during the screening process, they encountered three children, two of whom are one year old and the other five years old. “This initiative is particularly beneficial for those children,” he noted.
One woman shared her experience of being referred to the University College Hospital (UCH) from the General Hospital in Ijaye since last year. Upon arrival at UCH, she learned that the cost of surgery would be around 250,000 naira. “Surgery for children is generally more expensive than for adults. That’s why she came back here. Ordinarily, we don’t undertake such surgeries, but when the NNPC Foundation heard about it, they instructed us to do everything we could to enrol them for this surgery,” Dr Abikoye explained.
Beneficiaries of the free cataract and extraction surgeries expressed their gratitude for this life-changing initiative.
One beneficiary, Mr. Showunmi Ebenezer, commended the Foundation for its intervention during this period of economic hardship. “We thank God for this project; it is commendable. Given the current economic challenges in the country, this is a significant effort, and we appreciate NNPC for making it possible,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Oduntan Oluwaseun, who underwent the surgery, shared his relief and joy: “The surgery has been completed, and I feel much better than before. Thanks to NNPC, I can see now—I couldn’t see anything before.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Omeye Christopher, described his experience as transformative. “I am very excited and grateful to God for this operation. I was nervous when they were about to perform the surgery, but I thank God it was successful. I had been spending so much money on this issue, but NNPC made it possible for me to have the surgery.” he said.
