Ayomide Awe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has launched a life-changing initiative to provide free cataract screenings and surgeries to 6,000 Nigerians including blind children across the country.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the programme, aimed at combating one of the leading causes of blindness globally, was officially flagged off for the South-West geopolitical zone on Wednesday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that among the beneficiaries of this transformative project are three children—two aged one and one aged five—who were born blind.Their families, unable to afford the high cost of surgery, have found relief through the intervention of the NNPC Foundation.
Speaking with newsmen, Dr. Peter Abikoye, the Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at FMC, Abeokuta, revealed the unique cases of the three children during the screening process.
He explained that one of the children had been referred to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for surgery costing ₦250,000, which was unaffordable for the family.
“When the NNPC Foundation learned about these cases, they urged us to do everything possible to enroll them for this surgery. It’s a significant step in restoring hope to these families,” Abikoye said.
The surgeries for the children, initially scheduled for Wednesday, were postponed due to logistical challenges and are now planned for the coming week.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, represented by Mrs. Teniola Abu, Deputy Manager of Special Programmes, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to addressing vision impairments caused by cataracts.
“This initiative is not just a health intervention but a transformative movement to restore sight, empower individuals, and improve the quality of life across communities,” Arukwe stated.
She highlighted that nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria are caused by cataracts, according to the World Health Organization.
She added that in underserved areas like parts of the South-West, limited access to quality eye care has exacerbated the challenge.
According to her,the project, which began screening in December, has already surpassed its initial projection of 1,000 beneficiaries in the South-West.
Over 700 individuals have been screened, with more than 100 successful surgeries conducted.
Dr. Anne Amugo, the lead consultant physician for the initiative, reiterated the foundation’s dedication to completing the project.
“This program is restoring vision to indigent Nigerians, allowing them to regain their productivity and independence,” she said.
The surgeries, valued at approximately ₦100,000 per eye, including pre- and post-operative care, are being provided free of charge.
The Chief Medical Director of FMC, Dr. Adewale Musa-Olomu, expressed gratitude to the NNPC Foundation for its impactful intervention.
He noted that the hospital has partnered with ophthalmologists across Ogun, Kwara, and Lagos States to ensure the success of the programme.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola; the Director of Administration at FMC, Mr. Kehinde Apanisile; and community leaders.
Mrs. Abu, speaking on behalf of the foundation, emphasized the alignment of the programme with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on good health, well-being, and reducing inequalities.
“We anticipate restoring sight to 1,000 individuals in the South-West, transforming lives, helping breadwinners regain livelihoods, and empowering students to pursue their studies,” Abu stated.
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