The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, SNEPCo, say over 10,000 people have benefited from their Vision First free eye care initiative since it began in 2022.
The current outreach was held on Monday in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.
At the opening ceremony, SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams, said the programme was designed to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities.
General Manager, Corporate Relations, Abubakar Ahmed, read his address at the occasion.
“Vision First is more than an outreach programme — it is a promise. A promise that quality healthcare should not be limited by geography, income, or circumstance,” Adams said.
Vision First which is part of the Health-in-Motion programme of NNPC/SNEPCo, caters for eyecare to underserved communities, with the health team also providing cardiovascular screening, consultations and treatment for mild and chronic illnesses, laboratory tests and pharmaceutical services and distributing insecticide-treated nets.
Hundreds of people in Badagry and from adjoining communities are attending the 6th edition of Vision First which is being hosted in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and Badagry Local Government Council.
Ron said: “As we celebrate the impact of this outreach, let us remember that behind every consultation, every treatment, and every pair of glasses provided is a human story. It is a mother who can care for her family with confidence, a father who can continue to provide, a student who can see clearly in the classroom, and a child whose future has become a little brighter.”
Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanarenwaju Igandan said in remarks delivered by Advisor, Community Relations Mr. Usman Mohammed Bello: “I urge parents, elders, workers, traders, teachers and all residents to participate actively and encourage others to do the same. Early detection and treatment of health conditions can significantly improve quality of life and prevent avoidable complications.”
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, District 5, Dr Asiyanbi Oladapo and Chairman Badagry Local Government Council Babatunde Hunpe commended NNPC and SNEPCo for their longstanding support for the programme.
Executive Director Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, implementing partner of Vision First, Prof. Olukorede Adenuga advised the people to take advantage of the outreach as “a simple intervention can make a profound difference.”