By The NNPC Foundation, in partnership with the Bayelsa State Government, has launched a free cataract screening and extraction programme aimed at benefiting 1,000 people in Bayelsa State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, stated that the initiative is designed to tackle vision impairment and blindness caused by cataracts.
“By providing these surgeries and educating the public on eye health, we are creating real impact and driving positive change in the lives of our people,” she said.
The programme, covering all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, aims to restore sight to 6,000 beneficiaries, with 1,000 individuals from each region. The initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader healthcare interventions, including past glaucoma and cancer screenings for thousands of Nigerians.
Bayelsa’s First Lady, Mrs. Gloria Diri, officially declared the programme open, commending NNPC for its dedication to healthcare and urging beneficiaries to spread awareness about eye health.
“Let’s help those around us who may benefit from this initiative access the care they need. The NNPC Foundation is here to provide quality treatment at no cost,” she said.
Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, emphasized that the project aligns with Governor Douye Diri’s healthcare vision, with over 500 people already screened for surgeries.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ebimobowei Ogoun, expressed gratitude, revealing she had struggled to afford the N300,000 surgery cost before the programme.
“The burden has been lifted,” she said joyfully.
The Medical Director of FMC, Dr. James Omietimi, described the initiative as life-changing, calling on more organizations to support healthcare efforts for low-income communities.
