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By correspondent in Minna.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has launched a significant social responsibility initiative, offering free cataract surgeries and eye care services to 1,000 Nigerians in the North-Central zone.
As part of the ongoing effort, 200 residents of Niger State, primarily elderly men and women, have already received free eye care.
Another 300 beneficiaries are set to receive services in Bida between May 7th and 12th, 2025.
Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, shared these details during the inaugural eye care event at the Bosso Primary Health Centre in Minna on Friday.
Represented by Alhaji Adamu Sani, Team Leader of the Foundation in Niger State, Mrs. Arukwe emphasized the initiative’s broader goal, bordering on restoring sight to 6,000 Nigerians with eye defects across the nation.
“We are committed to building a society where no one is left behind, and no one should suffer from avoidable blindness. “This initiative is part of our broader commitment to give back to the community,”Mrs. Arukwe stated.
Our correspondent reports that the free eye care programme includes cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health, aimed at combating the high incidence of preventable blindness.
Cataract alone accounts for nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria, with many individuals unaware of the availability of affordable and quality eye care.
Dr. Bello Tukur, Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, highlighted the state’s struggle with over 5,000 cataract patients, with 500 new cases reported annually.
He appealed to the Foundation for additional support, including essential medical equipment like microscopes, to help manage the growing number of patients.
Dr. Halima Isah, Chairperson of the Free Eye Care Programme in Niger state confirmed that 200 residents from Minna and 300 from Bida will benefit from the upcoming eye care services.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
