The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has launched a free cataract screening and surgery programme aimed at restoring sight to over 1,000 individuals in Bayelsa State. The event took place on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, and the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, both located in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, spoke about the intervention, highlighting the widespread vision impairment caused by cataracts across the nation. Arukwe, represented by Jude Ayalogu, Manager of the NNPC Foundation’s Healthcare Programme, explained that this initiative is part of a broader effort to restore sight to 6,000 indigent Nigerians across the country. The programme is being replicated in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
“Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness globally. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria are caused by cataracts,” Arukwe said in her statement. She also noted that limited access to eye care in rural and underserved areas has led many individuals to suffer from avoidable blindness, which in turn impacts productivity, independence, and quality of life.
The NNPC Foundation’s cataract outreach includes free screenings, surgeries, and public education about eye health. The initiative has already reached its target in the South-West geopolitical zone earlier this year, with similar programmes planned for the other zones.
The NNPC Foundation’s recent efforts also include a pilot eye screening and glaucoma treatment for over 290 individuals in Abuja, free cancer screenings for over 3,440 people across Nigeria, and medical outreach for non-communicable diseases, benefitting more than 450 people in Garki village, Abuja.
Dr. James Omietimi, Chief Medical Director at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, stressed that cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness, particularly in the elderly. He urged the public to take advantage of the free screening and surgical services provided by the NNPC Foundation. Omietimi also pointed out that cataract surgeries typically cost between N100,000 to N150,000 in public hospitals, while private healthcare centres charge upwards of N300,000.
One of the beneficiaries, 60-year-old Highness Opokuni, shared his gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. Opokuni, a father of three, had been living with cataracts for two years, which had significantly impacted his financial situation. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the NNPC Foundation for offering free treatment to those who could not afford such surgeries.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the First Lady of Bayelsa, Dr. Gloria Diri, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seyefa Brisibe, and the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.
