Segun Atanda/
More than 10,000 Nigerians have benefitted from the Vision First healthcare initiative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited since the programme began in 2022.
The companies disclosed this as the sixth edition of the initiative berthed in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State this week, drawing hundreds of residents from the ancient town and neighbouring communities for free eye care and other medical services.
Vision First, an integral part of the NNPC/SNEPCo Health-in-Motion programme, is designed to take essential healthcare services, particularly eye care, to underserved communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams, described the initiative as a commitment to breaking barriers that prevent vulnerable Nigerians from accessing quality healthcare.
“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 in an address delivered on his behalf by SNEPCo General Manager, Corporate Relations, Abubakar Ahmed.
Beyond eye examinations and treatment, the programme provides cardiovascular screening, medical consultations and treatment for mild and chronic illnesses, laboratory tests and pharmaceutical services. Beneficiaries also receive insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
The Badagry outreach is being implemented in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Badagry Local Government Council.
Adams said the programme’s impact went beyond statistics, noting that improved eyesight and access to medical care could transform the lives and livelihoods of beneficiaries.
“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,” he said.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Olanrewaju Igandan, urged residents to take full advantage of the free medical services.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Advisor, Community Relations, Usman Mohammed Bello, Igandan stressed the importance of early diagnosis in preventing serious health complications.
“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,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, District 5, Dr Asiyanbi Oladapo, and Chairman of Badagry Local Government Council, Babatunde Hunpe, commended NNPC and SNEPCo for their sustained support for healthcare interventions.
Executive Director of Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation and implementing partner for Vision First, Prof. Olukorede Adenuga, also encouraged residents to maximise the opportunity offered by the programme, noting that “a simple intervention can make a profound difference.”
SNEPCo, supported by NNPC and its co-venturers, said it had implemented social investment programmes across Nigeria in healthcare, education and human capital development since its establishment in 1993.
The company said the initiatives complement its deepwater oil and gas operations, Nigerian content development and broader efforts to improve the lives of people in communities across the country.
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