As Seplat JV Changes Lives Through ‘Eye Can See’ CSR Programme

Peter Uzoho writes on the Corporate Social Responsibility activity of Seplat JV

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes are activities undertaken by businesses to positively impact the lives of people socially and economically whilst also facilitating environmental progress and development. CSR initiatives seek to address numerous societal issues and enhance the welfare of benefitting communities.

It also entails integrating social and environmental concerns into companies’ business operations and interactions with stakeholders. It goes beyond philanthropy and involves ethical business practices, sustainable strategies, employee well-being, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

The primary objectives of CSR initiatives are to contribute to the well-being of society, minimise negative impacts on the environment, and build sustainable and ethical business practices. By implementing CSR initiatives, companies can address societal challenges, foster stakeholder trust, enhance their reputation, and create long-term value for both the business and the community.

Seplat Energy, a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian and London stock exchanges with assets in the Niger Delta, has undertaken a number of these CSR projects. Just recently at the Oba of Benin Palace, the Seplat Energy/NNPC E&P Joint Venture (JV) launched its 2023 healthcare CSR project which focuses on the eyesight of individuals. This eye care project is dubbed the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative.

The programme, initiated by Seplat Energy Plc in partnership with NNPC E&P Limited, is a notable example of a much sort-after eye care intervention in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria.

The primary objective of the ‘Eye Can See’ programme is to provide quality healthcare to host communities and reduce cases of permanent vision loss. Through a multi-faceted approach, the programme aims to deliver eye surgeries, distribute free optical treatments and reading glasses, screen patients for underlying health conditions, and provide health education to participants. By targeting all age groups and genders, the programme ensures inclusivity and addresses the specific needs of diverse communities.

The success of these intervention programmes often rely on effective implementation strategies and strategic partnerships. Seplat Energy Plc collaborates with reputable medical practitioners, like the Family Health Outreach Association and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, to deliver high-quality eye care services. Additionally, their partnership with NNPC E&P Limited showcases the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government entities to achieve sustainable impact.

Since its inception in 2012, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme has made significant impacts on the communities in Edo and Delta States. Over the course of 12 years, the initiative has screened over 96,000 patients, provided reading glasses to more than 45,000 individuals, and performed 4,218 successful eye surgeries. These numbers reflect the tangible benefits received by beneficiaries, including restored vision, improved employability, and enhanced economic prospects for individuals and their families.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives, continuous evaluation and adaptation are essential. Seplat Energy demonstrates its commitment to the ‘Eye Can See’ programme by setting ambitious goals for future interventions, including serving 90 communities through 13 centres in 2023. The company also highlights the importance of technological advancements, such as laser technology, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of eye surgeries.

The success of Seplat Energy’s ‘Eye Can See’ initiative provides valuable insights for other organisations considering healthcare initiatives. Key lessons include the significance of community engagement, collaboration with local partners, customisation of programmes to address specific healthcare needs, and leveraging technology for improved outcomes. By adopting these best practices, companies can maximise the impact of their healthcare CSR programmes.

The Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, in her remarks at the launch of the 2023 edition of the initiative at the Oba Of Benin’s Palace, said the Seplat/ NNPC E&P ‘Eye Can See’ CSR programme aligns with the pursuit of good health and well-being which is what the UN Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) 3, which demonstrates Seplat Energy commitment to global best practices.

Afe explained that: “Since the inception of the programme in 2012, the lives of many in our host communities and other areas have been richly impacted. A total of 96,411 patients have been screened; 45,074 reading glasses have been dispensed; and 4,218 surgeries performed. And the 2023 edition, which was flagged off at the Oba’s Palace Benin, will further boost these numbers. About 90 communities will be served using 13 centres across Edo and Delta states.”

“With this, we are able to impact communities and families. People that were hitherto blind can see now; and they can go out and do work to earn a living. This is one of the indirect impacts of the programme.”

Also commenting, the Director, New Energy, Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon, expressed gratitude to NNPC E&P Limited and other stakeholders involved in making the initiative a success. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Oba of Benin Palace, the government of Edo and Delta states, and NNPC E&P Limited for their unwavering support. Their collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative over the years,” Okon said.

He added that Seplat Energy and its partners will continue to work to boost the impacts of the programme leveraging relevant technologies and other resources whist appealing to the company’s host communities to always support its operations. “As you know, at Seplat Energy, we are purpose driven, we are here to serve and to give back to the society. And on that note, please we will like to continue to bank on your support going forward as you’ve always done. We anticipate that this intervention will continue and even outlive all of us.”

Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom, thanked Seplat Energy and partners for the delivery of the programme, which he noted had been consistent over the years.

“We thank Seplat Energy ad its partners for the constant featuring of this Eye Can See programme, which has tremendously helped my people. We can only urge you to continue in this light,” the Oba said.

In his message, the Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited, Ali Zarah represented by the Deputy Manager Corporate Communications, Ajakaye Emily Ladi, expressed gratitude for the support received from the host communities and extended its appreciation to Seplat Energy for the partnership in implementing the ‘Eye Can See programme for 12 years. He said the collaboration between the two entities is aimed at enhancing eye care and visual aid services, including surgical treatments for various eye challenges within the operational communities.

The ‘Eye Can See’ programme delivers on the initial promise to provide professional health care to the communities; provides a platform for managing and referring patients living with hypertension and diabetes; provides free optical treatment at all levels to members of the communities; prevents and reduces cases of permanent loss of vision; provides free reading glasses; treat other eye related diseases; educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect Cataracts and Glaucoma; and educate patients on the lifestyle change to reduce the rates of hypertension and diabetes.

Mrs. Maria Aigbedo and Mr. William Osamuwenze, who were beneficiaries of the program expressed their gratitude to Seplat Energy for the opportunity to receive treatment and regain their vision. They lauded the company’s efforts in improving their lives and commended the “Eye Can See Initiative” for its remarkable impact.

The ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is focused on driving healthy living and promoting well-being for all ages. Seplat Energy Plc and its partners remain committed to facilitating social development, fostering local entrepreneurship, and improving healthcare and education in the communities they operate in.

Seplat Energy continues to demonstrate its dedication to corporate social responsibility by leveraging its resources and expertise to positively impact the lives of community members. The company looks forward to sustaining and expanding the ‘Eye Can See’ Initiative in the coming years, with a focus on utilizing cutting-edge technology to further enhance eye care and treatment services.

Health-focused CSR programmes have the power to transform lives, promote sustainable development, and contribute to the well-being of communities. Through the case study of Seplat Energy’s ‘Eye Can See’ programme, we can see the implementation strategies and outcomes of such initiatives. By investing in health programmes, corporations can leave a lasting positive impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole, whilst ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable society.

This investment in health will surely leave a lasting positive impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole, whilst ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous world.Photo caption: Some of the beneficiaries at the programme