Shouts of joy filled the Ophthalmology Department of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, last Friday as a team of medical experts, led by Professor Feyisayo Grace Adepoju from the University of Ilorin, successfully restored sight to three minors who had been born blind.
The life-changing surgeries were part of the NNPC Foundation’s initiative to provide free cataract screenings and extractions for 1,000 patients in the South-West. The programme, launched on December 16, 2024, saw screenings and surgeries conducted at various centres across Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo states.
The three minors, whose surgeries were delayed to ensure precision and safety due to their delicate condition, now have a new lease on life. Among them is five-year-old Iremide Kasali, whose mother, Mrs. Adebisi Odunuga, expressed immense gratitude for the successful procedure.
“We had taken her to several hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, where we were told the surgery would cost ₦22 million. It felt like a hopeless situation, but today, my daughter can see. I am beyond grateful to the NNPC Foundation for this life-changing intervention,” she said.
The surgeries were not limited to minors. Over 700 patients were screened in Ogun State alone, with additional screenings in Lagos and Oyo states, surpassing the initiative’s initial target. An adult beneficiary, Omeye Christopher, shared his joy after his surgery, saying, “I feel very excited. I thank God and the NNPC Foundation for restoring my sight free of charge. This programme has been a blessing.”
Flagging off the initiative, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, reiterated the Foundation’s dedication to combating preventable blindness. Represented by Teniola Abu, Deputy Manager, Special Projects, Mrs. Arukwe noted that cataracts remain a leading cause of blindness globally, with nearly 50% of cases in Nigeria attributable to the condition.
“This initiative is not just about numbers; it’s about transforming lives. By restoring sight, we’re empowering breadwinners, enabling students to pursue their education, and giving individuals a chance to experience life anew,” she said.
The programme aligns with the Foundation’s mission to promote sustainable development and improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
The Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adetola Matemilola, and other community leaders lauded the NNPC Foundation for its transformative impact. Oba Matemilola emphasized the value of good health over wealth, noting that restoring sight brings dignity and hope to affected families.
Deputy Director of Nursing Services at FMC Abeokuta, Adelola Mojisola Bankole, described the programme as a tremendous success, adding, “The turnout has been overwhelming, and the results have been heartwarming. Many beneficiaries are returning with glowing reviews of their improved vision.”
Consultant to the NNPC Foundation, Dr. Anne Okoroafor-Amugo, assured that follow-up care for beneficiaries is a priority. “Patients can always return for reviews at the FMC. This initiative is not just a one-off; it’s a sustainable healthcare intervention,” she said.
The NNPC Foundation plans to replicate this initiative nationwide, addressing cataracts and other health challenges. The programme, which has already changed countless lives in the South-West, underscores the Foundation’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians.
The initiative has not only restored sight to hundreds but also reignited hope and renewed faith in the power of community-driven healthcare solutions.
