The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has kicked off its free cataract extraction surgery initiative, aimed at benefiting 1,000 individuals in the South-West region of Nigeria. The initiative, which began with screenings on December 16, officially commenced surgeries on Monday.
Dr. Anne Amugo, the lead consultant physician for the NNPC Foundation, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) about the program, describing it as part of the Foundation’s effort to give back to society. She revealed that over 100 people were scheduled for surgery on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta.
The surgeries are being carried out at multiple locations, including FMC Abeokuta, Likosi Health Center, Mosimi, FMC Joga, and FMC Ajebo, all in Ogun State. These four centers will serve beneficiaries from the South-Western states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
“Our team is united in its mission to alleviate the burden of blindness among Nigerians. Blindness casts a shadow on a person’s life, but restoring sight is a gift beyond measure,” Dr. Amugo said. She confirmed that while the surgeries began on Monday, the formal flag-off ceremony took place on Wednesday.
Dr. Peter Abikoye, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at FMC Abeokuta, lauded the initiative, calling it “worthy of emulation.” He also hailed it as a timely Christmas and New Year gift for the elderly. By Monday afternoon, surgeries had been completed for 50 individuals, with another 50 set to undergo procedures before the day’s end.
Several beneficiaries expressed their deep gratitude for the life-changing opportunity provided by the NNPC Foundation. Mrs. Omolayo Tijani, a teacher, shared her joy at receiving the surgery, having undergone screening in December 2024. “I’m so grateful for this initiative. It feels like a new beginning,” Tijani said.
Another recipient, Mr. Isaac Ayanwale, also expressed heartfelt thanks to the Foundation. He had been struggling to raise the funds for his cataract surgery when he first heard about the program on the radio. Ayanwale expressed optimism about regaining his sight after the procedure, looking forward to the removal of the eye plaster on his follow-up visit to the hospital.
The NNPC Foundation’s cataract surgery initiative is being hailed as a significant step towards improving healthcare access and quality of life for many Nigerians in the South-West region.
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