The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation launched a free cataract screening and surgery program, offering sight restoration sessions to over 1,000 beneficiaries, including three children born blind in Southwest, Nigeria.

The Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella N. Arukwe, confirmed that the intervention seeks to combat widespread issue of vision impairment caused by cataracts, a condition, she added, has severely impacted many Nigerians.

Mrs Arukwe who was represented by Dr. Hanne Amugo, said the intervention would be replicated across the six geopolitical zones of the country to bring sight back to 6,000 indigent Nigerians.

She said: “Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness globally. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of blindness cases in Nigeria are caused by cataracts. In underserved areas, such as many parts of the South-West, limited access to quality eye care exacerbates this challenge. This is more than a health issue—it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life.

“Through this programme, we aim to provide free cataract screenings, surgeries, and public education on eye health. We anticipate restoring sight to up to 1,000 individuals in the South-West. Beyond the numbers, this means transforming lives—helping breadwinners regain their livelihoods, empowering students to pursue their studies, and enabling individuals to experience the joys of life once again.”

“Over the past 20 months, NNPC Foundation has spearheaded numerous healthcare initiatives, including a pilot eye screening and glaucoma treatment programme for over 290 individuals in Abuja, free cancer screenings and counselling sessions for approximately 3,440 people across the six geopolitical zones, medical outreach in Garki Village, Abuja, addressing non-communicable diseases and providing medical consumables to about 450 individuals.”

“At NNPC Foundation, we understand that vision is not merely a sense—it is a fundamental enabler of human dignity and opportunity. This understanding is at the core of our initiative”, she affirmed.

Regarding the three children born blind—aged one, seven, and one—Dr. Abikoye noted that congenital cataracts could be the cause. He added that certain metabolic disorders or maternal health conditions during pregnancy could predispose children to cataracts.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sowunmi Ebenezer Oluwole, a 50-year-old teacher, shared his experience of living with cataracts for three years, which had significantly affected his productivity and finances. He expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for those unable to afford cataract treatment.

The Olowu of Owu kingdom, Professor (Oba) Saka Adelola Matemilola, and the Chief Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa Olomu were also present at the flag off exercise.

The CMD of FMC, Prof. Adewale Musa Olomu commended the foundation for the gestures, appealing that the helping hands should also be extended to cancer patients and people needing open heart surgeries at the specialist hospital because of the cost burden on the patients and their families.

The NNPC Foundation’s free cataract surgery project is set to transform lives across the Southwest geopolitical zone.