NNPC Foundation Offers Free Cataract Surgeries to Itire-Ikate Residents, Lagos Environs
Residents of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and neighboring communities turned out in large numbers to benefit from the free eye cataract extraction surgeries organized by the NNPC Foundation. The initiative, targeting at least 1,000 beneficiaries, commenced at the council secretariat and is simultaneously ongoing in Ikeja Local Government Area and Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.
The two-day exercise, tagged “Come and Have Your Sight Restored,” began on January 7 and is set to run until January 14 across the three Lagos centers.
Joy and Gratitude Among Beneficiaries
The outreach has drawn elderly residents and their caregivers who are eager to regain their sight. Among the beneficiaries is 76-year-old Alhaji Wasiu Oyebanji, who expressed joy at finally receiving assistance after living with cataracts for over 20 years due to financial constraints.
Similarly, Mr. Samson Oluwole commended the NNPC Foundation for the initiative, calling on other corporate organizations to emulate such humanitarian efforts to benefit more Nigerians.
Mrs. Omolara Folashade, who recently turned 63, praised the foundation’s outreach while urging them to sustain the program. She highlighted the need for government intervention in prioritizing healthcare for citizens.
Medical Team Highlights Importance of Vision Care
Dr. Bolanle Balogun, the team lead for the medical outreach, emphasized the program’s goal of restoring sight and fulfilling the NNPC’s corporate social responsibility. She disclosed that approximately 150 cataract extraction surgeries have already been successfully performed in Lagos, with similar programs underway in Abeokuta and other parts of the Southwest.
“Everyone deserves to have their vision restored. As people age, their sight often deteriorates, and unfortunately, many cannot afford the cost of treatment,” Dr. Balogun stated.
Dr. Balogun, a consultant and veteran in eye care initiatives, recalled her involvement in the “Jigi Bola” eye care program during Governor Bola Tinubu’s administration. She lauded the contributions of organizations such as the Rotary and Lions Clubs, as well as international partners like South Korea, in providing assistance to those in need.
Call for Government Action
Dr. Balogun urged the government to heavily subsidize the cost of cataract surgeries and eyeglasses to alleviate the financial burden on citizens. While commending Lagos State’s achievements in the health sector, she stressed the importance of expanding access to affordable eye care.
The free cataract extraction program by the NNPC Foundation has brought hope and relief to many, with beneficiaries and medical experts alike praising the initiative for its life-changing impact. As the outreach continues, it underscores the importance of corporate social responsibility in improving healthcare access for Nigerians.
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