The Vision First initiative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has sustained its medical outreach efforts across Nigeria, with more than 10,000 people benefiting from the programme since its inception in 2022.
The latest outreach, the sixth edition of Vision First, is being held this week in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State in collaboration with the Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Badagry Local Government Council. Hundreds of residents from Badagry and adjoining communities are attending the five-day event, which offers free eye screening, consultations and surgeries, alongside general healthcare services.
Vision First, part of NNPC/SNEPCo’s Health-in-Motion programme, takes eyecare to underserved communities while also providing cardiovascular screening, consultations and treatment for mild and chronic illnesses, laboratory tests, pharmaceutical services and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
SNEPCo Managing Director Ronald Adams, in an address read by General Manager Corporate Relations Abubakar Ahmed, described Vision First as “a promise that quality healthcare should not be limited by geography, income, or circumstance.” He said behind every consultation, treatment and pair of glasses provided is a human story: “a mother who can care for her family with confidence, a father who can continue to provide, a student who can see clearly in the classroom, and a child whose future has become a little brighter.”
Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanarenwaju Igandan, urged parents, elders, workers, traders, teachers and all residents to participate actively and encourage others to do the same, noting that early detection and treatment of health conditions can significantly improve quality of life and prevent avoidable complications.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, District 5, Dr Asiyanbi Oladapo, and Badagry Local Government Council Chairman Babatunde Hunpe commended NNPC and SNEPCo for their longstanding support for the programme. Executive Director of the Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Prof. Olukorede Adenuga, advised residents to take advantage of the outreach, saying “a simple intervention can make a profound difference.”