SEPLAT’s CSR Programmes Bring Succour To Beneficiaries … Imo State First Lady, Communities Applaud SEPLAT

(r-l) Wife of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Nneoma Okorocha presenting a Safe Motherhood bag to a beneficiary, while the SEPLAT CEO, Austin Avuru and Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, GM, External Affairs and Communication look on during the flag off of the SEPLAT Safe Motherhood and Eye Can See CSR Programmes at Izombe, Imo State, last week Friday. Photos Seplat.

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, operator of the NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture launched the inaugural edition of its Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes for communities situated in the operational area of its Eastern Assets at Izombe, Imo State, on Friday, February 9, 2018.

The programme was initiated six years ago in Sapele, Delta State, the operational base of SEPLAT’s Western Assets. The CSR Programmes’ launch witnessed a large turnout of members of the host communities comprising men, women and children who came to receive medical care. For the Eye Can See Programme, beneficiaries had their eyes tested, received prescribed glasses and some had surgeries for cataract related visual impairments. The Safe Motherhood Programme saw beneficiaries, pregnant women and nursing mothers, gain insights on danger signs during pregnancy as well as nutrition in pregnancy. They were also presented with Safe Motherhood kits made up of a maternity bag, vitamin supplements, treated mosquito nets and all medical items required for safe delivery.

In her remarks at the event, Wife of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nneoma Okorocha, commended SEPLAT for the CSR initiatives which according to her has undoubtedly impacted the lives of members of the host communities. She urged the Company to sustain the Programme towards deepening its contribution to the development of Imo State in the health sub-sector.

Mr. Austin Avuru (Chief Executive Officer), Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, while speaking at the event, emphasized that the host communities are critical stakeholders of the Company regarding its business which underscores the need to execute the CSR health programmes. Mr. Avuru assured that the Company is firmly committed to sustaining the CSR health programmes and other programmes targeted at the socio-economic development of Imo State.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku (General Manager, External Affairs & Communications), Seplat Petroleum Development Plc, reminisced on the Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood CSR Programmes which started in 2012 in the operational area of the Western Assets, comprising Edo and Delta States.

Dr. Nwachuku affirmed that both health programmes are in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Developing Goals (SDG) 3 which is to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all”. She expressed appreciation to dignitaries and beneficiaries for attending the event.

The event had in attendance Traditional Rulers, community leaders, key Government Functionaries and Management/Staff of SEPLAT, who witnessed the debut of these worthy CSR programmes by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc. The programme will continue for a week to offer opportunity to more beneficiaries in Imo State. The Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood Programmes are both SEPLAT’s key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) health initiatives executed annually in the Company’s host communities with focus on providing comprehensive, quality and free healthcare to members of these host communities.

Since inception six years ago, the Eye Can See Programme has recorded the following positive impact: 49,109 patients screened, 22,173 glasses dispensed to persons with visual impairments, 2,226 surgeries successfully carried out on persons, while the Safe Motherhood Programme has impacted 13,746 women, with 1,500 children receiving pneumococcal vaccination. SEPLAT uses a team of tested medical personnel to deploy these CSR health programmes with the support of the Ministries of Health in its host States of operation.