- Odibo Victory
No fewer than 10,000 people have benefitted from the Vision First initiative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) since its inception in 2022.
The latest outreach is being held this week in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Vision First, which is part of the Health-in-Motion programme of NNPC/SNEPCo, provides eyecare services to underserved communities across Nigeria.
The health outreach also offers cardiovascular screening, consultations and treatment for mild and chronic illnesses, laboratory tests and pharmaceutical services, as well as distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams, who was represented by General Manager, Corporate Relations, Abubakar Ahmed, said the initiative was more than an outreach programme, but a commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare regardless of location or economic circumstances.
“Vision First is more than an outreach programme—it is a promise. A promise that quality healthcare should not be limited by geography, income, or circumstance.”
He made this known at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Hundreds of residents of Badagry and adjoining communities are participating in the sixth edition of the Vision First outreach.
The programme is being hosted in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Badagry Local Government Council.
Adams said the impact of the initiative could be measured not only by the number of people treated but also by the difference it made in their everyday lives.
“As we celebrate the impact of this outreach, let us remember that behind every consultation, every treatment, and every pair of glasses provided is a human story.
“It is 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,” he said.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanarenwaju Igandan, urged residents to actively participate in the programme and encourage others to do the same.
Igandan, who was represented by Advisor, Community Relations, Usman Mohammed Bello, said early detection and treatment of health conditions could help prevent avoidable complications.
“I urge parents, elders, workers, traders, teachers and all residents to participate actively and encourage others to do the same.
“Early detection and treatment of health conditions can significantly improve quality of life and prevent avoidable complications,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, District 5, Dr Asiyanbi Oladapo, and Chairman, Badagry Local Government Council, Babatunde Hunpe, commended NNPC and SNEPCo for their longstanding support for the programme.
Executive Director, Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the implementing partner of Vision First, Prof. Olukorede Adenuga, also urged residents to take advantage of the outreach.
He said, “a simple intervention can make a profound difference.”
The Vision First initiative is part of SNEPCo’s broader social investment efforts, supported by NNPC and its co-venturers.
Since its establishment in 1993, SNEPCo has implemented social investment projects across Nigeria in health, education and human capital development, among other areas.
The company continues to contribute to Nigeria’s development through the efficient production of oil and gas in deepwater, development of human capital, promotion of Nigerian content and efforts to improve lives.