The NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte on Friday announced a series of programmes under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities aimed at expanding the social impact of NNPC Ltd. initiatives to transform and improve healthcare, education, and agriculture across Nigeria.
The NNPC said the interventions, which include free cataract surgeries, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education support books, and agricultural training schemes for vulnerable farmers, underscore NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to national development, by enhancing quality of life and creating sustainable opportunities for Nigerians.
Highlighting the success of its free cataract surgery programme in the South-West region, NNPC Ltd., Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said with about 1002 successful surgeries, including minors born blind, were conducted, the Foundation was expanding its outreach to the South-East and South-South regions.
Subsequently, he said the expansion would see the Foundation take its programmes to the three Northern Regions and the FCT to ensure nationwide coverage.
“With cataracts accounting for over 43% of blindness cases in Nigeria, this initiative aims to restore sight to 6,000 beneficiaries (1000 from each of the six geopolitical zones), by providing free screenings, surgeries, and post-operative care,” he said.
“The next phase of this cataract intervention will kick-off on 31st March 2025, in the South-East and South-South regions,” he added.
To bridge the educational gaps and inspire future scientists, Sonoye said the NNPC Foundation would also donate 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) textbooks and branded bookshelves to 25 secondary schools across 24 states, and the FCT in its second phase, in addition to 15,000 STEM books distributed to 12 states and the FCT in the first phase.
This initiative, he said, would address the limited access to quality STEM learning resources, a major factor contributing to the low enrolment of Nigerian students in science and technology in tertiary institutions.
Recognizing agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, he said the NNPC Foundation was also launching a nationwide training programme for 6,000 vulnerable farmers.
The first phase of the programme, he disclosed, would startim on 7th to 11th April 2025, to equip 1,000 farmers in the South-East and South-South with modern agricultural techniques, including climate-smart farming, organic fertilization, post-harvest loss reduction, and market access strategies.
“This training will take place in three select locations across three geopolitical zones,” he explained.
On the significance of these initiatives, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, stated: “NNPC Foundation is committed to creating meaningful change by addressing critical societal challenges. Restoring sight, equipping students with learning resources, and empowering vulnerable farmers, are not just interventions but strategic investments in Nigeria’s future.
“These initiatives underscore NNPC Ltd’s unwavering commitment to the health and prosperity of Nigerians. We recognize the profound impact that these initiatives have on individuals and communities, which aim to improve lives. By addressing critical challenges, we are helping to build a healthier, stronger, and economically empowered nation.”
