Over 3,000 benefit from SPDC free eyecare medical outreach

Over 3000 residents have benefited from a three-day free medical outreach organised by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in Zarama Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The programme in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health offered a wide range of accessible, quality health care services.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Zarama Health Center, the SPDC Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli said the company, which is the operator of the NNPC/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture remained committed to supporting the healthcare of their host communities.

Represented by Mr Alex Onumbu, Corporate Relations Head Projects and Opportunities SPDC, said that the programme will offer a wide range of accessible, quality healthcare services to people of the community.

According to him, “I am delighted to welcome you to the flag-off ceremony for this latest edition of the Vision First Plus Programme.

“It is five days of community-focused eye care initiative that centres on providing comprehensive, eye care services to the Uzu development project communities.

“These communities are Zarama-Epie, Zarama-Nyambiri, Okotiama, Agbia, Nedugo, Ayama, Ogboloma, Okolobiri, Obunagha, Tunuama & Kumboama, and surrounding communities here in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“We are here on behalf of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), operator of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), SPDC, TotalEnergies, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) joint venture.

“This Vision First Plus is in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Bayelsa Ministry of Health, Yenagoa Local Government Area and the Uzu community gatekeepers involved in this project to bring valuable services.

“Health-in-Motion is an impactful, nationwide community healthcare program designed to bring essential healthcare to the people where they live and where they work.

“Nigeria faces significant challenges in this regard, with an estimated 4.25 million people over the age of 40 living with moderate to severe visual impairment or blindness,” he said.

According to him, “We are delighted to inform you that in the Niger Delta, over 3,977 people have benefitted from the Vision First programme since we introduced it in the year 2020.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the state was determined to take qualitative healthcare to the doorstep of every citizen and inhabitant of Bayelsa.

Brisibe was represented by Dr Ngowari Torunana, Director of Medical Services Ministry of Health.

He applauded the SPDC and its partners for the great initiatives and said the Douye Diri-led administration has taken some bold steps in healthcare delivery in Bayelsa.

The Paramount Ruler of Zarama King College Ogbara, King Lawson Oruwari, of Epie Zarama, Head Okordia Clan King Richard Seiba, all thank SPDC for the programme.

They admitted that the programme has impacted the people positively.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Oliva Oduwari, commended SPDC for the free medical services to the people.