The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC) has partnered with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCo) and Badagry Local Government to provide comprehensive healthcare services to residents.
The partnership is being implemented through the sixth edition of the Vision First Eye Care initiative, and will hold from Aug. 10 to Aug. 14 at Ajara Primary Health Centre, Ajara, Badagry, Lagos State.
Mr Olanrewaju Igandan, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, described vision as one of humanity’s most valuable assets, hence, the need for the initiative.
Igandan said that the ability to see clearly affected education, productivity, safety, economic opportunities and overall quality of life.
“Unfortunately, many individuals continue to suffer from preventable or treatable eye conditions, simply because they lack access to quality medical care.
“Programmes such as Vision First Plus help bridge this gap by taking healthcare directly to the communities that need it most,” he said.
The investment officer said that beneficiaries would access comprehensive range of healthcare services, including cardiovascular screening, laboratory services, medical consultations, treatment of common and chronic diseases and pharmaceutical services.
“Others are eye examinations, provision of medicated glasses, cataract and pterygium surgeries, distribution of treated mosquito nets and referrals for further medical care where necessary.
“These interventions will undoubtedly improve health outcomes for many families in this community,” he said.
Igandan said that since its inception in 2022, the Vision First Plus programme had positively impacted over 6,000 beneficiaries across several Nigerian communities.
He said that this impact demonstrated the transformative power of strategic partnerships and purposeful investments in people’s well-being.
“The decision to bring this programme to Badagry is, therefore, both timely and commendable, and we are confident that many more lives will be touched during this outreach,” the investment officer said.
According to him, NNPC Ltd. remains committed to creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.
“Beyond our mandate of ensuring energy security and value creation for Nigerians, we will continue to support initiatives that promote healthcare, education, capacity development, environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
“We believe that healthy communities are essential partners in building a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.
Igandan commended SNEPCo for its continued dedication to impactful social investment programmes and for being a reliable contractor in driving meaningful development in host communities.
He said that the success of initiatives such as Vision First Plus underscored the importance of collaboration among industry partners, government institutions, healthcare providers, traditional leadership and community members.
“To the good people of Badagry, I encourage you to take full advantage of the free medical services being provided.
“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,” the investment officer said.
Mr Ron Adams, the Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCo), said that since inception of the initiative 2,058 prescription glasses had been dispensed.
Adams said that over 3,170 beneficiaries had received essential medications and over 574 people had undergone successful vision-restoring procedures.
“For general healthcare, we have also provided cardiovascular screening services, consultations and treatment for mild and chronic illnesses, laboratory services, pharmaceutical services, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets,” he said.
The director said that Badagry was chosen for the initiative because it was widely celebrated as the cradle of Western education and Christianity in the country.
“Badagry is also home to some of Nigeria’s most iconic heritage landmarks, including the first storey building in the country and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
“Hosting this year’s outreach in such a historically significant destination reinforces our commitment to creating lasting impact where history, community, and transformation converge,” he said.
Adams encouraged everyone in the community to seize the opportunity and get screened for visual impairments or health challenges.
“Do not wait until symptoms become severe, early detection can prevent permanent damage,” he said.
The Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, appreciated NNPC Ltd. and SNEPCo for choosing the local government as a beneficiary for the initiative.
Hunpe said that since assuming office under the Greater Badagry Rising Agenda, his administration had made the improvement of primary health care delivery one of the cornerstones of its development plan.
“We have consistently maintained that a healthy people is the foundation of a productive and prosperous society, and we will not relent in ensuring that our health facilities are equipped.
“As well as our health workers being supported and our people having access to quality, affordable and dignified healthcare within reach of their homes.
“The Vision First Plus programme fits squarely into this vision with eye care, in particular, being a neglected area of healthcare for our people,” the chairman said.
He said that his administration was ready and willing to provide land and every necessary enabling environment for the establishment of a permanent eye-care facility to be domiciled in Badagry.
“We do not want our people to keep traveling into Lagos metropolis for basic and specialised eye care.
“We want a facility that our children, our grandchildren, and generations of Badagrians yet unborn will continue to benefit from, long after this flag-off ceremony has come and gone.
“Together, we can make my dream of having the Badagry Local Government Eye Clinic a reality for the benefit of the good people of Badagry Local Government and neighbouring communities,” Hunpe said.
He appreciated residents for turning out en masse for the remarkable orderliness they had displayed for the exercise.
The chairman reassured residents that his administration would remain committed to transparent, accountable, and people-centred governance.
