Sights Restored as Over 2,000 Benefit from NNPC/Shell ‘Vision First’ Outreach in Lagos
Hope was restored for many residents of Mushin in Lagos as more than 2,000 individuals received free eye care during the latest edition of the Vision First initiative—a collaborative healthcare outreach organized by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo).
One of the beneficiaries, Ademola Alabi Joshua, recounted his emotional experience after undergoing cataract surgery. “Now I can see clearly. I can see my beautiful wife again after not being able to see her well for years. I’m really happy,” he said. “When I came, my first eye was operated on, and by the next day, I could see clearly. So I opted for surgery on the second eye, and today, my sight has been fully restored. Thank you so much.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Taiwo Onogu, shared that she had previously been quoted N1.4 million for the same procedure which she eventually received at no cost through the outreach.
The five-day medical mission, held at the Mushin Local Council Development Area, marked the fourth Lagos outreach since Vision First was launched in 2022. During this edition, 245 eye surgeries were conducted—198 for cataracts and 47 for pterygium. Additionally, 1,992 patients received laboratory tests, 1,863 were given prescription medications, and 1,652 individuals benefited from general medical consultations.
With this outreach, the Vision First initiative has now reached over 6,000 people in Lagos, delivering more than 400 eye surgeries and distributing over 2,000 pairs of eyeglasses since its inception.
Speaking on the impact, SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams, remarked, “Vision is a crucial aspect of human well-being. We’re moved by the powerful testimonials from Mushin, echoing the positive feedback from previous outreaches. With continued support from NNPC and our co-venture partners, we remain committed to impactful social investments—something that has been at the heart of our operations since we pioneered deep-water oil production at Bonga in 2005.”
The Vision First programme was developed to combat avoidable visual impairment through early detection and intervention. According to Nigeria’s National Eye Health Policy (2019), three out of every four cases of blindness in the country are preventable—making such initiatives not only impactful but essential.
