Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, operator of the NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture launched the inaugural edition of its Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes for communities situated in the operational area of its Eastern Assets at Izombe, Imo State, on Friday, February 9, 2018.
The programme was initiated six years ago in Sapele, Delta State, the operational base of SEPLAT’s Western Assets. The CSR Programmes’ launch witnessed a large turnout of members of the host communities comprising men, women and children who came to receive medical care. For the Eye Can See Programme, beneficiaries had their eyes tested, received prescribed glasses and some had surgeries for cataract related visual impairments. The Safe Motherhood Programme saw beneficiaries, pregnant women and nursing mothers, gain insights on danger signs during pregnancy as well as nutrition in pregnancy. They were also presented with Safe Motherhood kits made up of a maternity bag, vitamin supplements, treated mosquito nets and all medical items required for safe delivery.
In her remarks at the event, Wife of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nneoma Okorocha, commended SEPLAT for the CSR initiatives which according to her has undoubtedly impacted the lives of members of the host communities. She urged the Company to sustain the Programme towards deepening its contribution to the development of Imo State in the health sub-sector.
Mr. Austin Avuru (Chief Executive Officer), Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, while speaking at the event, emphasized that the host communities are critical stakeholders of the Company regarding its business which underscores the need to execute the CSR health programmes. Mr. Avuru assured that the Company is firmly committed to sustaining the CSR health programmes and other programmes targeted at the socio-economic development of Imo State.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku (General Manager, External Affairs & Communications), Seplat Petroleum Development Plc, reminisced on the Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood CSR Programmes which started in 2012 in the operational area of the Western Assets, comprising Edo and Delta States.
Dr. Nwachuku affirmed that both health programmes are in alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Developing Goals (SDG) 3 which is to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all”. She expressed appreciation to dignitaries and beneficiaries for attending the event.
The event had in attendance Traditional Rulers, community leaders, key Government Functionaries and Management/Staff of SEPLAT, who witnessed the debut of these worthy CSR programmes by Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc. The programme will continue for a week to offer opportunity to more beneficiaries in Imo State. The Eye Can See and Safe Motherhood Programmes are both SEPLAT’s key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) health initiatives executed annually in the Company’s host communities with focus on providing comprehensive, quality and free healthcare to members of these host communities.
Since inception six years ago, the Eye Can See Programme has recorded the following positive impact: 49,109 patients screened, 22,173 glasses dispensed to persons with visual impairments, 2,226 surgeries successfully carried out on persons, while the Safe Motherhood Programme has impacted 13,746 women, with 1,500 children receiving pneumococcal vaccination. SEPLAT uses a team of tested medical personnel to deploy these CSR health programmes with the support of the Ministries of Health in its host States of operation.
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FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Dr. Chioma Nwachuku – GM, External Affairs & Communications/ Seplat Petroleum Development Company Ltd/Tel: 012770400/ Email: [email protected] /Website: www.seplatpetroleum.com
Notes to editors
Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc is a leading indigenous Nigerian oil and gas exploration and production company with a strategic focus on Nigeria, listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) (LSE:SEPL) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (“NSE”) (NSE:SEPLAT). In July 2010, Seplat acquired a 45 percent participating interest in, and was appointed operator of, a portfolio of three onshore producing oil and gas leases in the Niger Delta (OMLs 4, 38 and 41), which includes the producing Oben, Ovhor, Sapele, Okporhuru, Amukpe and Orogho fields.
Since acquisition, Seplat has more than tripled production from these OMLs. In June 2013, Newton Energy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement with Pillar Oil Limited to acquire a 40 percent participating interest in the Umuseti/Igbuku marginal field area within OPL 283.
In February 2015, Seplat completed the acquisition of a 40 percent working interest in OML 53 and a 22.5 percent working interest in OML 55, Onshore Nigeria. Seplat is pursuing a Nigeria focused growth strategy and is well positioned to participate in future divestment programmes by the international oil companies, farm-in opportunities and future licensing rounds. For further information please refer to the company website, http://seplatpetroleum.com/