In a bid to enhance healthcare, education, and agriculture across Nigeria, the NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Ltd., has launched three transformative programs targeting thousands of Nigerians.
According to a statement signed by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., the initiatives included free cataract surgeries, the donation of 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) textbooks, and agricultural training for 6,000 vulnerable farmers. These efforts reflected NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to improving the quality of life and creating sustainable opportunities for citizens.
Highlighting the success of its free cataract surgery program in the South-West, where 1,002 successful procedures were performed including on minors born blind the Foundation is set to extend the program to the South-East and South-South regions. Subsequently, the intervention will reach the North-Central, North-East, North-West, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
With cataracts responsible for over 43% of blindness cases in Nigeria, the initiative will restore sight to 6,000 individuals, with 1,000 beneficiaries from each of the six geopolitical zones. The next phase of surgeries is scheduled to begin on March 31, 2025, in the South-East and South-South regions.
In the education sector, the NNPC Foundation will distribute 25,000 STEM books and branded bookshelves to 25 secondary schools across 24 states and the FCT as part of its second phase of intervention. The first phase saw 15,000 books distributed across 12 states and the FCT. This initiative aims to bridge educational gaps and boost students’ interest in science and technology-related courses.
To support agriculture, the Foundation is also launching a nationwide training program for 6,000 vulnerable farmers. The first phase, running from April 7 to April 11, 2025, will train 1,000 farmers in the South-East and South-South regions on modern agricultural techniques, including climate-smart farming, organic fertilization, post-harvest loss reduction, and market access strategies. Training sessions will take place in select locations across three geopolitical zones.
Speaking on the significance of these initiatives, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, emphasized that the programs are designed to create lasting social impact.
“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,” Arukwe stated.
She added that these initiatives aligned with NNPC Ltd.’s broader mission to contribute to national development by improving lives and creating opportunities for sustainable growth across multiple sectors.
