NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPCL, is expanding its social impact initiatives with three transformative programmes aimed at improving healthcare, education and agriculture across Nigeria.
The interventions included free cataract surgeries, STEM education support and agricultural training for 6,000 vulnerable farmers.
They underscored the commitment of NNPCL to national development by enhancing quality of life and creating sustainable opportunities for Nigerians.
The national oil company stated this in a press release by its Chief Corporate Communications Officers Olufemi Soneye, on Friday.
The NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte highlighted the success of its free cataract surgery programme in the South-West Region with 1002 successful surgeries, including minors born blind.
It disclosed that it was its outreach to the South-East and South-South regions and subsequently to the three northern regions and the FCT to ensure nationwide coverage.
“With cataracts accounting for over 43 per cent of blindness cases in Nigeria, this initiative aims to restore sight to 6,000 beneficiaries, 1000 from each of the six geopolitical zones, by providing free screenings, surgeries, and post-operative care.
“The next phase of this cataract intervention will kick-off on 31 March, 2025, in the South-East and South-South regions.
“To bridge the educational gaps and inspire future scientists, the NNPC Foundation will also donate 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) textbooks and branded bookshelves to 25 secondary schools across 24 states and the FCT in its second phase.
“15,000 STEM books were distributed to twelve states and the FCT in the first phase.
“This initiative addresses the limited access to quality STEM learning resources, a major factor contributing to the low enrolment of Nigerian students in science and technology in tertiary institutions,” it was stated.
The NNPC Foundation, recognising agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, would also launch a nationwide training programme for 6,000 vulnerable farmers.
The first phase, commencing from 7 to 11 April l, 2025, will equip 1,000 farmers in the South-East and South-South with modern agricultural techniques, including climate-smart farming, organic fertilization, post-harvest loss reduction and market access strategies.
The NNPC Foindation arm added that the training will take place in three select locations across three geopolitical zones.
Speaking on the significance of these initiatives, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, stated: “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.
“These initiatives underscore NNPCL’s unwavering commitment to the health and prosperity of Nigerians. We recognise the profound impact that these initiatives have on individuals and communities, which aim to improve lives.
“By addressing critical challenges, we are helping to build a healthier, stronger, and economically empowered nation.”
