The NNPC Foundation Limited/Gte, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC L), has unveiled three major programmes aimed at improving healthcare, education, and agriculture across Nigeria.
The initiatives include free cataract surgeries for 6,000 Nigerians, the donation of 25,000 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) books to schools, and agricultural training for 6,000 vulnerable farmers.
This was contained in a press statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd. in Abuja on Friday.
The statement said these efforts align with the commitment of the NNPC L, to national development by enhancing quality of life and creating sustainable opportunities.
Soneye explained that following the success of its free cataract surgery programme in the South-West, where 1,002 surgeries were performed, including on minors born blind, the foundation is expanding the initiative to the South-East and South-South regions.
According to the statement, subsequent phases will cover the three northern geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The statement reads in part: “Cataracts account for over 43 percent of blindness cases in Nigeria. The programme provides free screenings, surgeries, and post-operative care, with a target of 1,000 beneficiaries from each of the six geopolitical zones.
“The next phase begins on March 31, 2025, in the South-East and South-South.
“To address gaps in science and technology education, the NNPC Foundation will distribute 25,000 STEM textbooks and branded bookshelves to 25 secondary schools across 24 states and the FCT.
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“This follows an earlier phase where 15,000 books were donated to 12 states and the FCT.
“The initiative aims to increase access to quality STEM learning resources, which is crucial for improving Nigeria’s low enrolment in science and technology fields at tertiary institutions.
“In agriculture, the foundation will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers in modern techniques, including climate-smart farming, organic fertilization, and post-harvest loss reduction.
“The first phase, running from April 7 – 11, 2025, will train 1,000 farmers in the South-East and South-South, with sessions held in three selected locations.”
Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC L Foundation, said the programmes are strategic investments in Nigeria’s future.
“By restoring sight, enhancing education, and empowering farmers, we are building a healthier, more educated, and economically stable nation,” Mrs. Arukwe said.
