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NNPC Foundation Launches Nationwide Initiatives to Restore Vision, Boost STEM Education, and Train Farmers

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The NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Ltd., has unveiled three groundbreaking programs aimed at enhancing healthcare, education, and agriculture across Nigeria. These initiatives, which include free cataract surgeries, STEM education support, and agricultural training, reaffirm NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to national development and sustainable empowerment.

Expanding Cataract Surgery Program to Restore Sight to 6,000 Nigerians

Following the success of its free cataract surgery program in the South-West, where 1,002 successful surgeries were performed—including for minors born blind—the NNPC Foundation is extending the initiative to the South-East and South-South regions. The program will further expand to the three Northern regions and the FCT, ensuring nationwide impact.

With cataracts accounting for over 43% of blindness cases in Nigeria, the Foundation aims to restore vision to 6,000 Nigerians by providing free screenings, surgeries, and post-operative care, with 1,000 beneficiaries per geopolitical zone. The next phase of the cataract intervention is scheduled to commence on March 31, 2025, in the South-East and South-South regions.

STEM Education Initiative: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Recognizing the importance of STEM education in national development, the NNPC Foundation is donating 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.

In the first phase, 15,000 STEM books were distributed to 12 states and the FCT. This initiative aims to address the lack of quality STEM learning resources, which has been a major factor in low student enrollment in science and technology disciplines in tertiary institutions.

Empowering 6,000 Farmers with Modern Agricultural Techniques

To boost food security and economic empowerment, the NNPC Foundation is launching a nationwide agricultural training program for 6,000 farmers, focusing on climate-smart farming, organic fertilization, post-harvest loss reduction, and market access strategies.

The first phase, running from April 7 to 11, 2025, will train 1,000 farmers in the South-East and South-South regions in three strategic locations across three geopolitical zones.

NNPC Foundation’s Commitment to National Development

Speaking on the significance of these interventions, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, emphasized the Foundation’s dedication to societal transformation.

“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 NNPC Ltd.’s unwavering commitment to the health and prosperity of Nigerians,” Arukwe stated.

By implementing these transformative programs, the NNPC Foundation continues to play a crucial role in improving lives, fostering economic growth, and building a more sustainable and empowered Nigeria.

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