Financial Energy Review
PHOTO: Participants at the free glaucoma screening organized by the NNPC Foundation at Utako Market, Abuja.
…..Over 3,400 Nigerians benefitted from free Cancer Screening campaigns….
……by Ben Ndubuwa….
In Nigeria, the phrase “Health is Wealth” is more than just a saying; it’s a guiding principle for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, which continues to invest significantly in the health and well-being of Nigerians. Recognizing that a healthy population is integral to the growth and prosperity of the nation, NNPC Ltd is focused on ensuring that access to healthcare is available to all, especially the underprivileged and underserved communities across the country.
A Longstanding Commitment to Health
Before its transformation into a limited liability company, NNPC was already heavily involved in various health initiatives. These ranged from the establishment of health centers in host communities to organizing medical outreach programs across the country. However, since the creation of the NNPC Foundation, a dedicated arm focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), these efforts have been more structured and far-reaching. The foundation aims to make substantial contributions to the healthcare sector, addressing the most pressing health concerns facing Nigerians today.
PHOTO: A participant undergoing blood extraction for free prostate cancer screening organised by the NNPC Foundation in Benue State.
Among the core areas of focus for the NNPC Foundation is cancer care. With alarming rates of late-stage diagnoses and a lack of access to screening services, the foundation has ramped up efforts to increase awareness and provide free screenings for the disease. Over 3,400 Nigerians have already benefited from these free cancer screening campaigns.
Cancer Awareness and Screening Campaigns
One of the most notable initiatives undertaken by the NNPC Foundation is its “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening” campaign, which has traversed all six geopolitical zones of the country. Screening centers have been set up in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe States, providing free screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. But this campaign goes beyond offering screenings; it also focuses on health education. Workshops, consultations, and health talks were organized to empower individuals with the knowledge to identify early symptoms of cancer, adopt preventive health measures, and understand the significance of regular screenings.
Speaking about the campaign, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation Ltd, emphasized the critical role of community engagement in fighting cancer. “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most,” she explained.
She further noted, “In a country of over 200 million people, too many still lack access to the early detection tools that could make a life-saving difference. NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities. Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and this campaign is a vital step towards that goal.”
In February 2024, the Foundation held a similar campaign in Abuja, with the objective of addressing the rising trend of late-stage cancer diagnoses. Cultural stigmas, limited access to healthcare, and insufficient awareness are major barriers that contribute to this problem. The Foundation aims to tackle these challenges head-on by making screenings more accessible and promoting preventive healthcare practices.
Tackling Other Health Challenges
Cancer, however, is not the only area where the NNPC Foundation has made an impact. The Foundation’s outreach extends to a variety of other health concerns that afflict Nigerians. Earlier this year, the Foundation organized a medical outreach program in the Garki community in Abuja, offering free health checkups, treatment, and medical supplies to over 450 residents. Similarly, a medical outreach at the Utako Market in Abuja provided free glaucoma screenings to 291 traders, helping to address eye health issues in the community.
Moreover, in partnership with the Nigerian Cardiac Society, the NNPC Foundation facilitated free heart surgeries for 40 patients suffering from heart conditions. These initiatives reflect the Foundation’s commitment to addressing critical health issues faced by Nigerians, particularly those in low-income and rural areas who are often excluded from quality healthcare.
Humanitarian Efforts and Further Contributions
The Foundation’s interventions extend beyond direct health concerns. In September 2024, following a devastating flood in Borno State, the Foundation donated over 20 truckloads of food, water, medical consumables, and sanitary products to aid victims. Additionally, the NNPC Foundation donated 60 mattresses and dental supplies to the Ile-Ife Special School for Children with Disabilities, further underlining its broad commitment to social welfare.
Mrs. Arukwe also highlighted the Foundation’s work in disaster relief and education, noting that NNPC Ltd is committed not just to industrial and economic development but also to the well-being of the Nigerian people. “Our efforts in the health and humanitarian sectors aim to ensure that prosperity in Nigeria is all-encompassing. It is essential that we invest in the health of our people to create a foundation for long-term national development,” she said.
A Vision for a Healthier Nigeria
As NNPC Ltd continues its efforts to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, it is clear that the company’s investment in health is about more than corporate responsibility; it is a vision for a healthier, wealthier nation. By focusing on early detection, awareness, and accessible healthcare, the NNPC Foundation is setting the stage for a future where Nigerians have the tools they need to lead healthy lives, ensuring the prosperity of the nation for generations to come.
