SPDC has been reaching the Niger Delta with messages of development through a discussion programme Canvas
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has said that it seeks an attractive investment destination that offers the needed environment for businesses to thrive in an atmosphere where dialogue, rather than violence, is the tool for resolving conflicts in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued on Sunday the company said it has been reaching the public in the Niger Delta with messages of hope and development through a pioneering discussion programme, named Canvas.
SPDC Director and Head, Country Corporate Relations, Igo Weli. “We’re pleased to help refocus the narrative in the Niger Delta from crime and violence to justice, peace and development. Canvas is by no means the silver bullet to solving the challenges of the region, but if the weekly discussions create awareness and influence a change of heart somewhere, then it has been worth the efforts these years and should continue.
“Most importantly, the programme aims to contribute to making the Niger Delta an attractive investment destination that offers the needed environment for businesses to thrive in an atmosphere where dialogue, rather than violence, is the tool for resolving conflicts.”
It added, “For one hour each week on two radio stations in Port Harcourt since 2017, the NNPC/Shell/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture operated by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) has been reaching the public in the Niger Delta with messages of hope and development through a pioneering discussion programme.
“Appropriately named Canvas, the Niger Delta Roundtable, the SPDC-operated joint venture is painting the picture of a better way of life through lively discussions on the programme that not only highlight the ills of the region but also stress the resilience of its people to inspire reawakening and renewal. Each week, anchors lead guests from all walks of life in sessions that are broadcast live to the core Niger Delta states and beyond with members of the public joining through social media and phone calls.
“The forum continues on social media after the anchors call it a day. “Canvas has grown to become a reference point in public discourse on radio in the South-South and South-East geo-political zones.”
“Canvas was conceived out of the need to re-focus the narrative on the Niger Delta from being troubled and problem-plagued to solution-seeking and forward-looking.”
In another statement yesterday it claimed that over 4,647 residents of Lagos Island communities enjoyed free eye care services at the just concluded Vision First Initiative of the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) and its partner, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
According to the statement, the weeklong programme offered free screening, glasses, surgeries, and prescriptions in the second Lagos edition of the programme launched in 2022.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr Bala Wunti, described medical eyecare as a critical necessity that should be accessible, affordable and of priority.
He said, “Clear vision should be a fundamental right for all and not a luxury. That is why the NNPC and SNEPCo launched the Vision First Initiative as our contributions to preventive and corrective visual aids to Nigerians.”
Wunti, who was represented by NUIMS Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Ms Julie Utang, said, “We will continue to champion the implementation of sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility projects and programmes that positively impact the lives of Nigerians.”
Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mrs Elohor Aiboni, said the initiative would continue to focus on visual aids, surgical treatments, and prevention of visual impairment and childhood blindness.
Aiboni who spoke through her representative and SNEPCo’s Managing Counsel, Mrs Lara Taiwo-Ogunbodede, said, “Vision acuity and clear eyesight play an important role in the quality of life of an individual, and this initiative therefore seeks to eliminate preventable and treatable blindness while also providing risk communication on poor health-seeking behaviours.”
Giving a breakdown of the programme performance, the SNEPCo boss said, “Around 2,000 people were screened; 1,199 prescription glasses dispensed; 1,310 beneficiaries received medication; while 189 people had successful procedures.”
Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, represented by the Deputy Director, Dr Adeniran Ifeyemi, thanked NNPC, SNEPCo and their co-venture partners for the initiative. She said, “Health is one of the integral components of the ‘T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda’ of the state government and the health component of the agenda is anchored on the premise of the Lagos State Health Scheme designed to ensure that every resident has quality, equitable and affordable healthcare.”
Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr Muibi Folawiyo, commended the “Vision First Initiative” for the people of his local council and invited other organizations to emulate SNEPCo and its partners.
