Seadove Generale Surveillance Company Limited has provided free medical care to more than 900 residents of Onna Local Government Area and nearby communities in Akwa Ibom State.
The weeklong outreach, held at Abat Primary Health Centre, was organized in partnership with the Voice of Community and Environmental Rights Initiative (VCERI) as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.
The exercise covered health education, laboratory tests, consultations, eye care, drug prescriptions, and minor surgeries, all provided at no cost.
A 60-year-old farmer, Mr. Kufreabasi, who received treatment during the outreach, described the initiative as a ‘lifesaver.’
‘I have battled high blood pressure for five years without proper treatment because I couldn’t afford hospital bills. This program is a big relief for me and many others,’ Kufreabasi said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Udom, said the health talk session helped her understand how to prevent diseases and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
‘I’ve learned how to eat better, keep clean surroundings, and avoid self-medication. This is more than just treatment, it’s empowerment,’ she noted.
Speaking with journalists, the Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at Seadove, Mr. Godwin Ekpo, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community welfare.
‘We owe it to our host communities to deliver impact-driven CSR. Our target is to reach at least 900 people, including 40 minor surgeries,’ he stated.
Ekpo, who noted the large turnout, said the outreach covered five local government areas – Onna, Eket, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, and Mkpat-Enin – reaching about 38 communities.
‘The crowd today is a proof that the need for quality healthcare at the grassroots is massive. We’re happy to be part of the solution,’ he added.
The Vice Chairman of Onna LGA, Mrs. Mfon Jeremiah, who represented the Chairman, Hon. Kufre Umoren, commended Seadove for supporting Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, especially in the health sector.
‘This is a worthy partnership that complements government efforts. We urge other corporate bodies to emulate Seadove’s example,’ she said.
Also speaking, the Village Head of Ikot Ntuen, Ette Idung Ubong Ekanem, praised the company for its gesture.
‘Seadove has shown that development is not just about roads and buildings; it is about touching lives,’ he said.
He expressed hope that the outreach would continue across other communities, noting that many beneficiaries look forward to similar interventions to help close the healthcare gap in rural areas of Akwa Ibom State.