About 500 residents of Enugu State were given a new lease of life recently when leading culinary brand, GBfoods Nigeria, for the fourth consecutive year, provided free cataract surgeries for the visually challenged, in partnership with Fundación Elena Barráquer and Niger Foundation Hospital.
This year’s programme, which ran for four days and concluded on Friday, July 18, 2025, had beneficiaries receiving corrective cataract surgeries, treatment and free protective eyewear at the Niger Foundation Hospital.
Vincent Egbe, managing director at GBfoods Nigeria, said: “At GBfoods, our purpose of celebrating local flavours is reflected in our commitment to positive impact through nutrition, environmental stewardship and the well-being of people. From providing nutritious products that promote healthier lives to actively reducing our environmental footprint, creating meaningful change is at the heart of everything we do.
In line with this, and in partnership with Fundación Elena Barraquer and the Niger Foundation, we’ve supported nearly 500 individuals this year in receiving life-changing cataract surgeries—bringing the total number of people whose sight has been restored to over 2,000 across four editions.
“This initiative goes beyond CSR; its purpose in action. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to live fully—and that includes the gift of sight.”
Maria Bertrand Muiño, chief coordinator for the Fundación Elena Barráquer, expressed her gratitude to the GBfoods Nigeria team and the Niger Foundation Hospital, saying: “Thanks to the dedication of the GBfoods Nigeria staff and the hospital team, we’ve been able to help so many people regain their sight. We look forward to returning next year to continue this life-changing work.”
Dr. Kibe Igho, an optometrist at Niger Foundation Hospital, also commended the commitment of GBfoods Nigeria, the hospital, and Fundación Elena Barráquer:
“It is fulfilling to see the joy on people’s faces. I commend GBfoods Nigeria and Fundación Elena Barráquer. Many who could not afford this surgery for one reason or another now have their sight restored, at no cost to them. This effort is truly transforming lives.”
Through this partnership, GBfoods is a leading culinary company with over five decades of experience and presence in more than 50 countries. It is the brand behind beloved household favourites such as Gino Tomato Paste, Gino Peppered Chicken Seasoning Cubes, Bama Mayonnaise, Jago, Bama Shawarma Mix, Jumbo Seasoning Cubes, Gino Party Jollof, Gino Asun Seasoning Cubes and many more.