Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and its Joint Venture partners have announced the donation of $1 million to assist victims affected by the recent flood disaster in Borno State
The joint venture partners making the donation alongside Shell are TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, now Oando Plc.
Shell Media Relations Manager, Mrs. Gladys Afam-Anadu, disclosed the 1$m donation Friday, while quoting the oil company’s Managing Director, Mr. Osagie Okunbor.
Shell said the donation will go into the procurement and distribution of relief materials and medical supplies for displaced victims who are in urgent need of critical aid.
“A non-governmental organisation, local to the region with an understanding of working with displaced people, would manage the distribution of the relief materials in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency,” the oil firm explained.
Okunbor further stated that the $1m donation by Shell and its joint venture partners is in response to the alert issued in September by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The Shell chief executive noted that the gesture is sequel to the significant rise in water levels caused by the overflowing of the Alau Dam, and the calls for support for the affected victims from the Borno State Government.
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“We consider providing this support to be of necessity to demonstrate our commitment to our society and the duty of care to our people. It expresses our deep concern for the victims of the devastating floods in Borno State,” Okunbor said.
Okunbor noted that the gesture is a continuation of similar assistance given over the years to the region that is recovering from recent conflicts.
Reacting to the donation, the Chief Upstream Operating Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, said “the urgency in providing this relief is important given the region’s existing vulnerabilities, with people recently barely recovering from conflict-induced displacement.
“The flooding has severely disrupted socio-economic activities, with women and children being disproportionately affected and we are glad that the joint venture is able to provide succour at this time.
“As a responsible corporate organization, the NNPC is glad to support the SPDC joint venture in this essential activity.
“Our thoughts are with those affected and with the government agencies working tirelessly to provide relief. We pledge to support ongoing efforts through immediate humanitarian aid and long-term partnerships for sustainable recovery.”
