Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (SPDC JV) on Friday, announced the donation of $1 million to provide relief to over 500,000 people impacted by flood in Borno State.
The SPDC JV partners are TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
The SPDC JV made the announcement in a statement by Mrs Gladys Afam-Anadu, Media Relations Manager at SPDC.
Afam-Anadu quoted Managing Director, SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor as saying: “The donation will go into the procurement and distribution of relief materials and medical supplies for displaced residents who are now in urgent need of critical aid.”
According to Okunbor, a Non-Governmental Organisation, local to the region with understanding of working with displaced people, will manage the distribution of the materials in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency.
Okunbor explained that the SPDC JV intervention was in response to the alert issued in September by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
He noted that the gesture was sequel to the significant rise in water levels caused by the overflowing of the Alau Dam, and the calls for support by Borno State Government.
“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.
He noted that the SPDC Joint Venture’s gesture is a continuation of similar assistance given over the years to the region that is recovering from recent conflicts.
The statement also captured the views of Chief Upstream Operating Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti.
Wunti added, “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, 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.”