NNPC/NAPIMS and Total Upstream Nigeria Limited with its partners (CNOOC, SAPETRO and PRIME) have joined forces to support the people living with HIV in Lagos with palliatives within this period of the lockdown as a result of COVID 19.
During the presentation of the 755 bags of food and livelihood support items to representatives of people living with HIV at the Secretariat of Nigeria Business Coalition against AIDS, Wokoma Ajukura, General Manager Corporate Social Responsibility Total Upstream Ltd representing the Managing Director Mike Sangster said Total Upstream and partners saw the need to provide support for people living with HIV at this time due to the challenges confronting them in terms of assessing the need treatment and drugs and the challenge of eating well to enable the drugs work well.
He said “our decision to support the People living with HIV is based on the vulnerability of the people living with HIV and the fact that Lagos is on lockdown, thus the decision to support them with some welfare palliatives such as food items and livelihood support to enable them to comply with the stay- at- home order”.
In her remarks on the initiative and partnership, Bunmi Lawson, Supervisor Community Relations who represented Bala Wunti Group Managing Director, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) said this action is in line with the company’s goals -“touching your lives in many positive ways”.
According to her, NNPC and its partners are committed to supporting any initiative that can alleviate the discomfort of citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She went further to encourage Nigerians to follow the instructions of the experts such as stay at home if it is not necessary to go out, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds under running water and observe social distancing.
While welcoming the dignitaries, Gbenga Alabi, Executive Secretary Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) commended the various partners of Total Upstream for the initiative and consistent support of NiBUCAA in its various advocacy programmes in the country as true corporate brands that are committed to the country’s development.
Monsurat Adeleke, Chief Executive officer Lagos State AIDS Control Agency commended Total Upstream and partners for providing leadership and strategic direction at this critical time in the life of people living with HIV.
She disclosed that the initiative is a welcome development that deserves commendation and adoption by other corporate organizations at this time.
The collaboration with Lagos State Agency for Control of AIDS, United States Agency for International Development and the coordination of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria through Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS is aimed at ensuring that antiretroviral drugs get to the vulnerable people in Lagos State.
In his acceptance speech, Patrick Akpan, Coordinator Lagos State chapter of Network of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria commended Total Upstream and partners for remembering and supporting them at this period and said that the products will no doubt provide succor.
NNPC/Total Partners are passionate about the subject of HIV/AIDS with over a decade of investments in awareness campaigns in 25 states of the Federation.
