Ogun pledges PPP support as Unilever, Lafarge donate 80-bed isolation centre

GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN OF OGUN STATE has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards sustained support for private business organisations operating within the state, as well as enhancement of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to boost economic development and further expand its footprint as one of Nigeria’s most industrialised states.

The governor made the pledge after taking delivery of an 80-bed isolation centre donated by Unilever Nigeria Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc., to help fight against spread of the COVID-19 virus in the state.

Speaking at the recent commissioning of the centre, Governor Abiodun, who was represented by Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Ogun State deputy governor, commended the companies for their commitment to the wellbeing of the indigenes and residents of the state, particularly as the world navigates the dynamics of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The governor assured the donors that the government will deploy qualified health personnel to handle operations at the facility, noting that the gesture will significantly contribute towards curbing the spread of coronavirus within the state.

Providing a background to the project, Tomi Coker, the Ogun State commissioner for health, acknowledged the swift response of both Lafarge Africa and Unilever Nigeria in supporting the state to mitigate the surge of the virus spread through proper response in managing the situation adequately.

“I was excited when both companies reached out to offer their support. Through our strategic engagements we were able to collaborate to deliver the facility for managing cases of COVID and other possible health outbreaks in the state. We appreciate the two companies for this gesture.” Coker said.

In his remark, Carl Cruz, managing director, Unilever West Africa, said collaborating with Lafarge Africa to donate the isolation facility is part of the company’s vision and commitment to make sustainable living commonplace.

“As the state with one of the largest congregations of industries in Nigeria, we have enjoyed support from the state. It is not surprising that we are here today to further push the boundaries of providing state of the art healthcare facilities to support the government and its people in their drive to achieve a novel healthcare system to combat COVID and other health challenges,” he added.

Khaled El Dokani, managing director and country chief executive officer at Lafarge Africa, reiterated the firm’s commitment to building sustainable cities, while also supporting initiatives that would promote good health and wellbeing.

“As we fully hand over this facility to the Ogun State government, we believe that it will strengthen the resilience of our communities by enhancing the capacity to isolate and treat new cases of infection and Covid-19,” he said.

He added that the company is also focused on working with the government and communities to reduce infections and eventually eliminate the new coronavirus, enabling the Nigerian economy to enter a post-pandemic phase, thus boosting investment, productivity and jobs creation.