Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, NLNG, says it has pledged the sum of $1million to support the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, in the fight against corona virus pandemic.
The Managing Director of NLNG, Engr. Tony Attah, disclosed this while addressing the to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, at the Government House, Port Harcourt recently.
speaking on the company’s support against covid19, Attah said the company has provided PPEs, medical equipment, and a ten-bed treatment centre to Bonny Zonal Hospital in Bonny.
He also disclosed that the company has also provided Food palliatives for the community to alleviate hardship in the midst of restrictions on movement and business activities.
“As a company, we triggered critical preventive measures in our operations very early and promptly initiated engagements with relevant Rivers State and Bonny Local Government authorities.
“The objective was to proactively identify urgent intervention programmes to ensure the safety of all lives on Bonny Island.
“Establishment of a well-equipped ten-bed Holding Centre for Covid-19 patients at the Bonny Zonal Hospital to accommodate a potential outbreak and need for isolation.
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“This facility is presently being upgraded to a Treatment Centre on the advice of Rivers State Government.
“Strategic and tactical support to Bonny Local Government Council on enlightenment and risk communication against Covid-19 in the Kingdom.
“Donation of vehicles and sundry medical equipment was also made to Rivers State as well as a pledge of US$1Million to support Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in the fight against Covid-18.”
Attah acknowledged that these interventions will not solve all the problems of COVID19 crisis, but signifies Nigeria LNG’s determination to support the State and in particular, the people of Bonny Kingdom.
“It is apparent more needs to be done. Bonny Island as one of the most unique energy corridors in the world, must be spared the ravages of the crisis. Its people are too precious; its strategic importance to Nigeria, indisputable.
“No doubt, for as long as the COVID-19 Pandemic remains pervasive in our environment, there will continue to be need for additional medical supplies, equipment, personnel, catering, training, contact tracing and more.
“The financial effort will be significant but with due collaboration between government and private enterprise, much more can be achieved in the containment drive as no private enterprise can go it alone.
“Similarly, the associated logistic support for the intervention, such as periodic movement of drugs and personnel from the mainland, will be essential but we are assured that all enablers will be provided by government as required.”