By Doris Obinna
L-R: Wife to the Baale of Ibafon Community, Iyaafin Okunlola Bolanle; Counsellor, Ward E, Hon Rotimi Adesanlu; Williams; Uduikhue; Secretary, Ajeromi-Local Government, Hon Lukemon Jimoh and Program Manager, Sahara Group Foundation, Folashade Adebanjo during the donation by Sahara Group Foundation.
Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social responsibility vehicle of Sahara Group, continues its commitment to enhancing and strengthening the healthcare system by donating medical items to the Ibafon primary healthcare centre in Apapa, Lagos State.
Following the decommissioning of the THISDAY Dome COVID-19 isolation and treatment centre in FCT, Abuja; an initiative led by a consortium of private sector organizations, spearheaded by the Sahara Group, the Foundation decided to reallocate essential medical equipment originally procured for the facility to various health centers across the nation.
It disclosed that the importance of adequate medical supplies can not be overemphasised considering the recent economic realities. “Thus, this donation by the Sahara Group Foundation is aimed at improving the healthcare center’s ability to provide high-quality healthcare services to patients and ensures that healthcare specialists have the tools they need to deliver efficient and effective treatment.”
The donated medical items include; digital thermometers, diagnostic kits, IV cannula, endotracheal tubes, disable urethral catheter, syringes 20ml, oxygen masks, CPE disposable overshoes, protective clothing (PPE), mosquito nets, blankets, pillowcases which are essential for diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Head, Government Relations, Asharami Synergy, Oladimeji Williams, a downstream company of the Sahara Group, resident in the Ibafon community, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving the quality of lives and communities it serves with tangible projects that have sustainable impacts.
He stated: “At Sahara Group, the communities we operate in are important to us, and we recognise the significance of equipping healthcare institutions with adequate resources to save lives. Through this donation, the Sahara Group Foundation is contributing to improved access to quality healthcare services, knowing that the medical items will make a meaningful difference in the care provided to patients in need.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Hon Lucky Uduikhue, appreciated the intentionality of Sahara Group Foundation in developing its host communities.
“We are thankful to the Sahara Group Foundation for counting the Ibafon Primary Health Center worthy of these donations. This will go a long way in improving the quality of service provided and boost the morale of the people of Ibafon to keep visiting the health center when necessary. We also pledge to effectively maintain these items for the good use of the community,” he stated.
Also, Officer in Charge, Ibafon Primary Health Centre, Ibe Catherine, expressed her gratitude to Sahara Group Foundation, as the donation will be of great benefit to both the staff and patients.
She said: “These donations will significantly enhance our operational capacity as our staff will be more confident in delivering top-notch services to the patients.”
To date, the Foundation disclosed that it has provided adequate medical equipment and supplies to four hospitals and one primary health center. “These include the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State; the National Hospital in Garki, Abuja; the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja; the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja and the Ibafon Primary Health Center, Lagos.
“The Sahara Group Foundation remains unwavering in its commitment to making a relevant impact on the overall well-being of its host communities, and this sustainable drive is part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.”