SPDC JV donates $1m to Borno flood victims

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (SPDC JV), on Friday, announced the donation of $1M to provide relief to over 500,000 affected by floods in Borno.

The announcement is contained in a statement by Mrs. Gladys Afam-Anadu, the Media Relations Manager at SPDC.

Afam-Anadu quoted the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, as saying that the donation would be used for food and non-food items for the victims.

“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 an understanding of working with displaced people, would 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).

“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 the Chief Upstream Operating Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti.

Wunti said the urgency in providing relief was important, given the region’s existing vulnerabilities, with the people 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 organisation, 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,” Wunti said.