Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has commended the management of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria for complimenting and supporting government’s efforts at combating the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state through their donation of various medical equipment.
Dr Ikpeazu who made the commendation while receiving some PCR Machines and critical medical equipment donated to the state by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria as part of their contribution towards fighting COVID-19 in the state at Government House, Umuahia, pointed out that Abia State from inception has been in the forefront of enlightening the public on the need to observe all the precautionary measures as directed by NCDC and the state government.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu disclosed that have recorded a high number of positive cases in the state, the government has been doing its best to procure necessary equipment like 3 molecular testing laboratories which when installed will lead to massive testing of Abians at the community and state levels.
He described the relationship between Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria and the Abia State Government as a very cordial one describing what they have done in donating the medical equipment to Abia State as adding lots of impetus to the efforts the government has been making to ensure that the Coronavirus is wiped out of the state and assured that the equipment will be put into effective use.
Similarly, the Chairman of Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 and Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, expressed happiness at the kind gesture of Shell in donating the medical equipment to the state and reechoed the pledge of the Governor by assuring that the equipment will be put into judicious use in combating COVID-19 in the state and beyond.
Earlier in his address, while handing over the medical equipment, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Dr Osagie Okunbor, represented by the External Relations Manager, Dr Anyim Chibuzor, noted that they donated the equipment to further strengthen government efforts at combating the spread of COVID-19 in the state as part of their corporate social responsibility and lauded Governor Ikpeazu proactive response and untiring efforts to the state’s safety by ensuring that all the NCDC and Government precautionary measures are observed.
Dr Anyim who used the occasion to join Abians in wishing Governor Ikpeazu speedy recovery also thanked the state government for the support the Shell companies enjoy in the state through the provision of enabling environment, pledged not to relent in assisting government to achieve all its noble objectives.
Some of the items donated to the State Government include Medical Freezer, PCR Machines, test kits, single-use aprons, disposable hi-tech coveralls, bio-hazard bags, bouffant hair cover, sanitizers, vaccine box, swap kits, surgical face masks among others.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir. Don Ubani, State HOS, Sir. Onyi Wamah and other top government officials were present during the presentation.
