- Distributes treated mosquito nets, pamphlets on Malaria prevention guidelines
In continuation of its determination to touch the lives of communities in its operational sites, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has again commenced distribution of treated mosquito nets to vulnerable Nigerians, which are largely children as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers. The donations were accompanied with an easy-to-read pamphlet on “Guide to Malaria prevention” to further underscore the company’s determination to better its CSR report card.
For over 10 years, the country’s leading construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has continued its support in the prevention of malaria in communities across Nigeria. Through its World Malaria Day initiative, individuals especially women and children benefit from the organisation’s intervention project, to distribute thousands of insecticide-treated bed nets, in the prevention of Malaria amongst the most vulnerable.
Recently and to commemorate this year’s World Malaria Day, no fewer than 4000 mosquito nets were donated by Julius Berger Plc to families along the Abuja-Kano Road project corridor. The continued effort of Julius Berger to address this global concern has also expanded to Lagos State to further emphasise the need for more preventive malaria responses across Nigeria, since the emergence of Covid-19.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the head of Corporate Communications for Julius Berger, James Agama, described the initiative as a demonstration of the company’s long-term commitment to the welfare of citizens and residents across the country, urging beneficiaries to make the most of the treated nets, while maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene. “Our corporate social responsibility programmes have been consistent over the years and World Malaria Day is another opportunity to support our communities alongside global efforts in the fight against Malaria. The long-lasting treated nets, aka mosquito nets will go a long way in helping to effectively prevent and protect users from malaria. Our belief is that investing in the health of the Nigerian people will result in great economic returns in terms of productivity and overall quality of life”, Agama said. “
Receiving the donation by Julius Berger at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse, Kaduna state, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr. Larfana Bk. Musa thanked Julius Berger for always living up to its corporate social responsibilities even as the CMD advised the beneficiaries to use the nets wisely to prevent their children and themselves from often fatal effect of malaria.
In Lagos, at missionary school, St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Aseese in the Lagos-Shagamu Expressway project area, the recipient-pupils as well as their teachers and administrators were full of excitement as the atmosphere was turned to a near carnival with dancing and singing in gratitude to Julius Berger. The Head teacher of the school, Mrs. Sola Olanisebe, was effusively full of thanks and prayers for Julius Berger. “…on behalf of the Staff, Parents and the Pupils of St.Paul’s Anglican Nursery and Primary School Aseese, I say thank you for what you did for us, and we pray that God in His infinite mercies bless you richly in Jesus name. The company shall grow higher and God’s favour will not elude you in Jesus name. Thanks and God bless, sir”. Head Girl of the school Miss Ilerioluwa Oluwole: in her vote of thanks said; “Thank you Julius Berger for helping us fight Malaria with the mosquito nets and pamphlets you have given us. We are grateful. God bless you.”
At the next donation point, Community Primary School, Shaginsha, Magodo last Thursday, same scenario played out as over 300 pupils of the school were excited to receive their respective nets with explanatory pamphlets on the Malaria Prevention Guide courtesy of Julius Berger. Little Bianca, a five-year old in the kindergarten class was so excited that shat she muttered: “thank you Julius Berger for giving me my mosquito nets. God bless you.”
The Assistant Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Emordi Abimbola expressed her gratitude to the company amidst prayers thus: “When you see a good and shinning road and strong bridge in this country, we all know it is Julius Berger’s handwork. On behalf of the school management, teachers and pupils, I thank Julius Berger for this gesture. We appreciate this your effort to assist us in the fight against Malaria, especially this season of World Malaria Day. Continue with the good works and God will always bless your efforts.”
At another donation point, Obafemi Owode Primary School, Orimerunmu, Ogun state, it was all excitement with the pupils and teachers backed by the school music band dancing to various tunes thanking God for Julius Berger’s “kind gesture.”
Earlier, the Assistant Head Mistress of the school, Mrs. Victoria Adedeji who stood in for the Head Mistress, Mrs. R. V. Kusima explained to the over 450 pupils the need to stay free of malaria by using treated mosquito nets. She went on to explain to them the right way to use and care for the mosquito nets.
The Julius Berger team for the three-day event across Lagos and Ogun states was made up of Ajayi Adegboyega, LSE; Emmanuel Isibor and Ms Mobolaji Ogunyemi of the Media Relations Office.
Every year on April 25, World Malaria Day is commemorated as an internationally recognized occasion, highlighting global efforts towards tackling malaria as a global issue that is preventable and a disease that is curable. Over the past decade, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has collaborated with local partners to amplify these global efforts with the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to vulnerable populations (children and pregnant women, with a primary focus on children) to aid in the prevention and elimination of Malaria.
According to the Head of the Media Relations Office of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Prince Moses Duku, Julius Berger’s 2021 intervention plan targets to disburse over 15,000 nets in communities within its key project corridors including Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Lagos, and Rivers.