DR ABUBAKAR YAKUBU ON ADVOCACY TO DANGOTE CEMENT COMPANY, OBAJANA BRANCH.

The Executive Director KGSPHCDA – Dr Abubakar Yakubu led a team on advocacy to Dangote Cement Company, Obajana Branch on Wednesday 23^rd September, 2020. In his entourage were the Program Manager SERICC – Mr Olorunmaiye Theophilus, the State Immunization Officer – Mrs Apeh Ajuma, the State Cold Chain Officer – Mrs Adagiri Bilikisu, the Assistant Cold Chain Officer – Mrs Obajemu Alice, the Environmental safeguard Officer of the Agency – Mr Benjamin Olusegun, Senior Admin Officer – Kaura Gure and Development Partners: Dr Okoronkwo Kelechi of WHO and Alh Andason Yusuf Mohammed of NPHCDA.

In his remarks, the ED KGSPHCDA on behalf of the State Ministry of Health, expressed immense appreciation to the Management of the Company for their support in incinerating health waste generated from programmes and campaigns over the years. He said the company have graciously undertaken the job despite the fact that there has not been a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the company and the Agency. He lauded them for taking the assignment as a corporate responsibility to the community and State at large. The ED also added that the assistance by the company became eminent as other incineration sites at the Eastern and Western districts can accommodate only 8 safety boxes of health waste per time for incineration which takes longer time and more resources.

Dr Yakubu was hopeful that the visit will renew understanding of mutual benefits and an MOU documented. But like Oliver Twist, the ED added that the Agency seizes the opportunity to request further interaction with the MD Dangote Foundations for possibility of assistance/support to the Agency with regard to infrastructure, vehicles and funding for primary health care. He stressed that the Agency would prefer the assistance to come in material support other than cash and would not mind having those structures named after the foundation.

Other speakers on the entourage added their voices in appreciating the Company and as well notified them of upcoming programmes such as Men A and Measles campaign where health waste will be generated again for incineration.

Responding on behalf of the Dangote Team, Mr John Gwong – SGMP also appreciated the Agency for the many primary health programmes of which their Staff have benefitted from services rendered. He added that though COVID-19 contributed to the suspense of activities, he remained hopeful that activities will soon go back to normal. Mr Gwong also mentioned that Standard operating procedures are followed every time for incineration and assured the ED that incineration of health waste for the Agency will not stop.

In response also, Mr Ademola Adeyemi – DGM Special Duties said the Agency should make a draft of the MOU and send a copy to them for review and inputs, then a final copy as agreed upon can be produced and signed accordingly. He added that once the Agency is ready with a proposal of what they want from Dnagote Foundations, the Obajana branch will assist to contact and make arrangements to meet with the MD for further deliberations. He also appreciated the ED and the team for taking out time to visit.