Firm spreads N700m worth empathy pan Nigeria

The Covid-19 season, though dangerous and deadly as it has been seen, but it has blown up inherent societal contradictions, both positive and negative sides of our lives.
On the positive side, all around, acts of genuine compassion and love for neighbours, the poor and vulnerable were displayed in many quarters by individuals, profit making corporate organisations, religious groups and charitable organisations to cushion the adverse effects brought about by the global lockdown affected people’s sources of livelihood while shutting down the global economy.

In the wake of the pandemic, President Mohammed Buhari in March 2020 established Presidential Task Force (PTF) to coordinate the multi-sectoral and intergovernmental interventions to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic measures on Nigerians.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc, in supporting the COVID-19 response efforts led by the Presidential Task force, working alongside other private sector partners in the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), went on a donation spree across its business zones to the tune of N700 million. Food, beverages worth N450 million in an uncommon show of love and empathy to vulnerable Nigerians whose source of livelihood were harshly affected by the impact of the global lockdown. Nestle also made a cash donation of N250million towards the procurement of medical equipment and supplies through the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to support government’s efforts to protect personnel and volunteers on the frontline to contain the spread of the disease.

From Lagos to Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ondo State, etc., Nestle ensured that every zone where it does business was represented in its generous spread of acts of love and empathy in line with its purpose of enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future for all Nigerians.

Lagos State, which is the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic received a generous donation of N106 million worth of food and beverages to reach individuals and families most impacted by the lockdown measures put in place by the government to stop the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, Nestle also donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worth N30 million (thirty million naira) to the Lagos State Ministry of health. The donation of the 13,000 N95 face masks was in support of efforts to ensure the safety of medical personnel and volunteers on the frontlines, managing the COVID-19 situation.

Food and beverages worth N50 million (Fifty million naira) were donated to Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF) in the Federal Capital Territory to support its assigned roles of coordinating multi-sectoral and intergovernmental efforts to mitigate and contain the spread of the virus.

In addition to this, Abaji and Manderigi communities, also within the FCT domain also received Nestlé’s food and beverages worth N5.3 million (Five million, three hundred thousand naira) COVID-19 palliative support.

Nestle continued its donation spree to Enugu, Ondo and Rivers States governments where it donated nutritious food and beverages worth N32 million (thirty-two million naira) apiece to support individuals and families most impacted by the pandemic in the three states.

National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force, Dr Sani Aliyu who received the donation on behalf of the Federal Government commended Nestlé for providing support to the federal and some state governments’ efforts, including communities at COVID-19 containment.

Also while receiving the donations individually on different occasions, Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Enugu State Deputy Governor, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Chike Princewill, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Segun Ogboye and Abaji and Manderigi communities representatives, Ona of Abaji and Chairman FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa and Maderiji Village Head, Alhaji Saidu Garba among others who were on hand to receive the gifts on behalf of their states and communities thanked Nestle Nigeria for their generous donations and the company’s interest in the wellbeing of their indigenes and residents. They assured the company that the products would be adequately deployed to help families meet their nutrition needs in these challenging times.