By Ayodeji Alabi
Akure – Ondo State Government on Saturday received COVID-19 palliatives donated to the state by Olam Nigeria Ltd.
Among the items donated are 1,000 bottles of hand sanitisers, 5,000 pieces of nose masks and 3,200 cartons of Cherry Noodles.
Mr Arunkarthick Ashokkumar, the Branch Manager of the company, presented the items to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State at the Government House in Akure.
He said the donation was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the state to support the effort of government in cushioning the effects of the lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
OLAM is a multinational company with business interest in cocoa value chains.
According to him, the gesture is also to identify with people whose capacities to embark on diverse ventures to make ends meet at this time are greatly hampered, as a result of the pandemic currently ravaging the global community.
“You know COVID-19 pandemic is a global issue and it is wreaking havoc across the globe.
“It is time for companies across the globe to intensify their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities to combat this COVID-19,” he said.
The branch manager also advised the people of Ondo to always take necessary precautions, maintain social distancing and proper hygiene to stay safe and prevent the global pandemic.
Receiving the items, Akeredolu appreciated the company for contributing significantly to the efforts at supporting the residents of the state through the consequential effects of COVID-19.
He described the items as very essential to fight the pandemic and assured OLAM of necessary support to boost their investment in the state.
The governor said his administration was investor-friendly, hence it would continue to create an enabling environment to attract investors to improve the economy of the state.
Also, Mr Adeola Adegoke, the National President, Cocoa Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (CFAN), lauded OLAM for the donation to cushion the effects of the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He commended the company for its usual support for farmers in the country. (NAN)
