By Henry Uche
Leadway Group has donated N117 million in relief packages to the Borno State flood victims in response to the recent unprecedented flooding that has devastated communities across the state.
The company said the gesture was consistent with its corporate social responsibility blueprint and its mandate to enrich the well-being of individuals and communities in Nigeria.
Leadway had called on communities, businesses and individuals to take immediate and proactive steps to ameliorate the impact of floods. This was following the predictions and warning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) and the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) with respect to flooding and its possible consequences, given earlier this year.
The disaster has affected over a million residents, displaced thousands, and caused significant damage to infrastructure and property across the state. Leadway’s financial contribution aims to ease the burden on affected communities, support the state’s recovery efforts, and assist thousands of displaced residents as they rebuild.
The donation, which comprises essential cooking supplies and hygiene products valued at N92 million and N25 million in direct cash support to the relief fund and an NGO providing critical services to the displaced persons, will be distributed to individuals identified by the Borno Flood Relief Project Committee.
Commenting, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, Group Chief Executive Officer, Leadway, stated: “We deeply empathise with the people and government of Borno State during this difficult time. The impact of this sudden disaster has been profound on the people and residents of Borno State, who were gradually getting back to the right socio-economic condition following years of insecurity in the region. We believe every effort matters in alleviating the hardship of those affected, and we are pleased to join the efforts to alleviate their difficulties.”
He continued, “At Leadway, our role in the society encompasses providing succour and financial recovery; it is about being a trusted partner, standing by individuals and communities in challenging times. This donation symbolises our solidarity with the people of Borno and our commitment to helping them rebuild their lives. We are dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s journey of resilience, and we hope this gesture, together with the efforts of other compassionate organisations, will bring meaningful relief to those affected.”
As a business that consistently contributes to Nigerian economic growth by shouldering the risks investors are exposed to, and upholding its commitment to clients, Hassan-Odukale added that Lead way support goes beyond financial donations, but honouring the claims of three businesses that are crucial to Borno State’s economic growth, accelerating the restoration of the state’s commercial and economic activities is sacrosanct. “We trust that, through the diligent efforts of the Relief Committee, these resources will reach those in need swiftly and effectively,” he added.