James Sowole in Abeokuta
In pursuance of the their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), an oil company, the TotalEnergies, and a partner, Nigeria-Sao Tome, have donated a multi-million naira hygiene and sanitary facility to the Ogun State Government- owned Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta.
The project was put in place in response to the health challenges that students are likely to face due to use of poor sanitary facilities.
The facility is a block of 10 toilets, divided into two parts of five toilets each for females and males, including urinals for male with other ancillary items like water closet, wash hand basins, hand dryers, and tissue holders.
The facility also has a borehole with a 5.5HP automatic solar- powered submersible pump and 5.5kva hybrid solar power system KVA solar power system.
The Managing Director, Total Energies Nigeria Limited, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, while speaking virtually at the project inauguration ceremony held on the campus of the polytechnic, noted that basic hygiene such as hand washing and a good sanitary environment must be cultivated to protect the populace from harm.
Bouyer stressed that the project was in furtherance of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of TotalEnergies and the Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe JDZ partnership.
“This is the sixth of similar facilities replicated in tertiary institutions across all the geopolitical zones of the country. In addition, the partnership has awarded scholarships to 286 undergraduate students across the country, in continuation of our investment in other aspects of health and education for the benefits of the people.
“As we hand over this hygiene and sanitary project to the polytechnic today, we implore you to ensure its sustainable use for maximum positive impact on the school community,” he stated.
Also, the acting Chairman and Executive Director Monitoring and Inspection of Nigeria-Sao Tome Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA), Dr. Jack Ibiwari Lorvde, who was represented by Mrs. Magaret Allagh, stated that the project inauguration was reflective of the drive to positively impact on the citizens of Nigeria and Sao Tome.
He said: “As you may be aware, Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA) manages an area of overlapping maritime boundary claim by Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (about 34,000sq.km in size, located offshore in the Gulf of Guinea).
“The two countries agreed and signed the treaty that carved out the area as a Joint Development Zone (JDZ) for the economic benefit of the citizens of both state parties on February 21, 2001.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, assured the donors of strict maintenance of the facility, disclosing that the institution has no financial contribution in the execution of the project.
