TheCable

Mohammed Aliyu, the group medical director (GMD) of Esso Eexploration and production Nigeria limited (EEPNL), has unveiled the company’s investments in human capital in Nigerian communities.

Aliyu, who inaugurated and handed over the maternity referral centre (MRC) and launched a week-long free medical treatment programme at Eruku, Kwara state, on Tuesday made this revelation.

“This centre built and equipped by Esso exploration and production Nigeria limited (EEPNL) and the Nigerian national petroleum corporation (NNPC) is a clear demonstration of the willingness of EEPNL and NNPC to invest in human capital in Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that the 480 metre square maternity referral centre with the latest medical equipment was built at the cost of over N160m, an amount he described as insignificant compared to the lives the centre would save.

“Our people deserve no less”, he added.

The facility has a 9 kilowatt (KW) solar power system (3 day back-up for the entire MRC), borehole fitted with water treatment plant and a stand-by Ambulance vehicle.

“Through this maternity referral centre, there will be safe and modern maternal care for all expectant mothers,” Esso medical chief said.

“The services that this centre will provide include maternal education and training so that newly established, up-to-date health practices can be adopted throughout the community, providing a foundation of good health for each mother and child for generations to come.

“It will also deter unqualified maternity care practitioners whose practices still put the lives of expectant mothers and newly born babies at great risk.”

Esso and NNPC, in partnership with an international NGO, development Africa, also launched a week-long comprehensive free medical service that includes consultation and health/nutritional education, drugs and medication, dental procedures as well as surgical procedures and operations.

Other services being offered are ophthalmic procedures including eye surgeries, optometric consultation and dispensing of free eye glasses, guidance and counseling services as well as training for medical personnel.

The maternity referral centre at Eruku, Kwara state is just one of the three centres that Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) are providing to the Nigerian people. The other two are in Sagbama in Bayelsa State and Obowo in Imo state.

Aliyu concluded by saying Esso has been in the business of supporting Nigerian youths.

“We have for the past decade sponsored Nigerian students for foreign and local postgraduate studies in geosciences and engineering,” he said.

“Also our University Partnership Program has helped in enhancing the study of geology in several Nigerian universities.”