By Eseoghene Emuke
In a bid to support efforts by government to curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has donated 30 specialised hand washing machines to some traditional palaces, hospitals and markets in Delta State.
The specialized hand washing machines were distributed to federal and state government hospitals, agencies, markets, public institutions and some first-class traditional rulers including the Olu of Warri, in Delta.
BEDC said the gesture was part of its desire of promoting hygiene and supporting efforts that would help eradicate ravaging pandemic in the country.
It said the move also further demonstrated management’s sensitivity to residents of its coverage areas over the hardship occasioned by the pandemic by helping to manage the deadly virus.
According to BEDC management, “the donation which had commenced in Benin, Edo state comprised of 30 pieces of automatic and manual hand washing machines to strategic locations in Delta as addition to the earlier food palliatives donated to the state to cushion the effect of the global pandemic.”
The beneficiary institutions In Delta state were; Central Hospital, Warri; New General Hospital, Asaba; Delta State University Abraka Campus, Delta Mall (Shoprite), Effurun; Asagba of Asaba Palace, Obuzor of Ibuzor Palace, Olu of Warri Palace and Obi of Issele-Uku.
Other beneficiaries were Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba; Delta State Teaching Hospital, Oghara; General Hospital, Agbor and Lilly Hospital, Warri.
Addressing the media in Benin, before the commencement of the distribution, Chief State Head, Edo state, Mr. Abel Enechaziam, who said the presentation of the hand washing machines were in phases, noted that the items were aimed at encouraging hands washing as a way of life.
“This is peculiar because we want people to form the habit of hand washing as COVID 19 appears to have come to stay with us and as such we have to maintain regular hygiene practice including hand washing to overcome the challenges posed by COVID 19,” he said.
Also contributing Team lead , Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Mrs. Felicia Nlemoha said that the hand washing machines would “go a step further to show we are interested in our host communities, as their safety is paramount to us”
Some traditional rulers in Delta state comprising of Obi Prof.Chike Edozien, The Asagba of Asaba, the Olu of Warri, the Obuzor of Ibuzor and the Obi of Issele-Uku also benefitted from the company’s laudable gesture.
Also, Chief State Head, Delta, Engr. Fidelis Obishai led the twelve Business Managers of the various BEDC locations in Delta state for the distribution exercise across the state.
In Asaba, the palace chiefs led by the Asagba’s Secretary, Ogbueshi Ndili appreciated BEDC for its laudable gesture aimed at promoting safety, and promised to relate the gesture to the entire Asaba kingdom saying the monarch was indeed grateful.
