By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
As part of their cooperate social responsibility, BUA Cement Company, on Saturday, donated drugs to 15 hospitals, cements to 68 communities, educational materials to schools and uniforms to pupils in Sokoto State.
The benefiting clinics include, those of Kalambaina, Sabon Garin Alu, Bakin Kusu, Farfaru, Arkila, Gumbi, Faderal Low Cost, Mobile Police, Beni town, Asare, Kauran Mallam Buba, Wamakko, Wajeke, Gidan Boka and that of Sabon Gidan Belu.
BUA, who added that the current economic reality has made it imperative for them to increase their annual scholarship grants to students of host communities, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States by 100 percent, further revealed that from 2017 till date, no fewer than 150 students have benefited. "Out of these numbers, 47 have graduated and we currently have 103 students on the scholarship payroll". Sada said.
Presenting the items donated to the host communities, the Managing Director of BUA Cement Company, Engineer Yusuf Binji, maintained that they are dedicated to giving back to the host communities in order to add value to their livelihoods, help them live a better life as well as have access to basic amenities.
Engr. Binji who was represented by an Assistant Director and Head Admin and Cooperate Services, Mr Sada Suleiman, said the drugs will enable host communities to access medical care in their respective clinics at no cost.
Explaining the rational behind the gesture which has become consistent with the company, the Managing Director said they have and will continue to enjoy very cordial relationship with their host communities and enjoy the support and goodwill of the State government hence giving back to them is of paramount importance to the company.
"It is in this respect that from January to June this year, the company has executed the following projects: Installation of a 500KVA transformer at Gidan Salanke to boost access to electricity; Construction of some boreholes at Gidan Rafi, Gidan Sanda; installation of a 500KVA transformer at Gidan Fulani, another 500KVA at Gidan Kusu.
"There is also installation of solar electrification at Sheik Usman Danfodiyo Mosque, Sokoto and renovation of Abdulrasheed Raji Specialist school, Sokoto. All these projects have been completed and unveiled and are being utilized by the beneficiaries".
Continuing, BUA Managing Director said, "On this note, on behalf of the Management of BUA Plc, Sokoto, it is my pleasure to present these items to the 15 community clinics, cement to 68 communities, uniforms to Sabon Garin Alu primary school, Khalifa Isyaka Rabiu Primary school, Gidan Baily/ Gidan Datti, and exercise books to 12 primary schools across Wamakko LGA Sokoto State. We hope that these drugs, especially, will be used for the purpose it was intended. And they are free and not to be sold to the communities". Engr Binji advised.
In their separate appreciation, the Director of Personnel Management and acting chairman of Wamakko LGA, Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Tureta, thanked BUA Cement Company for always being with the locals and promised judicious use of the gesture.
On his part, Honourable Abubakar Lamido, the lawmaker representing Wamakko State Constituency at the House of Assembly, maintained that the company is living up to expectation in it's corporate social responsibility.
Giving their royal fatherly vote of thanks, the District Heads of Wamakko, Baraden wamakko, Aliyu Barade, and Sarkin Gidawa, Alhaji Shehu Dangaladiman Wamakko, thanked Bua Cement Company for the gesture.
Some of the benefiting pupils who were seen very elated promised that they will continue to pray for BUA Cement having touched their lives positively. NNL.
