By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
In a significant boost to healthcare delivery across Sokoto State, BUA Cement PLC has donated pharmaceutical drugs and medical consumables valued at over 35 million naira to 16 hospitals and clinics within its host and neighbouring communities. The handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, forms part of the company’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments and underscores its dedication to the well-being of residents in its operational areas.
Representatives from each of the 16 benefiting communities converged at the company’s facility to receive the substantial consignment of medicaments, which are expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of patients across primary healthcare centres and general hospitals in the region.
Commitment to Host Communities
Addressing stakeholders and community leaders before the formal distribution of the items, the Managing Director of BUA Cement, Engineer Yusuf Binji, expressed the company’s profound satisfaction with the symbiotic relationship it has cultivated with all its host communities over the years. He noted that the mutual respect and cooperation extended by local residents and traditional institutions have been instrumental to the company’s operational success and stability.
Engineer Binji, who was represented at the event by the Assistant Director of Administration and Corporate Services, Alhaji Sada Suleiman, reiterated that BUA Cement remains unwavering in its resolve to prioritise the welfare of communities where it operates. He disclosed that beyond Sokoto State, the company’s CSR footprint extends to neighbouring Zamfara and Kebbi States, where interventions in education, infrastructure, and social welfare have become a regular feature of the company’s engagement with the public.
“We are dedicated and committed to giving back to our host communities to add value to our common relationship, which is mutually beneficial,” Alhaji Suleiman stated. He emphasised that the gesture was also an expression of gratitude for the continued genuine support and cooperation extended to the company by traditional rulers, local government authorities, and residents alike.
Expanding Reach and Ensuring Accountability
In a notable development, Alhaji Suleiman revealed that BUA Cement has, in its characteristic magnanimity, expanded the scope of its annual drug donation programme. This year, the number of benefiting communities has increased to 16, up from previous years, ensuring that more remote and underserved primary healthcare centres are included in the corporate philanthropy net.
He provided a comprehensive list of the healthcare facilities set to benefit from the 35 million naira donation. They include the clinics and primary health centres at Bakin Kusu, Gidan Bailu, Kalambaina, Sabon Garin Alu, Gidan Boka, Asare, Wamakko, Gwuiwa, and Beni. Others are Arkilla, Farfaru, Kaurar Kimba, Wajake, Gumbi, and the Mobile Police Barracks clinic.
Critically, the BUA Cement management issued a firm directive regarding the utilisation of the donated items. Alhaji Suleiman stressed that the drugs are to be administered to patients completely free of charge. To safeguard against any diversion or commercialisation of the pharmaceutical supplies, the company has established a robust monitoring mechanism in collaboration with the local government authorities.
“The drugs are to be given free and not to be sold. BUA, in collaboration with the local government, will put more eyes and a monitor mechanism in place to ensure that the drugs are fully utilised and administered free of charge,” Suleiman assured the gathering, addressing a common concern regarding the mismanagement of donated medical supplies in public facilities.
Beyond Healthcare: A Holistic Approach to Development
The company’s intervention in the health sector is merely one facet of a broader developmental strategy targeting host communities. Alhaji Suleiman used the occasion to announce that BUA Cement is on the verge of commissioning seven additional solar-powered boreholes across Sokoto State. This initiative, he explained, is designed to address the critical challenge of access to potable water, which has long plagued several rural communities.
Furthermore, in a move to support basic education and reduce the financial burden on parents, the company has also concluded arrangements to provide full school uniforms to pupils in primary five classes across all its host communities. This educational intervention aligns with BUA’s long-term vision of fostering human capital development from the grassroots level.
Voices of Appreciation
Earlier in his keynote address, BUA’s Director of Health, Safety, Community, and Environment (HCSE), Engineer Ali Gumel, had set the tone for the event by extending heartfelt gratitude to all host communities on behalf of the company’s leadership. He reaffirmed that the prevailing peace and harmony enjoyed by the cement factory are directly attributable to the hospitality and understanding of the local population.
Responding on behalf of the benefiting communities, the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Alhaji Umar Ahmed Dundaye, who was represented by the Director of Health, Umar Sani Tureta, lauded BUA Cement for its consistent and impactful human-interest interventions. He noted that the 35 million naira drug donation would significantly alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by residents, particularly women and children who are the most frequent users of primary health centres.
Adding a traditional perspective, the District Head of Wajake, Alhaji Muhammadu Mailato Gumbi, registered the profound appreciation of all the local communities. He catalogued the company’s numerous interventions over the years, which extend well beyond health to include road network improvements, housing schemes, educational scholarships, and the provision of portable drinking water.
“We want to assure BUA Cement that your efforts are seen, felt, and deeply appreciated by all the locals. Your name will continue to be mentioned with gratitude for the numerous interventions you have brought to our domains over the years,” the royal father stated.
The event concluded with the formal handing over of the medical supplies to the designated representatives, marking yet another milestone in the enduring partnership between BUA Cement and the people of Sokoto State.
(NAN)
