As part of its support to the Oyo State government’s efforts in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, the Bond Chemical Industries Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company in the country has donated medical items including, 4000 alcohol-based hand sanitizers and over 1000 doses of Bonaquine, a 250mg chloroquine phosphate tablets, worth over 3 million naira to the Oyo State government.
Presenting the items, the Managing Director, Bond Chemical Industries Limited, Pharm. Aderemi Omotosho, noted that the company is standing in solidarity with the state government in its fight against the spread of the virus and to possibly rid the state of any case of the disease.
He explained how the spread of Covid-19 has disrupted lives, sources of livelihood and economy of the country, but being a responsible organisation, Omotosho said Bond cannot watch things nosedive without a positive intervention.
“Government cannot do it alone without the support of the private sector, groups, citizens and agencies, so we cannot afford to feel hopeless and helpless in these uncertain and unprecedented times. Thus, Bond will continue to play the vital role in the fight against COVID-19 and will continue to consolidate on the efforts of the state and federal government to ensure the battle is won,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mr Andrew Aina Oladipo, acting national marketing manager, Bond Chemical Industries Limited noted that the step taken by the company became necessary in view of the high rate of the spread of the disease in the country, adding that prevention is better than cure.
“The support we are giving is part of our social responsibility as a company in supporting the government to protect our people against this deadly contagious disease, while we promised to further partner with the government towards the achievement of her goal. We however commend the laudable effort of the state government in the fight against Covid-19 so far and we hope more can still be done in this regard.”
Receiving the items from the company on behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr Bashir Bello, said although there have not been serious challenges of the outbreak in the state like some states, as it only recorded few cases in the last one week, it was necessary to prepare for any eventuality.
He appreciated the company for coming forward at a time when the state needed their help the most, adding that it was encouraging that individuals and corporate bodies were responding to the clarion call by the state, which he noted reflects spirit of collective fight against the pandemic.
The governor however called on other corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals with resources to support the government and the people in their effort to prevent the spread of the disease and to cushion the effect of the Covid-19 on the economy.
He stated further, “We really appreciate your support at this trying period that we find ourselves and we expect that other well-meaning individuals of the state and organisations will follow suit, as it is our belief that with the support of everyone at this moment, we will surely overcome this challenge as soon as possible”, he asserted.
In their contributions, the duo of the chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Oyo State Branch, Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, and the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Babatunde Lukman Akinwande, described the donation as timely and laudable, adding that that it has become imperative and necessary for the people of Oyo State to comply strictly with state government's directives on partial lockdown, aimed at containing and curtailing the further spread of coronavirus pandemic in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
According to them, pharmacists in the state are also at the forefront fighting to curb the spread of the virus with other healthcare providers. “We have been one of the active professional bodies in the state as we have done series of publicity in the media and even at our different pharmacies. Many of our members have banners hanged in front of their premises, as we are one of the first set of professionals to donate hand sanitizers to the state government and we have been doing other important things underground.
Other important personalities from both teams include, Mr H. T. Salami, director, Admin and Supply, Oyo State Ministry of Health; Dr Adebisi Ayoka, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Oyo State; Dr O. M. Lawal, director, Public Health, Oyo State Ministry of Health; Pharm. Femi Olajide, assistant sales manager, West, Institution, Bond Chemical Industries Limited; Mr Ibrahim Adewale, ASM, West; and Mr Oyeniyi Rotolu, among others.
