Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Total Energies and ExxonMobil gave a hygiene and sanitation facility to Idris Aloma Polytechnic Geidam in Yobe state over the weekend.
The polytechnic, which was founded in 1993 by former Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim, was renamed in 2002 by Mai Idriss Alooma, one of the most powerful and famous former rulers of the Sayfawa Dynasty of the historic Kanem Bornu Empire.
During an overview of the project, The coordinator, Architect Mohammed Sanusi Umara, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director of Abkama International Nigeria Limited, said that the project includes 10 toilets with a stable borehole connected to a solar panel for continuous water supply to the facility.
He added that five of the modern toilets are designated for female students, while the remaining five are designated for male students.
In his remarks, Mr. Mike Sangster, Managing Director, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, who spoke on behalf of TEPNG, Joint Development Zone (JDZ) partners, Nigeria-Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA), and Exxon Mobil (ESSO), stated that the project is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and joint partnership initiative.
Sangster stated that the company is concerned with preventing the spread of infectious diseases that are hazardous to life, which is why they intervene in hygiene and sanitation.
“The importance of preventative health care cannot be overstated in response to the health concerns posed by infectious illnesses.”
“Diseases such as Ebola and the continuing covid-19 pandemic have demonstrated that basic hygiene, such as hand washing and a clean environment, can go a long way toward protecting people from infectious diseases.”
“This is why we decided to begin on this project, which is consistent with our commitment to the well-being and economic development of not only our host countries, but the entire country.” As a result, we intend to expand this critical hygiene and sanitation project to Nigeria’s six geographical zones,” Mr Sangster explained.
The Chairman Board of the Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA), Dr Almajiri Geidam, who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Engr. Umaru Lawali, announced that similar projects are being carried out in the country’s six geopolitical zones, emphasizing that “the hygiene and sanitary project is one of the six (6) such projects slated for execution across the country as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR).”
Because of the financing issues that such institutions confront, Engr Umar noted that the scheme only targets State Government Owned Tertiary Institutions like Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam.
The Polytechnic’s Rector, represented at the ceremony by Karagama Kolo Geidam, expressed the institution’s appreciation to TotalEnergies, the Nigeria Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA), and EXXONMobil.
Karagama, Alhaji Kolo Geidam, who received the keys to the hygiene and sanitary facility on behalf of the Rector, Dr Wakil Goma Kafiya, stated that the intervention to build the facility came at an opportune time, adding that “the students, school, and teachers who visit the library will benefit from this facility because it is located right behind the school library.”
He stated that the institution has a good hygiene and maintenance culture, assuring sponsors that “the school will do everything in its power to keep the facility and its equipment in good condition.” The facility can perform its purpose because it has its original source of water supply.”
“The school administration of Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic in Geidam is overjoyed to receive this kind of intervention.” “The School Management’s doors are always open to accept intervention projects like this and more from TotalEnergies and other partners in the near future,” remarked the Rector.
Comrade Babagana Aisami, President of the Student Union Government (SUG), delivered remarks. Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic students appreciated Total Energies and all other partners for their contributions to the facility’s construction.
He also requested additional involvement in the near future.
The commissioned project includes a block of 10 toilets divided into two 5 toilets each for male and female, including urinal for male with other ancillary items like wash basin and an automatic hand- dryer, a borehole with 1.5HP automatic solar-powered submersible pump, an overhead water tank, and a fenced facility.
