PZ Cussons Foundation, an initiative of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, on Wednesday donated and commissioned a diabetic mellitus clinic to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to aid healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Dr Nike Akande, Member, Board of Trustees, PZ Cussons Foundation, at the handover ceremony in Lagos recently said the gesture was a clear demonstration of the commitment of the foundation to support and promote healthcare delivery in all the geographical zones of Nigeria.
Akande noted that since 2007, the foundation had undertaken series of initiatives nationwide aimed at addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
According to her, the job of contributing to the wellness of Nigerians should not be left for the government alone and said the donation was a benchmark that other companies should emulate.
“This gesture will no doubt, serve as a benchmark for other companies.Healthcare is also an integral part of our core objectives and it is our firm belief that the renovated building will enhance the provision of healthcare to citizens.
“Please accept our assurances that PZ Cussons Foundation will continue to support healthcare, education, and empowerment at all levels around the country,” she said.
Mrs Jacqueline Ezeokwelume, Executive Secretary, PZ Cussons Foundation, noted that PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc had been in Nigeria for more than 125 years and has been part of Nigeria’s economic evolution in both good and not so good times.
Ezeokwelume, represented by Mrs Temitope Tosin, Deputy Company Secretary, said that the company though a commercial enterprise, along the line, began committing resources into social investments through the PZ Cussons Foundation.
According to her, the foundation, a not-for-profit organization is a vehicle through which the company could implement its Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) programmes.
“This gesture is just one among many social investment programmes we undertook to support research and infrastructural development to improve the quality of the life of people living near our operations nationwide.
“This and more are the humble contributions of the foundation to the development of education and healthcare in particular at various levels.
“Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources that if properly harnessed will deliver a lot of value addition to the country.
“PZ Cussons has always encouraged collaboration between industry and research institutions to develop local capacity.
“Indeed, we are committed to executing more sustainable projects that will be beneficial to Nigerians and we share our assurances that PZ Cussons will continue to support education and empowerment at all levels around the country,” she said.
Prof Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Ikeja, stated that the newly renovated diabetes mellitus clinic by PZ Cussons foundation would stem the brain drain tide the country was currently experiencing.
The LASUTH CMD, noting that the scourge of the disease was very high, said the new clinic would also help alleviate some of the sufferings of the patients.
He added that a more conducive and beautiful work environment for the staff of the hospital would help tackle brain drain and encourage medical personnel to stay back.
“As you know, a lot of health workers are emigrating abroad and one factor apart from renumeration that has been identified is poor working environment.
“So this kind of beautiful environment is one of the ways we are hoping would help retain workers so we thank PZ Cussons foundation for ensuring the delivery of a good standard, touch, taste and elegance in the project.
“The scourge of diabetes mellitus is very high and many patients have confidence in our abilities and this clinic would help alleviate some of the sufferings our patients go through,” he said.
