The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Thursday donated relief materials to the Ondo State Government, to support its efforts in bringing succour to people affected by natural disasters.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr Dakuku Peterside, while handing over the materials to the state’s Deputy Gov., Agboola Ajayi, in Akure, said that the gesture was part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility to help.
Peterside, who was represented by the Director, Western Zonal Operations, Mr Olayemi Abass, said the agency identified some states affected by disasters, and with the help of the state government, bring some relief to the affected people.
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He noted that every good organisation must have a corporate social responsibility toward its community.
The director-general said that natural disasters were not severe in Nigeria, compared to other countries, but noted that such happenings must be attended to.
Peterside said his organisation had been moving round the country and bringing relief to affected states, to complement the state governments’ efforts.
“On behalf of the director-general, I have been mandated to present this token to the people and government of Ondo State, and the thrust of the presentation is that NIMASA, being a corporate entity of the Federal Government, has corporate social responsibility toward other stakeholders.
“We felt we should extend our hand of fellowship to such states, contribute our own as support to help displaced persons, and people who have undergone a kind of disaster or the other.
“We pray that such disasters won’t happen again, and empathise with those affected,’’ he said.
Ajayi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Desola Alabi, lauded the agency for its effort to ameliorate the sufferings of disaster victims.
According to the deputy governor, the state government has been trying its best in providing relief for disaster victims in the state.
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“We thank the director-general of NIMASA for the support for Ondo State.
“Just days ago, we were in some parts of Akoko such as Supare and Ikare, where over 700 houses were affected by rainstorm, to share relief materials for affected victims.
“We didn’t even know that NIMASA helps people affected by disasters; but we are glad you have come to support us,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the relief materials include rice, beans, noodles, sewing machines, baby items, palm oil and others. (NAN)
