By Chiebuka Enwere & Joyce Nwachukwu

Aiming for the wellbeing of the Nigerian child, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, GSK, have commenced a mass de-worming programme at Ikota Primary School, Ikota Lekki Lagos state, among other primary schools in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup, who was represented by Mr. Sam Otunye, Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, explained that the de-worming programme expresses their enduring commitment to investments in the health and educational development in the country and also to become a “global energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance”.

He said: “As a testament to our commitment to a healthy population, we have conducted this exercise to other states in the past years-de-worming over 500,000 children in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Lagos, and Imo.”

Also, he maintained that the company’s target this year is to de-worm at least 60,000 pupils from various primary schools in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State- using the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Albendazole (Zentel).

“This drug is acclaimed to be among the most potent drugs in the treatment of parasitic worms, especially in children.”

The Medical Officer of Health and Primary Health Co-ordinator for Eti-Osa Local Government, Dr. Oladapo Asiwobi, lauded the initiative, while describing the health of children as “paramount” to the development of the country.

He argued that, “De-worming is one of the ways you can meet the sustainable development goal by ensuring that they are healthy, and able to contribute meaningfully when they grow. This way, we are sure the future of the country is bright,” adding that worms retard the growth of children, as such must be tackled head-on.

Also, Group General Manager, Policy, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Dafe Sejebor, applauded the exercise saying that “as a government agency, they are always pleased to see companies invest in programmes that add value to Nigerians and their environment.”

He added that NAPIMS will continue to support programmes aimed at protecting children and improving the standard of living in the society.

In his remark over the development, the Education Secretary of Eti-Osa Local Government Taiwo Lanre, maintained that such programme will put children in a better position to be happy and learn more.