By Emma Elebeke

MTN Nigeria, through its corporate social responsibility vehicle, MTN Foundation, last week provided relief materials to the victims of the recent flooding in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Ibadan flood disaster, which occurred on August 26, 2011, was the aftermath of a heavy downpour, which lasted over six hours, in the ancient city. The incident claimed many lives and properties, leaving tears and sorrow in its wake. The worst hit areas included Onipepeye, Iwo Road, Old Ife Road, Oke Ayo, Yemetu, Agbadagbudu, Odo-Iye, Bodija Estate, Agbowo, Olomi, Eleyele, Apete and Odo Ona-Elewe.

The relief items loaded into several trucks were formally handed over to the displaced families by the MTN Foundation team led by the Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria and Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck. The materials included 800 pillows, 800 mattresses, 800 bedspreads with pillow cases, 800 cooking pots, and 300 kerosene stoves The material were received by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Honourable Moses Alake Adeyemo.

In his comments, Honourable Adeyemo, said, “We are very happy to receive these materials from the MTN Foundation. It is very commendable that MTN spared a thought for these people and indeed provided these materials to ease their burden. The MTN Foundation so far has donated the largest quantity of relief items for the people and we thank you for this gesture.”

He challened other corporate organizations in Nigeria to help bring succour to the displaced victims of the flood as they could use all the help they can get.

The MTN Director said “As a responsible corporate citizen, MTN feels compelled to offer our support to the victims of this disaster. This is in consonance with the company’s commitment to positively impact the lives of our people.”

According to him, the Foundation has finalized arrangements to make a similar provision of relief materials to the families displaced by flooding in Bauchi State. MTN Foundation also annually donates food stuff and household goods to the less privileged in orphanages spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country.