Ecobank Nigeria has donated two Hilux Vans worth several millions of naira to Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Warri, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to support its fight against pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Warri, Delta State, at the weekend, the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Aku, said the negative impact of pipeline vandals on Nigerians and the economy is quite enormous, stressing the need for sustained efforts to stem their growing activities.
Aku, who was represented by the Executive Director, South South/South East, Mr. Kingsley Umadia, said “Vandalisation is totally unacceptable. People suffer unduly during fuel crisis and same with the economy.
We will continue to do whatever we can to support PPMC in this fight.”
He reiterated that the donation is in line with the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy to contribute and make meaningful impact in its host environment, adding that, the bank will continue to support initiatives that affect people’s lives.
Aku, who lauded the mutual relationship that has existed between the bank and PPMC over the years, used the opportunity to explain the pan African vision and objectives of the bank and the several CSR initiatives.
In his address, the Managing Director, PPMC, Mr. Haruna Momoh, expressed gratitude to Ecobank for the donation, stating that, it would go a long way to assisting the company in pipeline surveillance and repairs on timely basis.
Represented by the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Emmanuel Wowo, he called on other corporate organisations to emulate Ecobank in its effort at ensure pumping of crude oil to Warri and Kaduna refineries, as well as supply of white products to the public.
“We are highly grateful to Ecobank. The bank has sound CSR policy which must be appreciated by all. We have long standing worthy cordial working relationship over the years and this will definitely continue. We appreciate this gesture which will also bring down the cost of our operations,” Momoh said.
The Regional Head, Public Sector, South south/South east, Ecobank, Mr. Abayomi Adeyeri, expressed satisfaction with the CSR support to PPMC, noting that, the bank will continue to impact positively on its business partners and customers.