Ortom Urges Individual and Coorperate Organisation to Contribute to the Growth of Nigeria

George Okoh in Benue

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has called on individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the good example of Oxfam and Guinness PLc in the provision of social amenities for the people.

Making the call while commissioning the water project provided jointly by Oxfam and Guinness at Tyowanye in Buruku local government area of the state yesterday, the governor said the two organisations have complimented efforts of his administration which is investment friendly.

Ortom promised to partner with the two organizations and noted that the present economic recession provides opportunities for Nigerians to think of diversification.
He said since oil was no longer the mainstay of the economy, Benue state has the advantage of utilising its agricultural potentials.

According to him, the state government would work together with local and private investors to add value to the economy and called on Guinness Plc to make use of the raw materials available in the state.

He charged the people of Tyowanye to protect the water project and directed Buruku local government to ensure that no harm was done to it.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Guinness Plc, Mr Peter Ndegwa, had explained that the water scheme was part of Diageo’s Water of Life Programme.
He said since 2007, Guinness has provided clean water for over 10 million people in 18 countries in Africa under the water of life programme.

Ndegwa said in Nigeria, 33 communities have been provided with safe water and disclosed that information from WaterAid shows that 57 million people in Nigeria do not have access to clean and safe water while about 130 million people do not have access to sanitation.
Programme Manager of Oxfam, Mr Castan Tchona, on his part, said small proceeds from the water project would be used for its maintenance and constituted a management committee for the collection of proceeds.