Total reaches out to Katsina, Benue communities

Total Nigeria PLC successfully kicked off its Community HIV Preventive Education Project in Katsina State, July 6-8, 2009 with HIV peer education training for customer attendants and driveway supervisors at the Kofar Kwaya Filling Station. The training had 11 men and two women as well as two dealers in attendance on the first day. Throughout the duration of the training, HCT services were provided to staff of the participating stations as well as members of the public. A total of 160 clients were tested. Among them, four people tested positive of which one was already on anti-retroviral therapy while the other three were referred.

At the formal launch of the campaign, the dignitaries present included the wife of the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Hajia Fatima Ibrahim Shema and some members of the State Executive Council as well as state representatives and collaborators.

Total Nigeria PLC equally extended its campaign to Makurdi, Benue State from the 27th to29th of July, 2009, training 21 peer educators. The trainees comprised 16 customer attendants, four dealers and one regional sales executive. HCT services were also accessed by 230 persons, of which 13 tested positive.

The campaign launch had in attendance the wife of the Benue State’s Executive Governor, Architect Yemisi Dooshima Suswam, state commissioners and other top government functionaries including the Executive Secretary of Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BENSACA), Mrs. Ashi Wende. All dignitaries and attendees donned the Total/NIBUCAA branded Polo-shirts and face caps made to promote the event. 

Both state governments commended Total Nigeria PLC as a responsible corporate citizen and applauded the company for identifying with the states in the area of corporate social responsibility.

Other side attractions during both events included dance and drama which were tools used to communicate the message of ‘No Stigmatisation’ of People Living with HIV. The local populace which included - okada riders, artisans and other laymen who were the target audience, with no knowledge of the disease, turned out en masse for free counselling and testing. Information leaflets on HIV prevention and management as well as branded souvenirs and free condoms were largely distributed to all present at the events.

NIBUCAA partnered with Total Nigeria PLC on this initiative by providing technical support during the events.

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EDITORIAL TEAM: Olusina O. Falana, Executive Secretary/CEO, NIBUCAA; Rekiya O. Sanni, Business Development Officer, NIBUCAA; Jossey Ogbuanoh, CEO, Media Productions.