Oando PLC, one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous energy Groups today announced that in commemoration of the 2010 Children’s Day celebration and in line with its corporate social responsibility, employees of the company have donated over 14,000 books for use by students under its Adopt-A-School programme. In addition, the company will engage over 100 students who are beneficiaries of its scholarship scheme in extracurricular activities.
The book drive was achieved across the Oando Group through a month-long programme where staff donated for the books in kind and cash. The books are intended to boost literacy and ensure that indigent students are provided the necessary material critical for the attainment of their aspirations. Plans have been concluded to distribute the 14, 000 books to various primary schools located across the country this quarter. In the same vein, the company also donated 1,500 Oando branded exercise books to the Lagos State Government in support of the state’s Children day event.
Oando launched the Adopt-A-School programme in April 2007 in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and since adopted 27 primary schools located around its facilities nationwide. The company’s target is to adopt 100 schools by 2015. The Oando Adopt-A-School programme has three focus areas:
- Renovating and upgrading existing facilities
- Integrated teacher and of student capacity building
- Provision of learning aids and supporting libraries
Speaking on the initiative, Tokunbo Durosaro, Chief Corporate Services Officer Oando PLC, said
‘The book drive by our staff is further proof that giving back to the society is not just Oando’s corporate vision, but an objective shared by all. We know that the future of this country’s children depends on what we are willing to teach them, and the advancement of our economy depends on their ability to perform better than we do right now. Today we have demonstrated our zest to positively impact the lives of these children.
Oando’s main social responsibility objective is to be a major catalyst in empowering its host communities through projects that are innovative and impactful. Its major programs are geared towards youth, social and economic empowerment, with a special focus on improving the quality of basic education in Nigeria and realizing the Millennium Development Goals.
Oando PLC comprises a group of companies operating within Nigeria and the African Energy sector. The company is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and was the first African company to be quoted on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
