The Okaha Women and Children Organisation (OWACDO), led by Executive Director Mrs. Joy Ijuwo, made a strong appeal to the Tito Group of Companies, urging them to commit resources to support the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Benue State. This advocacy visit, held at Tito Gate in Makurdi, aimed to leverage the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to bolster TB programs. Mrs. Ijuwo explained that the visit was part of the TB Northern Nexus Cluster’s broader campaign, a coalition of six Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) funded by USAID through Palladium, to enhance TB service delivery through increased domestic investment.
Call for CSR Funding and Direct Support
During the visit, Mrs. Ijuwo acknowledged the positive impact Tito Group has had on society through its various CSR efforts. She encouraged the company to extend these good deeds to support TB initiatives, particularly in critical areas such as case finding, testing, and treatment. The OWACDO team emphasized that any contribution, no matter how small, could significantly impact the fight against TB in Benue State. They also suggested that corporate bodies and private individuals donate directly to TB treatment centers, such as Madonna Hospital, Bishop Murray Hospital, and St. Vincent Hospital Aliade, to address specific needs like lighting systems, furniture, functional fridges, fans, and maintenance of Gene Xpert machines used for TB testing.
Importance of Domestic Funding
Mrs. Ijuwo highlighted the diminishing support from international donors due to “donor fatigue” and the scaling down of foreign-funded TB projects. She stressed the urgency for local governments, private individuals, and corporate organizations to step in and fill the funding gaps left by international partners. Domestic investment, she argued, is crucial to sustaining the fight against TB and ensuring that the disease does not spiral out of control. The OWACDO Executive Director also appealed to all proprietors and managers of corporate organizations in Benue State and beyond to channel their CSR resources towards TB programs, emphasizing that good nutrition for TB patients is essential for effective treatment.
Positive Response from Tito Group
Responding to the advocacy, the General Manager of Tito Group of Companies, Mr. Emmanuel Ayomotor, described the visit as an “eye-opener” to the realities of TB. He noted that the disease might be closer to the community than many realize and assured the team of Tito’s positive response to the advocacy. Mr. Ayomotor emphasized that Tito Group places a high premium on health and is committed to supporting efforts that improve health in the society, including the fight against TB. He reiterated Tito Group’s willingness to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of TB treatment facilities in the state.
“Together, Let’s End TB: Unite, Support, and Act for a Healthier Future!”