By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Livebridge Properties and Investment Limited has extended medical and humanitarian assistance to more than 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and persons living with disabilities in Karamajiji, Abuja.
The outreach, organised as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, provided beneficiaries with free medical consultations, health checks and essential medications, as well as food items, wheelchairs and other relief materials.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Livebridge Properties and Investment Limited, Dr. Nwaneri Obinna Flaker, said the initiative was part of the company’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of its host communities.
Flaker said the company had sustained the outreach as a regular humanitarian intervention, particularly for persons living with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.
“We have taken it upon ourselves to give back to our host community as a company. We have made it a norm every year, at least once or twice in a year, to come to the disabled persons community,” he said.
According to him, the company’s engagements with residents over the years had shown that many were dealing with health conditions that could be managed through basic primary healthcare services.
“We come here and reach out to them medically. From our interactions and past interviews, it has come to our knowledge that they suffer certain ailments which ordinarily basic primary healthcare can actually attend to,” he said.
The Livebridge CEO also expressed concern over the rising cost of medicines, saying the situation had made access to essential healthcare increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
He called for greater government attention to primary healthcare, particularly to ensure that vulnerable citizens can access basic medical services and essential drugs.
“The cost of medications is often beyond the reach of the average citizen. We believe the government should intervene, especially in primary healthcare delivery, as many Nigerians are unable to access these essential services,” Flaker said.
Describing the outreach as an expression of love and humanity, Flaker said the company’s intervention was not restricted by religion, ethnicity, gender or race.
“The message of love was preached by God Himself. God loves us unconditionally. It cuts across race, religion and ethnic nationality. There is no discrimination; we just love,” he said.
He also appealed to other organisations and individuals with the capacity to support vulnerable Nigerians to contribute to humanitarian efforts in their communities.
“Nothing is too small. Reach out to those in need. There is someone somewhere today who doesn’t know where the next meal will be coming from,” he said.
On her part, the Head of Operations at Livebridge, Ejembi Alice, said the company considered the intervention necessary, especially in view of the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.
“If those who can support themselves are struggling, just imagine the plight of individuals with disabilities. That’s why we are here today to offer relief and show compassion to this community,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abdullah Yusuf expressed appreciation to Livebridge for the support and prayed for the continued growth and success of the company.
“We are very happy. May God bless you more,” he said.