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COVID-19: Shell employees launch N82m free feeding programme at isolation centres
Modupe ASUDO
LAGOS-Employees of Shell companies in Nigeria have launched free feeding programme in COVID-19 isolation centres in seven states under the Shell Employee Care Programme, the General Manager External Relations of Shell Nigeria, Igo Weli, said in a statement issued on Sunday.
“The programme has kicked off in Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers and it is a further demonstration of care to the people following the numerous intervention programmes by Shell companies in Nigeria particularly in support of government at all levels in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic,” Weli said.
The feeding programme, according to Weli, was being funded from personal donations by staff and contractors of the Anglo-Dutch integrated energy giant, the total amount of which was matched by the companies to make up the N82.6million for the programme.
The programme delivery strategy involves a collaboration with the state governments, non-government organisations and certified caterers to provide freshly cooked meals daily to patients and healthcare workers at the isolation centres.
Head of Clinical Services at the Bayelsa State Isolation Centre in Yenagoa, Dr James Omietimi, who oversees the distribution of the meals said, “I eat the lunch provided and the nutritional value is good because of the variety. I can tell you it’s tasty and meals have been coming in daily.”
So far, this intervention has provided over 31,000 meals to the isolation centres with plans to scale up to 54,000.
Shell companies in Nigeria had earlier donated ambulances, testing machines and kits, medical consumables and personal protection equipment to Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Rivers states to help in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2012 and 2018, staff and contractors of Shell companies in Nigeria had also made personal cash donation to provide succor to victims impacted by the unprecedented flood and Internally Displaced Persons humanitarian crises in the Niger Delta, Kogi and Anambra States, and North East of Nigeria, as part of the Shell Employees Care scheme.
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‘Gospel Music Has Power To Transform Nigeria’, Pastor Declares
The Senior Pastor of Freedom Life International Christian Center, Richard Tochukwu, has declared that gospel music possesses the spiritual capacity to transform Nigeria, describing it as a divine instrument capable of restoring hope and unity in the nation.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the cleric said music inspired by God’s Word can positively influence Nigeria’s spiritual and socio-political landscape by promoting peace, comfort and moral revival.
According to him, gospel music goes beyond entertainment and should be seen as a ministry tool for national healing.
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“Gospel music is not just sound; it carries power. When songs are inspired by Scripture, they can heal hearts, restore faith and redirect a nation toward righteousness,” he said.
Pastor Tochukwu made the remarks while discussing his latest worship single, “I Want To Pray,” a spiritually reflective song produced by Audio5.
He explained that the track was created to encourage believers to remain steadfast in prayer and maintain consistent fellowship with God.
The song draws inspiration from Luke 18:1, which urges believers to pray always and not lose heart.
A spiritual son of Paul Enenche, Pastor Tochukwu revealed that most of his songs are birthed from deep study of Scripture.
“Sometimes while studying or preaching from a passage, a melody begins to flow. The lyrics are drawn directly from the Word. Our songs are intentional; they carry the same message we preach,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted beginning as a drummer who also sang before discovering what he described as a divine instruction to minister through music.
“I realised that you don’t minister only through preaching. God made me understand that songs are another channel through which His Word can reach people. Every release is backed by Scripture,” he added.
Pastor Tochukwu currently serves in Lagos, combining pastoral leadership with music ministry.
The audio and video for “I Want To Pray” are now available on major digital streaming platforms.






