The ConocoPhillips Nigeria business unit has focused its community efforts on “the needs of children, the future of Nigeria” for the sustainable provision of essential basic infrastructure and support to less privileged children in society, to ensure a better future for the country. For example, ConocoPhillips responded to the Nigerian government’s request for assistance for the Motherless Babies Home in Lagos, which had recently moved to a new, larger location to accommodate the growing number of children they needed to assist, and to provide better living and recreational space for the children. Their new building could not be used, however, as the area was prone to flooding. Apart from the sanitary problems caused by the floodwater, it was an open invitation to mosquitoes and thus malaria.
ConocoPhillips improved the area surrounding the home by constructing a fun-wall, as well as an all-season playground and drainage to channel the floodwater away from the home. The company also drilled a water borehole/treatment plant with a submersible pump and replaced old louver windows with aluminum-framed windows.
The ConocoPhillips Nigeria business unit staff recently chose to spend one work day at the Motherless Babies Home, washing, weeding, landscaping and disinfecting different areas of the facility. Todd Creeger, president of the company’s West Africa operations said, “Anyone can assist financially, but it takes real commitment to get out and help hands-on.”