By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An executive at Heritage Bank Plc, Ms Osepiribo Ben-Willie, has been given a Heart of Gold award at the annual Red Ball for Charity organised by EveAfrique.
The banker, who is the Directorate Head of South-South, South-East & Private Wealth Management at Heritage Bank, was part of the 10 awardees recognised for her immense contribution to the sustainable development and socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
Ms Ben-Willie stated that Heritage Bank has been at the forefront of investing in human capital development for critical economic recovery. This, according to her, informed the keen interest in extending support to the Niger Delta region.
Specifically, she commended the organisers of the event for the award and on the need to raise awareness in addressing a peculiar health matter about Lupus signs and symptoms which happens not to be known by many individuals.
“In Heritage Bank, health is a priority, that is why we will continue to partner and support the organizers of EveAfrique on knowledge increase about the importance of early detection and treatment, enhancing the self-management skills of people with lupus, and improving the capacity of health care providers in their ability to make quick and accurate diagnoses,” she said.
Ms Ben-Willie disclosed the bank’s commitment to supporting one of the survivors of Lupus, Boma Alaiyiboba Graham-Douglas’s foundation, whilst stating that the lender has been at the forefront of addressing health matters through several partnerships with state governments and NGOs.
In her keynote address, the Convener of EveAfrique of Red Ball for Charity initiative, Ms Ivy Davis Etokakpan, said that her organisation in partnership with Heritage Bank has synergized to create significant awareness and support for individuals affected by the disease.
She further stated that the Heart of Gold award was presented in appreciation of well-deserved distinguished persons who have made notable strides in the areas of protection and respect for human rights, peaceful settlement of disputes, sustainable development to socio-economic growth in the Niger Delta region.
The 2022 EveAfrique’s Red Ball for Charity was themed A Night of Hope with focus on Lupus Awareness and Management and had several persons in attendance.
