From Linus Effiong Umuahia
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated assorted food items and medical equipment and consumables as support to the State Government in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.
Inspecting the relief materials at Okeikpe, Abia State Headquarters of NDDC, the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, eulogized NDDC for their milk of kindness, adding that their gesture would go a long way in supporting the less privileged and vulnerable persons in the state.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to Abia State Government and Chairman, Inter- Ministerial Committee on Covid-19, Barr Chris Ezem, reiterated that these palliatives would be evenly distributed to the less privileged, using Churches, local government authorities, Royal Fathers, Presidents General of town unions; to reach the targeted people.
Barr Ezem restated that the war against the covid-19 should not be left in the hands of the government alone, stressing that everyone should take responsibility by observing all safety protocols and measures rolled out by government and health professionals.
The SSG tasked NDDC officials to let Abia State Government have the lists of the health centers completed by them, so that the state government will take immediate steps to make these health centers operational.
Earlier in his speech, the Acting Director, NDDC, Abia State, Engr. O’Hara Raymond, said as part of it’s corporate social responsibility, it is incumbent on the Commission to assist Abia state to overcome the challenge of the moment.
He then went ahead to announce the donation of assorted medical facilities, such as digital thermometer, hospital beds, wheel chairs, Detol, toilet rolls, and other hospital consumables.
On food items, he handed over 1,044 bags of rice,272 bags of beans, 296 bags of Harris, 1,881 cartons of noodles, 893 cartons of biscuits and 92 gallons of palm oil.
Engr. Ogara however, alleged that the local government authorities were reluctant to take over basic health facilities built by NDDC in the region.
Adding his voice, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuiji, praised the kind disposition of NDDC towards the state, adding that medical facilities would be judiciously deployed forthwith.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Barr Chijioke Madumere, Commissioner of Petroleum, Chief Ikpechukwu Onuoha, ASOPED Chairman, Chief Sam Nwogu, Special Adviser on Agriculture to the governor, Pastor Ikpechukwu Dike, T.C Chairman of Ukwa West LGA Chief S. Nwaji among other top government officials were present during the handover of these relief materials.
