Coronavirus Pandemic
A Non-Governmental Organisation, the O.B. Lulu Briggs Foundation, has begun the distribution of 5,000 bags of rice and 5,000 bottles of 500ml hand sanitisers to some communities in Rivers.
The foundation made known its contributions on Tuesday in a statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt by its Press Officer, Mr David Amachree.
According to the statement, the palliatives are the first phase of the group’s intervention “to help mitigate the challenges being experienced by vulnerable families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic’’.
It also stated that the Chiefs and elders of Abonnema, Obonoma and Buguma had on April 13 received the food and personal hygiene items for their communities.
According to Mrs Ineba Tongkam, the Foundation’s Programme Coordinator, the items are meant for the elderly and vulnerable in the affected communities.
She said the items were distributed “on behalf of Dr Mrs Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs, the Chairman and the board of the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation.
She also expressed the foundation’s gratitude to the leadership shown by the Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers “in leading the State in the global fight against Coronavirus’’.
Tongkam said that the group was elated with Wike’s leadership in ensuring that the health and well-being of the people of Rivers were protected during the challenging period.
“It is not an easy time for families, especially those whose livelihoods and food security were already at risk before various policies were put in place to stem the transmission of COVID-19 both in Nigeria and Rivers State.
“In addition to distributing 5,000 bags of rice, we are also donating 5,000 bottles of 500ml hand sanitisers to stop the spread of the virus.’’
Tongkam also explained that in the coming days the initial donation would be extended to the Police, the Army, Port Harcourt and Degema Prisons, as well as essential sanitation staff who keep public areas clean.
She said: “The benefitting communities in this first phase are: Abonnema, Buguma, Obonoma, Krakrama, Okpo, Ilelema, Bakana, Harry’s Town and Degema.
“Later in the week, the next phase in partnership with UNICEF which will touch five communities in each of the State’s 23 local government areas will be announced.”
Also, Dr Guy Marie Yogo, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Rivers State, said that UNICEF was aware that many people were going through a lot of pain on account of COVID-19 due to pervading poverty.
He said that such challenges were the reason UNICEF was partnering the foundation to foster a transformative partnership that would change people’s lives.
“We are fortunate that the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation is one of the credible partners of UNICEF.
“The initiative being taken by the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation is a very welcome initiative that UNICEF supports with its value and credibility to make a difference in communities and in the lives of people,’’ Yogo said.
In Buguma, Chief C.P.D Amachree, flanked by other Chiefs and elders, thanked the foundation for the love and care it has always demonstrated towards the Kalabari people and the entire people of Rivers State.
In Abonnema, Most Senior Apostle General Iwowari Duke, said: “We are very glad that our mother Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs has made the community to rejoice. We are very happy.’’
Dr Seinye Lulu-Briggs, the foundation’s Chairman, also assured that as a responsible corporate citizen, the foundation will continue to promote public good.
She thanked UNICEF for its partnership at this time of extreme global adversity and hailed health workers and caregivers at the frontlines of the pandemic for their sacrifices and dedication.
Mrs Lulu-Briggs also called for greater understanding from the general public in upholding health and safety advisories that are in place to promote their wellbeing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation was established 18 years ago “to honor and institutionalise the prolific giving of the late elder statesman and philanthropist, High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs’’.
The foundation carries out interventions that have an immediate positive impact in the quality of the lives and livelihoods of those in absolute need.
Its interventions are through five programmes: “Care for Life; Free Medical Missions; Access to Clean Water and Sanitation; Education and Scholarships; and Microcredit and Entrepreneurship’’. (NAN)
– Apr. 14, 2020 @ 10:09 GMT |
Tags: COVID-19: Group distributes bags of rice hand sanitisers to Rivers communities
