April 24, 2020
By Ijendu Iheaka
Umu-Aba Worldwide Association, an NGO in Abia has distributed palliatives worth about N8 million to residents, to cushion the pain occasioned by the Coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Ezeogo Kalu, National Coordinator of the Association told newsmen in Aba on Friday during the sharing of the packages that the palliatives would be for three days.
He said that the packages which include cartons of noodles would be shared for three days and in three batches among indigents in the city and neighbouring villages.
“What we are sharing is our own widows might. We know it is not enough but we are sure some people will need the packages and appreciate the gesture.
“We are targeting to share 5000 cartons of noodles to help feed vulnerable in Aba and environs during this COVID-19 lockdown.
“We have been doing things to touch the lives of residents in the state because their lives and the city are important,” Kalu said.
The coordinator said that in January, the association organised a security summit and shared exercise books to primary schools.
”So, our work is a continuous one. As God continues to give us, we keep giving back to the people,” he said.
Kalu, based in Spain called upon good spirited people to support the poor and the needy in Abia in this coronavirus pandemic “because the disease is a real war”.
Mr Ndukwe Anyaogu, a member of the association living in America said they were moved to distribute palliative because of the suffering especially among Aba indigents and its environs.
“A lot of us live abroad and we almost left the city before the lockdown but being here and seeing the suffering of the people, we decided to help.
“Some of us living abroad, the government is taking care of us, some are given as much as 700 dollars a week and we are getting tax rebates,” he said.
Anyaogu said the association was committed to restoring the glory of Aba by ensuring respect for human rights, provision of sustainable electricity supply and security.
However, Mrs Monica Okechukwu, a hawker on Ehi road who benefited from the gesture thanked Umu-Aba group for the gesture at a period when the lockdown had contributed to the pain of the people.
Also, Mrs Victoria Maduka, who roast yam by the roadside at Opobo road expressed happiness over the carton of noodles and prayed God to bless the group.
Maduka appealed to the state government to provide food to ensure proper compliance with the COVID-19 safety protocols including staying home.
The association shared noodles to the poor people along Ehi road, Tenant road, Obiora / Etche road, Ngwa road, Opobo road, and other streets in the city centre.
No comments:
Post a Comment