Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated food items and hospital equipment to the Imo State government to help fight the scourge of coronavirus pandemic in the state.
The food items were 1078 bags of Rice, 305 bags of beans, 288 bags of garri, 1941 cartoons of noodles, 95 cans (25 litres) of palm oil, while the hospital equipment include 2, 200 examination gloves, 600 cartons of syringes, infrared thermometer, 6 Oxygen mask, ventilators, 6 ICU beds, sanitary materials, among many others.
Presenting the items to the state government, NDDC Acting Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei who was represented by the Imo Director, Engr. Tony Okanne, said the commission was aware of socio-economic challenges posed by the pandemic and has committed funds to aid the fight against the disease across the region under her Emergency Support for Health and Social Programme.
He posited that the major constraint in the active fight against the dreaded virus was as a result of the general poor state of health facilities in the country especially in the region.
According to him, the donation was part of the NDDC’s way of assisting the state government in the fight against the pandemic and also, “help initiate sensitization and campaign on the prevention of coronavirus disease transmission in the state.”
The NDDC boss said, “the Niger Delta Development Commission as an interventionist agency has as part of her mandate intervention in the health sector for the good health and well-being of Niger Delta residents.
“It is noteworthy of mention that the NDDC is desirous at all times to support the government and people of the state in the Niger Delta region in area of quality health care delivery.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie appreciated the NDDC for the gesture and promised that the items would be put to good use in line with the efforts of the government to contend the effects of the disease in the state.
He also sought for the continued support from the commission in the policies and programmes of the state government aimed at alleviating the socio-economic challenges of the people and ensuring all round development of the State.
THE NATION
