Kenneth Udeh from Abuja
Residents of Abuja metropolis were elated on Wednesday as they benefited from the COVID-19 outreach programme of the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation (OUKF), a non-profit and non Governmental/Business organisation.
The foundation, which holds a Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, distributed COVID-19 prevention items to residents of Abuja communities.
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According to the foundation, the activity is in line with its health objectives to supplement the efforts of the Federal Government in containing the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Items distributed include; Hand Sanitizers, Washing soaps, Face masks, Toilet rolls and other items to residents of Abuja communities.
READ ALSO: Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation Begins A Two Days COVID-19 Outreach (Photos)
The foundation’s team comprising both staff and volunteers led by its Executive Secretary, Rev Mrs Jemaimah Ola Kalu, a retired permanent secretary, initially arrived at the Kuje correctional centre where they met the centre’s officials and presented the items to them on behalf of the inmates.
Speaking during the exercise, Jemaimah warned that COVID restrictions, face masks and sanitizers will still be needed to combat the pandemic despite the availability of vaccines. She noted that the deadly virus is still very much around and will not disappear so fast.
She also said due to the economic situation of the country most people can’t afford to sustain buying Anti-COVID prevention items hence the need for the foundation’s philanthropic initiative.
She said; We are in Kuje to touch the lives of the inmates in this correctional centre as a foundation. We believe that basic health is the right of everyone. We are also optimistic that the items will be distributed and utilised judiciously. The items have been given to them and the staff have also assured us that the items will get to them. We are also distributing the items to people in Nyanya, Utako and Kubwa Markets. The foundation is focused on helping the needy and vulnerable in society.
Receiving the items on behalf of the inmates, In charge of the Custodial centre, DCC Agada Gabriel appreciated the foundation for its philanthropic gesture, he assured that the items will be judiciously among the inmates. Gabriel maintained the management of the facility will not relent it’s Covid-19 protocols as part of supporting the Government in containing the scourge. He also commended the chairman of the Foundation, who is the current Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the initiative stating that the former Governor is known for his philanthropic gestures in the country.
Explaining the reason behind selecting the nation’s capital to commence the scheme, Project manager Mr. Iheaka Iheaka said that the exercise will be executed in other states noting that Abuja being the Nation’s capital also hosts the foundation’s headquarters was chosen as the pilot state to begin the programme. Iheaka listed Utako Market, Nyanya Park and Kubwa Market as areas to be covered during the two-day exercise.
Recall that in recent years, the OUKF has been involved in numerous empowerment programmes by giving free palm seedlings for farmers, free medical outreach, peace initiatives programmes, youth empowerment summits, scholarship awards, cultural/tourism promotion activities, and other social investment programmes in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030.
The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation also introduced a petty trading loan and empowerment scheme in Abia state.The scheme comprises financial loans and vehicles advancement.
