By Edith ike-Eboh
Unubiko Foundation, a Non-governmental organisation, has provided about 12,000 bottles of hand sanitisers for communities in Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Founder, Mr James Ume, disclosed this to News Agency of Nigeria, in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that the donation was to support the clarion call of government for support in the fight against COVID-19.
He added that the Foundation had also created awareness on the pandemic in the communities and churches through radio jingles in Igbo and English Language
According to him, they have mobilise health officials to enlighten the people on the necessary precautions to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus.
He added that the organisation considered it necessary to sensitize the rural populace of Abam to the life-threatening Coronavirus, which broke out in China in 2019 and was currently plaguing the world and the safety measures.
“We provided more than 12,000 bottles of hand sanitisers and also paid for jingles in radio stations in Igbo and English Language to pass the message about COVID-19 situation on ground to the people,’’ he said.
The Programme Director, Dr Benjamin Isani, who also doubled as the resource person, said the sensitization came at the right time as the Coronavirus pandemic is ravaging some parts of Nigeria and the world.
“From the standpoint of a medical doctor, I know that the rural areas lack proper information about the virus and on enquires, I discovered that they are ignorant about it.
“We explained in detail how Coronavirus can be contracted and the need for them to practice social distancing, proper hygiene, washing of hands with soap at least 20 minutes intervals, the proper use of hand sanitisers and also the basic signs and symptoms of the virus,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Mr Ike Emmanuel, another resource person, said the exercise was successful as the communities came out in their large and lauded the churches in Abam communities for their support.
No fewer than 12 communities of Ozu Abam, Ameke Abam , Idima Abam , Ndi Oji Abam, Amuru Abam, Ndi Agwu Abam , Ndi Ebe Abam, Atan Abam, Ndi Okwara Abam , Ndi Okereke Abam, and Ndi Okorie Abam were visited by the NGO.(NAN)
Credit: NAN