BY ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
As part of measures to cushion the effects of lockdown occasioned by the bizarre Covid-19, political leaders in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, has distributed food items to residents in the local government.
The items donated by the political leaders includes; bags of Rice, jumbo bags of Beans and Garri, Tubers of Yams, Cartons of Noodles, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Cartons of Geishas, as well as Sardines and Ice-fish, among others.
The Council Chairman, Hon. (Barr) Perez Omoun, while addressing residents of the various wards and Communities representatives, said, political leaders in Patani local government in their concerted effort came together to support the State Government palliatives distributed to the people towards the upliftment of humanity and assisting the needy especially during the present lockdown which was designed to break the chain of spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Hon. Omoun; “With the distribution of food items, political leaders from this local government has demostrated a huge sense of belonging by adding smiles and bringing relief to the faces of people in Patani Local Government Area.”
The Council Chairman disclosed that the State Government distributed 40 bags of 50kg of rice, 35 cartons of noodles and 8 cartons of spaghetti to each of the 270 Wards in the State. He added that, some sons and daughters of Patani including Senator James Manager contributed the sum of N4 million to support the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s palliatives for the people of Patani Local Government Area.
He noted that, the idea of supporting the State government palliatives for the people of Patani despite individuals earlier gestures in various Wards and political family, was initiated by Senator James Manager who started with a donation of N2 million.
While thanking Governor Okowa for the palliatives and the good things he has done for Patani Local Government Area, Hon. Omoun commended all those who donated money towards the achievements of supporting the palliatives for the Patani people.
In his remark, the State Commissioner for Energy, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana noted that the gesture was also geared towards promoting the state government’s effort in encouraging people to stay at home and be safe during the lockdown.
Hon. Ganagana stressed that, due to the rapidly increasing number of cases of the Coronavirus in the country, there is urgent need for all to work hand-in-hand in order to stem the spread of the global pandemic.
He also enjoined Nigerians to follow the stipulated health guidelines by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
While commending the proactive steps taken by the Governor of Delta State State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, to safeguard the lives of Deltans from the ravaging pandemic, the former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly said that it was necessary for all well-meaning people to complement the committed leadership and humanitarian gesture by reaching out to the needy.
Also speaking, the member representing Patani Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Sinebe said, Deltans should appreciate the passion with which Governor Okowa is tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
While urging Patani residents to believe in the state government and obey its directives because it has the interest and safety of Deltans at heart, Hon. Sinebe noted that, the stories from different countries that have experienced Covid-19 have shown that, adhearing to directives in order to contain the virus is something that should not be played with.
Accoding to him; “I am happy with the level of compliance in Patani. The people are playing safe and we need to encourage them by giving them what will make them more comfortable while staying at home.”
Each of the 10 political wards in the Council area got 40 bags of rice, 20 jumbo bags of beans, 10 jumbo bags of garri, 50 tubers of yams, 35 cartons of noodles, 20 cartons of macaroni, 8 cartons of spaghetti, 8 cartons of ice fish, cartons of geishas and sardines among other items.