The Progressives for Greatness, a socio-rights group, based in Abakaliki, has advocated for the protection of the vulnerable members of the society against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
The President of the group, Chief Okechukwu Mgbada, made the call on Monday while donating palliatives to the Vincent De Paul Old People’s Home, Abakaliki, as part of activities to mark his birthday.
Mgbada, a member of the Ebonyi Secondary Education Board, while presenting cash and foodstuffs to the inmates, urged ‘able-bodied’ members of the society to protect the vulnerable ones, especially in these ‘sordid’ times.
“I decided to present these palliatives because the vulnerable members of the society are the worst hit as regards the effects of this pandemic.
“The able-bodied members of the society can, at least, cushion the effects of the pandemic by engaging in their normal activities with the easing of the lockdown, but the vulnerable ones cannot.
“The various tiers of government, private individuals and organisations should come to the aid of these vulnerable people as their conditions might be due to natural or accidental reasons,” he said.
The group’s president advised inmates of the home to observe all COVID-19 protocols as outlined by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in order to stay safe as the pandemic ravages.
“The Bible tells us that heaven helps those who help themselves and you should observe this injunction by making efforts to stay safe.
“You should always wash your hands with soap and running water, frequently use hand sanitizers, always wear facemasks, observe social distancing, avoid handshakes and adapt to new ways of greetings, among others,” he said.
He noted that the group was at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and had supported both government and non-governmental organizations in the fight against the pandemic.
“We have carried out enlightenment of the citizens on the ways and the need to observe all NCDC protocols while reporting to relevant governmental agencies when they feel ‘unwell’.
“We have also donated palliatives to various segments of the society to alleviate their economic burden, occasioned by the pandemic,” he said.
Mr. Chika Nwangele, one of the leaders in the group, noted that the group was sympathetic to victims of the pandemic and was praying for their quick recovery.
“We, especially, pray for the quick recovery of Gov. David Umahi from the disease to continue his frontline battle against the pandemic.
“The governor has shown unequaled desire to rid the state of the disease and we are confident that he and other victims of the disease will ‘pull through’ and continue their services to humanity,” he said.
Mr. John Lekpa, the Coordinator of the old peoples’ home, thanked the group for remembering them in these ‘hard times’, pledging to continue to pray for its success.
“You have always identified with us and we pray that the celebrator will celebrate more fruitful years to the glory of God and service to humanity,” he said.
