*As Abia North tops list of donors
From Steve Oko, Umuahia
Isuochi-born philanthropist, Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe, has donated 2000 cartons of indomie noodles, a cheque of N5 million , and cartons of hand sanitizers plus testing equipment to Abia State Government to complement government’s efforts in combating covid -19 disease.
This is as eminent personalities from Abia North senatorial district have continued to top the list of donors towards the fight against the global pandemic.
Handing over the items to the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Mr. Chris Ezem, Wednesday at the Government House Umuahia, Igwe said this gesture was borne out of his desire to stop the dreaded disease from spreading to Abia, and increase the combat readiness of the state in the eventuality of its outbreak in the state.
He noted that the disease had adversely affected the world, “leaving government begging for help and hopping for miracles”, hence his resolve to support the ongoing efforts of the State government in fighting the scourge.
He commended Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu who he said had shown great leadership by treating the pandemic “as a front burner issue.”
Prince Igwe who was represented by his younger brother and member representing Umunneochi state constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okey Igwe , also pledged to provide other vital equipment including testing kits needed to set up isolation centre in Abia North.
He further promised to collaborate with local government authorities in the zone to sensitise and educate the people on how to avoid the disease as well as its management.
The industrialist also disclosed that he had directed that a department in his industry at the oil -rich Ukwa should go into mass production of hand sanitizers and face masks to make them affordable for the common man.
“We are prepared to commit our manpower and resources to educate Abians on how to avoid and manage this pandemic “, he declared.
Responding, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Chris Ezem commended Igwe for complementing government’s efforts in mitigating the harmful effects of the total lockdown aimed at containing the spread of the disease.
The SSG who said that the world was on trial hinted that Abia State would keep a record of all those that supported its efforts to keep the pandemic out of the state..
He noted with joy that Abia had not yet recorded any incident of the disease but said government was leaving nothing to chances, hence the various efforts of government to combat the pandemic.
The SSG appealed to residents to be patient over the temporary pains of the lockdown and promised that government would review the action after one week based on the prevailing situation .
Recall that Dr. Alex Otti, Professor Greg Ibe, and Minister for States for Steel and Solid Minerals, Uche Ogah who have made huge donations to the state worth millions of naira are all from Abia North.
