From John Silas, Anthony Nwachukwu and Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
The Lagos State Government, partnering Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, has reached out to Ndigbo resident in the state with palliatives to cushion the effects of the coronavirus-induced economic lockdown.
The items distributed on Sunday included 740x25kg bags of Ijebu garri, 284x50kg bags of rice, as well as cartons of pastas (noddles and spaghetti).
On hand to receive the items were heads of the different Igbo socio-political organisations in Lagos, on behalf of their groups.
Speaking on the gesture, the representative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gbenga Oyerinde, commended Ubah for the initiative, stating that he reached out to partner the state out of his humanitarian nature.
According to Oyerinde, who is the Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Central Business District (CBD), Ubah reached out to the governor on behalf of Igbo people who he has at heart.
He explained that the distribution of of the palliatives was being improved upon, unlike at the commencement of the lockdown, when it was not so smooth.
Consequently, “the team had to go back to the drawing board,” which saw the distribution going to registered residents, those from 60 years and above, and the use of volunteers to reach all corners of the state.
” Aside these, heads of corporate and non-corporate groups were also given their shares for onward distribution to their constituencies, including the Arewa communities and craftsmen.
“There is also the food kitchen, through which we give out food to the youth to ensure that they are not hungry during this lockdown.”
On his part, Ubah, who represents Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, explained that the palliative was a collective effort with the Lagos Government to help the entire Igbo in Lagos.
Ubah said he made it a point of duty to be physically present, adding: “What we are doing is sharing these items to the different groups from the South-East through their representatives here.”
He rejected the notion that the other National Assembly members from the region were not helping out Igbo people during this crisis, stating that they were also doing their own.
“Every representative of the people knows that after being elected, there will be another time to return to your constituents for re-election,” he said.
“This is the time for the constituents, and I have nothing to tell my fellow representatives because each person is doing his or her best.”
