Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has started with the distribution of palliative materials and Public Enlightment Campaign to contain the spread of Coronavirus Disease, covid-19, across the Niger Delta Region.
Acting Managing Director of commission, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, who spoke during the opening ceremony at the NDDC Warehouse, in Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt, deplored that the poor state of health facilities in the country, was a core problem in combating Covid-19, especially, in most states of the Niger Delta region.
He also expressed that the lockdown order by both the federal and state governments imposed on the people as one of the the measures to contain the spread of the this virus has drastically affected the economic wellbeing of the people of the region; adding that the Commission was always willing to assist the government and people of the states in the Niger Delta region with quality health care delivery.
According to him,
“No doubt, the disease has also taken its toll on the the socio-economic well-being of citizens, especially as most small and medium scale businesses have been affected with the lockdown imposed in the states.
“The Commission looks forward to strengthening relationship with the states in the region in the area of health care for the good and well-being of the residents.
“The good relationship between the governments of states in the region offers opportunity for synergy in efforts geared towards providing lasting solution to the socio-economic challenges of the people in the region.”
Pondei hinted that the NDDC had to complement the efforts of the nine states covered by its mandate in response to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, explaining that the funds given to the states were used to procure medical equipment.
“All the nine NDDC states were supported with funds. In addition funds were also given to women and youth groups as palliatives.
“Also provided were support needs for the physically challenged, such as wheel chairs and crutches. The funds also cover sensitization and public enlightenment campaign as an important measure to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the Niger Delta region”, he stated.
Responding, NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Cairo Ojougbo, said that covid-19 was the most important issue in the world today, noting that the Commission had come up with programmes to curb the spread of the virus.
In their various views, Chairman of the NDDC Palliative Committee, Mr. Soboma Jackrich, Secretary-General of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Minerals producing Communities in the Niger Delta, TROMPCON, Chief Frank Okurakpor, Amamgada X11 of Rebisi, Eze W. Akarolo, and Niger Delta Youth leader, Mr Jonathan Lokpobiri, described the ceremony as a commendable one and historic event
