In a bid to cushion the effect of the lockdown ordered by the state and federal governments to contain the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel has inaugurated a 30-member Nyemoni COVID-19 Relief Management and Administration Committee.
Members of the committee, who are drawn from a large pool of notable individuals and institutions in Abonnema, are expected to raise awareness on the virus, and raise funds for food items, drugs, preventive kits, amongst others.
The committee, which is headed by a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Nimi Briggs, is also expected to approve all disbursements of funds, operate the designated bank accounts, identify secured holding areas for relief materials and control or direct the distribution of the relief materials.
Inaugurating the committee in Port Harcourt, the Amanyanabo , disclosed that a website has been created to provide reliable information on the COVID-19 pandemic in English and Kalabari languages.
While announcing a dedicated bank account for the programme, the first class traditional ruler appealed for kind donations from sons, daughters and friends of Abonnema to enable them cater for their people, especially the aged, helpless and vulnerable at this most difficult time.
He lamented that the lockdown and closure of regular markets, had resulted to loss of jobs and income for his people, “who regularly eke out a living on a day-to-day basis”.
According to the monarch, “After due consultations, we are therefore putting together a community-based committee to raise awareness of this deadly virus, raise funds and food items including safety materials, for the benefit of our people, including persons living and working such as health officials”, he said.
The royal father used the occasion to commend the Rivers State Government on the steps it is taking to curb the spread of the virus in the state and the provision of food items to reduce the sufferings of Rivers people under the leadership of Amb Desmond Akawor led State COVID-19 Palliative Committee.
The monarch equally lauded the relentless efforts of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo and Chairman of Akuku-Toru LGA, Hon Rowland Sekibo, at supporting the Abonnema Council of Chiefs and the good people of Abonnema throughout the lockdown period.