By Ademola Orubon
No fewer than 500 vulnerable households benefited from the food items distributed by the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC) of Rotary International, Abeokuta, Ogun state, to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown in some parts of Abeokuta and its environs.
The Past Assistant Governor of the Club, Rotarian (Dr). Adelakun Hassan said that the distribution of the food items to the vulnerable persons was to complement the palliatives being done by government and other philanthropists during the lockdown.
“The activity is aimed at cushioning the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown on indigent families, widows, widowers and communities as well as creating awareness for vulnerable families and communities.
“The relief package is targeted at indigent families, widows, widowers and aged people as well as households with little or no income. These beneficiaries are selected by the community heads and members of the club”, he said
He equally charged all the beneficiaries on the need for them to take to all precautionary measures highlighted by public health specialists, which included regular washing of hands with soap and running water, use of alcoholic based hand sanitizer and maintaining of social distancing to curb the spread of the virus.
He added that five President of the Rotary Club in Abeokuta were involved in the distribution of food items, which including; Presidents Rotary Club Abeokuta, Rotary Club Abeokuta Metro, Rotary Club of Oke-Ana Egba, Rotary Club of Elega and Rotary Club of Obantoko.
According to him, “Rotary will not rest on its oars to give meaningful assistance to the needy and indigent people in the communities, and also continue to make itself available for communal efforts towards making the society more habitable for the people.”
Also, President of the club, Rotarian (Dr). Abiodun Amusan who said that the distribution of the foodstuffs was in line with Polio Eradication programme of the club, noting that the relief materials were given to the needy to support the fight against the spread of coronavirus.
He added that the club was focused on the provision of humanitarian services to the people irrespective of religion, race, education and ethnic background.
“Rotary is a philanthropic organization, and during this lockdown, we deem it fit to give succour to our people, especially the needy and the indigent. What we are doing today is on the account of End Polio Programme of the Rotary Club”, he said
The food items distributed by the Club including; beans, beverages, noodles, sugars, salt, rice and garri.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Monsurat Adeleke, who received the items, thanked the organisation for the kind gesture on behalf of other beneficiaries, saying that it was not easy to be at home for days without foodstuffs.
She said that the gesture would go a long way in cushioning the effects of Covid-19 pandemic and bring succour to the beneficiaries, especially during this lockdown and Ramadan period.