People without disabilities in society have been called upon to always protect the vulnerable ones in these COVID-19 induced hard times.
A Socio-Rights group, Progressives for Greatness, raised the advocacy during its outreach programme at St. Vincent De Paul Old People’s Home, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on Monday.
The President of the Group, Chief Okechukwu Mgbada, who initiated the programme as part of activities marking his birthday, urged government and public spirited individuals to prioritise the protection of the vulnerable members of the society against the deadly Coronavirus.
The group, led by Mgbada, a Member of the Ebonyi State Secondary Education Board, presented palliatives, including cash and food items, to the inmates during the outreach.
Mgbada observed that those without disabilities can at least solve the problems of the hard times by engaging in their normal activities with the gradual easing-off of the lockdown, but the vulnerable ones cannot.
He advised inmates of the home to observe all COVID-19 protocols as outlined by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in order to stay safe as the pandemic ravages.
Mgbada explained: “I decided to present these palliatives because the vulnerable members of the society are the worst hit as regards the effects of this pandemic.
“The various tiers of government and private individuals and organisations should come to the aid of these vulnerable people as their conditions might be due to natural or accidental reasons.
“You should always wash your hands with soap and running water, frequently; use hand sanitisers; always wear face masks; and observe social distancing.
“Avoid handshakes and adapt to new ways of greetings among others.”
The president said the group has been in the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and has supported the government and non-governmental organisations in the fight against the deadly pandemic.
According to Mgbada, the group has carried out enlightenment for the citizens on ways and the need to observe all NCDC protocols while reporting to the relevant government agencies when they are sick and also donated palliatives to various segments of the society
Meanwhile, one of the group’s Leaders and a Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Security and Utility, Chika Nwangele, has expressed the group’s empathy on the victims of the pandemic, while praying for their quick recovery.
While specifically praying for Umahi’s prompt recovery from the Coronavirus Disease, Nwangele noted the that the Governor has shown unequaled desire to rid the state of the disease.
He said: “We especially pray for the quick recovery of Governor David Umahi from the disease to continue his frontline battle against the pandemic.
“The governor has shown unequaled desire to rid the state of the disease and we are confident that he and other victims of the disease will pull through to continue their services to humanity.”
The Coordinator of the old peoples’ home, John Lekpa, thanked the group for remembering them during the COVID protocols and pledged to continue praying for the attainment of their objectives.
The outreach was followed by a reception held in honour of the group’s President at his home country in Okposi Umuoghara, Ezza North Local Government Area of the State.
The event was graced by a large turnout of guests with full observance of all COVID-19 protocols.
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