Two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the State,
have received commendation from Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for what he described as their efforts at contributing to Government’s fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
The duo, Babatunde Dolapo Dayo and Sebe Godspower Oghenemaroh, fabricated and donated hands-free washing machines for sanitising and washing hands as support to the State in her fight against COVID -19.
The Governor who pledged the sum of N500,000 as cash gift to the Youth Corps members also directed the Secretary to State Government (SSG) to make purchase of the machines in large quantity, which according to him, would be placed at strategic places for public use.
Governor Ikpeazu, who was represented at the presentation of the machines, by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, applauded the ingenuity and hard work of the Youth Corps members and urged them to mass produce the machines to enable Government procure and deploy them to schools and Government offices in the state.
According to him, “while the global community is reeling from the negative socio-economic impacts of the novel COVID-19 pandemic, I see opportunities for those who are willing to think outside the box to solve problems. Our people in Abia have long taken advantage of the outbreak of the disease to produce high quality personal protective equipment (PPE), and as Youth Corps members serving in our state, you have keyed into the message and philosophy of our hard working people.”
The machines which were fabricated with locally sourced materials ensure a healthier way of washing one’s hands as they are operated with the feet without having to touch the sanitizer, the liquid soap or even the tap for running water.
Presenting the automated hand-washing machines and face masks, the State NYSC Coordinator, Boma Fasakin appreciated the State Governor for opportunity given to the Corps members in the State to perform.
Fasakin said they had earlier presented hand-sanitizers which they produced to the State goverment before these ones and called for encouragement for the Corps members to do more.