Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has directed the Secretary to State Government (SSG) and Chairman to expand the committee on palliatives to include selected members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Traditional Rulers, Civil Society Organisations and Presidents General of Development Associations.
In a press briefing, the Governor also announced that the palliative sub-committee would embark on the distribution of further food and protective items from community to community, starting from next week including reaching out to Associations of Ndi Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom.
Ikpeazu informed that provision would also be made to accommodate artisans such as vehicle mechanics and others like Keke operators and commercial bus drivers during the next phase of distribution of palliatives.
“I have been informed that the Federal Government is in the process of delivering 1800 bags of rice to the state. We shall examine the wholesomeness of these supplies and brief Ndi Abia on the pattern of distribution if eventually certified good for human consumption.
“While we salute and encourage the efforts of the Federal Government in leading the charge against COVID-19, we are proud to say that we are not in need of any imported face masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Abia State. Our brothers and sisters at home can and have produced our face masks/PPEs. The use of face masks in Abia state remains compulsory and offenders will be prosecuted,” said the Governor.
He commended the efforts of the State’s medics and all the frontline officers who he said are the heroes of our time.
He reiterated his call on every Abian to stay at home for now as the COVID-19 is serious, insisting that the lockdown regulation in the state during the day, border closure and other associated measures remain in force in addition to the curfew.
Recall that Governor Ikpeazu had declared a 6pm – 6am curfew in Abia State from Sunday, 26th April, 2020, for 7 days to allow for thorough contact tracing, with special emphasis on the three Local Government Areas of Ukwa West, Ikwuano and Umuahia North.
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