Ndi-Igbo Forum Donates 200,000 Face-Masks

The success of Nigeria’s battle to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic depends on individuals and collective compliance with government protocol and guidelines on physical distancing and non-pharmaceutical interventions, according to the Chairman Igbo Stakeholders Forum, Lagos, Prince Nixon Okwara.

He described face-mask as one of the major means of controlling the spread of the virus, which informed why the Forum chose to donate free 200,000 facemasks to representatives of about 19 Igbo socio-cultural groups in 10 local government councils in Lagos state.

Prince Okwara, who spoke at the donation of facemasks to representatives of Igbo groups and organisations last Saturday at Festac Town, Lagos urged the recipients to share the facemasks with their members and make judicious use of them.

“In fact, we feel strongly that if we can reach the grassroots via these different organisations and bodies, the mitigation of COVID 19 will be effective. Facemask is one of the major means of controlling the spread of the virus. The only way we can get out of this pandemic is by individual and collective efforts of complying with the protocols.

“We are a grassroots organisation that loves his people. We are holding this gathering to educate and sensitise the people on the need to comply with government directives on how to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it is to share 200,000 facemasks to the people who are here represented by leaders of different Igbo socio-cultural organisations across local government areas of Lagos state. The messages, as well as palliatives, will be delivered to members of their groups,” he said.

He disclosed that earlier in April at Oshodi-Isolo local council, the Forum donated hand sanitisers to various Igbo groups as part of efforts to alleviate the challenges of COVID-19.

He stated that beyond donating facemasks, the Forum also sensitised recipients on the reality of COVID-19 and how to prevent the spread by maintaining good hygiene and social distancing. This, he said, is part of the objectives of the Forum, which is dedicated to the wellbeing of all Igbos in Lagos state.

“The main objective of the Forum is to have an egalitarian Lagos where there is equity and justice that will provide every resident especially the Igbos a peaceful coexistence with other tribes. Lagos is trying in this regard, so we want to enhance and build on this success story. We are working hard to sensitising our people on political matters so that we are in line with our host communities and state. This is to prevent us from speaking in different tones as a state,” he added.

He, however, noted that though the Forum is non-partisan, but is concern about the welfare of Igbos irrespective of party; and to harmonise the different Igbo interests in Lagos State and Nigeria. He stressed that political education and sensitization are needed to influence the people positively.

Among those who represented different groups at the event were High Chief Kelvin Nwaoha, Hon. Hope Anosike, Hon. Obinna Ukwu, Hon. Grace Okere, Pastor Okey Anorue, Hon. Kanayo Osondu, Chief Mrs Eucharia Nwagu, Chief Uche Mmiri, Chief Kenneth Nnolum and Moses Onwughalu.