By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A social club, Epe Club 70’s, on Thursday distributed relief materials to the vulnerable people in Epe community.
The goodwill was to compliment government’s efforts in the provision of palliatives to the poorest Nigerians to cushion the effects of stay-at-home directive to curtail the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic ravaging the globe.
The distribution of the items to the residents of the community was directly made by the executive of the Club.
During the distribution of the items, Epe Club 70’s President, Ibrahim Sanuth, said that the Club was able to identify with various individuals within the division who could benefit from the packages, explaining that the gesture would relieve them of the economic pangs during the ‘Stay-at-Home’ period.
He insisted that the support was also to ensure that people were not too burdened by the closure of businesses and trade activities, which might have been their source of daily income during the CONVID-19.
According to Sanuth: “The untold effects of this lockdown is obvious. It affects the economy. Here in Epe, it has also affected our living standards as fishing which remains the main occupation has been halted. Not just in Epe alone but the state as well as the nation in general.
“Even the foodstuffs stocked in the house by some individuals have been exhausted. It is against this backdrop that the club decided in its little way to assist the needy and the poor so as to relieve them of the economic pangs during this ‘Stay-at-Home’ period.”
Sanuth further said that the interest of the people had always been the foremost concern of the club.
“In the recent past, donations were made to the Epe General Hospital and various empowerment programmes were being embarked upon,” he added.
Sanuth advised the people of Epe not to be in a hurry to go out, rather, should exercise patience and abide by the directive of the state government.
“I pray it will be over soon by the special grace of Allah,” he prayed.
Also, the Vice President of Epe Club 70’s, Hassan Adelaja, emphasized that the packages were mainly for the vulnerables.
He said that contacts of those to benefit from the packages had been collated and it would be distributed door-to-door in line with the social distancing policy of the government.
He commended the Lagos State government for successfully concluding the first phase of stimulus packages and looks forward to the second phase, stressing that it would allow many people to be reached during the period.
“I emplore everyone to stay home and stay safe. Well-meaning individuals in the society should also be supportive in this regards,” he advised.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Olabisi Kawojue, commended the efforts of the Lagos State gGovernment for doing all they could to curtail the spread of the deadly virus. She also thanked the club members for their benevolent acts.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Edu Mabayemije, expressed gratitude for being remembered by the Club.
She prayed for God’s protection and blessings on all.
Some of the items distributed are rice, beans, garri, tomato paste among other items.
