The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Abeokuta Field Office, on Sunday distributed food items to religious stakeholders and journalists in Ogun, as part of efforts to cushion the effects of lockdown.
The Operations Controller, Mrs Muinat Bello-Zagi, represented by Head, Downstream, DPR Abeokuta, Rotimi Fadeyi, handed over the food items to the leadership of mosques, churches and media houses for onward distribution in Abeokuta
Bello-Zagi said that the gesture was meant to assist journalists who were at frontline of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic and the vulnerable groups in the state.
She, however, urged stakeholders to create an organic food garden in their houses to avert impending hunger.
Bello-Zagi advised residents to adhere strictly to all measures in containing the spread of the virus by staying at home, observe physical distancing, use of face masks and proper hand washing.
“We would also like to urge our stakeholders and people in general to look inwards by having organic food garden in their houses or in their vicinity to ensure abundance of food.
“We have started this in our office here in Abeokuta and we want people to imbibe this culture.
“This is to avert impending hunger that may occur in the country after the coronavirus pandemic,” she said.
In her remark, Mrs Funmi Wakama, the General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abeokuta, applauded DPR for giving palliatives to journalists, who, were often forgotten by the public.
“We are at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 but people tend to forget us.
‘“We educate people on prevention. Honestly, people forget us, thinking we are doing our jobs.
“So, we thank DPR for coming to our aid.“We are going to distribute these food items to our staff who have been at the frontline reporting COVID-19 and educating the public,” she said.
Responding, the Deputy Imam at Okebode Mosque, Abeokuta, Abdulhakeem Alabi and Pastor Babakemi Victor, said the DPR donation of food items was unexpected.
They, however, said that it would go a long way in helping their members and promised to share and use it judiciously.
