The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said it had concluded plans to embark on the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable groups in nine Niger Delta states.
A statement on Thursday, by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, said that the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, disclosed this at the inauguration of a palliative committee in Port Harcourt.
According to Pondei, the distribution of palliatives is aimed at reducing the suffering of residents due to the containment measures put in place by the government to halt the spread of COVID-19.
“So, we decided to come up with this palliative measure to reach out to Niger Deltans, especially the vulnerable ones in the region.
“We recognise the fact that the lockdown will make life difficult for people in the rural areas and communities,” the acting MD was quoted as saying.
The acting managing director was also quoted as saying that the committee would be chaired by Soboma Jackrich, while Victor Antai would serve as secretary with all the state directors of the commission serving as members.
“NDDC needs a good strategy to be able to reach the poor and vulnerable.
“The committee will need to work with traditional rulers and religious leaders to be effective,” he said.
The commission said that the Chairman of the committee, Soboma Jackrich assured the the people at the grassroots of equitable distribution of the palliatives.
The commission listed food items to be distributed as bags of garri, rice, and beans, as well as palm oil, indomie noodles, and biscuits.
Others are hand sanitisers, wheel chairs, crutches, and inhalers, among others.
