By Emma Uzoaru
The Chairman of Emetumba Solidarity Foundation, Chief (Engr.) Paul Aballa has kicked off the distribution of food palliatives in the various communities in Ideato North and South council areas of Imo State to cushion the effects of the lockdown induced by covid-19.
The distribution of the palliatives which include hundreds of bags of rice, thousands of cartons of noodles and hand sanitizers began on Saturday in Akwu-Akokwa Autonomous Community.
Emetumba Solidarity Foundation a flagship poverty alleviation, youth empowerment and infrastructural development platform founded in 2019 to touch lives and address the social maladies rampant in society.
Chief Aballa, who led some senior functionaries of the Foundation to deliver the relief packages, expressed regrets over the hardship which the dreaded coronavirus has inflicted on people, especially the downtrodden.
Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler of Akwu, HRH Eze Charles Ejezie (Omeokachie), Chief Aballa said the distribution of palliatives is in line with the vision of his foundation, which is to touch lives and empower people.
“The outbreak of this virus has provided an opportunity for us to realize our common humanity. We must reach out to the needy. We must restore good lives to our people. Elsewhere, governments might be doing better do help their people but since we cannot get same here, we must never allow our people to starve.
“It is my belief that together we will defeat coronavirus very soon. We will carry everyone along in this fight. My Foundation has taken it upon itself to move round and create awareness about the preventive measures to this virus. We have also ensured that food items are made available to the most economically vulnerable groups among us. We shall continue with this drive until coronavirus is stamped out completely,” he assured.
In his response, Eze Ejezie thanked Chief Aballa for remembering the people at the most critical time, and described him as the pride of Ideato Nation. He said the palliatives will help to assuage the plight of the people, and prayed God to bless Chief Aballa and the Emetumba Solidarity Foundation.