The Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary School (ANCOPSS), Edo State Chapter, have donated hand sanitisers and other food items to complement the state government’s efforts at containing coronavirus and mitigate economic effect of the pandemic.

Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, in a chat with journalists in Benin City, said the institution supports actions taken by the state government in combating COVID-19, noting that it would take the collective effort of everyone in the state to flatten the curve of the pandemic in the state.

According to him, “There is no denying that we need to come together to defeat COVID-19. It takes the contribution of Edo people within and outside the state to ensure that we rid the virus out of the state.”

“A total of 120 pieces of 40ml were donated to the state government as contribution to the fight against coronavirus. 30 pieces of the sanitisers were donated to the office of the Special Adviser on Media for distribution when pressmen and other media aides go on sensitisation campaigns. The other 90 pieces were donated to the state government for distribution to health workers and others in need of hand sanitisers this period,” he said.

Meanwhile, ANCOPSS President, Obokhai Moses Ekundayo, said the body is aware of the many steps taken by the state government to curtail the spread of the virus, noting that the donation is to complement the efforts of the Governor Godwin-led administration.

He said, “We are aware that the state government has done a lot in providing palliatives for the vulnerable and needy in the State. As a body, we feel this is the right time to collaborate and support the government with these relief materials.”

“The items include four bags of garri, two bags of rice, two bags of beans, 100 tubers of yam and one bag of salt. This is the little we have to support the government; we hope it will go a long way to cushion the economic effect of the pandemic.”

Receiving the items, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq., thanked the groups for their donations, assuring them that the items will get to those who really need them.

“Thank you for the donation at these trying and challenging times. There are some of us that are well off, this is the time for us to join hands with the government through donations. Let us help in strengthening government’s efforts to win the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.”