One of the foremost Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Nigeria, the Peace Corps of Nigeria has commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for what it described as the governor’s doggedness and proactive measures in fighting the spread of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking with newsmen in his office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Patriot Michael Obiora said the governor has been on his toes since the outbreak of the global disease to ensure that Rivers people and residents remain safe, adding that Gov Wike deserves every encouragement and support in the health fight.
The commandant also commended the governor for deeming it fit to consider Rivers people and residents for a palliatives to cushion the effect of the total lockdown on them as a result of COVID-19 fight.
According to him, “though the lockdown is affecting the economy seriously, the action of the government is for the general interest of the people. It is important we endure the pain and hunger and be alive” he stated.
On the effort of the Peace Corps, Dr. Obiora said his men are everywhere in the State complementing the effort of the state government especially in the area of monitoring of the lockdown compliance at the checkpoints and at the state borders.
The commandant explained that Peace Corps at a point in time was involved in the sensitization of the public especially from Eliozu Community, their base to Rumuokoro Junction, all in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State.
“Apart from the sensitization, we have also been involved in the procurement and distribution of hand sanitizers and facemasks to the public”.
Patriot Obiora however lamented that despite their concerted effort in complementing the Rivers State government, they are yet to be recognized or encouraged by the authorities.
“We have made several efforts to pay curtesy visits to the governor as well as the mayor of Port Harcourt, all to no avail but we are not relenting.”
He disclosed further that the presence of the organization is in all the 36 states of the federation and 774 local government areas of the country and so cannot be ignored.
Dr. Obiora used the opportunity to inform the public that contrary to what some critics would say, the coronavirus is real and has been killing people in their numbers all over the world, adding that it is important that people obey and observe all the government directives and precautionary measures to stay alive.
It would be recalled that PCN came into existence 22 years ago, as a uniformed youth organization that is committed to promoting national creativity, peace and youth development in Nigeria. It is registered and recognized by the federal republic of Nigeria.
