Diaspora association of Rivers community donates palliatives worth N7 million

Tina Amanda

Indigenes of the Bille Kingdom in Diaspora under the auspices of Bille kingdom Development Foundation have donated COVID-19 detection kits, prevention medical equipment, primary treatment drugs and foodstuffs to the people of Bille in Degema local government area of the state.

Coordinator of indigenes of Bille kingdom in Diaspora, Elder Boma Benebo, who stated this while fielding questions from our reporter, Tina Stephen, said the palliatives which have been handed over to the Resident Doctor Bille, Primary Health Care Center, Dr. Felix Fubara Gabriel, the Chairman Bille Chiefs Council, Chief Bennett, is to help the people of Bille communities in the fight against COVID-19 spread.

Elder Benebo said that carrying out sensitization and palliative measures on Coronavirus disease to the grassroots will help create more awareness to those who do not have access to the urban areas.

“Indigenes of Bille in Diaspora have been able to raise palliatives to our people, the items worth over seven (7) million naira includes infra thermometers, hand sanitizers, face masks, hand gloves, plastic buckets for hand wash, basic drugs to address symptoms and foodstuffs. The items have been deployed to serve Bille communities, the health workers. Student Union has swung into action on sensitizing the people”

He however urged Indigenes of Rivers State in Diaspora to do same and support their communities, as the state government cannot fight COVID 19 pandemic alone.

“We call on indigenes of Rivers State in Diaspora to rise up to the challenge because the state government cannot reach the grassroots effectively given the number of people in the state”

He further appealed to the state government to remember people who are living in the Creeks by providing some palliative measures to them and medical attention.

“The emergency hospitals are usually in Port Harcourt, those in the Creeks should be anxiously remembered by making sure there is a standby ambulance or air ambulance to pick up people in case of any COVID 19 case. So, the government should give special attention of sending relief material to those living in the Creeks”