The Borno Government has began the distribution of food items and relief materials to the displaced persons and vulnerable, as palliative to mitigate the effect of the lockdown occasioned by Coronarvirus pandemic.
Our correspondent reports that so far the state government had distributed various food items and cash to 11, 000 displaced households.
On its part, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) has donated N28.5 million to the state Committee on COVID-19.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) also provided disinfectants for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps.
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While the Victim Support Fund (VSF) Task force on COVID-19 also embarked on distribution exercise of food items and medical consumables to the IDPs and vulnerable communities.
The VSF Task Force headed by Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunbiyi, said the support would be extended to institutions and agencies supporting the national effort to fight the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Gov. Babagana Zulum, said the gesture was to ease their hardship being experienced by the people due to the lockdown.
Zulum, who spoke while supervising the food distributing exercise to 11, 000 IDPs in Magumeri Local Government Area of the state, added that the gesture was to identify with the vulnerable at this critical time and urged them to maintain personal hygiene, social distancing and avoid unnecessary gatherings to curb spread of the pandemic.
He warned on the dangers of the disease and appealed to the people to take responsibility in the fight against the virus.
“We are all aware of the enormous challenges Borno is already faced with. As responsible government we are doing everything possible to contain this virus from spreading into our state.
“However, this can only be achieved with your cooperation” Zulum said.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with our correspondent commended the gesture, adding it would go a long way to improve their social and economic well being.
Abubakar Ibrahim said there was no discrimination or politicisation in the distribution of palliative by government and developemnt organisations.
“For many years; the government and other organisations have been supporting IDPs and members of host communities identified as the most vulnerable, therefore, we have no problem with the sustain support to the people in the face of the pandemic.
“The lockdown in Borno did not affect commercial activities; people are moving around except for the limits on the number of people in banks, vehicles and other business premises, as well as the sustain campaign on the need to ensure hygiene and self distancing.’’
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