Coronavirus: NLNG, MAN Laud Wike

The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for taking proactive steps to protect Rivers people from coronavirus.

In a Government House press statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to Governor Nyesom Wike said the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers and Bayelsa State Chapter also praised Governor Wike for setting up measures to check the spread of coronavirus in the State.

They spoke in Port Harcourt on Friday while presenting palliatives for Rivers people to the Rivers State Government.

General Manager Corporate Services, NLNG, Sir. Joseph Alagoa said that the Rivers State Government has done well in the fight against coronavirus.

He said: “Permit me on behalf of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to commend the Rivers State Governor on the proactive steps he has taken in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We also commend him for ensuring that the people of Rivers State are protected from its spread.

“While we applaud your efforts, we also recognise that the State Government cannot go it alone. It is also important for the private sector and individuals to provide support. ”

The NLNG made donations to the Rivers State Government to assist it in the fight to check coronavirus.

“We will be donating two pickup vans, five Ventilators, 30 monitors and 17,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

In addition, we will be donating equipment and materials worth $1million USD to upgrade specific facilities at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

“In addition to that, we will be refurbishing and setting up a 10-bed Isolation and holding Centre at the Bonny Zonal Hospital and this will cost $1.05millionUSD.

“This Centre will be equipped with all the necessary medical equipment to make that it is fully functional in the event that COVID-19 becomes present in the Bonny area.

“We will be donating food items valued at over $250,000USD to our host communities as palliatives. We are doing this to guarantee the safety of lives and property. In total, what we have donated is about $2.8millionUSD,” he said.

Alagoa called on all stakeholders to work together at this crucial time.

He said: “This is to show our stand and determination to work with the Government of Rivers State and also the people of Rivers State at this time that all hands need to be on deck to work together to tackle this challenge.

“These are trying times and we all need to stay together, standing together and most importantly supporting each other at this trying time.”

The Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers and Bayelsa State, Senator Adawari Pepple lauded Governor Wike for taking the right steps for the state.

He said: “So far, all the steps that have been taken by the Rivers State Government have been very positive. We are glad to note that we haven’t recorded more incidents than what we have.

“Even those who were declared positive have now been treated and they are negative. This is worth celebrating .”

MAN assured the Rivers State Government that it will support its efforts at offering palliatives to the people.

He said: “We have come to lend our support to Rivers State Government in its fight to check the spread of coronavirus. ”

Also on Friday, Next Cash and Carry donated different foodstuffs and beverages to the Rivers State Government.

Sir Nnaedozie R. Okwoli. Chief Financial Officer Next Cash and Carry Ltd lauded Governor Wike for the fight to check the spread of coronavirus.

Responding, Chairman of Rivers State COVID-19 Palliatives Committee, Ambassador Desmond Akawor thanked the donors for supporting the Rivers State Government to reach out to her people.

He said: “Today, Next Cash and Carry has scored a major point by donating these items to a friend in need.

“The efforts of Governor Wike has yielded efforts as the State, for now, has nobody with the virus.

“But there are consequences for the lockdown. The shops and markets are not there. He has set up Committees to buy off foodstuffs from farmers and fishermen and then distribute to the less privileged.”

Commissioner for Health, Prof Chike Princewill assured that all the donations will be judiciously used by the Rivers State Government for the benefit of Rivers people.

Governor Nyesom Wike had praised NLNG publicly co-operation with the State government in complying with the executive order by the state government to check the spread of Coronavirus in the state.