The Muslim Coalition Against COVID-19 is commencing the roll off its palliatives distribution four pilot states and the Federal Capital tomorrow Friday, 8 May 2020. The exercise is expected to last more than one week, a statement from the coalition said.
Under the first phase that captures Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Rivers in addition to FCT, 1700 households have been earmarked as beneficiaries.
Lagos – 450 households
Abuja – 225 households
Oyo – 500 households
Osun – 300 households
Rivers – 225households
Each pack of palliatives contains rice, beans, garri, tomatoes paste and salt.All arrangements have been fine tuned to ensure an orderly distribution in all locations in the pilot states.
According to the National Coordinator, Disu Kamor, more households will be captured in the next phase of the relief distribution to bring succour to Nigerians affected by the lockdown.
“It is especially symbolic that we are flagging off the coalition’s relief materials distribution in the holy month of Ramadan. A month of mercy, self-discipline, unity, sacrifice and showing compassion to others, “he said.
Kamor explained that the coalition provides the collaborating members the platform to spread the safety net for those falling through the crack in our society and in the spirit of Ramadan, give moral support, love and respect to the vulnerable as well as make them aware that someone really cares about them.
Starting from this pilot scheme and for the entire duration of the exercise, he assured that the coalition “shall look out for widows, orphans, the needy and those living with disabilities across the entire country to provide help and material supports to the best of our ability to enable them cope with the special challenges of living under the hardship brought by COVID-19 pandemic.”
“in the same light, we urge more Muslim Nigerians to donate generously to the coalition fund to enable us expand our charitable activities to the rest of the country. May Allah grant us safety and protection against COVID-19 and bless us with the bounties of the holy month of Ramadan”.
He thanked members of the coalition and Nigerians generally hearkening to the donation drive.
But he said more grounds need to be covered and appealed for more support from corporate organizations and the wealthy.
“There is no better time to show we are concerned, and we care for humanity in this most trying time of a pandemic that has crippled life and economy”, he said.
He assured that as the fund increases, more states will be captured in all zones of the country.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Abiola Coalition Publicity Chairman appeal to beneficiaries to comply with social distancing regulations put in place by the coalition during distribution exercise. He warned that beneficiaries who fail to obey these regulations may be disqualified. People with disabilities will be given special consideration.