In his concerted effort towards the upliftment of humanity and assisting the needy especially during the present lockdown designed to break the chain of spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, a philanthropist, Chief Nicholas Chizea, has donated food items worth millions of naira to the people of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Making the donation at the weekend, Chief Chizea, who holds the traditional title of Oshimili Atata of Asaba, stated that global trends occasioned by the disease called for assistance to the less privileged in whatever form in order to sustain them.
While commending the proactive steps taken by the Governor of Delta State State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, to safeguard the lives of Deltans from the ravaging pandemic, Chizea said that it was necessary for all well-meaning people to complement the committed leadership and humanitarian gesture by reaching out to the needy.
Items donated included tubers of yams, jumbo bags of garri, cartons of tomatoes, cartons of vegetable oil, bags of salt, among others.
Chizea said, “This donation is to assist our people in Oshimili South to cushion the effects of Covid-19 that has led to a 14-day sit-at-home order, and which they have complied with as good citizens who are also passionate about their health.
“Many people describe me as a philanthropist, but this is also Easter period, and it is just natural for us to reach out and ensure that people are not hungry during the celebration.
“We should appreciate the passion with which our Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeayi Okowa is tackling this Covid-19 pandemic. He took proactive steps, including the establishment of isolation centres across the state and went further to lock down the state to ensure the safety of Deltans.
“The stories from different countries that have experienced Covid-19 have made the virus something that should not be toyed with and we should obey the government’s directives; believe in the government because it has our interest at heart.
“I am happy with the level of compliance in Oshimili South. From Asaba to Oko, Okwe, the people are playing safe and we need to encourage them by giving them what will make them more comfortable while staying at home.”
Asked why he had to give the donation through the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the local government area, Chief Chizea said, “I am a member of the PDP, and Oshimili South is home of PDP. The party has an organised structure down to the nooks and crannies, and I am aware that the distribution of the foodstuff will not be along party lines.
“The people of Oshimili South live as members of one family and I am sure that through our great party everybody will be reached.
“We pray that the situation comes to normal soon. We will continue to watch and, when the need arises, we shall do more because this is a time that we have to share and be our brother’s keeper in all its ramifications.”
Chairman of the party in the local government, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, thanked Chief Chizea for “being a true son of Oshimili South who cares for his people”, assuring that the foodstuff would get to the people without discrimination.
He urged other well-to-do individuals and organisations to emulate Chizea’s gesture and reach out to the people.
