By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
As the world is ravaged by another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by the very virulent Omicron strain of the virus, former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, has demonstrated, in practical terms, his concerns and support to response efforts towards containing the deadly virus.
The one-time Senate Leader and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on Monday, 20th December 2021, donated two sets of medical items to the Cross River State Government and the Catholic Church.
The items included personal protective equipment, PPE, such as disposable and reusable aprons, the N95 face masks and nitrile gloves in very large quantities.
According to Senator Ndoma-Egba, “the world is witnessing another round of severe attacks by COVID-19, with the latest Omicron strain of the virus which is said to spread much faster and is more devastating in its effects.
“This has occasioned another shut down in different countries of the world. The effects are being felt, everywhere, and Cross River State of Nigeria is no exception. So I reached out to some of my international contacts and one of them, my niece, Ms. Ntane Tawo, working in the health system of the state of Texas in the United States responded. She was able to mobilize these items and sent them to me.”
Reacting to the donation, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu, who, in company of the Special Adviser on Health to the state governor, Dr. D. E. Ushie, received the items on behalf of the state government, commended Senator Ndoma-Egba for the foresight in providing the timely support for the Cross River State response to COVID-19.
She said, “The whole world is almost coming to a standstill, struggling with Omicron, the new variant of the COVID-19 virus, which is highly transmissible, leaving devastating effects in it’s wake. At a point when we are constantly sensitizing and educating people to observe the necessary protocols, this act of yours is very timely. It will support health workers across the state to continue to deliver quality service.
“We will be very deliberate and strategic in deploying these materials to churches, the police, prisons, etc. We say a very big thank you to you….”
In the same vein, the former Senate Leader also donated another set of similar items to the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, which were received by the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Donatus Edet Akpan, represented by Rev. Fr. Bob Etta.
In his response, Fr. Etta said, “A lot of our people have become careless on the issue of COVID-19 and this donation is a timely reminder that COVID-19 is still very much around and people need to continue to take precaution. The Catholic Church is a keen and strong partner in delivering qualitative health care to the people through the various hospitals, such as the Holy Family Hospital, Ikom; and the Moniaya Hospital in Ogoja, with a lot of other out-units in different communities.
“So you have identified well in supporting us in this trying times of the pandemic. Your donation will be put to proper use to the service of our people, especially during this Christmas period.
“Thank you for always supporting and encouraging the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja.”
