As part of efforts to cushion the effects of COVID -19 lockdown, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare 11 has donated foodstuff and Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) to the Edo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The royal father said he understood the role of journalists in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and expressed hope that the palliatives would propel them “to do more for the state and nation”.
Items presented to the journalists includes 50 bags of rice, 50 bags of beans, 50 cartons of noodles, sanitizers and nose masks.
The donations were made through the Oba Ewuare 11 foundation.
The Obasogie of Benin Kingdom, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, who led other palace chiefs for the presentation of the items said: “the Oba directed that NUJ should be the first pot of call in the distribution of palliatives.
“This is because the fourth estate of realm cannot be undermined. The challenge is everywhere; not here alone. It’s world wide”
Chief Ekhator also said the initiative would be extended to villages in the kingdom and beyound.
The Zonal Vice Chairman (South South) of NUJ, Pastor Eddy Ogude, thanked the royal father for the palliatives and urged other traditional rulers in the zone to emulate the gesture.
According to Ogude, “The Oba of Benin has always set the pace in things like this. He has a very outstanding relationship with journalists.
“So, the Oba is a father of all, and we pray that God should give him the grace and wisdom to pilot the affairs of his domain and beyound.”
