A Bauchi-based non-governmental organisation, Forward in Action for Education, Poverty and Malnutrition (FACEPAM), Monday donated the sum of N2.5 million and food items worth N1.5 million to the state government as its contribution towards addressing the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking while receiving the donation at the Government House Bauchi, the state deputy governor, Baba Tela, commended the NGO for the gesture, saying the doors of the government will remain open to receive similar donations from individuals and organisations.
The deputy governor stated that senior civil servants in the state that include permanent secretaries and directors have donated 10 and 5 per cent of their March and April salaries respectively to assist the needy as the state struggles to cope with the disease.
He emphasised that the state borders will remain closed with a view to containing the spread of the virus warning that violators would be dealt with severely.
According to the deputy governor, 305 contacts of the disease victims have been traced, their samples taken in order to check their status for further action.
While noting that isolation centres for the patients were designated at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, General Hospital Bayara and Federal Medical Centre, Azare in Katagum local government, Tela disclosed plans to establish a testing centre soon in the state.
In his remarks, the executive director of FACEPAM, Ado Solomon, explained that the gesture was part of their corporate social responsibility and to support the state task force on COVID-19 and Lassa fever.
“We felt duty bound to support this initiative, which we think will help in mobilising other people to also key into it so that together we can fight this pandemic which is tasking.
“FACEPAM is an NGO that essentially is concerned about education intervention, empowerment and in nutrition. We also involve in good governance and other supports to ensure that people at the grassroots are empowered.
“We believe that the government has a template where these items will go to people that are in need,” he said.
