Today, the world is in great trouble and this trouble is caused by the emergence of a deadly epidemic that has the capacity to wipe the human race out of existence.The world is witnessing a great deal of efforts and contributions of governments, individuals and non-governmental organisations to help bolster support through various efforts to cushion the effects of the emergency but neccessary lockdown declared by governments all over the world.
It is also a fact that the world is in need of heroes and heroines at this painful juncture in the existence of mankind. The Covid-19 pandemic has already produced a lot of heroes, numerous enough that space cannot accommodate in this write up the entire mention of their names and their contributions to the fight against this pandemic globally and nationally.
In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many analysts have come to mention the name of Dr. Jumai Ahmadu of the Covid-19 Situation Room as their heroine so far in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. She is the founder of the Helpline International Foundation that has positively impacted the lives of many Abuja residents, especially at this time when the government needs partners in the fight against the deadly and dreaded coronavirus pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic is overwhelming and one of the excruciating part for people is the feeling of utter helplessness in the face of widespread sufferings and hardship. Certainly, staying at home and staying healthy are the most crucial ways to stave off this crisis by individuals. In this regard, the Help International Foundation founded by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu has made a number of donations and contributions which have impacted the lives of many residents, especially at this time when the people are in dire need of help.
Her foundation has helped tremendiously in serving at this critical time as the residents centre for Covid-19 philantrophy. Its resources help the people make intentional and informed decisions on the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Through this foundation, she has helped to coordinate funds to create the Covid-19 response funds to support first responders, health workers and individuals that are being quarantined.
Her foundation has helped provide funds to first responders in need of protective equipment and giving financial assistance to vulnerable groups like widows, orphans and the disadvantaged in the society who have been worse hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Helpline International Foundation has hired professionals and volunteers to cater to vulnerable communities around Abuja to alleviate the negative effect of Covid-19. They are also supplying these communities with protective equipment and replenishing medical supplies in critical hospitals around Abuja.
The foundation has been in the forefront in the collection and distribution of medical facilities needed in various rural and urban hospitals in Abuja in the current fight against Covid-19 crisis.
The foundation has also bolstered its quick response line which provides callers with vital information, resources, vital services and support to ward off the coronavirus pandemic.
It is true that in a bid to stop the spread of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, governments across the world including Nigeria nay the FCT Administration have been scrambling to engage in mass testing, quarantines, contact tracing and eventually shutdowns. President Muhammadu Buhari has done what is neccessary by shutting down the country when it was obvious that the virus was spreading increasingly daily in the country. This measure was very patroitic and prudent as it brought to the fore Nigeria’s record of poorly executing decisions that affect the whole country, especially as it concerns stranded millions of our citizens that have been out of jobs and places marginalised communities and groups at risk.
Amid massive disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there was need for people of goodwill and non-governmental organisations to spring into action. Dr. Jumai Ahmadu was the first through her Helpline Foundation to heed this altruistic call to fill the gap of communication and delivery of essential items to the Abuja resident underserved groups.
Urban slums dot the Abuja City Center and satelite towns. According to studies, one in four residents of Abuja lives in such slums. Slum dwellers, typically, have little or no leverages in the corriders of power and that is why Dr Ahmadu’s succour to the people at this time is timely and apt.
Her NGO plays an important role, working to help the underserved population, especially at this time when the coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the whole of mankind. She has helped to fill the gap that the government cannot fill at this coronavirus pandemic time. While it is commendable that the government has taken some steps to stop further spread of the virus, it is noteworthy that government alone cannot reach every segment of the society, especially the economically weaker section. Dr. Ahmadu has tremendiously helped in filling this gap not covered by the government and so she is deservedly the FCT heroine of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wada writes from Abuja
