The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Thursday presented no fewer than 2,000 face masks to Illah community in Oshimili North Council Area of the State.

The presentation, according to the Ifeajika, was in response to the call by the governor on well-spirited individuals to assist government in the #MaskUpDelta by providing face masks to the vulnerable in the state.

He said that he was in Illah to heed the call by supporting that gesture of the Okowa-led government in providing face masks for the people of his community.

The face masks were presented to the Police, Health Centre, Catholic Churches, “Okada” riders, traditional institution, the vulnerable group as well as the nine villages and sub quarters of Illah.

“When Governor Okowa was launching food palliatives for vulnerable Deltans, he called on well-spirited individuals to complement the state government’s effort by assisting the less-privileged.

“He made the same call during the launch of the one million free face masks by calling on well-meaning Deltans to assist in the #MaskUpDelta as part of the measures to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.

“I am harkening to that call today by supporting the Governor in that direction and I am here to present over 2,000 face masks to the community,” the CPS said.

Parish Priests of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Holy Family Catholic Church, Illah, Rev. Fr. Steve-Mario Edward and Rev. Fr. Dr Peter Mokwunye, said they were grateful to Ifeajika on behalf of parishioners of both parishes.

“The use of face masks is one of the measures prescribed in fighting the Coronavirus pandemic. We appreciate the efforts of the state government in the fight against COVID-19.

“At the church, we will continue to enlighten the people on the reality of the disease as some people still feel that it is a scam.

“We have taken it as a point of duty to sensitise the people to the need to wear face masks. We receive this with thanks and we will put it to use while praying to God that this pandemic will leave us in no distant time,” they said.

The Divisional Police Officer, Illah Division, Mr Apu Torukeregha, a Superintendent of Police, said the presentation was timely as men of the division were more exposed to the virus because “Illah is a boundary division”.

“We are more exposed being a boundary division and on behalf of the officers and men of this division we thank you, CPS, for this laudable presentation.”

Receiving the masks at the Comprehensive Health Centre,  the Matron, Mrs Ifechukwude Okafor, thanked the Governor and his aide for always remembering them in the health sector and the Illah community in general.

On his part, Mr Frederick Odoh, Chairman of Illah Okada Riders Union, who received on behalf of his members, thanked Mr Ifeajika for his kind gesture.

He assured that members and passengers would make good use of the face masks.

In a vote of thanks, Vice President-General of Illah Development Union of Nigeria and Chairman of the Community Palliative Committee, Chief Mike Ofili, commended Ifeajika for his kind gestures over the years.

He said: “On behalf of Illah community we appreciate you Mr Olisa Ifeajika, for your contributions to the growth and development of the community.

“Over the years, we have known you to be an illustrious son of this great community and it is our prayer that God will continue to elevate you in your career to do more for our people,” he stated.

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