The Federal Government on Thursday began distribution of palliatives to orphanages in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to cushion the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the homes.
Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, flagged off the distribution on Thursday at ANAWIM Orphanage Home, Gwagwalada.
Farouq said 25 orphanages in the FCT would benefit from the gesture which would also be replicated in some other orphanage homes across the country.
“The mandate of the ministry is to provide humanitarian relief to our people both at home and abroad.
“The COVID-19 has presented economic and humanitarian crisis. Thus, we need to help in addressing the issue.
“Twenty-five orphanages in the FCT will benefit from this programme. We are giving them 500 bags of rice, vegetable oil, garri, face masks, milk, spaghetti and many other food items.
“This is a flag-off and we are going to provide same to other orphanages in other parts of the country,” she said.
Farouq was represented by her Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Musa Bundugu.
Speaking, the General Coordinator of ANAWIM Homes, Rev. Sister Orisoa Ojeme, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and Farouq for the gesture.
NAN reports that the homes that benefited during the ceremony included Al-Ansar Home, Kuje; Good Shepherd Orphanage, Kwali; Shining Star Orphanage, Lubge and Halal Children Home, Lubge.
