The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has begun the distribution of palliatives to 500 families in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Kano States.
The Vice-President of the alumni, Aisha Dankani, disclosed this when she presented the palliatives to the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, on Friday in Abuja.
The items, she said, are 500 bags of 10Kg rice, 500 cartons of Spaghettis, 30 cartons of Power Oil and 200 pieces of washable facemask.
Dankani explained that the alumni began its donation and distribution in the three most affected states, saying “after them we will extend the palliatives to other states in the country.
She said that the alumni was targeting those that lived from hand to mouth, depending on daily bread in order to reduce their burden and put smiles on their faces.
“We came together and felt that we need to touch the lives of ordinary citizens, especially the vulnerable groups who are largely most affected by the lockdown.
“And we therefore put some items together as palliatives, and presented to the FCT minister of state for onward distribution to the less privileged in the territory.
“For the first batch, we are doing three at the moment. On Thursday, we flagged off in Lagos; today Friday we are doing it in Abuja, and on Monday we are going to Kano,’’ Dankani said.
Responding, the FCT Minister of State, assured that the items would be distributed to the most vulnerable people in the FCT.
She thanked the leadership and members of the alumni, saying “your thoughts must be commended.”
The minister also hailed the decision of the alumni in choosing the three states most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, we say a very big thank you and welcome to the city.
“The items will be given to the Director-General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency for onward distribution equally to the poorest of the poor in Abuja,’’ Aliyu said.
