24 April 2020
As part of collaborative effort towards sustaining the fight against the novel Coronavirus, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Cross River State has produced and donated over one hundred and Sixty-five face masks to be distributed free of charge to residents of the Metropolis.
Receiving the face masks on behalf of the State COVID-19 Task force in his office, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, and Chairman, Cross River State NYSC Governerning Board, Hon. Signor Omang Idiege lauded the proactiveness and great vision of the State Governor, His Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade for initiating the 'No mask no movement' drive which is gradually becoming a standard adopted by leaders all over the world as an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Hon. Idiege also praised the efforts of the State COVID-19 Task force led by Dr. Betta Edu for ensuring that strict modalities are adehered to in ensuring that the State remains COVID-19 free, adding that "it is commendable that some Corps Members serving in the State thought it wise to spare some amount of money from their lean allowances for the production of the nose masks." He added that the gesture is well appreciated and shows how much ingenuity that is inherent in the Nigerian youth, noting that they will do more when given the necessary support. He however stated that the items will be forwarded to the State COVID-19 Task force through its Chairman.
Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Cross River State, Alhaji Muhammed Nakamba eulogised Governor Ben Ayade for being a pace setter and for spurring other State Governors on how best to fight and manage the spread of the virus in their respective States. He inferred that the NYSC SAED of the State has also produced face masks and distributed to respective heads of other Local Government Areas in the State, adding that more are still being produced for onward distribution to the people of the State, as the contribution of the scheme to the fight against the pandemic.
Speaking to newsmen, the Head of the SAED CDS, Corper Ifeoluwa Idowu noted that it is worthwhile to contribute to the fight against the pandemic ravaging the globe as all efforts are geared towards fighting the spread of the virus, adding that with the facemasks produced, the COVID-19 spread will be prevented. She also called on residents of the metropolis to adhere to the directives of the State Government to remain safe and keep the State Coronavirus free.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Esther Okoi the CRS-MOI Officer
is reporting from Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Calabar
