The European Union (EU) has distributed some 2,200 relief packages to vulnerable households in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to help them cope with the economic hardship that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.
The packages, consisting mainly of foodstuff and worth 100,000 Euros (N42 million), were distributed first on Thursday at Karon-Majigi, a community that famously shelters Nigerians with disabilities.
A sanitation facility was also installed in the community to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
During the exercise, Katil Karlsen, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria said, “We have spent quite a lot of effort and time in identifying those who need it the most, of course including people with disability who suffered very much during the lockdown situation.
“We are facing an unprecedented crisis on a world scale but it is more important now than ever to show solidarity and that is why we are here today as Team Europe coming together to support all of those in need.
“Big and small efforts need to go hand in hand here. Of course, we already provided very significant support for the national response but we also need to convert words into action and see things happening on the ground immediately,” he said.
Amb. Karlsen assured the people of the EU’s continued support through its programmes and said the Union has plans to provide electricity supply to COVID-19 treatment centres in the country.
“In this sense, we are really turning every stone to make sure that we provide the necessary aid in this very, very difficult situation. But nothing is more important than supporting those who are most in need, the most vulnerable people of our society,” he said.
“We know we cannot feed all of Nigeria with the boxes behind us here but, as everybody is coming together, we can make a real difference, and that is what we want to show today.”
The community leader, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Katsina, thanked the EU and noted that he would not forget the event.
“As you remember this community of people with disability, God will continue to provide for you and protect and uplift your standard. We thank you so much; we appreciate your coming, and it will be well with you,” he said.
The Chairman of People Living With Disability in the Federal Capital Territory, Suleiman Abdulmuminu, also expressed his gratitude and appreciated journalists for drawing the government’s attention to the plight of persons with disability.
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