In a move aimed at mitigating the effect of the lockdown occasioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) on Wednesday, 27th of May, 2020, distributed palliatives to 14 tertiary institutions in the state and the therapeutic school.
At the unveiling and distribution ceremony which took place at International Conference Center, IMT Enugu, Most Rev Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma, OON, the Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Enugu, Anglican Communion in his remark thanked the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for supporting the students immensely.
The Cleric also appreciated the NANS Presidential Special Task Force on COVID-19 COMMITTEE Enugu State for their thoughtfulness and commended the chairman, Comr. Diamond for his handling of the committee and ensuring that this huge result is achieved and prayed to God to continue to strengthen him and others that contributed to the success of the event.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu State chapter, Dr. Ben Nwoye who also graced the occasion hailed the chairman of the committee, Comr. Monday Diamond for his unrelentness effort that materialized into the success of the event describing him as a “team player, dogged fighter and a goal getter.”
The Enugu APC boss also appreciated the presidents of the various Student Union Government presidents for their level of organization in making sure that the event saw the light of the day as nothing is too little in this pandemic.
Dr. Nwoye also encouraged them to continue to be steadfast in whatever they are doing as the future belongs to them and they most be very ready to take up the task of leadership.
The Special Assistance to Enugu State Governor on students affairs, Comr. Chidi Ilogebe expressed his satisfaction with the organizers of the event and also thank the Governor for his support.
“I want to strongly commend the committee ably led by Comr. Monday Diamond for a well though out process as you can see, it was very seamless and hitch free. I must also commend His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the most Youth and Workers friendly governor in Nigeria for his support for the initiative which is uncommon amongst governors in the country.”
He also assured the students that NANS as an organisation will continue to be at the forefront in demand for a better welfare for the students.
The Chairman, NANS COVID-19 Committee, Enugu State, Comr. Monday Diamond Ani while speaking to Journalist said despite the challenges and opposition, he’s very happy that the event has seen the light of the day in the most transparent way possible.
“As a Comrade, this is the most challenging exercise i have embarked on. The criticism because of some vested interest, some people wanted the money to be shared to them but i stood on my principle as i told them that the palliative is meant for the stranded students based on our research and that determination metamorphosed into what you witnessed today.
“I thank the various donors in a very special way, the Governor whom from the moment i was appointed to chair the committee assured me that he will support us and true to his word, he supported us in a tremendous way.”
Assuaging the fear that some of the student leaders will not take the items to the vulnerable students, Comr. Ani who seized the opportunity to appreciate other members of the committee assured that measures are already on ground for proper monitoring and distribution to students that must present a valid means of identification, stressing that; “If any SUG president loots the palliative, i will personally follow it up with the relevant school authority and ensure that whoever wants to shortchange others is dealt with decisively.”
Speaking on behalf of other SUG presidents, the President, Council of SUG presidents and the president of Enugu State College of Education, Technical (ESCET) SUG, Emegwa Onyebuchi Emmanuel (Digital) said they are quite impressed with the support of the Governor of Enugu State and the distribution of the palliative pointing out that it will go a long way in mitigating the sufferings of the students some of whom are trapped in the hostels as they thought that the lockdown will be for a short period.
He also appreciated the National President of NANS, Comr. Danielson Bamidele Akpan, for instituting the committee nationwide and also, the committee Chairman in Enugu, for his sagacity and commitment to making the event a success.
The items distributed are 500 bags of 5kg rice, 500 cartons of noddles and face masks worth over 2 million Naira and the benefiting schools are:
1 ESUT
2 ESCET
3 IMT
4 UNEC
5 UNN
6 COAL CITY UNIVERSITY
7 FEDERAL COOPERATIVE COLLEGE, OJI
8 School of Dental Therapy
9 Rocana Institute of Technology
10 Federal School of Statistics
11 African Thinkers Corner Community of Enquiry College of Education
12 Eha Amufu College of Education
13 Enugu State Poly, Iwollo
14 Therapeutic Schools (Deaf, Dumb, Blind) OJI.
15 Peaceland College of Education.
