COVID-19 Palliatives: Delta Commissioner, Akpowowo Targets 1000 In Ethiope East For Cash Gifts

By Daniel Dafe

The Commissioner for Urban Renewal in Delta State, Olorogun (Barr.) Arthur Akpowowo, has said that 1, 000 persons in Ethiope East Local Government Area will benefit from his N5, 000 financial assistance to the vulnerable to help them cushion the effect of the lockdown ordered by the state government as part of measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state.

Speaking to Oasis Magazine (OM) during a phone conversation, Akpowowo said that he did this in support of the government’s palliatives to the 11 wards in the area, just as was done all through the state.

He added: “We did 500 persons yesterday and today will be in Ward 1 in Abraka to finish up the exercise. In Eku yesterday I gave out N5, 000 each to 100 persons. It is an open secret. You can come to the town hall in Abraka today to see for yourself.

“Last week, I sent out words that communities should generate a list of 30 names from each ward to benefit from this arrangement. This depends on the strength of the ward. Like in Abraka Ward 1 to 3 I asked them to give me 30 names each. “

According to him, the money is for vulnerable women and special people with disabilities.

“The idea is for the women to be able to make food for their husbands and children. The said amount may be meaningless to a man. That is the concept I adopted and therefore the focus is on women. The project will gulp several millions of Naira,” he said.

He continued: “It is not a party affair because COVID-19 does not know party. Also, some of the beneficiaries may not be open but based on the relationship I have with them. But the target is 1000 persons for this cash gift.”