The National Youth Service Corps in Cross River has commenced the distribution of free face masks to residents in the state as part of the scheme’s contribution to the fight against coronavirus.
The State Coordinator of NYSC, Alhaji Mohammed Nakamba, flagged off the distribution of the masks on Friday in Calabar, with a donation to the state Commissioner for Youths Development and Skill Acquisition, Mr Signor Omang-Idiege.
Nakamba explained that the masks were being produced by corps members who belong to the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) group of the NYSC.
He said that members of the group were producing the masks across the state for distribution to residents.
Nakamba, who lauded the state’s government approach towards containing the spread of the virus in the state, said the donation was to complement government effort in ensuring Cross River remains COVID-19 free.
“We have come here today to make this donation as part of our contribution to the fight against COVID-19 in the state.
“The government is doing well in the preventive measures, especially ‘the no mask no movement policy’; so we are here to support that policy with the donation of these masks.
“As we speak, there is ongoing massive production of these masks by members of the SAED across the state”, he said.
Responding after receiving the masks on behalf of the state government, Omang-Idiege thanked the management of NYSC and the corps members for their wonderful initiative.
Omang-Idiege said that the spread of coronavirus, which had affected many economies globally, could be reduced in the country if Nigerians obey simple health directives and guidelines.
He said that Cross River was still coronavirus free due to the measures taken by the state government to shut down all land and maritime borders, and also the no mask no movement policy.
“We are happy to receive this donation today. This shows unity and oneness; the Corps members have shown that they have the interest of the state at heart.
“I want to assure you that I will relate this donation to the state Governor, Ben Ayade, who is so desirous in making sure that the state remains coronavirus free”, he assured.
Head of SAED Corps members group, Miss Ife Idowu, said that the group was targeting distribution of 5,000 masks across the state.
“As a group of patriotic corps members, we decided to contribute our own quota to help the state in the fight against COVID-19 with the production and distribution of free face masks.
“We are targeting 5,000 masks to be produced and distributed free across the state.
“At this point, if we can get any assistance from the government or corporate bodies, it would go a long way to help us achieve this target,” she said.