The Offa Descendants Union in United Kingdom (ODUUK) on Thursday donated cash to 500 beneficiaries in Offa, to cushion the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the community.
Mr Biodun Badmus, the ODUUK President, disclosed this at the 3-day disbursement exercise, tagged: ”ODUUK COVID-19 Palliatives, Offa Stimulus Relief Package”.
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Badmus said that the gesture was aimed at helping the beneficiaries amidst the impact of COVID-19 lockdown.
He said the three days disbursement was in association with Offa Descendants Union (ODU) and Ibolo Microfinance Bank in Offa.
Badmus, who was represented by Alhaji Gbadamosi Adeniran, the Relief Package Sub-Committee Chairman, said the members were giving back to the society through the donations in spite of difficulties associated with COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the exercise was devoid of any political attachment and that the beneficiaries were carefully selected to achieve the desired objectives and ensure targeted audience were reached.
”The selection of the beneficiaries was thoroughly executed with the help of the traditional rulers within each district to avoid being hijacked for political gains.
“Even in such areas we noticed large concentration of beneficiaries within a particular compound we had to order for proper re-selection to reflect our aims and objectives.”
The president praised members of the union for contributing generously toward making the exercise a huge success in spite COVID-19 negative impact.
He commended the ODU executive, management of Ibolo Microfinance Bank for their support as well as members of the relief package sub-committee for a job well done.
Badmus said the donation was just a tip of the iceberg in addition to the annual healthcare empowerment initiative for indigents, promising that such interventions would be sustained as the need arises.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our members resident in UK for their generousity and commitment to community service and service to humanity.
“Also recognised are members of the relief sub-committee for their dedication and perseverance in seeing the exercise to its positive logical conclusion,” he said.
The ODUUK boss urged the beneficiaries to ensure the judicious use of the largesse and also ensure full adherence and compliance with various measures towards curbing the community spread of the deadly virus.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reports that the exercise, which was in two-phases, cut across the five districts in the community and attracted the aged, widows, widowers, disable persons, helpless retirees and those with noticeable health challenges.
Beneficiaries with valid bank accounts had their donation of N2,500 sent directly to their individual accounts during the first phase, while those without accounts had theirs presented to them in cash.
The beneficiaries, with equal consideration for both Muslims and Christians, were in batches so as to conform with the physical distancing of COVID-19 regulations.
NAN further reports that the breakdown of the disbursement showed that 435 of the beneficiaries had their money sent to their respective bank accounts, while 65 others received theirs in person.
Mrs Ajarat Sanni and Mr Raji Adebayo, both beneficiaries, thanked the union for its generousity, describing the intervention as beneficial, timely and a big relief.
Contributing, Malam Maruf Ajenifunja, the ODU National Public Relations Officer, said ODUUK was at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19, adding that such gesture deserved adequate recognition and commendation. (NAN)