The Primate, of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion the Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba and some of the members of its National Relief Committee, have donated medical items to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
It is part of the Primate’s initiatives for the church to support the government in its efforts to control the spread of the pandemic which has infected over 600 Nigerians already.
The Primate who handed over these items noted that this is as part of the palliative measures to support in its little way to the government in its effort to curb the spread of the virus across Nigeria.
Medical items worth 10Million naira were donated to FG which contained sanitizers in different sizes, hand gloves, PPEs, face masks, antiseptics liquids and others.
In his words, the Primate appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari, Presidential Task Force, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, State Governors and FCT administration for their prompt actions taken so far to control the spread of the pandemic.
The Primate stated that the church had come to contribute its quota in this fight against COVID-19.
Primate Ndukuba stated that the church had been approaching this issue in three ways;
1. Prayers, which he noted that God has assured us not to be afraid as He is with us according to Isaiah 43:1&2. Noting that Anglicans have been advised to take every Wednesday and Friday as days of solemn prayers.
2. Encouraging each diocesan in the Anglican Communion to building up food banks to be able to help less privileged/indigents in their respective dioceses at this trying times.
3. Support the government both at state and federal level.
The Primate noted that the Church decided to contribute and identify with the health workers who risk their lives daily at the frontline of this battle against COVID-19.
He said in addition that Dioceses had also contributed at state level, pointing out Lagos Province, Lagos and Lagos-West Dioceses are donating foods and medical consumables worth over 20 Million to Lagos and Ogun state governments, Abuja Diocese also donated food items to rural indigenes worth about 5Million Naira, Asaba Diocese also donated food items worth above 4 Million naira and others that cannot be mentioned.
The Primate also used the opportunity to send the Church’s condolences message to the President and the family of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari who died of COVID-19 complications on Friday 17th April, 2020.
He pointed out the fact that Mr Abba Kyari was an old student of St Paul’s College in Wusasa, Zaria, hence he was one of the Anglican Church products.
The Primate noted that Mr Kyari had served his country dutifully with commitment and patriotism, praying for God to console the President, the Nation and his family.
In his response, the chairman of the Presidential Task Force and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha on behalf of the President congratulated the new Primate on his presentation as the new Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion which was unfortunately done on low key due to the spread of the coronavirus in the Country.
Mr Boss Mustapha acknowledged the kind gesture of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion at all levels in its number of interventions done so far.
He noted that the Church had stepped up its responsibility to care for the people at this terrible time by way of counseling, helping hands and spiritual needs.
He pointed out the Anglican Church had done exceedingly well and had always being in full support of government efforts.
The SGF stated that it was time to pray more and there was no other better time for the church to show love to the people affected by the outbreak.
Boss Mustapha emphasized the precautions by medical experts in curbing the spread of the pestilence which had made the country to be on lockdown for the past few weeks, appreciating the Church for prompt Compliance.
Those who accompanied Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba to the presentation included the Primate’s wife, Mrs Angela Ndukuba, Bishop of Kubwa, The Rt. Rev’d Duke Akamisoko, Bishop of Gwagwalada, The Rt. Rev’d Moses Tabwaye, The General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Paul Dajur, Church of Nigeria Chief Protocol, Venerable Benjamin Enwuchola, The Church of Nigeria Relief Committee Chairman, Dr Peter Nmadu, Diocese of Abuja Registrar, Mrs Kehinde Ajoni, Cathedral Sub Dean, Venerable Benjamin Idume, Mrs Bagudu and Dr Nwachukwu among others.
Commendable effort, looking forward for improvement on caring for parishioners. Anglican Church rates very low in taking care of her members.
Please let learn from others, it’s not let until it’s late.