By Charles Opurum
Today the Intellectual Hub – a foremost online, public interest and advocacy platform – embarked on the first phase of the distribution of palliatives to some residents of Edo State who have been affected by the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The exercise took place at Kada Cinema car park Sapele Road and was supervised by the convener of the Intellectual Hub (who also doubles as the Publicity Secretary of the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association) Barrister Douglas Ogbankwa. The Secretary, Barrister Ehinon Okoh and the Publicity Secretary, Charles Opurum were also present and heavily involved with the distribution.
During this phase, the Intellectual Hub distributed face masks, bags of rice, beans and 4 liter containers of Palm Oil to 100 beneficiaries of the Intellectual Hub palliative scheme.
The Hub thanked the donors and other members of the Hub for their moral support, while also soliciting for more donations to support the second phase.
Arrangements are currently in motion for the realization of the second phase which will target another one hundred people.
Also present were members of the Intellectual Hub; Ms Ayomikun Ajiboye, Ms Theresa Ohwofasa, Secretary of the NBA Benin Branch, Barrister Pius Oiwoh, Mr Demola Alawiye, Idialu Ofure, and Jude Ogbeide.
To support the laudable initiative, volunteers Queen Bello, Edith Igbinedion, Glory Ogbomo , and Peace Uwajuonye were also in attendance.
Please find attached pictures and videos.
The Hub Benevolence Committee was ably led by the intrepid Chairman, Engr. Owen Obaseki
The beneficiaries were elated and expressed their gratitude to the members of the group for the timely intervention. They prayed God to replenish the source of the much needed palliatives which they described as being timely.
The beneficiaries – who are needy and vulnerable persons – were nominated by opinion leaders, interest group leaders and other stakeholders.
They were admonished to always abide by the guidelines laid down by the government to curb the spread of the covid-19 pandemic.
During the distribution, physical distancing was strictly maintained both by the members of the Intellectual Hub and the beneficiaries.
There was mild drama at the venue when a woman identified as Gift Oruene Oare burst into tears after she arrived at the venue and discovered that the distribution exercise had been concluded. Her tears forced members of the Hub to send her some money to ameliorate her situation.
According to Barrister Douglas Ogbankwa, “This is the beginning of better things to come, and as Nigeria and Edo State continue to battle the ravaging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, we encourage more public spirited individuals to support our noble cause”.
The Hub promised that there would be another phase of distribution to reach others who were not covered in this phase.
