By Aderemi Bamgbose
A philanthropist, Otunba Seyi Abba, has donated five units of mechanised hand washing machine to Okitipupa Local Government Council of Ondo State as his contribution to the fight against the spread of the COVID-19.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abba recently donated 750 pieces of locally-made face masks to the council.
Abba, who was represented by Mr Ifedayo Omosehindemi, presented the machines to Mr Abayomi Adesanya, the Caretaker Chairman of the council in his office on Wednesday in Okitipupa.
He said that the donation was to assist the people and the government to curtail the pandemic.
“This is a time that we need to rally round the people and the government to help combat the pandemic.
” I feel this is my own way of giving back to the society,” Abba said.
While receiving the machines, Adesanya described the donation as laudable in the light of World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigeria Center for Disease and Control (NCDC) prescription of regular hand washing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He commended the donor for his contribution and challenged other indigenes of Ikaleland to emulate him.
“We thank Otunba Abba for these hand washing machines as regular hand washing is the prescription of WHO and NCDC to fight against COVID-19.
” I think this is a good gesture which should be emulated by Ikale indigenes at home and abroad,” Adesanya said.
While handling over the machines to Dr Akintunde Ogunfeyimi, the Chief Medical Director, Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, and Dr Marius Ademiyi, the Primary Health Coordinator of Okitipupa Local Government, for immediate distribution, Adesanya charged them to make adequate use of the machines.
In his remarks, Ogunfeyimi commended the council boss for his efforts which led to the delivery of the machines.
He also commended the donor for identifying with the people at this trying time, promising that the machines would be placed at strategic places to ensure effective use.
NAN reports that the hand washing machines were locally fabricated and fitted with two pedals and a washing hand basin. (NAN)