COVID-19: NGO, VSF donates N55m solar-powered boreholes to schools

Nathan Tamarapreye

The Victim Support Fund (VSF) on COVID-19, on Tuesday, donated three solar-powered boreholes, worth N55 million to three secondary schools in Bayelsa.

The other items given to the benefiting schools included: 15 pieces of four-litre hand sanitiser, 360 bottles of 500ml liquid hand wash and 15 cartons of bleach.

The benefiting schools are Community Secondary School, Otuoke-Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area (LGA), Community Secondary School Sagbama in Sagbama LGA, and Kaima Grammar School, Kolokumo/Opokuma LGA.

The presentation ceremony took place at Community Secondary School, Otuoke-Otuabagi.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the VSF Chairman, Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), said the fund would continue to provide relief to victims of insurgency and armed conflicts in the country.

Danjuma, was represented by Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Chairperson, VSF COVID-19 Emergency Task Force.

According to her, VSF would continue to provide succour to vulnerable Nigerians and institutional support to agencies involved in the fight against COVID-19.

She explained that VSF was seriously concerned about the plights of students and teachers, especially those in rural communities.

“Following the successful implementation of the first and second phases of the VSF COVID-19 emergency intervention programme.

“It included the distribution of food, medical consumables and personal protective equipment to 19 states across the six geopolitical zones of the country as well as the provision of support to other groups.

“The VSF Taskforce on COVID-19 as part of its third phase commenced the handover of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to 54, schools in 18 states across the sis geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

“Three schools in each of the benefiting states have been carefully chosen for this intervention,” She said.

The Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State, Dr Newton Igwele, praised the NGO for the gesture, which he described as a welcome development.

He added that the COVID-19 pandemic had challenged medical facilities even in developed countries adding that the state government welcomes support from such stakeholders.

In her remarks, Principal Community Secondary School, Otuoke-Otuabagi, Mrs Grace Dafese, who spoke on behalf of the other principals applauded VSF for the gesture.

She assured that the facilities would be maintained.