By Amos Aar, Makurdi
BENUE State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development in collaboration with Dr Seun Cares Foundation last Saturday donated food items as palliatives to Athletes and other youth groups in the state to cushion the effects of Covid-19.
The Commissioner for Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Mrs Ladi Isiegbe, who distributed the palliatives to ten youth groups at the Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi, explained that Dr Seun Adigun and her partners planned to feed 100 families in the state, adding that Governor Samuel Ortom complemented the effort by feeding another 100 families bringing the total number of the beneficiaries to 200.
Mrs Isiegbe appreciated Dr Seun for the kind gesture and described her as not only a humanitarian but a national hero in the area of sports. She also appreciated Governor Ortom for contributing his quota by feeding 100 families. “I must appreciate the governor, he never hesitates when it comes to issues that concern the youths of Benue State,” she said.
She called on well-meaning individuals to assist the needy in this trying time of Covid-19 which has dealt a heavy blow on Benue people “especially athletes who have lost their means of livelihood for over seven months now.”
Earlier, the state representative of Dr Seun Cares Foundation, Mr Joshua Ajene, said Seun led a sports team that represented Nigeria in the 2018 Winter Olympics’ finals, hence her decision to put up the initiative to give back to Nigerians. He disclosed that Dr Seun Cares is targeting to feed 1000 families in ten states of the country and Benue was lucky to be the only North-Central state to have benefited from the philanthropy.
Group representatives that collected the food items include athletes, tailors’ association, artisans, fashion and design, hair dressers, bricklayers, vulcanizers, barbers, okra and pepper sellers.
Some youths who spoke on behalf of their groups include Dorothy Nyam for athletes, John Mark Tyonongu for youths and Avingir Simon Tertese for artisans. They were all thankful to Dr Seun Cares Foundation and the Benue State government for the privilege given them.
The foodstuffs donated by Dr Seun Cares and Benue Cares include Rice, noodles and pasta.
