The Magaji Aare Development Association in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara, says it has donated palliatives worth N1.7 million to 500 vulnerable people to cushion the effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Newsmen reports that the vulnerable, including widows, widowers, and the aged from 11 zones under Magaji Aare Ward, received the items on Monday in Ilorin.

The food items included 2.5kg of Semovita; 2.5kg of rice, 3kg of beans, garri, and Spaghetti, among others.

Alhaji Abdullahi Sidiq, Chairman, Magaji Aare Ward I COVID-19 Palliative Committee, and Baba Isale of Ilorin, said the gesture was to complement the efforts of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration in mitigating the negative effects of COVID-19 in the state.

Sidiq said all hands must be on deck to address the global problem and called for globally coordinated efforts to stop further spread of the disease.

Also, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hajia Fatimah Lawal,
commended the visionary leadership of the governor and his proactive approach in fighting the scourge in the state.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Hajia Rabiat Mopelola-Abdul-Rahma, commended the association.

Mopelola-Abdul-Rahma advised the people of the state to continue to maintain physical distancing and obey all directives on prevention of COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hajia Sifawu Saka and Alhaji lssa Alabetere,
thanked the association leaders for their kind gesture aimed at alleviating the sufferings of people during the lockdown.

They appealed to other associations and public-spirited individuals to always assist the less privileged in the society.