The Delta State Chairman of the Ijaw Welders And Fitters Professional Association, Chief George Timiyan has called on more focus to be paid in riverine communities in the fight against coronavirus pandemic in the state.
Chief George Timiyan made the call in Warri, Delta State on Thursday while commenting on the one confirmed COVID 19 case in the state.
Chief George Timiyan noted that going by the terrain of most riverine communities, any out break of COVID 19 would be difficult to handle.
He advised that the Delta State task force on COVID 19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC to put proactive measures in place in the coastal communities to curtail any COVID 19 case.
Chief George Timiyan who is the Miyenkeremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West council area stressed that the lock down directive which is the best way to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 has no doubt brought hardships to riverine dwellers.
He pointed out that riverine dwellers primary occupation are fishing, adding that the lock down has not enable them go out for normal fishing thus causing hunger.
Chief George Timiyan who is also the CEO and Managing Director of Geotimitek Nigeria Limited while commenting on the distribution of food items and cash assistance to the poor in the state, implored those in charge to still consider those in the riverine communities as they are poor people who need food and cash assistance.
He also urged the multinational oil companies operating in the riverine areas of the state to at this period distributes food items, protective kits like nose masks, hand gloves, sanitizers to their host communities as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Chief George Timiyan also appealed to the state government to give directive which will enable riverine dwellers go out for fishing.
Chief George Timiyan therefore prayed God to end the coronavirus pandemic and also begged in the coastal communities in the state to observe personal hygiene, avoid crowded places, wash their hands regularly with soap and running water, cough in tissue or their elbow.
