COVID-19 Palliatives: Zone 13 AIG donates food to Anambra orphanage

The assistant inspector general, AIG, of police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra, Danmallam Mohammed, has donated tubers of yam, bags of rice, pasta food and other items to Faith Community Children’s Home, Awka.

The presentation, which took place last Tuesday, Orient Weekend gathered, was aimed at succouring the less privileged children and orphans in the home amidst the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking during the donation, Danmallam sought the cooperation of religious leaders in ensuring harmonious working relationship in the zone.

The AIG urged religious leaders to pray for the security agencies in order to discharge their duties effectively. He said, “We believe in protection of human rights and we are appealing for support in ensuring peace and unity in Nigeria. We also seek prayers of religious leaders to ensure we have a smooth sail.

“It is gradually becoming popular that people tilt towards the negative whenever the aphorism – ‘police is your friend’ is mentioned. I am not unaware of the fact that some unscrupulous elements in the police force are trying so hard to paint us black through their actions, inactions and reactions.

“Nevertheless, we will continue, without any iota of fear, favour or sentiments, to remain your friend and to care for you. That is why my team and I are here today to check up on you and know how you are coping with life, especially in this trying period of coronavirus.

“Life, sometimes, deals us blows at unexpected places and at unexpected times. Nevertheless, where we find ourselves today doesn’t necessarily mean that we will remain there forever. Wherever life keeps us, let us learn the lessons and move over to the next better phase, armed with lessons learnt”.

Urging his audience to ensure they obey all the safety protocols to stem the spread of the COVID-19, the AIG assured them of swift response to any distress call.

“One thing we are yet to understand is that the police, as a body, do not just maintain law and order, but also care for the populace, the indigent, the downtrodden and the impoverished. We in the police force know exactly how you feel and we also feel your pains that is why we have come here today to see you, stay with you, give you all the necessary support and also encourage you in our own little way”, he added.

Responding, Dr Alexander Ibezim, the archbishop of Province of Niger, said the gesture was a sign of good omen as the new AIG swung into action following his recent assumption of duties in the zone. 

He assured that the church and community would cooperate with him to make his stay fruitful, noting that Anambra state was safe and peaceful, even as he stressed the need for community policing in the zone.

“The new zone is historical and I believe that there will be more security for lives and property in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states. The church will continue to pray for you and your men”, he promised. 

Appreciating the gesture, Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim, the archbishop’s wife, who is also the coordinator of the orphanage, thanked the AIG for showing love to the children through the gesture and remarked that such gestures pleased God.

“The only pure and undefiled religion is to love children and widows as well as to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world”, she said.