Tompolo Sends Food Aid To Ijaw Of Gbaramatu

The Tompolo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation of the former Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on Monday commenced the distribution of tens of thousands of food aid to people in the riverine communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Council.

In a bid to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, the Delta state government had ordered lockdown of all communities and imposed a sit at home order on the people.

The development has left many in the riverine stranded and trapped since no provision was made for how food supplies can get to them to support themselves and survive the period.

However, to cushion the effects of the 14 days locked down, the Tompolo Foundation led by Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Executive Secretary,  Tompolo Foundation made donation of food aid worth several millions of naira to the communities represented by their Chairmen in Warri.

According to Bebenimibo, “These are trying times and everyone is suffering from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic one way or the other. The foundation has come to identify with the pains of our people.

“Our founder is a passionate lover of his people, despite the challenges, we decided to show our concern and love. We know that these food items cannot meet the needs of all but it is a succour in such times.

“We urge the Chairmen to distribute the items to their people to alleviate their pains. We urged them to abide religiously to the declaration of our dear Governor.  We thank the government for taking proactive steps to stem the spread of the virus. Everyone should maintain a healthy living style to ensure they are safe.”

Responding on behalf of the Communities,  Demebi Johnbull,  Chairman,  Oporoza Community said, “We are indeed grateful to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo and his Foundation for coming to support us.

“We are elated that despite the challenges and harsh economy, Tompolo Foundation still considers our welfare very seriously,  we are indeed happy andwe pray that God will reward him and protect every members of the Foundation.

“The food items will help us as palliatives, we shall made judicious use of them, we urged other meaningful individuals and government agencies to come to our aids in these moment of lockdown.

The food items donated included many bags of rice, garri, salt, beans, several tubers of yam, many gallons of vegetable oil and Palm oil.