Imo elders donate 30, 000 facemasks to communities

• Mbaise cancels new yam festival, urges celebration at home
• State govt cautions against dealing with fake revenue agents

The Guild of Imo Elders (GIE) has donated 30, 000 customised facemasks to the elders and vulnerable persons in the 645 communities of the state.

It explained that the gesture was aimed at complementing efforts of government and other concerned stakeholders in containing the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the items, Vice Chairman of the group, Francis Dike (SAN) and Secretary, Paschal Egbujuo, said the fight against the pandemic should not be left to governments alone and enjoined the people to observe all preventive measures of containing the spread.

Also, other members of the group including Air Commodore Luke Ochulo (rtd.), Major General Collins Ihekere (rtd.) and Chief Donald Ekenta, enjoined the people to collaborate with government to contain the spread of the virus.

Receiving the items on behalf of the people, the President, Association of Imo State Town Union President Generals, Chief Emeka Diwe appreciated the Imo elders for the gesture and promised to ensure transparent distribution.

Besides, to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus in the state, Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise council areas of Imo State have cancelled the year 2020 New Yam Festival.

The traditional event, which is usually celebrated in August every year, had in the past witnessed the presence of all South East governors to usher in the new yam season.

The decision to cancel the event usually sponsored by MTN, The Guardian learnt yesterday, was sequel to Governor Hope Uzodinma’s directive on measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Briefing some journalists, Chairman, Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Leo Nwokocha, said the council considered the governor’s advice on over crowding and urged the people to celebrate the event in their homes.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Government has raised the alarm over reported cases of some persons acting as its approved revenue consultants and collectors, warning members the public to beware of such persons, as there was no time the State Government engaged such services.

In a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, it explained that only the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was authorised to collect revenue and deposit into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), stressing any consultant claiming to be representative of the state government would be arrested and prosecuted.