The Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA) has expressed gratitude for the donation of alcohol based hand sanitizers by the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, describing the gesture as unprecedented and commendable.

RIVPA in a statement on Friday by its chairman, Pastor Jerry Needam, said it is thoughtful and insightful of O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation to recognise the frontline position of journalists in the campaign efforts to sensitise citizens especially residents of rural communities on coronavirus pandemic.

The statement noted the risks involved besides the implication of news dissemination in the face of the economic hardship occasioned by the pandemic, stressing that by acknowledging the sacrifices by the publishers and their staff, the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation has challenged them to do more and not to relent until the unfortunate global scourge is contained.

Donating the alcohol based hand sanitizers earlier to RIVPA, Mrs Ineba Tongkam, the Foundation’s Programme Co-ordinator, said the items were in appreciation to the media executives for their efforts and sacrifices in the fight against the coronavirus by Dr. Mrs. Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs, the Chairman and the Board of O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation.

According to Mrs. Tongkam, “It is the wish of Dr. Mrs. O. B. Lulu-Briggs and the Foundation that all hands are on deck to help the State Governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike to ensure that the disease does not spread in the State, stressing that the struggle should not be left for government alone.”

She said the media as partners and frontline stakeholders should be encouraged and appreciated for their role so far.

Receiving the hand sanitizers, the RIVPA Chairman, Pastor Jerry Needam, thanked the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation for remembering and appreciating the sacrifices of the managers.

“We feel greatly humbled by your kind gesture and wish to assure you that we’ll not relent in our determination to support the efforts of government and public spirited individuals and organisations like you to be on the side of humanity in a time like this,” Pastor Needam said.

The RIVPA Chairman used the opportunity to call on other corporate organisations to take a cue from O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation and reach out to the unreached in whatever capacity they can, especially during this trying time.

•PHOTO: Officials of Rivers Independent Publishers laud O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation during the latter’s donation of alcohol based hand sanitizers to the association