By CHARLES IWUOHA

A non-political organisation, the Igbo Youth Congress Worldwide, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent action lest Nigerians die out of hunger while observing the sit-at-home directives over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the group commended the federal government for the extension of the lockdown, it stressed that government at all levels should expedient actions and provide palliative measures for all citizens.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Engr. Osita Kalu-Ugorjo, the group also commended the efforts of the State Governors of the Southeast States on their preventive and precautionary measures taken so far in their various states and local governments to curb the spread of this deadly disease.

“The federal government and all other levels of government should rise up to her responsibilities. Nigerians at home should not be allowed to die out of hunger. Staying at home for 28 days without palliatives can actually lead to the deaths of many vulnerable Nigerians.

“We urge all citizens of this nation to abide by the rules of the World Health Organization and National Center for Disease Control as it concerns social distancing, use of sanitisers, nose masks, etc.

“We call on government at all levels to provide enough palliatives, food, money to cushion the effects of economic hardship'

“We also appreciate good spirited Nigerians who have donated immensely in this critical time and further call on corporate organizations and non-governmental organizations as well individuals to donate for the purpose of cushioning the effects of the lockdown,” the group said.

It expressed optimism that if all the precautionary measures and directives of governments are strictly followed, the spread of the pandemic would be contained.