By Gbenga Adedayo
Determined to join forces with government to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) currently ravaging the world, the Rotary Club of Ikoyi has donated a giant handwashing machine to Sura Market in Lagos Island. The event took place on Monday, August 31, 2020.
Sura Market is one of the biggest and busiest market in the southern part of Nigeria, serving Lagos Island and its environs, and hosting thousands of buyers and sellers on a daily basis with high vulnerability.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Club, Rotarian Dike Obih, who led other members of the club to the market, venue of the handover, said that Rotary was concerned with the risk of exposure at the market, and resolved to support the process that would lead to elimination of COVID-19 in line with Rotary’s objective of service to humanity.
“We are presenting this piece of equipment to you to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus among you, the traders in this market”, he said.
The traders who were so elated, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Ikoyi for their kind heartedness in remembering and equipping them against the coronavirus through the donation of the handwashing machine which they promised to utilize and maintain.
The Secretary of the Sura Market Traders Association, Mr. Ezekiel, who spoke on behalf of the traders, prayed for the Club, and said “On behalf of the Iyaloja and the Executive of Sura Market, we say a big thank you and your team. As the current President of Rotary Club Ikoyi, God will add honor and value to your tenure, and you will be recognised among achievers in this nation and the rest of the world, in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen”.
Rotary members believe in shared responsibility at taking action against world’s most persistent issues particularly in promoting peace, fighting disease, including COVID-19, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.