* Ume
By Chidinma Omar

"Timely and unexpected", were the words used by Mr John Emejor   to describe the donation of 100 bags of rice and 200 cartons of noodles by Mr James Ume though his Unubiko Foundation to  Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia state Council, as palliative support during the lockdown/curfew

Emejor, chairman of the Abia Council was not being picky in his choice of words, he was merely shocked that reprieve came to his colleagues not just from an unexpected source, but timely too.

Ume, himself a journalist, and publisher of the TheWhistler.ng, an Abuja-based online platform comes from Abia State;  And in his remarks says giving is not about one having unlimited wealth, but having "the spirit of  touching  lives and impacting one's community, especially those who need supportive hands".

The Abam, Arochukwu--born entrepreneur and CEO of Unubiko Group, who spoke through the Project Manager of his Unubiko foundation, Mr Isani Benjamin explained that being a practising journalist, " he understands the plights of members of the NUJ  across the country."

During the handing over of the items on Monday to the leadership of the council at the NUJ Press Centre, Umuahia, Mr Ume urged other well-to-do individuals and business organizations in the state to join hands with him in bringing succour to members of the council.

Speaking after receiving the items, the council chairman, Comrade Emejor commended Ume for what he described as his timely and unexpected intervention at a time like this by a fellow journalist.

Flanked by past chairmen of the council, Comrades Ogbonnaya Iheaka, Hyacinth Okoli, and other executive members, he prayed God to not only replenish Ume's purse, but to also answer him when he prays to Him.

It is on record that the   Unubiko Foundation, a non-governmental organisation has been in the forefront of individuals and non-governmental organisation pooling resources and palliative support to people and communities in the State since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The foundation  has distributed 500 bags of rice, sanitisers, hand-washing buckets and other relief items to Abam communities of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

The rice and other items were donated to the people to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

The first batch of communities that benefited includes Atan Abam, Ndi Oji Abam, Ahuma, Eziafor, Ndi Agwu, Ndi Okerie, Ndi Okereke, Ndi Okwara, Ndi ITE and Itum-Abam.

In the second batch were Amaeke Abam, Idima Abam, Ndi inya, Amagbo, Ndi Ojiaku, Ndi Ebe, Ndi Ememe, Ndi Ebeleagu, Amaelu, Ozu Abam and Amuru Abam.

Ume said the Foundation would continue to give to the society, particularly the poor and the less privileged as part of its social responsibility and in response to their needs.

The NGO had earlier provided about 12, 000 bottles of hand sanitisers to the communities.

The foundation Is also creating awareness on the pandemic in the communities and churches through radio jingles in Igbo and English Languages, as well as mobilise health officials to enlighten the people on the necessary precautions to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus.