COVID-19 Pandemic Rural Relief Response

Project Execution

The project commenced on March 1, 2020, with the first phase focusing on door-to-door sensitization. Over 100 bottles of hand sanitizers were distributed as part of the initial effort to promote good hygiene. In the second phase, relief materials were distributed to over 100 families, focusing on women and people with disabilities who were most at risk.

Key Collaborators:

• Mr. Bemigho Jakpa, a renowned community mobilizer and the creative director of the Sapele Olofofo Facebook page, was instrumental in ensuring the project reached the most needy families.

Impact Achieved

The intervention reached 202 families across two communities in Sapele Local Government Area. 102 families received relief packages that supported 430 individuals, including women, children, and elderly family members.

Statistical Data Analysis

• 5% of the families involved had health challenges, which severely limited their ability to support themselves.
• 10% were disabled, including blind, deaf, or wheelchair-bound individuals.
• The remaining 85% of families were living on less than 1,000 Naira a day before the pandemic.

Impact Stories

1. Mama Roseline: An elderly woman, abandoned due to the stigma surrounding her leprosy, expressed her deep gratitude for receiving support for the first time in years.
2. Mr. and Mrs. Faka Stephen: A blind couple, struggling to care for their children, were grateful for the relief package and the opportunity to educate others about COVID-19 through their radio broadcasts.
3. Bose Eruewu: A young, uneducated mother was enlightened about the dangers of consuming locally processed gin to protect herself from the virus. She vowed to stop drinking and follow the recommended safety measures.
4. Papa Charles Omojuba: An elderly man living alone in a dilapidated wooden structure, with no one to care for him, expressed his relief and gratitude upon receiving assistance, praying for the project’s continued success.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 Pandemic Rural Relief Response project demonstrated the critical importance of community-led interventions in times of crisis. By empowering vulnerable families with knowledge and essential resources, the initiative helped mitigate the humanitarian challenges caused by the pandemic, offering a lifeline to those who needed it most.

This collective action in Sapele not only helped families survive the pandemic but also built a foundation for resilience and community solidarity in the face of future crises.