When in March 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria declared a total lockdown across all states in the country, banning vehicular movements for the time being, not many thought the novel covid-19 pandemic as a crass. In the months that followed, the increased number of cases of patients admitted at the various Isolation centres across Lagos (the state with the most reported cases) proved that the viral infection was as real as the purported information circulated in the media. Hence, the institution of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and other adjoining state’s covid-19 response team. And as they say, the rest is history.
Other well-meaning Nigerians and organizations also worked closely with the government in form of donations and resource deployment, sensitizing the public about the consequences of not #taking responsibility in the face of the deadly covid-19.
Prominent amongst these support groups is the affable Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe – a Nigerian scholar, compassionate philanthropist, consummate technocrat and a former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Congo.
Not only is this complete gentleman, an offspring of one of the foremost politician and nationalist of the First Republic, Chief Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe is one whose contribution towards national development is second to none.
It was not surprising when he handsomely complemented the government’s efforts in fighting the scourge of covid-19. Thanks to his interventions and other supporters in different capacities, the further spread of the malevolent virus was nibbled in the bud.
Beyond the demands of Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR), Kings Celia Hotels and Suites where the leading diplomat is the Managing Director, offered rooms at discounted rates for frontline workers of the covid-19 response team in the state.
In a statement to Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe signed by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu noted: ‘’Indeed, your kind gesture is highly commendable and truly worthy of emulation by all as it underscores my sincere belief that ‘’United we stand; Divided We fall’’, while it will also deepen the public-private partnerships post COVID-19 and in the years ahead’’.
Reacting to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commendation of both the effort of Kings Celia Hotels and Suites and himself (Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe), he thanked the government of Lagos State for acting fast enough in containing the deadly virus from spreading like wild fire. ‘’I am particularly impressed at how this present administration keenly battled the incursion of covid-19 pandemic; employing globally acceptable standards as well as engaging trained hands in this fight that must be won. I am grateful to the Lagos State Government for deeming it fit to appreciate our widow’s mite as an organization. It is not over until it is over, victory is ours’’.
The President of CMC Gladiators, Ambassador Cornel Udofia in a statement made public by the Head of Media of the CMC Gladiators, Babatunde Odubanwo added his voice to the deluge of encomium being showered on the Lagos State Government for recognizing the efforts by stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians in the fight against the malignant Covid-19.
He (Ambassador Udofia) wrote: ‘’As the saying goes: One Good turn deserves Another; the honour being done on our patron in the person of Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe is a testament to the fact that the Governor of Lagos State is a leader with a good heart whose inclinations toward an inclusive government is of topmost priority. On behalf of the CMC, I pray for the onward progress of the state against all odds.
Signed:
Babatunde Segun Odubanwo
Head, Media and Publicity
CMC Gladiators
For:
Ambassador Cornel Udofia
President, CMC Gladiators