The Catholic Church in Nigeria represented by the Catholic Bishops Conference, today donated all its 425 health facilities to the federal government.
The Church says the donation is to add to government’s efforts in the treatment of covid19 patients.
Speaking at Monday’s Presidential Task Force Meeting on covid19, the chairman of the task force said that government is now set to use the facilities.
On its part, the NCDC had lamented the lack of bed spaces at the isolation centres where number of patients rise daily.
Boss Mustapha’s speech on Catholic Church donations:
“As part of efforts to support the states in the establishment of the isolation and treatment centres, I wish to remind our governors that the Catholic Bishops Conference has volunteered all the 425 hospitals ad clinics nationwide for adaptation and use as isolation centres
“Governors are encouraged to please approach Catholic Bishops in their states to access these facilities.
Boss Mustapha added that “as a further cost-effective measure, I also wish to remind subnational authorities that the Nigeria Institute of Architects has pledged the pro bono services of their members to modify, design and supervise all covid19 related projects nationwide.
Mustapha stressed that the offer be taken up speedily.
In addition to the donation by the Catholic Church, the Publisher of Thisday newspapers also donated Thisday Dome in Abuja.
The Dome will be commissioned as an isolation centre tomorrow, 12th May.
The PTF boss said that the Dome will add a total of 270 beds to the isolation capacity in Abuja.
He used the occasion to thank all private sector driven initiative comprising NNPC, Sahara Energy Group, CCECC.
Earlier in the day, Pastor Tunde Bakare also donated his church building at Ogba and a private residence in Abeokuta for the same purpose.
Related story:
Pastor Tunde Bakare Donates Church Premises as Covid19 Isolation Centres