The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) under the leadership of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City has donated a total of 435 hospitals and clinics to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
The CBCN announced the donation during a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who is also the Chairman of the presidential Task Force PTF on (COVID-19), Mr Boss Mustapha, in his office yesterday.
The President of CBCN represented by the Bishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, said the gesture was to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling COVID-19 in the country. Most Rev. Akubueze commended the PTF for various steps it has so far taken to curtail further spread of the disease in the country noting that the Conference was donating its hospitals and clinics for use by the PTF as solidarity as well as expression of goodwill. 
Acknowledging the reception, Mr Mustapha expressed appreciation to the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for making their medical facilities and clinics at the disposal of the Task Force. He described the gesture as not only timely but necessary as it would assist medical practitioners in their efforts to bring the pandemic to a standstill in the country.
The SGF particularly commended the Conference for the donation in view of the spread of the health facilities which are found in several locations across the country and would provide the required assistance to various state governments to leverage on.
He said: ‘‘We will continue to work with all faith-based organizations, civil society groups and all men of goodwill interested in helping out at this time of need’’.
The SGF called on other faith-based groups to speak up and lend a strong voice to the decisions of government particularly, on restriction of movement so as to halt the spread of the pandemic
