Ganta, Nimba County – As part of its COVID-19 intervention, the Union of Nimba Organizations in the Diaspora (UNOD) COVID-19 taskforce has made a cash presentation to the 19 administrative districts within Nimba county.
The UNOD COVID-19 Task Force is a special Committee established by United Nimba Citizen Council (UNICCO) to generate and manage resources for dealing only with the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Chairman of the Steering Committee, James Harris, in a special message delivered on his behalf by UNICCO Country’s Representative, Atty. Phelecia Yeebahn said, although the amount generated may not serve all of the county’s need but it is their way of identifying with their people back home amid the global pandemic.
Mr. Harris thanked all those who contributed towards the project, especially UNICCO’s president, Dahn Dennis for his leadership and support.
“We know that this amount is not enough and may not serve all of your needs. But this is our way of identifying with you in these difficult times,” he stated.
At the disbursement exercise in the commercial City of Ganta over the weekend, the Country Representative of UNICCO, Atty. Phelecia Yeebahn stated that a little over US$14,000 was raised to support local authorities in the fight against COVID-19. According to her, the gesture is a testament of how unique the county is.
“We want to show to the world that we are from a special County and we want to show to other counties that we are special people and we are together. The fund that is here is not much but it is strong and is important” she averred.
Also speaking, Representative Joseph Somwarbi (District #3, Nimba County) and a member of the taskforce lauded the effort of the diaspora citizens for their patriotism and love for country and fellowmen. Rep. Somwarbi said despite being hard hit by COVID-19 themselves, they continue to think about their fellow compatriot back home.
He called on the Commissioners, in consultation with health officials to use the fund for health related issues.
Meanwhile, the amount of US$600 was given to each Commissioner to be used in consultation with the district health team.
In addition, funds were also given to the nine major security details within the county and people living with disabilities.
The commissioners, in separate remarks thanked UNOD for the intervention and pledged to expend the money for the intended purpose.
John D. D. Wehyee, the Commissioner of Doe Administrative District said: “I just want to say a big thank you to our brothers and sisters in the diaspora for this great job. We wholeheartedly appreciate them and I promised that I will work my people to use the money for the intended purpose.”
The United Nimba Citizens’ Council (UNICCO) over the years continues to make its presence felt in the county. Currently, UNICCO has embarked on the construction of a US$25,000 women empowerment center located six kilometers from Ganta.
UNICCO has also provided financial support to Nimba students in Morocco and Nimbaians in Ghana as a way of reaching out to natives of the county who are in need of support out side of Liberia.