KOICA Supports Vulnerable Groups in Nigeria... Provides COVID-19 Supplies to Orphanages and More

Average of 500 New COVID-19 Cases Daily... Severe Job and Food Crisis Among the Poor

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] KOICA is actively providing emergency supplies to vulnerable groups struggling due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Nigeria, West Africa, in collaboration with the KOICA Trainee Alumni Association.

As of the 21st, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria stands at 20,244, with an average daily increase of 500 cases. With 40% of Nigeria's total population belonging to the absolute poverty group that cannot even spend $400 annually, the recent economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the plunge in oil prices, and rising prices have worsened job issues and food crises among the poor.

To provide urgent support to vulnerable groups facing crisis due to COVID-19, on the 25th (local time), KOICA, together with the KOICA Trainee Alumni Association, donated food and hygiene supplies worth about $4,000, including rice, beans, ramen, masks, and hand sanitizers, to Divine Wounds Orphanage located in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

Divine Wounds Orphanage, established in 2011, houses about 40 children orphaned due to parental death, domestic violence, and other reasons. Since the spread of COVID-19, the orphanage has faced financial difficulties due to a lack of sponsorship, resulting in staff reductions and an inability to procure food supplies.

Rabiu Adamu, president of the KOICA Trainee Alumni Association, said, “Divine Wounds Orphanage has been supported by the Nigerian Trainee Alumni Association since 2018, and upon a recent visit, we found that the financial deterioration caused by the COVID-19 impact was severe. We requested support from the KOICA office, and we are grateful for the prompt and appropriate assistance. It seems the orphanage has been able to breathe a little easier, which makes us proud.”

Earlier, on the 18th (local time), KOICA, in collaboration with the KOICA Trainee Alumni Association and local NGOs, provided food supplies worth a total of $10,000 to 300 vulnerable households, including widows, orphans, and daily wage workers, in Pioyi Village near the Korea-Nigeria Elementary and Secondary Pilot School established by KOICA in Abuja.

Jang Woo-chan, head of the KOICA Nigeria office, said, “Experts have expressed concerns that without effective relief measures for the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 in Nigeria, the economic level could regress to that of 20 years ago. KOICA is responding urgently to avoid missing the golden time to support the poor and vulnerable groups whose livelihoods are threatened daily, and we aim to overcome difficulties together with a spirit of solidarity and hope.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.