Rivers
Ebola: Church Recounts Losses
The Assemblies of God
Church in Diobu Section 3 has said that the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Rivers State in the past few months, left its wake some losses and untold hardship on its three branches at, Ojoto, Echue and Rumuokokwo Streets in Diobu, Port Harcourt.
This was made known in an address presented by the sectional secretary, Pastor Chimeze Njoku a thanksgiving service after the Ebola scare incident at the Ojoto branch of the church last August.
The address which was presented to the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, who was a guest at the event, stated that the church which lost one of its members due to Ebola related complications, suffered, economic loss, psychological trauma and social stigmatization.
According to the sectional secretary, some members of the affected church were laid off from work while people were afraid of harm through physical contacts with them .
He added that the pubic image of the affected churches was damaged while they equally recorded shortfall in their income and population, as most members stopped coming to church.
The Church demanded compensation for individuals whose names were listed on the surveillance list for inconveniences and losses incurred within the period, , adding that the church be issued Ebola discharge certificate to ward off public stigmatisation and anxiety.
The church commended the Rivers State Government for its proactive measure in containing the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi who was represented by the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker expressed gratitude to God for the success recorded in containing the Ebola virus in the State.
He urged members of the church to maintain good hygiene to protect them against Ebola and other diseases.
Dr Parker, also called on Church leaders to pray for the leadership of the state and the country in general adding that political leaders would do better in a peaceful and harmonious society.
Teneh Beemene / Kingsley Nnaa