Dear Partner,

Originally, I had planned to use this space to talk about something else besides COVID-19 sadly, I just learned that the virus has begun to circulate in the Nigerian community where LLEM has operations near Agu Na Ebere. This is highly unfortunate and very scary news. This fact has made it necessary for me to use this newsletter to talk more about the pandemic and its potential effects on the population of Nigeria. 

The IMO state of Nigeria is very, very poor and most residents do not have access to good quality medical care. In prior communications, I've mentioned that the residents live with debilitating poverty. There is no room for a pandemic in their lives, especially one where they will be asked to stay at home for long periods of time. Most people around the world must work to support their families, but this is especially true in places where they have informal economies. For many people in Nigeria, if people cannot bring their wares to market, or sell something by the roadside, they will not survive! Their families will starve. LLEM is worried that many people will not heed the government’s message to remain indoors, not because they don't want to, but rather because they can't.  Furthermore, due to the lack of reliable medical care, LLEM is very worried that people won't have access to hand sanitizer and face masks--let alone other items needed to practice good hygiene. 

For this reason, LLEM is invested in raising $5,000 to support the people who live in Agu Na Ebere and in surrounding communities. This money will be used to purchase hygiene kits including hand sanitizer and disposable face masks. These kits will help people to practice better hygiene, thus keeping themselves and their families safe. 

We do not know how badly communities will be hit, but the fact that Nigeria lacks basic medical supplies needed to battle COVID-19 is frightening. I hope that you will support these less-fortunate communities. They need us more than ever!  

You can read more about the situation in Nigeria below.

I remain your faithful partner in Christ.

LoveGod Enyinna