The Catholic Church has come in for massive encomiums and adulations from Nigerians; many of whom have applauded its decision to donate all of its 435 hospitals across Nigeria; to the Federal Government to be used as isolation centres for COVID-19 patients.
Indeed, the decision, announced on Monday, May 11, has come as a huge surprise to many Nigerians.
In fact, 1st News had reported that the unusual step was taken by the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); with all of the church’s 425 health facilities across the country immediately handed over to aid COVID-19 fight in Nigeria.
Specifically, Boss Mustapha, the head of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19; who disclosed this at a press briefing on Monday, May 11; revealed that the state governments can now take advantage of the facilities.
As a matter of fact, Nigeria’s disease-fighting agency, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); had lamented the paucity of bed spaces for COVID-19 patients. Specifically, the agency had disclosed that the situation was hampering the battle against COVID-19 in Nigeria.
However, with the recent donations, Mustapha who chairs the presidential task force on COVID-19; said these would aid in the committee’s support for the state governments.
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“As part of efforts to support the states in the establishment of the isolation and treatment centres; I wish to remind our governors that the Catholic Bishops Conference has volunteered all the 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide; for adaptation and use as isolation centres,” he said.
“Governors are encouraged to please approach Catholic Bishops in their states to access these facilities.’’
Subsequently, Nigerians have reacted to the remarkable act of charity by the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
In fact, a number of Nigerians have taken to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to commend the Catholic Church; even as they urged other churches/denominations in Nigeria to make similar sacrifices in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Equally important, 1st News has put together some of the reactions from Nigerians below:
The Catholic Church has 425 hospitals in Nigeria.
Donated all the the Federal Government to help the fight against COVID-19
There's a reason it is the biggest religious institution in the world.
If people can't feel your Christianity, it is useless
— Aproko Doctor™ (@aproko_doctor) May 11, 2020
The reason I became Catholic was because I realized 99% of my problems in life were a direct result of me doing things condemned by the Catholic Church. I was won over by the wisdom of the Catholic faith, and knew it had to be from God Himself to be so insightful.
— Jack A. Bingham (@HopeCatholic) May 11, 2020
The Catholic Church has donated ALL its 425 hospitals as COVID-19 isolation centers.
When you see a good thing please applaud it ??????
— Lidocaine ? (@trending_medic) May 11, 2020
In our time of need, the Catholic Church showed they cared – Caritas etc.
Meanwhile, the British Government was enthusiastically backing the starvation policy – couldn't wait for Shell to control the lion's share of oil wealth.
No Igbo person should ever trust the UK Govt.
— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) May 11, 2020
I never knew Catholic Church have as much as 425 Hospitals in Nigeria. Wow!
Doctors on the TL, how many Government Hospitals do we have in Nigeria? I want to check something.
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) May 11, 2020
After all Catholic is the first and true Christianity. Other churches branched out from it. So I see no surprise what the Catholic Church is doing. Your so called Pastor and general overseer that you call Daddy can never, Instead they are wishing death on people.
— Valar Mørghulis ?? (@viccetti) May 11, 2020
Catholic church donates all 425 hospitals as #COVID19 isolation centers…
Nigerian Pentecostal leaders.. ? pic.twitter.com/pPECt6DOmB
— John Doe (@jon_d_doe) May 11, 2020
The Catholic Church just did the unexpected.
— DREYLO. (@RealDreylo) May 11, 2020
What Catholic Church did is what religious institutions ought to be doing this period, not fighting to reopen mosques and churches because people are going to the market.
— F (@TillyTillie) May 11, 2020
This is at least
1. 1 Hospital per 2 LGAs
2. 2 doctors per hospital = 950 doctors
3. Minimum of 5 Nurses per hospital = 2,125 nurses
4. Minimum of 10 other support staff =4,250
5. Minimum total 950+ 2,125 + 4,250 = 6,470 people employed.3 Gbosas to the Catholic Church pic.twitter.com/zBeQ3hhAig
— Boma Senibo (@mrmayorr) May 11, 2020
One of those moments I can beat my chest, stand up tall, smile and say I attend Catholic Church, born into Catholic family and I'm proudly living my faith.
Like or retweet if you are proudly Catholic.#Pray4katsina #MadagascarCure #BitcoinHalving #RipOtunba pic.twitter.com/NjjtmBjOtl— Mazi Ebuka (Onye Nkuzi) ? (@ChiefEnemuo) May 11, 2020
