Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has pleaded with retired Health workers, Doctors and Nurses in particular to assist in efforts of the state government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID 19) to the state.
Duaglobalnews reports that though the state has no record of Coronavrus, Bello said he was not taking chances in ensuring that the disease does not find its way into thestate, hence the preparedness which include mobilising more hands and buying its own test kits.
The governor, in a radio broadcast to the people on Sunday evening,however,said, “I am happy that Niger state is still free from the virus, but we must tighten up to ensue it does not gain grounds in Niger state.”
During the Radio broadcast which took place at the Government House, Minna, the Governor assured that any support to check the deadly disease woulf not go unrewarded.
“The state wants to buy its own test kits. There will be incentives for volunteers.
“I have given approval to the Commissioner for Health, that all retired Health workers especially Doctors and including volunteers; either private or public sector be engaged, I have given the Commissioner approval to invite and accept them to assist us.”
Governor Bello emphasized his desire to alleviate the suffering of the people of the state as the lockdown over COVID 19 continued.
He directed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to ensure a minimum of 18 hours power supply on daily basis.
“We need to reduce the hardship, 3 hours daily is unacceptable. I have told the Deputy Governor, Ahmad Ketso, to reach out to AEDC and he said they are still in discussion to see that we have 18 hours of power supply daily”.
“I am deeply concerned about the hardship, especially with the increasing heat wave. We must do our best possible, at all cost, to ease the suffering of our people, especially the children who are the worst hit by the heat and poor electricity supply.”
Other measures like improved water supply he also promised, would be taken care of by the state Water Board.
The governor equally directed the state-owned transport outfit, Niger State Transport Authority (NSTA) to make buses available to move patients “since the state is in short of ambulances.”
He said, “I have instructed the Commissioner for Water Resources and the General Manager of the State Water Board to ensure water tankers supply water to some areas within the state capital, to start with where there has been no water supply during this period.”
Bello, who tested negative to coronavirus,commended religious leaders for ensuring that their members comply with directives to check the virus in the state .
“I have given approval to the Commissioner for Environment and the General Manager, Niger state Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) to buy disinfectants to spray public places like markets, schools, religious places and government facilities”.
“I have also asked the Commissioners for Education and Health to convert some schools at least one in each of the Emirates into Isolation centres in case there is an explosion. Kotangora and Bida would have two centers each because of their sizes.”
Bello, however, warned against any form of discrimination stressing that every “Nigerite” should be treated equally not minding religious, tribal and political inclinations.
“The palliatives must cover everyone,including in the Internally Displaced Person’s camps.”
