World Assembly of
Youth (WAY) on Tuesday applauded the proactive measures taken by the Federal
and some state governments to contain spread of the CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) in Nigeria.
In a statement from the
Africa regional office of WAY signed by Mr Preye Ketebu-Brown, Coordinator, WAY-Africa
Response Against COVID-19, it noted that Kano, Imo and Bayelsa are amongst none
index states leading impressively.
WAY noted that Kano
State Set-up a broad based multi stakeholder task-force including the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, Bayero University Kano amongst others.
According to Ketebu-Brown,
who is also Vice President (Africa), WAY the
appointment of Prof. Maurice Iwu to lead the COVID-19 taskforce Imo is equally
strategic in view of his vast experience in Pharmacognosy.
“The decision of Gov
Douye Diri of Bayelsa to personally Chair the Bayelsa State Special Taskforce
on COVID-19 and his directive for all LGAs in the State to do the same is most
impressive
“The step is
recommended to other states and countries across Africa.
“Africa needs
political will to win this. Bayelsa State has taken the boldest step taken so
far in the Country by a State Government against the Corona Virus
(COVID-19).
“The World Assembly of
Youth (WAY) calls on all and sundry to take extreme caution in social meetings,
greetings and interactions. Youths are advised to be vigilant for correct and
current information.
“Avoid spreading fake
news and comply with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and W.H.O
updates/guidelines/alerts to stay safe from contacting the virus,” te statement
read in part.
.
WAY observed that it
was worrisome that Nigeria with a population of almost 200 million only has
five reference laboratories for the COVID 19.
It therefore called on
every state to as part of emergency proactive measures to set up laboratories
with capacities for COVID-19 tests and containment as well as a COVID-19
treatment centre.
The global youth body
commended state Governments that have conducted trainings for Information
Officers, Media Practitioners, Security personnel, Health workers.
WAY urged others to
follow suit and engage youth organizations for advocacy activities at states and
local government levels.
“Youths and youth organizations
should take up the challenge in spreading awareness on appropriate social
behaviours on-line, in their neighbourhood at community levels.
“The younger
generation must act to protect and isolate the vulnerable and elderly from
COVID-19.
“The World Assembly of
Youth is confident that Nigeria shall prevail over this crisis as she did per
Ebola,” Ketebu-Brown stated.
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