Buhari speaks on Covid-19 ,says vaccine development significant to overcome pandemic
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Covid-19 pandemic since its outbreak in 2020, has caused untold hardship to systems all over the world.
Buhari who made this known shortly after receiving his first AstraZeneca vaccine shot at the presidential villa,Abuja, described the virus as unseen but very potent enemy around the world.
According to him, infection from the virus has claimed over two million, five hundred thousand people worldwide but said the collective resolve of countries and regions in collaborative efforts results in vaccine development and access to poorer and developing countries.
Buhari urged all eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the availability of the vaccines and present themselves for vaccination to protect the country from coronavirus.
He urged Governors, traditional and religious to lead the mobilsation for vaccine administration and said in demonstrating leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, he alongside his vice have taken their own shots and urged all to do the same in line with prescribed priorities.
“Since the year 2020, humanity has remained under the burden of coronavirus pandemic,an unseen but very potent enemy around the world.
“Infection from the virus has resulted in over two million, five hundred thousand fatalities and destroyed several global and national systems.
“The response in Nigeriia and the ECOWAS Sub- region has been robust, collaborative and united.It was driven by a collective knowledge of
the fact that no country was safe until every country is safe.
“The speedy development of the coronavirus vaccine is quite significant and underscores the collective resolve of humanity to overcome the pandemic.
“Similarly, the collaborative effort to ensure equal access has brought relief to poor and developing nations.l have been assured by the Presidential Task Force PTF that the AstraZeneca vaccines which Nigeria has accessed will arrive in batches beginning with the first batch of about 4 million doses already received and similarly,our roll out and administration plan to cater for over70 per cent of our population between the year 2021-2022
“Yesterday,our frontline medical personnel,top on the priority list were vaccinated.Today, as a demonstration of leadership and faith, in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines,I have received a fast jab and I wish to recommend it to all eligible Nigerians to do same so that we can be protected from the virus.
“I urge all state governments, traditional and religious leaders to take the lead in the mobilisation effort within their environment and spheres of influence.” He said.
The President said the vaccine offers hope for Nigeriia to be free of coronavirus. and urged all eligible Nigerians to present themselves and be vaccinated in accordance with the order of priority already napped out at the various authorized designated centres only.
He congratulated the PTF on the successful multisectorial approach to the management of the pandemic and also acknowledged the support of governments,donors, development patners who have supported Nigeria thus far, and assured that the resources would be equitably administered
