COVID-19: GOV Emmanuel harps on training of health workers, says lockdown won’t affect food market

Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed that the task force for containment of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Akwa Ibom State be trained and equipped to undertake its critical task, as the state commences a week long lockdown. The governor gave the directive when he met with executives of the Conglomeration of Health Workers […]

Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed that the task force for containment of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Akwa Ibom State be trained and equipped to undertake its critical task, as the state commences a week long lockdown.

The governor gave the directive when he met with executives of the Conglomeration of Health Workers Against COVID-19 at Government House, Uyo, on Sunday.

The Conglomeration of Health Workers Against COVID-19 is an amalgamation of the four 4 major health care associations in Akwa Ibom state, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AMLSN).

In his remarks, Governor Emmanuel commended health workers’ unions for their show of patriotism, solidarity and commitment toward forestalling incidence and spread of the global pandemic in Akwa Ibom state.

“You have displayed genuine patriotism in the fight to forestall the incident and spread of the global pandemic, covid-19, in our dear state. I’m particularly impressed by your show of solidarity and commitment in getting the right things done in this cause,” he said.

The Governor asked each of the associations in the conglomeration to contribute personnel to the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Task Force on COVID-19.

He stated that training will commence immediately for members of the task force, saying this will position them to function optimally during any eventuality in the state.

Governor Emmanuel further stressed the need for training on information management and proper communication about the disease to avoid creating unnecessary panic in the society, expressing regret over misinformation peddled so far which has caused panic across the state.

On the week long state wide lock down, the state chief executive stated that it will not affect foodstuff markets, explaining that shutting down the market in a state where a good number of citizens live on subsistence farming and petty trading, will bring untold hardship on the people.

Speaking on behalf of the Conglomeration of Health Workers Against COVID-19, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, lauded the visionary leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel which, he said, was evident in the massive upgrade of medical facilities in the state. This, he added, has earned the Governor the prestigious national recognition of Healthcare Ambassador.