Yearning for normalcy, Ali Nuhu, others lead call for COVID-19 vaccinations
By Simon Echewofun Sunday & Maryam Bello As Nigerians join the global community in yearning for a return to normalcy, Kannywood’s actor, Ali Nuhu and other entertainers are leading the call for increased vaccinations. In a campaign tagged, “Make We Change Am for COVID-19”, the leading Nigerian influencers push their drive for a return […]
Yearning for normalcy, Ali Nuhu, others lead call for COVID-19 vaccinations
By Simon Echewofun Sunday & Maryam Bello
As Nigerians join the global community in yearning for a return to normalcy, Kannywood’s actor, Ali Nuhu and other entertainers are leading the call for increased vaccinations.
In a campaign tagged, “Make We Change Am for COVID-19”, the leading Nigerian influencers push their drive for a return to normal living.
The #MakeWeChangeAM campaign is conducted together with Viral Facts Africa, a social content hub launched in March 2021 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) co-hosted initiative, Africa Infodemic Response Alliance.
The aim is to produce and distribute digital productions to combat health misinformation online. Since its launch, Viral Facts Africa produced over 200 videos and graphics in English, French and Portuguese, reaching over 130 million views already.
Top of the lead of those pushing the campaign are Kannywood actor Ali Nuhu, digital creator Aproko Doctor, and television presenter Morayo Afolabi-Brown.
They believe that when more Nigerians get vaccinated, it could save the lives of family, friends and loved ones.
Nigeria has recorded over 280,000 cases since February 2020 when the first case was announced with 2,668 deaths occurring. Globally, statistics show that there are over 219 million cases with 4.55 million deaths recorded as of Thursday.
While advocating the positive impacts of the vaccine, Ali Nuhu said: “Yes, I have taken the vaccine. I had to take the vaccine for myself, my family and community of actors who also need to be protected especially at shoot locations. COVID-19 is not surrendering easily and we must not be ignorant about this”.
Speaking further, Nuhu stressed that it is important Nigerians know that COVID-19 isn’t going to stop unless everyone plays a part. “Taking the vaccine has helped in making me feel better protected and I feel safer when I’m in the midst of my community, friends and family whom I love dearly,” said Nuhu.
Commenting on the adverse effect of the virus on Nigeria, public health advocate, Dr Chinonso Egemba, with the stage name, Aproko Doctor said, “COVID-19 is still on the prowl and has indeed flattened lives and many businesses across the country”.
Sharing his experience, he said, “After recording our first case of COVID as a nation in February 2020, little did we know that a lot of things were going to change. I lost a couple of colleagues to the virus and also experienced increased levels of stress and anxiety.
“I burnt out once while trying to intensify my efforts on advocacy around prevention and at the same time attending to my patients. One word I would use to explain how I felt during the height of the pandemic is “exhaustion”.
Craving for the return to normalcy, the advocate said, “We just want to get on with our lives, careers and businesses. So, I encourage my fans to help change the current situation by getting vaccinated to reduce the rate and spread of Covid-19 infections. Please get vaccinated as soon as you can”.
Lending her voice to the campaign, a television presenter, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, dismissed the myths and unsubstantiated tales about the origin and effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
“To change the current COVID-19 situation across the county, the more people get vaccinated, the lesser the spread. So, taking the vaccine does help in protecting oneself and loved ones from getting seriously ill or dying from the infection,” said Morayo, re-echoing the COVID-19 health advisory.
On how the pandemic affected her directly, the media person said, “Sadly, I have also lost a few loved ones and acquaintances. It is painful to see them lose the battle to COVID so I urge the public to please seek out the facts readily available about the virus and the vaccines.
“With a population of over 200 million people the government can only do so much. Everyone must participate to help spread the word of taking the vaccine and protecting our loved ones.”
Morayo said the vaccines have been made available by renowned scientists, relying on technology advancement that has been scientifically proven – with over three billion vaccines now administered worldwide. “if you don’t like this COVID-19 mess, please get vaccinated as soon as you can,” she advised.