Worried by the sudden rise in COVID-19 cases, Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken the COVID-19 vaccine campaign to the Palaces of some traditional rulers in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
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The Administration through it’s Health and Human Services Secretariat said the move was part of the activities mapped out by the Secretariat to further sensitize the general public on the need to get vaccinated against COVID 19, while observing the Preventive Non Pharmaceutical interventions.
Leading the delegation of the Health Team to the Palace of the Ona of Abaji, the Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr Abubakar Tafida urged the traditional rulers to join the administration in taking the message to the grass root through the traditional institution and structures.
Dr Tafida hinted that Federal Government has made the vaccines available for people to access in order to effectively contain and control this deadly disease, that has claimed many lives globally, here in Nigeria and the FCT.
He called on residents to get vaccinated to ensure they are fully protected including getting the booster doses for stronger immunity.
While noting that apart from wearing face masks, hand washing/use of sanitizers, observing physical distancing and avoidance of crowed places, the Secretary added that there is strong need to be vaccinated.
Dr Tafida who stated that the role of the traditional rulers in reaching out to the people cannot be overemphasized, said that is why the Health Secretariat is soliciting the support of the royal fathers.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders in the FCT, the Ona of Abaji HRM Alhaji (Dr) Adamu Baba Yunusa congratulated the Secretary on his appointment and charged him to continue to reach out to people at the grass root in all his programs because they are the majority and are the ones in dire need of such interventions.
He added that he has already invited all his subjects to come in order to be sure that every person takes the vaccine.
The Ona assured the FCT Health Secretary of the support and partnership of the traditional leaders in the sensitization and mobilization of people of the FCT in delivery of health programs including the COVID-19 vaccination.
While at the Palace of Agara of Jiwa the Secretary said ” the purpose of the visit was to seek the support of the royal father on the intensive sensitization and mobilization drive for COVID -19 vaccination in the FCT. The vaccine is free and safe for protection against the deadly virus“.
While responding, the Agara of Jiwa HRH Alhaji (Dr) Idris Musa promised to work hand in hand with the health team to ensure his people are all vaccinated.
He pledged to continue to partner with the Health Secretariat in all it’s programs adding that they have direct impact to the people of Jiwa and FCT at large.
