By Adesina Soyooye
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Thursday, told Imo people that he doesn’t want to die. “If there is anyone who doesn’t want to die, it is me.”
Uzodinma made the statement as he flagged off the COVID-19 Vaccination exercise in the state. His statement was meant to boost the confidence of the people in the vaccine, and encourage them to get vaccinated against the virus.
To show how safe the vaccine is, the Governor came along with his wife, Chioma, and both of them took the vaccine one after the other.
There have been fears and controversy over the use of the COVID-19 Vaccines, especially, the type being administered in Nigeria – AstraZenaca. About eight European countries, early in the week, discontinued its use over fears of blood cloth, a symptom exhibited by some of those – 30 – injected with the vaccine.
In Nigeria, even though there has been no adverse effect among those that had taken it, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a former Senator, Dino Melaye had raised an alarm that the cheapest type of the COVID-19 Vaccines was brought to Nigeria. In ssme manner, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, says he would never take it, nor encourage his people to be used as guinea pigs, reminding Nigerians of the effect, years back, of the Pfizer vaccine against Polio in Kano State.
But the World Health Organisation, WHO, the body that should know, says AstraZenaca is safe and effective.
Performing the flagging-off ceremony at Imo State Primary Health Development Agency ISPHCDA along Umuguma Road New Owerri, the Uzodinma noted that Oxford AstraZenaca vaccine was confirmed all over the world as safe, effective and permanent solution to the dreaded virus covid-19
“If there is anyone who doesn’t want to die it is me. I want to give confidence to my people. I want them to see that government means well. I and my wife, Deputy Governor and his wife will take the vaccine right here today.”
The Governor encouraged the people to make themselves available for the administration of the vaccine because it is being administered all over the world to citizens as the only solution to Covid-19 coupled with the preventive measures of regular hand washing, wearing of face mask, sanitizing and keeping social distancing.
Earlier in her address, the Executive Secretary, Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, ISPHCDA Rev. Sr. Maria-Joaness Uzoma thanked the Governor for all the efforts at uplifting the Primary Health Care Sector, provision of official vehicles, ambulances and other amenities needed for the smooth running of the Agency.
Speaking, also, the representative of the World Health Organization on behalf of all partners appreciated Governor Uzodimma for his support in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in Imo State and said that the approval of the vaccine in Nigeria is a major step in the fight against the pandemic.
They said they will continue to support the Government technically to ensure that the vaccine reaches the targeted audience.
He informed that the first phase of the vaccination was targeted at frontline personnel, including health workers, security agents, petrol station staff and laboratory technicians and those in leadership positions.
He further said that the vaccine administration will be available only through approved government channels accredited for the programme, and stressed that registration will be made before vaccination while certificate will be given after.
