COVID-19 Vaccine: Borno Governor tasks traditional, religious leaders on sensitization
From Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has advised traditional and religious leaders to sensitize their people to take coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to save lives.
According to him, the sensitization is in continuation of the state government’s enlightenment campaign over the AstraZeneca vaccine against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
Zulum gave the advice on Thursday in Maiduguri, while addressing religious and traditional leaders on the need to protect themselves and their people against the deadly virus.
The Governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Hussaini; disclosed that; “The State government is committed to the protection of its citizens against the devastating impacts of COVID-19 pandemic across the state”.
He noted that traditional rulers should not compel any of their subjects to take the vaccine, as it’s administered free of charge.
According to him, prevention is always better than cure to save people’s lives from the pandemic.
He warned that COVID-19 is real and has killed so many people in the country including the ones from the state.
While lamenting COVID-19 deaths, he said: “We thanked God for minimizing the number of deaths caused by the virus in Borno; compared to other 35 states in the country,”
Sheik Muhammad Arabi Abulfatahi, a Muslim cleric, suggested to the Governor that medical professionals from the sects be engaged in the sensitization of people on the need to take the AstraZeneca vaccine.
He said that medical professionals are competent to enlighten the people on the import of taking the vaccine for protection against COVID-19 disease.
Bishop Naga Mohammed, also supported the enlightenment campaigns on Radio and Television embarked by the representatives of sects.
“This vaccine will get the acceptability of the majority of our people and debunked the negative campaigns against taking AstraZeneca jab.
The Chief Imam of Borno, Zanna Laisu Ahmed, assured the state government that they will proceed with the enlightenment campaigns for people to take the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Borno Governor tasks traditional, religious leaders on sensitization