Press Statement by PRP National Youth Leader on the COVID-19 Situation

Gentlemen of The Press!

My dear good people of our country Nigeria, it has become imperative to communicate directly about the COVID-19 situation in the country, and the measures that we all need to put in place - individually and as a Government  to ensure the prevention, containment and control of this disease.

Between few weeks ago, a lot has come to light in Nigeria regarding COVID-19, also known as the Corona virus Disease, which has been ravaging the world for the past few months.

At a point, some people thought we were immune to this disease. I know some amongst you may still hold that opinion. But it so unfortunate that the Minister of Health as at yesterday confirmed 27 cases of Covid-19 in the country; but so many people are still doubting the existence of this disease whereas  all we need now is to be more proactive and cautious of our lifestyle.

As youths and the country at large, we can take several measures to beat this virus. It has been shown that maintaining proper hygiene through frequent washing of the hands with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers that are 90% alcohol based, is a key way to prevent the spread of this disease. I implore all citizens to make these practices a routine and a priority. Social distancing is also highly encouraged.

Let me also call on the government to put necessary measures in place such as:

1. The Ministry of Health should introduce campaigns and enlightenment programme about corona virus in markets, schools and for people in the hospitality industry, to maintain the hand washing culture and give a safe distance if anyone is sneezing or coughing around them.

2. Emergency operation centre and Diagnostic centre should  be set up across the 36 states including 

3. The Ministry of Health should ensure that every school complied with the instruction of closing down till further notice.

4. There should be a designated centre for all states in the country as the infectious disease hospital.

5. At least five (5) ambulances dedicated to corona virus cases should be  provided to each state.

6. Wash centres should be provided in markets and public places accompanied with hand sanitizers.

7. Personal protective gear wear should be provided for our health workers and safety enlightenment programme should also be organized for our workers.

8. All Airports, Borders and Seaports should be closed down till further notice.

9. Setting up the COVID-19 Task Force will also go a long way in controlling the epidemic virus.

10. Media houses should be encouraged to step up the campaign against Covid-19 in all our local languages; so that people in the rural areas can be enlightened more about this virus.

However, anyone who has shown any known symptoms of COVID-19 such as dry cough, fever, nausea, severe headaches, difficulty breathing and tiredness should please, isolate themselves and make themselves available to any nearest hospital; this will prevent other people's from contacting this ugly and deadly virus.

In Conclusion, I urge all citizens of our dear country to remain calm and observe all preventive measures announced by the Federal Ministry of Health and their agencies.

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!
God bless PRP!

The FCT.