From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the virus, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has called for cooperation from all quarters, including from corporate bodies and individuals, in the battle against the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Mustapha spoke in Abuja while receiving the volunteer personnel from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as well as the ambulance and buses donated by the agency to the task force.
Also donated were some medical equipment, including ventilators, oxygen concentrators, personal protective equipment, rapid test kits, hand sanitisers, and N30 million, according to a statement by the NIMASA Head of Corporate Communications, Philip Kyanet.
“This is a war on Nigeria, and the Federal Government, in conjunction with other stakeholders, will continue to do all it takes to win this war as we are more prepared than ever before to ensure we protect the lives of our citizens,” the statement quoted Mustapha to say.
“Let me encourage Nigerians to endure this lockdown order as it is not intended to trample on their fundamental human rights, rather it is to assist government trace infected persons and curb the spread. In no distant time, we will all go back to our normal lives.”
On their part, the NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said the agency was deploying its existing facilities, including fast intervention vessels, ambulances and buses, among others, to support government’s efforts at solving a national medical emergency.
Jamoh, who was represented by the Coordinator of NIMASA’s Abuja Zonal Office, Zailani Musa Attah, said he was satisfied to see that the agency’s existing facilities were handy in the efforts to contain the outbreak. He added: “We at NIMASA have decided to deploy our extant capacities and facilities in the fight against this pandemic.
“We did not invest new funds in purchasing these ambulances and buses. We simply deployed them to fight this common enemy. COVID-19 is a common enemy and all hands must be on deck to win the war against it at this critical time in the country’s history.
“We have had to adjust our priorities to contribute our quota to the urgent need to get Nigeria out of this national emergency. As a responsible Agency, we will continue to support government’s efforts across the board and I am confident that collectively, we will win this fight with the help of the Almighty.”
The agency also extended the gesture to Anambra State, where it donated medical materials, including ventilators, oxygen concentrators and hand sanitisers.
Receiving the materials, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, commended NIMASA and assured that the materials would be well utilised.
