From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Ministerial Envoy on COVID-19, Prof. Abdulsalam Nasidi, on Tuesday commended Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for his efforts in combating the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Prof. Nasidi who was the pioneer Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), noted that by what they saw on ground in Kano, “I can say what Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is doing in the state, I cannot, so far, see any Governor doing that.”
He made the commendation during a special meeting between Ganduje and Five Emirs in Kano state, alongside the Ministerial Technical Team and other health professionals, at Africa House, Government House.
Prof. Nasidi expressed satisfaction in the manner and approach Kano state government is handling the global pandemic, with Ganduje driving the response team.
He also appreciated the State Task Force on COVID-19, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Co-Chaired by Prof. Abdurrazak Garba Habib.
“In the last two weeks we have been in the state, what we saw the state has achieved is tremendous and encouraging. What Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is doing is just superb. No state in the federation is doing as effective as Kano state.
“I have been to many places in the world in respect of similar infectious diseases, of which I was a party to those responses across the globe. Therefore, I am familiar with such terrains. Kano state is doing very well,” he stated.
He also commended the Emirs for their commitment towards the fight against COVID-19, pointing out that when they came to Kano two weeks ago, they made it very clear that the role of traditional institutions was vital.
Prof. Nasidi added that, “and here we are in the same hall with all the five Emirs in the state. And we learned that there was such contact even before now. This is a good omen.”
Prof Nasidi appealed to the people to support government’s effort with all commitment and seriousness, explaining that, “we cannot achieve what is needed without the cooperation and support of the public.”
He said all the necessary cooperation of the public is needed as a prerequisite to break the transmission of the global pandemic.
“We are not politicians and we are not here to play politics. We don’t know how to do that. Because it is not our line of engagement,” he added.
