Emmanuel meets health union as Akwa Ibom prepares for lockdown

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, has directed that the task force for containment of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state should be trained and equipped to undertake its critical task, as the state commences a week long lockdown.

The governor gave the directive when he met with executives of the Conglomeration of Health Workers Against COVID-19 at government house, Uyo.

The Conglomeration of Health Workers Against COVID-19 is an amalgamation of the four major health care associations in Akwa Ibom state, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AMLSN).

Emmanuel commended health workers’ unions for their show of patriotism, solidarity and commitment toward forestalling incidence and spread of the global pandemic in Akwa Ibom.

“You have displayed genuine patriotism in the fight to forestall the incident and spread of the global pandemic, covid-19, in our dear state. I’m particularly impressed by your show of solidarity and commitment in getting the right things done in this cause,” he said.

The governor asked each of the associations in the conglomeration to contribute personnel to the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Task Force on COVID-19.

He said the training will commence immediately for members of the task force, saying this will position them to function optimally during any eventuality in the state.

On the week-long statewide lock down, the state chief executive said it will not affect foodstuff markets, explaining that shutting down the market in a state where a good number of citizens live on subsistent farming and petty trading, will bring untold hardship on the people.

“Stopping people from going to farms and markets in a state like ours where majority depend on these for their sustenance, will bring untold hardship on the people and will be counter productive hence state government will not allow it,” he said.