Nigeria ‘should motivate’ other African countries on COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The African Youth Parliament (AYP), a non-governmental organisation, says Nigeria should take the lead on providing motivation for other countries as it relates to administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

AYP is a growing network of young leaders, committed to building an equitable and sustainable continent.

Speaking on Tuesday at a media briefing on COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Africa, Bamikole Babs, speaker of the parliament, said Nigeria holds a unique position in Africa, and as such, should be at the forefront of championing administration of the doses.

“It is important to emphasise that the various governments across Africa must make frantic efforts in vaccinating their citizens against COVID-19,” he said.

“We are aware of some countries that have deliberately disenfranchised indigent people from taking the vaccines. We would want the Nigerian government to take the lead in motivating other governments in Africa by ensuring that all her citizens are vaccinated.

“There shouldn’t be any form of discrimination in vaccinating Africans, irrespective of their economic status, because all lives matter.”

While lauding the efforts of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other stakeholders in their response to the pandemic, Babs added that the AYP has set up a COVID-19 vaccine monitoring team to ensure effective distribution of the doses across Africa.

Meanwhile, Rafiu Ishola has been appointed as the head of directorate of international youth events and information communication technology in the AYC secretariat.

According to the speaker, the appointment is to strengthen youth development across Africa.

Speaking on his appointment, Ishola said: “I would not be naive to say I don’t recognise this challenge. But I am prepared to give it my best shot.”