Written By: DR. TIMOTHY IFEDIORANMA

THE debilitating monster called COVID-19 pandemic, no doubt, has dealt a big blow on mankind, causing global lockdown, which invariably leads to depression and socio-economic and political meltdown. In the middle of the global panic, uncertainty and fears of the perceived inevitable apocalypse brought about by the plague, the world is on prostate. Everything is on standstill. Schools, offices, markets, worship centres and businesses.

Jobs are lost, companies declare losses, prices of crude oil nose dive and yet, prices of goods and services skyrocket to high heavens; all because of what the World Health Organisation tagged one of the greatest health challenges ever. The good news however is that scientists and other health experts are up and working, while many are on supplication to the Almighty God to intervene so that solution to the scourge would be found.

It is cheering that governments, especially at the federal and state levels, are living up to their responsibilities to mitigate the harsh effects of the pandemic on the masses. Governments, accepting that their primary responsibility is to enhance the welfare of the governed, have not rested on their oars since the deadly virus broke out at Wuhan Province, China late last year.

For instance, Governor Willie Obiano has been proactive since the news of the pandemic filtered the air. Though the disease has not been recorded in the state, Obiano has made several broadcasts to intimate the people about the pandemic and the necessary actions needed to stay safe. He marshaled out numerous interventionist measures to stem the spread to the state and has even planned ahead.

According to Akpokuedike, Anambra state government shall soon commence the distribution of 3 million masks to the residents in entire communities in the state. Traditional rulers and Presidents-General will assist in profiling the tailors in the various communities that will mass-produce the masks. The intention is to ensure that after the 14-day shutdown of the state, no one will step out of his or her home without wearing a facial mask. This is commendable because even the Czech Republic is relying largely on a heavy use of facial masks to minimize the incidence of Coronavirus in its territory.

In addition, government shall fumigate all the 63 markets in Anambra, while the traders are at home. This will help to reduce the toxicity of the business environment and minimize the exposure of Ndi Anambra to different kinds of infections. As part of Economic Stimulus Package for the vulnerable, government is giving a two-month waiver to Keke and shuttle bus operators in the state on the usual permits they pay.

The grace period covers the months of April and May, 2020. The leadership of the Tricycle Union and the Bus and Shuttle Bus Drivers Union have also given a two-month waiver to Keke and Shuttle bus drivers. This, no doubt, will cushion the sudden fall in their income, occasioned by the restricted number of passengers they carry at a time these days.

To ensure that our children are not adversely affected by the closure of schools, Obiano’s administration has migrated the classrooms to Radio, Television and Facebook. A partnership between the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and the Ministry of Basic Education is meeting the educational needs of the children with a programme title “Anambra Teaching on Air”.

Again, learning from the experience of the approaches adopted by France and Lagos in battling the pandemic, Anambra state government has stockpiled the medicines used in managing outbreaks in both places in case we experience an incident here. Therefore, all Ndi Anambra need to do is to be calm and ensure adequate compliance with the standard directives on COVID-19, which includes – washing of hands regularly with soap, using hand-sanitizers, coughing and sneezing into the elbows, putting on face mask and most importantly; staying home and staying safe!

The entire business community in Anambra must however be commended for complying with the state government’s directive on Coronavirus. Kudos should go to owners of schools, the church, the civil society and traditional rulers who have lent their voices to the enlightenment campaign on in their various domains. Ndi Anambra should see Coronavirus as the greatest threat to us all as one people under God. We should come together as one and shut out this pandemic from the State. In the words of an American auto icon, Henry Ford, “coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress but working together is success”. Anambra State is in God’s hand; it is therefore safe, Amen!

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