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…Visits Traditional Rulers, Itam Market, Ors
By Anietie Essia
The Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Etetim Onuk on Monday, March 30, flagged off a campaign against the outbreak of the epidemic and dreaded COVID-19 virus which has in recent weeks put the world to feet.
The Chairman who sensitized market women, traditional rulers, Youth and community leaders as well as major stakeholders on the need to adhere to health and preventive measures against the dreaded disease, flagged-off the exercise at the popular Itam Market, where an estimated population of ten thousand traders are often gathered.
The Council Boss who was accompanied by a cross section of Local Government Supervisors in Itu, led by Dr. Daniel Umoren, the supervisor for Health stated that it was imperative for the market women and other traders to adhere to proper hand washing and the use of sanitizers.
While presenting hand sanitizers, antiseptic soaps, disposable tissues and water buckets fitted with taps to the management of the market, Barr. Onuk observed that the prevalence of the Corona virus was no longer news in Nigeria.
“It’s no longer a news that the deadly disease called ‘COVID-19 otherwise known as Corona Virus has entered the world which according to Nigeria Center For Disease Control (NCDC), has recorded 111 cases in 12 states of the Federation with 1 death Case.
“We are happy to announce to you that the said virus has not recorded any case in Akwa Ibom State which we pray and hope will not affect us, hence, every palliative measure to contain the pandemic virus must be put in place personally and collectively to combat the epidemic”.
“As the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, I have joined hands with the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government led by His Excellency Governor Udom and the health professional bodies in the state to launch this campaign to fight Corona Virus to a standstill in the country”, he stated.
He also enjoined all indigenes and residents of Itu Local Government Area to continue to adhere to the Personal and Respiratory Hygiene guidelines, while observing social distancing, avoiding handshakes, embrace, and maintaining six-feet distance from anyone who is sneezing or coughing, as announced in order to minimize the spread of COVID 19.
The sensitization and awareness exercise was also carried out at the residence of HRM, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Itu Local Government Area, in the presence of Clan Heads of respective Clans and other traditional rulers drawn from some villages in the Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Itu Paramount Ruler expressed satisfaction at the positive steps taken by the council Boss in accordance with the directives given by the Federal and State Government to contain the spread of the virus in the State.
The Patriarch reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all traditional institutions in the Local Government Area abide and adhere to the instructions given by the government, especially in the rural communities.
The train also visited Primary Health care, West Itam, Ibiaku Itam to orientate the health workers, pregnant women, nursing mothers and other patients on the modalities and preventive measures taken by Itu Local Government Area combat the disease.
It would be recalled that the Akwa Ibom State Government had earlier announced that there was no case of the virus in Akwa Ibom State, and that adequate preventive measures have been put in place to prevent the virus in Akwa Ibom State.
According to the state government, there are 19 ventilators on ground in the state with 11 at the Ibom Specialist Hospital, 4 at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and 4 reserved at the Government House Clinic.
There is also a newly set up Emergency Operations Isolation unit which is fully operational at the Ibom Specialist Hospital.
