The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) on Tuesday applauded the proactive measures taken by the Federal and some state governments to contain spread of the CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) in Nigeria.
In a statement from the Africa regional office of WAY signed by Mr Preye Ketebu-Brown, Coordinator, WAY-Africa Response Against COVID-19, it noted that Kano, Imo and Bayelsa are amongst none index states leading impressively.
WAY noted that Kano State Set-up a broad based multi stakeholder task-force including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, Bayero University Kano amongst others.
According to Ketebu-Brown, who is also Vice President (Africa), WAY the appointment of Prof. Maurice Iwu to lead the COVID-19 taskforce Imo is equally strategic in view of his vast experience in Pharmacognosy.
“The decision of Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa to personally Chair the Bayelsa State Special Taskforce on COVID-19 and his directive for all LGAs in the State to do the same is most impressive.
“The step is recommended to other states and countries across Africa.
“Africa needs political will to win this. Bayelsa State has taken the boldest step taken so far in the Country by a State Government against the Corona Virus (COVID-19).
“The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) calls on all and sundry to take extreme caution in social meetings, greetings and interactions. Youths are advised to be vigilant for correct and current information.
“Avoid spreading fake news and comply with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and W.H.O updates/guidelines/alerts to stay safe from contacting the virus,” te statement read in part.
WAY observed that it was worrisome that Nigeria with a population of almost 200 million only has five reference laboratories for the COVID 19.
It therefore called on every state to as part of emergency proactive measures to set up laboratories with capacities for COVID-19 tests and containment as well as a COVID-19 treatment centre.
The global youth body commended state Governments that have conducted trainings for Information Officers, Media Practitioners, Security personnel, Health workers.
WAY urged others to follow suit and engage youth organizations for advocacy activities at states and local government levels.
“Youths and youth organizations should take up the challenge in spreading awareness on appropriate social behaviours on-line, in their neighbourhood at community levels.
“The younger generation must act to protect and isolate the vulnerable and elderly from COVID-19.
“The World Assembly of Youth is confident that Nigeria shall prevail over this crisis as she did per Ebola,” Ketebu-Brown stated
