BREAKING: Buhari, Osinbajo Receive First Doses Of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have received their first jabs of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the new banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja

The duo received the vaccines on live television on Saturday morning. 

This came a day after the Federal Government launched the 3.94 million doses of vaccine donated to the country at a ceremony in Abuja. 

Prior to the roll-out, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had certified the vaccines to be safe for use on citizens. 

The country had commenced the vaccination with healthcare workers who are more at the risk of contracting the virus from infected patients. 

Cyprian Ngong, an Abuja-based medical doctor, was the first person to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in Nigeria. 

After receiving the vaccine, President Buhari urged all eligible Nigerians to get vaccinated, “so that we can be protected from the virus.”

The President said, “I have received my first jab and I wish to recommend it to all eligible Nigerians, (and urge them) to do same so that we can be protected from the virus.”

Buhari urged all governors, government officials, traditional and religious leaders to encourage people in their domains to take the vaccine. 

‘“The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of the coronavirus.

‘“I similarly urge all eligible Nigerians to present themselves to be vaccinated in accordance with the order of priority already mapped out, at the various authorised designated centres ONLY,’’ he added.

Buhari had said his decision to take the COVID-19 vaccine in public was “a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.’’