COVID-19: NNPC To Build Isolation Centres In Enugu, Imo

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, will build Covid-19 isolation centres in Enugu and Imo states as part of its corporate social responsibilities.

This was stated by the chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, Engr Dave Umahi, after the Forum’s first teleconference meeting.

According to a communiqué signed by Governor Umahi, the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID programme), led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and CBN Dr. Godwin Emefiele, is to furnish the centres.

On the lockdown on inter-state borders, the forum reiterated its commitment towards strengthening the closure by adopting new measures, while expressing dismay over incidents of interstate border lockdown abuses that led to non-essential movement of persons.

The forum urged security agencies at border posts to work assiduously to curtail the spread of the pandemic by blockading leaking borders into the region. It also stated that enforcement of various preventive measures, such as wearing of face masks, social distancing, regular hand washing, and sanitary guidelines were still in force. 
 

On security, the forum stated that, “The southeast governors are worried about the movement of almajiri youths concealed in food and cement trucks into the southeast region. While we commend northern governors on their decision that almajiris should go to their states of origin, we also advise our people against coming back to their states to forestall further spread of the pandemic. We, therefore, request our community leaders to get passionately involved to ensure that such illegal movement is not allowed. Southeast governors will further strengthen our local security to protect farmlands and agriculture activities to encourage more participation in agriculture.”

To create wealth in the region, the governors also encouraged youths to take advantage of the CBN agricultural intervention programmes, and advised them to contact their respective state ministries of agriculture on how to get involved.

The governors also resolved that massive testing for Covid-19 be carried out with a target of at least 5% of the population in the five states within the next two months, and expressed happiness that the Imo State government had two testing centres while Enugu would soon complete her own centre. The communiqué added that Anambra and Abia were working on theirs while Ebonyi had been operational since February 2020.

On post Covid-19 Programme of the zone, the governors’ forum adopted a regional approach, explaining that the “proposed strategic planning will provide support for vital areas that we will be considering. Some of the areas we hope to prioritize are education, health agriculture, and SMEs.”

It also commended the federal government on the progress made so far on the rehabilitation project of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and expressed optimism that the airport would open when the nation’s airspace would be re-opened to regular flights. It further congratulated the new chief of staff to Mr. President, Amb. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, on his appointment.