Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, pledges to equip and
strengthen isolation centres to overcome challenges of coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic.
Zulum made the pledges Wednesday in statewide broadcast to the people
at Government House, Maiduguri, the state capital.
According to him, the four COVID-19 isolation centres are located at
University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Abba Kyari Memorial
Hospital, Biu town and one other being completed for use.
While speaking on capacities of isolation centres, he said: “We will
ensure adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
procurement of mobile testing equipment and other logistics required
for prompt response.
“An effective synergy will be established between COVID-19 response
team and the general public to avert negative consequences of wrong
information or misinformation.”
Continued; “Fellow compatriots, our society after the COVID-19
pandemic will be very different given the devastating impact on the
economy and socio-cultural development.”
“There is the need for diversification of economy and heavy reliance
on agriculture is inevitably paramount.
“We must look inwards to strengthen our economic base and empower our
people to be self-reliance in food production.”
He said since the northern governors’ forum (NGF) had discussed on
self-reliance, agricultural sector be revitalized to transform the
entire society.
According to him, the agricultural revitalization could be transformed
with development of north’s human and capital resources.
While lamenting Almajirai system, he said; “The 19 Governors will take
a hard look at the Almajirai system for better human capacity building
and development.
“The rich intellectual endowment of the young Almajirai; must be
developed and harnessed for overall wellbeing of society.
He therefore; directed the COVID-19 response team led by Deputy
Governor, Umar Kadafur to profile all the Tsangaya schools in the
state with a view to creating a database.
While assuring the people, he said: “I will encourage a dialogue among
my colleague Governors to create educational opportunities that are
sustainable and modern for the Almajirai in the North.
“We’ll take all measures to protect their human rights and dignity
while steps are taken to reposition them into society.
He noted that the actions and measures are essential if Governors were
to take necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19 disease
in Borno.
He also called on religious and community leaders to join in prayers
so as to end the pandemic.
“We should strictly adhere to social distancing, hand washing, use of
face masks and sanitizers and personal hygiene to fight COVID-19
disease,” he warned.
