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ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR OF SOKOTO STATE, RT. HON. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL CFR, MUTAWALLEN SOKOTO ON THE OUTBREAK OF COVID 19 ( MARCH 26, 2020) Assalamualaikum Warahamatullahi,
Wabarakatuhu; Fellow citizens in Sokoto State, it is with gratitude to Allah (SWT) that I address you in these trying times for our state, our nation and humanity at large. The outbreak of Covid 19, generally known as Corona Virus, is a global challenge that is affecting all parts of the world. It has so far caused losses in human lives and the economy of all nations, including Nigeria.
Alhamdulillah, Sokoto State is experiencing a relatively safe situation, having so far recorded no case of infection.
The only suspected case has tested negative of the Corona Virus.
Notwithstanding the fact that the State has not recorded any case of this disease, the State Government constituted a task force team of experts under the leadership of the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Muhammed Ali Inname on the 19th March 2020.
The terms of reference of the committee are to advise government on all measures needed to be taken to prevent the entry and spread of the disease into Sokoto State and also to organise public enlightenment campaigns and statewide engagement with members of the public.
Government has been following the recommendations of the taskforce committee, some of which include;-
Training of medical personnel to handle patients of Covid 19
Provision of Isolation centers
Sensitization of the public on the disease.
Furthermore, a consultative meeting with traditional leaders and Ulama under the able leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto with the Task Force Committee on Coronavirus and leadership of security agencies in the State was held.
The government commends his Eminence the Sultan, traditional leaders and Ulama for participating in this engagement and
their contributions towards addressing this challenge.
We appeal to them to continue with prayers and sensitization of the general public.
Consequent upon the nature of this disease and the need to take precautionary measures in line with international best practices and with national policies which conform with established and extant regulations as enshrined in the Islamic code that addressed challenges such as this, all inter states routes into Sokoto State are to be closed from midnight of Friday, March 27th 2020 to 10th April 2020 (for the initial two weeks) except for the supply of food and essential medical commodities, pending observations on trends of the disease in our dear state and country.
Similarly, all state civil servants on GL 12 and below are to work from their homes for an initial two weeks from Friday March 27 2020 to Friday April 10 2020.
Further measures to be taken by the State will be predicated on expert advice from the State Ministry of Health, Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Federal Ministry of Health as and when the need arises.
My fellow citizens in Sokoto State, I urge you to cooperate with relevant authorities and adhere to these measures in the interest of our well-being and survival as the human race.
Let me call on community and religious leaders to sensitize the public on the disease and report early any observed symptoms. The Ministries of Environment and Health are hereby directed to intensify
efforts towards sanitation, cleanliness and provision of necessary medical supplies.
I wish to assure you that government will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the values and culture of the citizens in the State
I also solicit fervent prayers from all of us, for Divine intervention into the current situation.
May Allah (SWT) forgive those who passed away, heal those with all afflictions and protect all of us from dangers, seen and unseen. Thank you.
Wassalamu Alaikum Warahamatullah
