Despite speculations and propaganda in some quarters over the efficacy of the Oxford Astrazeneca Covid-19 Vaccine, Abians have trouped out in their numbers to get vaccinated against the killer disease.
The move is following the roll out of the covid-19 vaccination in Abia State which saw the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu taking his first dose of the vaccine yesterday.
Some stakeholders, religious leaders and traditional rulers in the State have also joined in receiving the vaccine.
Among those who came out to be vaccinated include Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Argentina, Chief Empire Kanu and the Pioneer Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)in the State, Chief Tony Ukasoanya.
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo and Bishop Sunday Onuoha, as well as some first class traditional rulers in the state were not left out.
Those who spoke to National Ambassador urged Abia people to discountenance the propaganda against the efficacy of the vaccine, saying that such rumours are unfounded.
Speaking after being inoculated at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Argentina, Chief Empire Kanu and the Pioneer PDP Chairman in the State, Chief Tony Ukasoanya expressed confidence that the vaccine would provide the needed immunity and enjoined Abia people and residents to leverage the opportunity to get vaccinated.
Also, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo and Bishop Sunday Onuoha encouraged Christians in the State to avail themselves the opportunity to be vaccinated.
They called on church leaders in the State to encourage their members to take the vaccine, explaining that the vaccine is neither dangerous nor deadly.
While praying that the pandemic would soon be eliminated, the clergy men said that vaccination increases the immune system and helps protect people from infections.
They recommended that everyone should get vaccinated, adding that it is the only way to and safeguard one’s self from the pandemic.
In their various speeches, the third Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Godfrey Onwuka and the Chairman, Ikwuano Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Dr. Eugene Ndimele encouraged their fellow traditional rulers and their subjects to get vaccinated.
The Traditional Rulers thanked the state government for making the vaccination available for all at no cost as well as the awareness created on the need for the people to get vaccinated.
In his contribution, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Chinagozie Adindu while assuring the the vaccine is safe and potent, enjoined people to feel free to get inoculated.
