Following the issuance of lockdown order in some part of Rivers state, aimed at curtailing the further spread of the novel Covid-19 pandemic; State Commissioner for Information and Communication, who also serve as the Inter-ministerial Committee for Enlightenment on COVID-19, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has charged youths in the State to desist from any form of violence and support the Government in the fight against the spread of Corona virus.
Nsirim disclosed this recently in the state, during a one-day sensitization of the Youth under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), persuaded youths to stay away from being used as an instrument for destruction, but should endeavour to put in their quota towards the development of the State.
He also pleaded with them to abide by the preventive measures of controlling Corona virus instructed by the State Governor, Nyesom Wike and that of other relevant authorities.
“We have invited you this afternoon because we understand clearly that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Currently you’re aware that there is a pandemic that’s ravaging the world, and that pandemic is also in Rivers State.
“The youths are a greater percentage of the population. So, whatever affects the youth, will affect the whole State. That’s why we’ve called you this afternoon to sensitize you on the matter of the moment: tell you the things that you need to do, things that you don’t need to do, how to protect yourselves, your Community, and your immediate environment.
“From what we are seeing around the country, the violence that are being perpetrated across the country because of the lockdown is being perpetrated by the youths. But we have said that the youths of Rivers State are different, that we cannot record such violence in Rivers State.
“So, we’re here this afternoon reminding youths that Rivers State is different, and that as representatives of your various youth bodies, when you go back home today, you will give them information about the virus, you’ll also give them information on how to be good citizens. This period is the time for responsibility, everyone has to make a sacrifice, has to be responsible, one way or the other, so that together we will chase the Coronavirus out of Rivers State”, he stated.
Responding, State Commissioner of Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Barr. Olisaelloka Tasie-Amadi, enlightened them on the dangers attached to this virus, how the virus could be contacted and on how it could also be checked.
He also taught them the importance of wearing face mask, which prevents droplets from an infected person from being circulated to other persons around.
According to him, “Basically, the first thing we need to know and practice is fascial hygiene. We all have heard that we’re requested to wash our hands regularly, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. The other thing we need to do all the time is to avoid touching our face.
“Why do we say don’t touch your face, your eyes, nose, and mouth? It’s because that’s the quickest way to get the infection. We say this because the hand touches many surfaces from which you can pick up the virus. It is for this reason you’re required to wash your hands regularly with soap and running water, or use sanitizers to kill the virus”.
Also speaking, a member of the Committee and Commissioner for Youths, Prince Ohia Obi, has promised the youths that the Government has drafted models on how to turn the youth development system into a process.
“Our concentration in youth development is unalloyed, and can never be compromised. You know in the public domain that the youth within the Niger Delta are volatile and restive. You know that the public perception about the youth in the Niger Delta is appalling, not palatable at all. But we’re here to ensure that we change that ugly narrative”, he assured.
State Chairman of NYCN, Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, who represented the youth, lauded Wike for all the measures put in place in order to stop the spread of virus, assuring that the youth leaders across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) would support the government in the fight, also pleading with Wike to tighten up state borders, especially that of Etche and Omuma LGAs.
