Since COVID-19 Pandemic has become more serious than we ever thought and prepared for, the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 pandemic has been asked to expand its membership.
This was part of the statement signed by Dr Benson Olugbuo, the Executive director of CLEEN Foundation as made available to National Network.
According to the statement, the PTF needs to include more women, religious leaders, youths, CSOs and persons living with disabilities to ensure effective representation of all sections of the society in the fight against the pandemic.
It stressed the need for Federal and State Governments to prioritize aggressive community sensitization and awareness campaigns on the reality of the pandemic as well as the need to adhere to the Public Health and Safety Advisory guidelines provided by the Federal Government and Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Dr Olugbuo in the statement maintained that the National Orientation Agency must be seen to play a very strategic role in taking the appropriate messages to local communities and grassroots on the effects of community transmission on the nation and urged Nigerian citizens to comply with all non-pharmaceutical guidelines provided by the Presidential Task Force and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to reduce the increasing spread of the virus as has been observed in recent weeks.
“There is need for continued re-evaluation of the strategies deployed by the Presidential Task Force and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control that would be inclusive of community leaders to enhance the strategies particularly now with the increasing community transmission and recorded infections.
“State governments should work with the organised private sector to provide mobile testing units to ensure that the majority of Nigerians have access to testing and emergency health care services”, the statement read in parts.
Describing it as a step in the right direction, he also commend the leadership of both Houses of the National Assembly on the passage of the Act to address sexual Harassment and other legal frame works seeking to address all forms of Gender-based Violence.
He however enjoined the National Assembly to ensure that all recommendations to address the systemic challenges that impede access to justice and comprehensive support for victims, survivors and their families are considered.
He further tasked Federal and State Governments on the prioritization of improved public safety and security of the citizens in all places, especially with regard to the ongoing security issues in the North West and North East respectively which according to him requires adequate attention.
