By Martin Nwoko
The Chairman, Niger Delta Christian Traditional Rulers Association, HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe has commended South East Coronavirus Intervention Network (SCIN) for its efforts towards creating massive awareness on Covid-19 especially in the rural communities of Imo State.
Ohanwe, Traditional Ruler of Ihim Autonomous Community gave the commendation when the group led by Miss Chioma Egbuagha visted and interacted with him and members of his cabinet at his palace about the dreaded virus, on Tuesday.
The prominent Imo monarch and industrialist urged government and other concerned agencies to partner SCIN in its drive towards ensuring that all citizens are conscious of the dreaded virus.
He said that over 80 percent of rural populace are not complying to the precautionary measures advocated by the government, stressing that government should put in place more stringent measures towards combating the pandemic.
Ohanwe who is also the Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairman, Royal Fathers in Agriculture, Imo State chapter said, “the government at both the state and federal level are doing well in the fight against the pandemic but the efforts are centered more on the urban areas but we commend the SCIN for bring this awareness and some of these palliatives down to the local areas.
“So far, our fears is our rural markets and other social gatherings. The people have not been observing the precautionary guidelines and this is not good at all. When this virus starts hitting our rural markets for instance, it will be a Tsunami.”
“As you go along, we expect that government and other concerned agencies should partner with you so that the issue in our rular markets will be addressed. “We also want to encourage you to continue this awareness campaign to so many other communities across the SouthEast States so that our people will be safe from this ravaging scourge.” the Chairman, Okigwe Zone Elders and Leaders Forum added.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Collins Osuji, SCIN Media Analyst who represented the Coordinator, Nze Meekam Mgbenwelu at the event, and other SCIN team including Miss Chioma Egbuagha (Imo Team Lead), Mrs. Juliet Oguekusi (Health Analyst) and Miss Uju Odette (Data Analyst) said the visit was part of the group’s way of complementing existing efforts aimed at combating the spread of the Covid-19 in the South East region.
They also took time to intimate the community leaders on how to safeguard themselves from the virus as well as demonstrated how best to adhere to precautionary measures such as washing of hands, wearing of face masks among others.
The SCIN team also urged them to help to carry the message to all the nooks and crane of the community and ensure that their people stay safe and free from the pandemic.
Some of the chieftains of the community present at the event who also contributed to the interaction include Chief Sir Adolphus Agim (President General), Nze Everest Ndunaka (Traditional Prime Minister), Chief Chukwuma Ohanwe (Cabinet Chairman) and Ichie Kelvin Ihekwuaba (Cabinet Secretary).
Others were Sir Geoffrey Ohanwe, Ichie Marcel Okoroha, Comr. Samuel Awuzie, Chief Cabinus Ezeji, Ichie Edwin Ibezie, Sir Adolphus Ogoke and Mr. Gift Awuzie.
