COVID-19 is Real,Deadly and A Potential Threat - Gov. Ikpeazu

The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu said it is suicidal to underrate the COVID 19 pandemic ravaging lives all over the world because it is real and an experience he will not wish anybody at all.

The Governor made this known in a special state broadcast to the people of Abia State on 23rd July 2020 monitored and covered by AFNEWS. While Speaking to Abians Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu said " It is with deep and very profound sense of gratitude to the Almighty God that I address you today. Like you all know, I returned home on Tuesday evening after God's grace and mercy saved me from the battle against COVID-19. The past one month has been a very challenging time for me and my family".

"As your Governor, I also know that it was also a difficult one for you. I am fully aware of the fact you all interceded on my behalf. You all cried to God and he heard your prayers and restored me to fullness of health. I am happy to report to you that I am in good health and strength. Your unending flow of goodwill messages and regular intercessions were catalysts to my recovery. "

He went on to appreciate The President and commander in chief of the Arm Forces President Muhammadu Buhari, The Nigerian Governors Forum , The Speaker of The House of Representatives and the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu for standing up to the responsibility while he was away but " If there is one message we all must take away from this, it is the fact that the reality of COVID 19 is beyond dispute"

" My fellow Abians, COVID 19 is not only real but has the capacity to kill and destroy lives, if not properly managed and attended to. At the same time, we must understand that contracting this disease is not a death sentence. What is required from us is that all necessary steps be taken, ranging from early diagnosis and treatment. But at this time, the most important point to note is that all of us must take individual responsibility for our health and those of our family members, especially the vulnerable ones among us"

"More than ever before, we must take seriously, all the prevention protocols as advised by the NCDC and other relevant Government Health Agencies. On our part as Government, we will leave no stone upturned in this fight against COVID-19. I pledge the strong commitment of my administration to this fight. Right from the initial outbreak of this pandemic, we have done a lot of work to strengthen and support our existing facilities as well as ensure the upgrade of the very necessary ones. At the outbreak of COVID-19, Abia did not have a molecular laboratory anywhere in the state, and we had to take samples from our people to other states. Undertaking such excruciating journey at a time when life is on the line, made me take a decision to put an end to that cycle. Today, I am happy to inform you that the molecular laboratory we ordered from abroad had since arrived and has been running for some weeks now. With this facility in place, our people now have the opportunity to present themselves for the test. I urge everyone to take advantage of this window. "

Concerning the relaxation of the lock-down , Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu said " The global community is in agreement that life can not end because of this pandemic. This is why after the initial global lock-down, life is gradually returning to normal. Trade and Commerce are returning slowing on a global scale. Lock-down have been scaled down considerably and markets opened.Here in Abia, we are responding to the Global and National trend. To a large extent, we have allowed our people to resume economic activities. Religious activities have also resumed. We are also taking all issues into consideration as it relates to the reopening of schools. Our major concern is the health and safety of our children. "

"In all of these however, we must realize that COVID-19, remains a potent threat. We must not let our guards down. The risk level remains high. I want to personally appeal to our Religious Leaders and leaders of our various markets to rise to the challenge of carrying this message to our churches, mosques and markets. We must all embrace the ways of living. We must wear face masks at every time we are outside our homes. We must form the habit of regular use of hand sanitizers and generally take personal charge of our hygiene. " He concluded