Impressed by the weakening outing of COVID-19 positive cases in Kano state recently, governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, reveals that the state is winning the fight against the pandemic.
Explaining that, “Statistics in the last one week shows that, out of the total number of 2,603 samples collected, only 140 turned out to be positive, representing 5.4 percent.”
He made the revelation during a media training program on COVID-19, organised by Kano Against COVID-19 Initiative and the state government, held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Thursday.
Breaking down the results, he hinted that, “On 10th June, 2020 we had 179 samples collected and only 5 were positive, on 11th June, 2020 we had 124 samples and only 23 were positive.
Down to 15th June, 2020, when we had 688 samples and only 21 were positive, on 16th June, 2020, we had 229 samples and we had 0 positive and on 17th June, 2020, we had 134 samples and only 2 were positive.”
With this result in the recorded week, governor said, as people continue to observe the protocols as enunciated by health professionals, which includes social distancing, use of face masks, washing hands with soap and running water, and use of sanitizer.
“The synergy between the state and the media provides good space and situation where the fight against COVID-19 pandemic is strengthened. We see you and regard you as frontline practitioners in this response,” he said.
The inclusion of traditional rulers in the state response helps much in getting community understanding and cooperation, emphasising that, “I am therefore urging this platform, Kano Against COVID-19 Initiative, to engage traditional institutions and the poorest of the poor in the society. So that we can get more grassroot understanding and support.”
Professor Muhammad Tabi’u, who is the Chairman of the Initiative, commends governor Ganduje for taking a lead, with his political will, in the fight against the pandemic, adding that, “The participation of the state government in our programmes is commendable and encouraging.”
“We understand that, the media is an organ that is oriented and well equipped for this work. They mobilize all sections of the society to help remove any bottlenecks on the perception of the pandemic. They also help in curbing stigma,” he appreciated.
In his brief remarks, the Chairman of the Kano Heads of Media Forum, Prince Aboki, saluted the efforts of the state government in its unrelenting commitment towards the pandemic, adding that, “Your Excellency we are with you Hundred percent in this fight against COVID-19 pandemic.”
While commending the state effort in that aspect, he discloses that, “Henceforth Your Excellency if any of our member plays any role to frustrate this effort, kindly call our attention even if it is in post COVID-19 pandemic period.”
Resource persons at the training program include former National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sani Zorro, former National President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Baba Halilu Dantiye, Prof Umar Pate, Dr Bala Muhammad, among others.
Participants were trained on ways to protect themselves while in the line of duty in reporting COVID-19 pandemic. They were taught how to maintain objectivity while processing a news item or any other media content, being frontline practitioners.
