COVID-19: AWGU LG WELCOMES A TEAM OF MEDICAL EXPERTS

Expert Medical Advisory Committee constituted by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Executive Governor of  Enugu state in intensifying the Enugu State Government's efforts in the fight against the dreaded virus, COVID-19 in the state, today 02-07-2020, visited Enugu West Senatorial zone as received by Awgu Local Government Council Leadership.

Welcoming the team of experts, the Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Council, Hon. Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo (Eze ome ogo) ably represented by his deputy, Hon Barr. Remy Lotachukwu Ogbonnia, appreciates the advent of the team in the zone. He also expressd gratitude to the Enugu state Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his unrelenting efforts in the fight against COVID-19 in the state.

The team which targets at the various communities in their SENSITIZATION EXERCISE was led by Dr Anikwe Obinna, a consultant Urologist at UNTH-ENUGU, expressed that the government is worried over the increased cases in the state, and therefore embarked on an exercise tagged "SENSITIZATION ON THE DE-ESCALATION OF COVID-19" in Enugu state.

He, Dr Obinna, expressed that the government is interested in knowing how the Masses feel about COVID-19, and how they can help in the prevention. Their emphasis was more on the attitude of our people towards managing information and principles on CORONAVIRUS prevention. In his words, "COVID-19 is real in Enugu State, it's not a scam. Please inform all our people about it and the increased dangers on Community-Community transfer. It's not a government thing as some of our people would say. What we are afraid of today is not only COVID-19 escalation but ignorance on the part of our people in managing the pandemic."

In his response, H.R.G Igwe Goddy Ekoh, The Traditional Ruler of Enugwuechi Ihe Kingdom, who also doubles as the Chairman of Awgu Traditional Rulers, was worried over the lackadaisical attitude of our people especially travelers and religious leaders/their congregations. Igwe GN Ekoh suggested that government should invite religious leaders for a meeting on re-sensitization in managing mass gatherings and in applying all the COVID-19 principles and laws.

On the other hand, H.R.H Igwe J.A Okeke, The Traditional Ruler of Ngene-Ugbo autonomous community, said that the government should be serious in the enforcement of the COVID-19 rules.

Other notable speakers include H.R.H Igwe John Azubuike Ibe, the Traditional Ruler of Ekpulambo Mgbowo, who pointed out the need for centers to be available in different communities.

Mr Emma Eneoli, the coordinating PG UDI, Hon Ejike Ilo, the coordinating PG Oji-River and PG Ehuhe Achi autonomous community, among others assured the team of their resolve to carry the message back to their Communities.

Some of the challenges noted by the team includes unbelief of someone of the religious leaders on the reality of the virus, inability to detect notable symptoms in some affected persons/fear on the carriers which makes them to keep spreading the virus to others. 

Dr Onyinye Chime, one of the team members, in her response, urged the Traditional Rulers to use their influence on their subjects in the enforcement of some of the regulations.

Expressing his gratitude, The chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Enugu State, H.R.H Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzo, a member of the team, thanked the Enugu State Governor, Rt Hon Dr  Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he described as a "nationalist and a peaceful Democrat."

The Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo (Eze Ome-ogo) who later joined the meeting after attending to other meetings, exchanged pleasantries and expressed his joy for the exercise. 

In his instruction, a minute silence was observed for Chief Fabian Nwafor, Barr. Chijioke Okibe, Chief Patrick Ekoh and other faithfuls departed, as stated in his New Month message to NdiAwgu.

Others present in the meeting include: H.R.H Igwe J.N Gbuye of Ugwuoba Oji-River; H.R.H Igwe Ben N Eze (JP) of Ndiagbo Aninri; His Majesty Dr CNN Nwajagu (JP) of Akpugoeze Oji-River; H.R.H Igwe Lawrence Obi of Ugwuoba Oji-River; H.R.H Igwe Ozo Paul Ogbodo of Amankwo-Ngwo Udi; Hon. Barr. Linus Maduka, SLG Awgu, The Members Awgu Legislative Assembly led by Hon. Richard Chuks Young; The Development Centre Administrators; Members of Awgu Executives Council, The PG's of Communities and other dignitaries.

The team also shared questionnaires to the attendees, which were answered and submitted for onward correspondence. And the event ended as H.RH Igwe Goddy Ekoh said a closing prayer.

🖊️🖊️🖊️

Dona Okolieuwa, SA to Hon Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo, The Executive Chairman of Awgu Local government Area, on Media and Publicity.

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Obinna A. Okpara