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Intensify campaign against COVID-19, corps members charged

David Adenekan
David Adenekan
Intensify campaign against COVID-19, corps members charged
Ani, Aladenola and others at the Ministry of Health

The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Foluke Aladenola, has advised members of the National Youth Service Corps to intensify campaigns against coronavirus pandemic.

Aladenola offered the advice when she hosted the Ondo State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani in her office on Thursday.

Aladenola said that the recent happenings across the globe was a verifiable evidence that COVID-19 was still very much around.

“While we should be grateful to our Creator for His protection which has seen us managing the virus effectively despite our large population compared to the devastating effects on other advanced economies in the world, we should not relent and say all is well.”

Aladenola charged YSC to focus on sensitisation and more awareness so that the country would not have any portion in the third wave already defying scientific and medical solutions in some countries.

“Charity they say begins at home and I want you to effect a directive that corps members should protect themselves the more by wearing face mask immediately they step out of their rooms and apply alcohol based hand sanitiser frequently to ward of COVID-19.

“It is a known fact that most of these younger ones have carefree attitude to issues that are giving adults sleepless nights but we need to constantly and consistently drum it into their ears and awaken their consciousness that they should be responsible for their personal health.

“As a participant in this noble scheme, I know that NYSC has a very strong disciplinary measures against erring corps members who flouts instructions, and this should be adopted so that youthful exuberance will be checkmated.

“It is the joy of every parents to see that their children and wards participate successfully in the only programme that has been holding us together as a nation and we should do everything as responsible institutions of Government to ensure that we encourage, and if need be, force these restive youths to abide by the protocol of COVID -19 as given by the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and various health and medical institutions,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary promised to render necessary assistance within the ability of her ministry to ensure that objectives of the scheme are achieved for the overall benefits of the country.

“We shall continue to do our best for the scheme and compliment your efforts at ensuring that the purpose of establishing the programme is achieved under a conducive environment.

“On the Camp Clinic project at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare, we shall offer support in technical areas and assistance with the provision of medical equipment that will make the clinic a functional medical facility.”

Aladenola requested from the NYSC coordinator posting of corps members in various medical fields who are passionate about their respective professions to the ministry.

Addressing the Permanent Secretary and some of her management team, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani said that she was in the ministry to solicit for assistance for the Camp Clinic “which is nearing completion.”

According to the State Coordinator, she is equally paying the courtesy call to formally introduce herself to the ministry that has been very supportive to the NYSC in the state.

“The Permanent Secretary Ma, I have come to familiarise myself with your ministry being one of the most supportive government agencies to the scheme and to solicit more support and assistance from you so that we can achieve our core mandates.

“Like Oliver Twist, I have come to seek your support and assistance for the forthcoming orientation course. We are confident that you will always avail us the services of your committed professionals during the three weeks orientation course.

“It is my pleasure to inform you that the multi million naira Camp Clinic project is at advanced stage of completion. When completed, the Clinic will serve Akoko Division and its environs as it would be opened to general public to provide highly subsidised medical and health services on daily basis.

“We shall need the services of your various professionals to assist us set it up and also give both professional and technical support on the modus operandi. Above all, we shall appreciate supply of medical equipment to make the Clinic compete favourably with other hospitals around,” she said.

Ani reiterated the commitment of the NYSC scheme to continue to post corps medical personnel to the Ministry of Health and Hospital Management Board.

Before leaving, the state coordinator congratulated the Permanent Secretary on her elevation and wished her the best.

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