Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State has threatened another round of lockdown if people in the state continue to reject COVID-19 vaccine and spread unfounded rumors against it.
Abubakar issued the threat in his speech while flagging off the COVID-19 mass vaccination exercise campaign held in Kiyawa local government area of the state
He assured the people of the state that the vaccine is effective and safe for protecting the human life from the deadly virus.
He however charged local government chairmen, traditional leaders to ensure maximum campaign and enforcement of the vaccination in their areas.
The governor said he will not mind imposing the lockdown in the state rather than allow the social and economic consequences if the disease to befall everyone in the state if the vaccination coverage remains poor
In his speech at the occasion the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaiba, said the federal government is committed to ensuring 111million Nigerians received the vaccination before the end of 2022.
Mr Shuaibu who was represented by Dr Kabir Mohammed, the North West Zonal Director of the agency expressed concern over the poor vaccination coverage In Jigawa state saying that, “A total of 122,200 people have received first doses, while only 53,751 received second doses, this figure is not encouraging.”
According to him, in Jigawa state, over 1.8 million eligible people are expected to receive the vaccine”.
In his speech the Emir of Dutse, Dr Nuhu Muhammad, who was represented by Senior Councillor Alhaji Basiru Muhammad Sunusi urged the people of the state to come out in their numbers to receive the vaccine saying that he has taken his own and he is now healthier and hearty.
