Preparing for the future

By Hon. Shina Peller

Sir: Since the World War II, no global crisis has negatively impacted the world more than the coronavirus pandemic, adding to the legion of other challenges bedeviling humanity. As the world resiliently rally itself against the devastating effect of COVID-19, we are again reminded of our resilience as a world and how our collective, collaborative and coordinated response and leadership is needed to combat this scourge.

When the COVID-19 is tackled and possibly eradicated, the world will immediately face other deadly issues of unemployment, social insecurity and widening inequality. This requires leaders to lead for the future; to lead in providing hope and opportunities for every component of the society, particularly the most vulnerable; and to lead for the compelling challenges of today and to provide solutions for the uncertainties of tomorrow’s confronting issues.

First, we must remain focused with the fact that the world will overcome this pandemic just as it has overcome plethora of other global crises. To overcome the challenges of this moment, we all have measurable degrees of responsibilities to take to keep the world safe.

We need a multi-sectoral approach that keeps our resilience alive. The government has a duty to continue to drive preventive and precautionary guidelines and policies; galvanize all sectors; and remain dogged in fighting to curb the pandemic, save lives and stop it’s further spread. Given the inadequacy of testing centres across Nigeria, we must encourage private medical facilities with the capacity to work based on international best practices and in collaboration with medical authorities and NCDC to get involved. There is a higher duty of care by the government to reach the vulnerable and less privileged Nigerians through substantial palliatives and support schemes. All government regulatory agencies must also ensure that there is no market exploitation as prices of food and basic necessities have skyrocketed.

This moment requires absolute civic responsibility and obedience to the social distancing policy; wash your hands regularly; keep good hygiene; and stay safe for the future. There seems to be a widening doubt or lackadaisical attitude of the citizens, particularly those within the rural areas towards the reality or possibility of their contaminating the virus. This is a dangerous disposition as prevention is better than cure, we must all abide by all preventive and precautionary measures to forestall further contagion of the pandemic. This remains an area for the National Orientation Agency to continue to drive a national awareness and sensitization campaign on the nature, signs and symptoms, and process of reaching out to the NCDC.

This is a time everyone to be kind to his or herself and ensure you keep a healthy mental condition. You can discharge the boredom that the lockdown brings by learning, self-development and catch fun with your environment.

• Hon. Shina Peller, House of Representatives, Abuja.