Celebration should remind us of COVID- 19 effects, says PTF

SGF urges solemn celebration, minister laments fatality rate of virus

THepresidential Taskforce ( PTF) on COVID- 19 ( PTF) yesterday declared that Nigerians can best celebrate this year’s Democracy Day by strengthening individual and collective resolve to obey COVID- 19 guidelines and protect themselves.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF) and Chairman of PTF, Boss Mustapha, who stated this at the daily media briefing in Abuja, noted that this year’s democracy day should be a reminder of the reality of the times, the disrupting effects of COVID- 19, the realisation that Nigeria was faced with a new normal and the necessity to prepare to conquer the pandemic.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to celebrate in a solemn and reflective manner and ensure that they stay alive and remain COVID19 free, pointing out that it was still valid that majority of Nigerians were still susceptible to coronavirus and urged vigilance and selfpreservation.

Mustapha noted that the PTF would hold a virtual conference with governors appointed by the National Economic Council ( NEC) to interface with it and appealed to governments at the sub- national level and security agencies to firmly enforce government’s approved safety guidelines and protocols.

He said the PTF had advanced in its preparation for taking precision measures within the 20 identified high burden local government and urged state governments to reach out to traditional, religious and community leaders for dialogue and education to ensure ownership, behavioral change and take responsibility.