There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global and national threat as at press time and it is on record that over 53 Nigerians have been detected to be infected by this virus.
The virus which was first discovered in China has spread to over 190 countries around the globe. It has disrupted the world economy and businesses across the globe.
Nigeria, with over 53 cases taken some measures to contain the spread of the virus which obviously has taken a hard toll on businesses and transactions on the economy at large.
In recent times, the government issued directives prohibiting high density gatherings which subsequently informed the closure of Public and Private schools.
The Government at the moment is a strong advocate of self-isolation and social distancing.
Medical tips have equally been circulating on measures against COVID-19 virus. The Government have practically ordered that one of the best measures to prevent this virus is by sitting at home, using surgical face masks, hand gloves, application of hand sanitizers and frequent washing of hands.
No matter how simple the measures might appear, majority of Nigerians cannot readily key into the measures due to financial issues or the other.
At the moment, there are increase in the prices of sanitizers, face masks, gloves, vitamin C capsules et.al.
It is very sad and disheartening that Nigerians are the ones selling at high rates.
Speaking with our reporter, King’s Ambassador Habeeb Whyte said, it is bad that prices are increasing on the essentials at this period.
In a country where Humanity comes first, all these medical needs would be distributed freely for everyone.
The profit is too much. It is a pity that pharmaceutical companies are exploiting this situation. It is very bad.
When he was quizzed further on what informed his idea of his visit to the less privilege huts at Lafenwa Area of Abeokuta to distribute surgical face masks, he said, “I am here because I know that the people here are the ones that needs the masks most. And I am very sure that they cannot afford it”.
If government has fail to provide them this due to other engaging activities in the quest to stop this pandemic, we, the citizens must volunteer ourselves in services of this nature at this period. It is a collective responsibility.
As you can see, none of them has a surgical facemask on when we got here, we needed to help some in wearing the ones we brought to them. Our supply was limited and we would do more.
I wish to call on the Youths to come out and participate in activities like this in your various communities.
Please help the needy at this period. They need us the most. This one that I have done now was put together by myself and a friend, Mr. Seun Awokola who resides in the United Kingdom. We needed to keep the ground running.
I also want to appeal to the National Association of Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria to please call their members to order.
The prices of surgical face masks, hand sanitizers, hand gloves and others should be reduced.
The government should also empower our Youths to help in manufacturing the masks locally. He added.
