CoviD-19: Oku Ibom Ibibio Directs Traditional Rulers to Embark on Grassroots Sensitization

By Ekemini Simon

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and Patriarch of Ibibio Land, Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Nteyin Solomon Daniel Etuk has directed all traditional rulers in the State to embark on grassroots sensitization towards preventing and stopping the spread of Coronavirus.

The Patriarch who gave the directive in his Palace on Saturday noted that the traditional rulers cover Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads and Village Heads.

He said they are expected, as a matter of urgency, to go round their respective domains to carry out sensitization on their subjects.

The Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs helmsman stated that part of the outreach process is to use Town Criers to boost information dissemination and enlightenment of the people.

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The Patriarch said traditional rulers should use insight they received during their interface with the State Ministry of Health on Thursday, March 12, 2020, where the State Health Commissioner, Dr. Dominic Ukpong, briefed royal fathers on measures put in place by the Akwa Ibom State Government as well as their expected role in the process.

Nteyin Etuk pointed out that the traditional rulers are also directed to join forces with the Akwa Ibom State government on all occasioning proactive measures put in place, including one (1) week lockdown in the State, as well as personal and respiratory hygiene guidelines. He stressed that traditional rulers should ensure compliance.

The Patriarch added ” Let me use this occasion to call on all indigenes of Akwa Ibom State – the political class, public servants, businessmen, professionals, corporate organizations, churches and in deed all residents, to collaborate with the Government to abide with the safety measures so far announced, and to mount awareness campaigns and provide funds and kits towards fighting this dreaded disease.

“It should not be left entirely for the State Government to handle. All hands must be on deck.”

He called on Health Professionals in the State to give maximum cooperation to the Government while also urging health authorities to effectively incorporate health professionals in their plans and actions; since they are the core workers in the fight against the pandemic.

Nteyin Etuk appealed to the media in the Sate to consider the sensitivity of the COVID-19 pandemic by partnering relevant authorities to disseminate accurate and factual reports on the trends.

He said as a Council, they will continue to support the Government to sustain its programmes in the health sector by further procuring equipment and facilities needed in that direction.

The Patriarch said the traditional rulers equally expect commensurate support from the Federal Government to States to boost their health safeguards.

While praying for God’s divine protection against the deadly disease, he added ” As a State dedicated to God, it is our firm belief that this pestilence shall pass away as recorded in Psalm 91:3-6 thus:

“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

“Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”