The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has scored another goal drawing major stakeholders to a one day sensitization of Christian leaders on phase 2 covid 19 vaccination in Nigeria organised by federal ministry of health and national primary health care development agency in collaboration with Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
Charing the occasion held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, Honourable Minister of State for Health,
Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora promised that the federal government will continue to play it’s own part to enable Nigerians get protection through vaccination against covid 19.
Senator Mamora
He noted that the federal government does not rejoice over the death of anyone who died of the virus and urged Nigerians to reciprocate government’s efforts by vaccinating themselves, informing that the vaccine is free and safe.
While commending CAN and the facilitator of the event, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, the minister emphasized that covid 19 is real, therefore, it is a collective responsibility of everybody to protect themselves, as well save the live of our love ones.
Dr Mamora condemned the level of campaign and speculations by those seem as literate pushing propaganda about the vaccine.
Welcome the guest, the facilitator and executive Director Nigeria Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA), Bishop Dr Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, charged men and women in faith on the need to do their part, clarify the religious logic behind vaccination, clear the misconceptions and conspiracy theories.
Bishop Onuoha
Bishop Onuoha posited that faith leaders have played a crucial role in vaccine rollout, pointing out that their endorsement is vital for community-level acceptance, the promotion of accurate health information, and to help to ensure high-level vaccination uptake.
He maintained that pulpit managers should encourage their members to take this opportunity to get protected, as this will also protect others, because everyone when vaccinated not only to protect themselves, but also to protect the families, neighbours and the Christian community, as Jesus has urged all “to love thy neighbour as thyself as recorded in Mathew 22 chapter 39.
Executive director/Chief Executive officer, national primary health care development agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib said the agency has introduced Sunday vaccination services and stressed that one of their challenge is the rumours and misinformation flying around.
Dr Shuaib
President of CAN, Reverend Dr Sampson Ayokunle who was represented by the national director education, youth and women development, CAN, Barrister Pastor Omonuwa Ogiemudia suggested that more centres should be created in Lagos to reduce congestion and special lines designated for investigation of cases. President of CAN emphasized that CAN is in support of federal government’s efforts to curb covid 19, but not in support on the move by some governmental officials threatening to clamp down on worshipers who have not been vaccinated. He also called for more education on the safety of the vaccine and pledged to partner more agencies to inform the people aright, about the vaccine and the need to get vaccinated.
Pastor Ogiemudia
The director general of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr Garba Abari described the sensitization done by Christian leaders as unquantifiable.
According to Abari, NOA is partnering with various organizations including the Christian leaders on the need to take the vaccination message to the grassroots. He added that NOA is training over 34, 000 officers to let people ignore those who are turning government information to fake news.
NOA DG
In their presentations, a university Don from department of community health, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Professor Esther Envuladu spoke on Myths and Facts about covid 19 vaccine and vaccination, while a Professor of infectious Diseases Epidemiologist and control, Very Reverend Professor Ulu Ogbonnaya spoke on Building vaccine confidence in the Faith Community.
The duo urged people to disregard the rumour peddling on the air especially the social media, explaining that the human body is not metals and cannot be electromagnetic.
Participants
Professor Esther particularly added that the vaccine has no micro chips, not an end or mark of the beast, does not change or alter the DNA, while the vaccine does not carry the virus itself. She also described as fake the insinuation that people who have taken the vaccine will die after one or two years.
Professor Ogbonnaya assured that the church will continue to promote the knowledge researchers have made to save lives from covid 19.
Chief operating officer of Vision Africa, Barrister Sarafina Nwokenta read out the seven points commitment by Christian Faith Leaders.
Barrister Sarafina
However, church leaders including Pastor Professor Bassey Udoh, Rev Sister Mary Rosanna Emenusiobi form IHM, 0814 374 9864, secretary Family and Human Life Unit, Catholic secretariat of Nigeria, Pastor Adeyemi Emmanuel among others made commitment statements to continue partnering relevant authorities to feed their congregation with the right information especially the knowledge gained from medical professionals on covid 19 and the vaccine.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Bassey Udoh of Seventh Day Adventist Church thanked the organisers of the event and promised that faith leaders will go home with the right information.
Prof Udoh
