NCDC boss praises Wike for his “firm, strong, committed” leadership in COVID-19 fight

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said on Sunday no country or state could fight the dreaded coronavirus alone.

Ihekweazu, who made this remark during a meeting between the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and officials of the centre at the Government House in Port Harcourt, said the unique nature of the virus required all stakeholders to work in unity.

He added that information sharing on new developments about COVID-19 was key to surviving the battle against the disease.

The NCDC chief said: “The unique nature of this virus is that it is a global pandemic. None of us can do this on our own. No country can do this on its own.

“We share information across the states to make sure that everyone is informed as they can possibly be. We share information on new developments, strategies, what works and what doesn’t work.

“Whether it is in detection, prevention and treatment, our role as NCDC is to make sure that our technical colleagues are able to respond at all levels and are supported in any way with the expertise they need.”

Ihekweazu commended the Rivers governor for being firm and committed towards checking the spread of coronavirus in the state.

He added: “This is a working visit. I want to thank you for your firm, strong, committed and personally-led response to COVID-19 in Rivers State.

“Rivers is one of the most important gate-ways into the country. One of the most important economies in the country. So, Rivers is important, not only to you but to the entire country.

“We thank you very much for your leadership and we need your leadership to continue in order for us to continue doing our work nationally.”