By Babajide Okeowo
The Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti governor, Kayode Fayemi, made this disclosure to State House Correspondents after he met with President Buhari, where they reviewed a number of issues that are of interest to the governors, including security, economy, vaccines management, and the general outlook for 2021.
“The good thing is, Mr. President has agreed with me that he would convey to the PTF the necessity of using other influencers, maybe the Chief Imams, the Bishops, top musicians, our sports personalities. Because the more of such people are seen taking the vaccines the more the likelihood of resistance will break down in our various localities. So, we discussed that.
Of course, the procurement of vaccines we also discussed. Our view is that ultimately, we really need to ramp up the manufacturing of vaccines locally. It’s okay that COVAX that Nigeria is part of is going to be delivering some vaccines to us. As we understand, the first 100,000 and then 43 million and ultimately 165 million doses. But, there is nothing as good as having the ability to manufacture our own vaccines locally. And we understand that there is a partnership with May & Baker, which is important for the Federal Government to really accelerate, so that we can produce the vaccines here in Nigeria and not be dependent on what is coming from other parts” Fayemi stated.
Recall that the PTF had on Thursday said, that President Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and other prominent Nigerians will be among the first set to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on live television to help drive awareness.
