COVID – 19: ISCA President warns Nigerians against reckless attitude, Commends President Buhari’s consistency

The president of Imo State Congress of America, Engr. Sampson Udeh has warned Nigerians to abide by all the Covid – 19 protocols, saying that continual careless attitude could spell devastation for families and the country at large.

He expresses worries over what might happen should there be geometric community spread, saying that health facilities in the country may not handle.

While commending President Mohammadu Buhari for his pragmatic approach towards managing the pandemic by empowering Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC))

He revealed readiness of the Imo people in the United States to work with other like minds to contribute their quota in the fight against the dreaded pandemic.

He said that the group’s fear stems from the devastation and pains that the pandemic has caused in the United States where over 3 million and over 140000 people have died.

“In the United States where health sector could boast of the best facilities in the world as at today is in trouble as the the facilities are overwhelmed.

“People are advised to use their face-masks, wash their hands regularly, maintain social distancing and of course stay home when one feels sick.

“The whole essence of these protocols is to ensure that we look out for each other. If one person is infected, there is need to prevent others from getting infected because not everybody’s immune system is as strong. Those with underlying sickness are endangered. So, observing these measures is as good as golden rule”, he stated.

He however said that ISCA is ready to go the extra mile to help. He recalled that the group has so far extended their goodwill to Imo State, when it shared over 10, 000 face-masks with hand sanitizers to the rural dwellers.

He said the same message he is preaching today was the same he extended to the people of the state as captured below:

“On behalf of the members of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA), I wish to state that we feel honoured this day, extending our hand of fellowship to our brothers and sister at home, particularly at this time of challenge.

“For us, it would have been more meaningful investing in other areas of life. Life itself is a stage with the good, the bad and ugly scenes. Today, after a century, we are faced with scourge; a dreaded Covid – 19 pandemic.

“We, here in the United States, are worried about our people in our home State of Imo. We heard so much about our people’s disbelief about the existence of this pandemic. We heard some section of the populace, saying that it is a mere conspiracy to continue to plunder the commonwealth. Come on! We are your brothers and we wish to state here that Covid-19 pandemic is real. As at today, the world has recorded about 1.8 million cases and here in the United States, we have recorded even worse statistics. People are dying.

“We do not mean to frighten you but to tell you the naked truth that Covid – 19 pandemic is real. Covid-19 is not a dead sentence but our ability to take responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones is the way to go.

“Meanwhile, it will be of great importance to tell you about this great Organisation, Imo State Congress of America (ISCA); our objectives and vision.

“Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) is a non-political and non-partisan umbrella ORGANIZATION of Imo state citizens and organizations in the United States of America. ISCA’s structure also includes local ambassadors comprising Youths, Women and Journalists from all 27 LGAs in Imo State. Uniting all Imo indigenes and organizations under one strong and formidable umbrella group is the central mission of ISCA.

“ISCA is strategically positioned to seek, promote, coordinate and consummate local and international cooperation in the areas of economic development, investments, technology, education and healthcare development. ISCA has members that are veritable investors and are making waves worldwide. ISCA requires the amplitude and accommodation to support and enrich developmental efforts at home. Our focus and strong support for the economic revitalization of Imo state remains a high priority.

“ISCA has proposed some vital projects in Imo State like building of Bus Stops at various locations in Imo State, ISCA was approached by the last administration to help revitalize the three main libraries in Imo State, ISCA is working on Imo tele- medicine where medical doctors in America will work in partnership with local medical doctors here in Imo State, ISCA is currently promoting collaboration between universities in Imo State and United States of America, etc. ISCA is the umbrella organization of Imo State indigenes residing in USA & Canada.

“From the introduction, you will realize that these brothers and sisters have shown faith and have all come to appreciate the maxim that says; United we stand, divided we fall.

“Drawing strength from our experience in the Americas where patriotism, nationalism and the spirit of brotherhood are tonic for survival and breaking loose from inhibitions, the same spirit has driven us back home.

“In ISCA we stand as one indivisible entity and we strongly believe that Imo State – our cradle must succeed. This is the spirit that has been our motivation never to grow weary in our quest to contribute to the development of the State and Nigeria at large.

“I can stand to say it anywhere that the human resources we have in ISCA can beat any world known consortium if well harnessed.

“While not derailing from the reason for today’s ceremony, ISCA is here to preach a message of love; ISCA has come to join hands with the government of Imo State and other well meaning Imolites to kick out Covid – 19.

“We have read about the effort of the present government in tackling the dreaded Covid – 19 pandemic, particularly the effort to reduce its spread. We applaud Governor Hope Uzodinma’s effort in this regard.

“We have learned of the various policy thrusts and directives towards achieving this. We wish to appeal to our Governor to also come up with a blueprint with which the grassroots may be carried along.

“We say so because we have our peculiarities in culture and belief system. We also have our administrative structures – formal or informal through which we can get our people understand the danger of what is being talked about.

“Already, the reports we are getting shows the virus is already ripping through the stronghold of the country. The rate at which it has dealt blows to the crème of Nigerian society is alarming. Those considered to be invisible have been cut down by the novel coronavirus.

“It is said to be ‘the best form of defense attack’. My brothers and sisters, let us wage a deadly war against this virus and I believe that with ‘can-do’ spirit, we can win. We can win by exorcising this bunkum belief in conspiracy theory; we can win by washing our hands regularly and avoid traditional handshakes and touch our faces; we can be victorious by maintaining social distancing; we can win by ensuring that we wear our face mask; we can win by ensuring that we stay at home when it is not necessary to be out there; and ensure that we isolate when feel sick; we can win by using our facemasks and wearing them when in public places; Yes, we can win by avoiding crowded areas.

“We are with you in this battle. That is the reason ISCA proactively launched its onslaught by making commitments to provide facemasks.

“The alarming increase in the number of Imo State residents infected with COVID 19 recently indicates that ISCA was proactive in the fight of COVID-19 by promoting this face mask campaign, which kicks off today June 3, 2020.

“Again, ISCA has committed to partner with Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and other stakeholders to guarantee a better health care for our people.

“Like we pointed earlier, we support grassroots based health awareness campaigns and education on the spread of COVID 19, prevention of spread and treatments.

“We shall support the enforcement of the use of facial masks and maintaining social distancing. This will go a long way to keep our people safe. Most importantly, our people must take responsibility to stay safe. We must love one another to the extent that we must think for one another.

“As we kick-off today with the distribution of facial masks and promotional banners to each of the 27 LGAs, we encourage other well-to-do individuals to also join in the campaign because only the living can dream; only the living can hope and only the living can talk about tomorrow.

“We must not fail to commend the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Celia Osakwe Hibbert, for the synergy we have enjoyed. This has helped us to carry this campaign to safe delivery. And for other stakeholders whose responsibility it is to take these materials to the people in the communities in the 27 local governments, remember that those who care for others and help them out trouble will be the greatest beneficiary. God has always rewarded such people in a mysterious way.

“Covid – 19 is real, keep to the preventive measures and live. Remember that Covid – 19 knows no race, religion and age. Take responsibility and live!