Leading together for the future

Since the World War II, no global crisis has negatively impacted the world more than the coronavirus pandemic, adding to the legion of other challenges bedeviling humanity. As the world resiliently rallies itself against the devastating effect of COVID-19, we are again reminded of our resilience as a world and how our collective, collaborative and coordinated response and leadership is needed to combat this scourge.

When the Covid-19 is tackled and possibly eradicated, the world will immediately face other deadly issues of unemployment, social insecurity and widening inequality. This requires leaders to lead for the future; to lead in providing hope and opportunities for every component of the society, particularly the most vulnerable; and to lead for the compelling challenges of today and to provide solutions for the uncertainties of tomorrow’s confronting issues.

First, we must remain focused with the fact that the world will overcome this pandemic just as it has overcome plethora of other global crises since the first pandemic outbreak in the year 541 when the city of Pelusium, near modern-day Port Said, in northeastern Egypt, was infected with a pestilence of wide impact spread to both west, towards Alexandria, and east towards Palestine, causing a terrible suffering that some people went into coma and others into violent delirium. To overcome the challenges of this moment, we all have measurable degrees of responsibilities to take to keep the world safe.

Going for survival we need a multi-sectoral approach that keeps our resilience alive. Government, corporations and individuals must work along humanity line to provide leadership, hope and supports for the societies. Every inch of Nigeria needs our collective attention and care and we must resiliently service this urgent demand in the best capacity we can.

The government has a duty to continue to drive preventive and precautionary guidelines and policies, galvanize all sectors, and remain dogged in fighting to curb the pandemic, save lives and stop its further spread. Given the inadequacy of testing centres across Nigeria, we must encourage private medical facilities with the capacity to work based on international best practices and in collaboration with medical authorities and NCDC to get involved.

There is a higher duty of care by the government to reach the vulnerable and underpriviledged Nigerians through substantial palliatives and support schemes. All government regulatory agencies must also ensure that there is no market exploitation as prices of food and basic necessities have skyrocketed.

We commend the coalition of the organized private sector and all well-meaning Nigerians for the swelling support to tackle the pandemic, including the sacrifice of my fellow members at the Federal House of Representatives as we commit our two month’s salary to support government’s efforts.

Beyond the corporate social responsibility dimensions of these supports, we must continue to be our neighbors’ keepers through this complex and trying moment.

This moment requires absolute civic responsibility and obedience to the social distancing policy, washing of hands regularly, keep good hygiene, and stay safe for the future.

There seems to be a widening doubt or lackadaisical attitude of the citizens, particularly those within the rural areas towards the reality or possibility of their contracting the virus. This is a dangerous disposition as prevention is better than cure. We must all abide by all preventive and precautionary measures to forestall further contagion of the pandemic.

This is a time everyone needs to be kind to his or herself and ensure you keep a healthy mental condition. Communicate hope, optimism and positivity with the society. Try to apply the time to add value to yourself in preparation for the post Covid19 era.

 Hon. Shina Peller,

Lagos

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