Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar
The Sultan of Sokoto and the President, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar Wednesday led the sensitised programme for groups of Muslim Scholars and Imams in Nigeria in creating awareness on the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine that will be in the country very soon.
The Sultan speaking at the programme on COVID-9 vaccine for Muslim Scholars and Imams in Nigeria in Abuja he said, the issue of the COVID-19 virus is real and we must ensure that we take stringent measures to protect ourselves adding that that is what necessitate the sensitisation for the Scholars and Imams on the needs to reach out to their followers on the benefits of the coming vaccine.
He said, they will continue to have sensitisation with both religious and traditional rulers so that they can in turn enlighten their followers.
“Despite the case recorded, we thank God that Inspite of the prediction on African countries, we are still here. I am one of the people that believed that we are not testing enough but we must take very stringent measures to protect ourselves.
“We will continue to continue to have sensitisation with the religious and traditional leaders and for us as Muslims, we all know that knowledge is vital and it is upon it that Islam is founded.”
He also said we must find a common ground on how to pass this information to eryone around us while saying will continue to do our best to have a healthy Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib said they are here because they have been particularly asked to sensitise the Muslim communities because we are aware of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world.
He also said, they made mistake during the Polio vaccine campaign by not carrying the religious and traditional rulers along and that is why the are doing this before the arrival of the vaccine, we are here to sensitise this distinguished scholars and leaders in sensitising the people.
“We will be listening to you on how best you want us to communicate effectively to the people you are leading. We also want to assure you that the vaccine is effective and safe and it would be satisfied by NAFDAC when they arrive before been administered to the people.”
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary General, NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede in his presentation, Setting the Agenda: An Overview of the NSCIA COVID-19 Vaccine Sensitisation Programme said we are already aware of a ranging war against all countries of the world, without exemption by common but indivisible enemy called COVID-19.
He said there was not been any moment in our recent history during which during which our people have been more challenged and helpless both individually and.collectively like.this pandemic period.
“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, people have witnessed not already deadly, pervasive and ranging impact which cut across all fact of life.
“In the midst of these daunting difficulty due to COVID-19, a d without any known cure for sure, Allah in His infinite mercy healed many people with COVID-19 cases in Nigeria and other countries in fulfilment of His word: “And when I am I’ll, it is He who heals me.” (Qur’an 26:80).
He further said, it is hoped that very soon, our government on account of its care and concern about health of all citizens, may procure these vaccines.
He said that public trust and confidence must be ensured before the vaccine is accepted adding that the key issue is the safety and effectiveness. “We must set up a system to monitor both adverse effects and reaction.”
