Deltans as well as resident non Deltans have been called upon to adhere strictly to laid down health guidelines to help combat the pandemic Corona virus in the state just as the virus is real.
This call was made by Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for information when he visited members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), an association of online news publishers at the forum’s office in Asaba.
The call followed the continuous rise of the confirmed cases in both the state and at the national level, a development which has not given rest to health officials and the Delta State Government.
Records available at the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the confirmed cases of Corona virus in Delta State have risen to 88. The figure has 63 as active cases, 17 discharged and 8 deaths.
With the increasing figure, the Commissioner is insisting that every resident in Delta should use facemasks, hand sanitisers hand washing recommended by the health authorities.
He also said people should avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing in all interactions.
Mr. Aniagwu expressed displeasure over the COVID-19 patient who mobilized his relations to storm and remove him forcefully from the isolation centre, saying that anyone who knows him should stay away from him to avoid being infected by the dreaded virus.
He advised Deltans stop playing politics with the virus, adding that COVID-19 is not fake but real.
He commended members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum for publicizing the activities of the state government, saying that the governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, is happy with what members of the forum are doing in the state.
The Commissioner reeled out numerous achievements of the state government for the past years adding that the state governorment under Governor Okowa has built schools and over 400 roads across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
He disclosed that the state government is contributing immensely to the contributory health scheme, thereby making health care affordable and accessible to all Deltans.
Mr. Aniagwu, who was accompanied by Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Nelson Egware, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and two others for the interaction, said Governor Okowa is focused on building a lasting legacy for the people of Delta, he urged media practitioners and all Deltans to key into all programmes of the governor.
Mr. Ifeajika, the CPS to the Governor, told the forum members that Delta state is for all Deltans, hence every resident should join hands to build a state that will be the envy of all, both within and outside the state.
Mr. Ifeajika said the state government has nothing to hid from anyone insisting that the state is open and the government is transparent in its dealings with the people. He called on the media to verify all reports available to them before publishing.
He agreed that the online media which is already beating the mainstream media in the distribution of news and other information, has come to stay, he, however called online media practitioners to watch and ensure stories are credible before publishing.
In his remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman of the Forum told the commissioner that members of DOPF have been supportive of the programmes of government in the state.
He disclosed that members of DOPF always verify their stories before publishing.
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