Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria has become the first to take the Covid-19 vaccine in the area.
He told residents at the flag-off of the vaccination that the “Covid-19 vaccination is not compulsory, but the wearing of facemask is.”
The Governor who publicly took the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, in Abakaliki alongside his Deputy, Kelechi Igwe, administered by the State Health Commissioner, Daniel Umezurike, said that there was no big deal in taking the vaccine as being demonstrated by the leaders of the country.
He said though the need for people to take the vaccine seriously cannot be overemphasized, it remains voluntary for people.
Governor Umahi disclosed that the state has taken custody of 4,090 doses of the jab allocated to the state by the Federal Government, charging the vaccination committee headed by the Deputy Governor to ensure that the vaccine is prudently utilized and exhausted in less than ten days.
Amongst the categories of people to be prioritised in the vaccination drive are the frontline health workers, government officials, and members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, serving in the state.