Essential Ndubuisi
By Ejike Abana
Anambra state government will take delivery of the first batch of AstraZeneca
COVID-19 vaccines next week.
Governor Willie Obiano stated this to newsmen shortly after a mass to mark the one Year Anniversary of the erection of the catholic diocese of Ekwulobia.
The mass celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazz was held at St Joseph’s Cathedral Ekwulobia.
According to the Governor who applauded the observance of the COVID-19 protocol at the mass celebration, especially as it concerns wearing of protective face masks, said that once they arrive, frotnline health workers in the state will be the first to take their own vaccines.
Governor Obiano hinted that Nigeria had recieved six million out of a total number of sixty million so far, Governor Obiano emphasized that Anambra state government has a good storage facility for the vaccines.
While commending the people of Ekwulobia for supporting the bishop and the new diocese, the Governor urged ndi Anambra to go and fill the form to be scheduled for the vaccination, adding that Nigeria targets that in two years, everyone must have been vaccinated.
Speaking on his upcoming seventh year anniversary, the Governor said that his administration has completed seventy seven roads, fifteen bridges and other upcoming projects, including the International Airport, International Conference Centre, among others and concluded that he will leave office on a high note and called for continued support.
While asking Bishop Okpalaeke to lead with truth, uprightness and adherence to God, the President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Bishop of Benin Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze pledged the support of the Conference of bishops for Ekwulobia diocese, calling on the members to do the same.
In appreciation, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev Peter Okpalaeke expressed appreciation to God for giving them the gift of a new year.
In an interview, one of the parishioners, Sir Joseph Ezeokafor promised to keep supporting the diocese to reach enviable heights.
Chief of Staff to Governor Obiano, Mr Primus Odili, Traditional ruler of Ekwulobia, Igwe, Emmanuel Onyeneke, former Governor of Central bank, Professor Charles Soludo, member representing Aguata constituency one, Hon Carter Nnamdi Umeh, members of the state executive council, among others, attended the event.
Twenty six bishops including the Metropolitan Archbiahop of Onitsha, Most Rev Valerian Okeke, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Jonas Benson Okoye, among others and a retinue of reverend fathers and parishioners also attended the event.
