The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt.Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and the state’s Head of Service, Barr. Anthony Okungbowa and a former Senator representing the Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Ehigie Uzamere have reassured Edo residents that the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) is safe, urging them not to be apprehensive but make themselves available for vaccination.
Shaibu, Okungbowa, Uzamere and the Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatah Enabulele were among eminent Edo people, who received the first jab of the vaccine on Monday, March 15, 2021, as part of activities to flag off the roll out of the state’s vaccination exercise.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Deputy Governor urged Edo citizens to complement the government’s efforts at containing the pandemic by making themselves available for the vaccination exercise.
Shaibu noted, “I feel very good and well. The first day I took it, I was very conscious and trying to observe any reactions but found none. I slept very well and there were no reactions. I am stronger now than ever. I have even done my exercise this morning.
“You can see my body is smooth; no headache; no fever. I am good and well. It’s good that people go out and take the vaccines as coronavirus is really killing people. I just lost a close friend within five days as a result of COVID-19. It’s real; it’s time for us to fight the pandemic by taking the vaccines, which is free.”
“We need you alive to be able to contribute your quota to the development of our society and the country at large. The vaccine is free; just make yourself available to take the vaccine as it helps to prevent the pandemic. Please, it’s safe,” he added.
Sen. Uzamere, on his part, urged citizens to get themselves registered and vaccinated as it is an opportunity to stop the spread of the disease.
“It’s quite okay as I am fine. I took my vaccines with the Governor of Edo State. I played golf the following day; l am strong, good and fine. It has no effect on me. I urge my people to avail themselves the opportunity to take the vaccine. COVID-19 is real; I lost my niece to COVID-19 three weeks ago. I call on Edo people to register and take the vaccine.”
Okungbowa said: “I am fine since I took the vaccine. It shows that nothing is wrong with the vaccines as it has no side effects on me. Before taking the vaccines, I had my reservations which I expressed. We had so much negative information about the vaccines but since taking it I know better and it’s safe.
“The vaccines are safe and this particular vaccine is one of the safest available. Government could not have asked people to take the vaccines without first ascertaining the safety of the vaccines.
“I like to encourage everyone, particularly the public servants to feel very free and comfortable with the vaccine and present themselves to be vaccinated as it’s the first step towards completely eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Enabulele charged Muslims and Christian faithful to get themselves vaccinated as the vaccines are safe and good.
