NAPTAN urges parents, pupils to join Government in the fight against Coronavirus

The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), has pleaded with parents and pupils alike not to thwart the efforts of various governments against the fight of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic in the country.

In a statement signed by Prof. Boniface Ogbu Odey, NAPTAN Chairman, Cross River State Chapter, on Sunday, the association said the virus will go in no-time if parents, pupils and students join the government to fight it.

Prof. Odey said the effort of both the Federal and Cross River State Governments to shutdown schools should not be taken for granted, following the huge mortality rate of the Coronavirus which has been ravaging the globe after it outbreak in Wuhan Province, China, late last year.

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“In Nigeria, it’s first case was recorded on February 27, 2020 which necessitated the call on the President to address the Nation on his plans and strategies to contain the spread and ensure that the virus did not inflict maximum damage on our fragile Country. Incidentally, though belatedly, the President did address the Nation on Monday, March 29, 2020.
In the President’s Address, a declaration of lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT was made. He said his administration is taking two-step approach, namely: ‘First, to protect the lives of Nigerians and Residents living in the Nation and Second, ensure that the people get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind’.

“Having said this, it is against the backdrop that State Governors in the Federation including our digital Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade also declared a lockdown in the State as a precautionary measure to nip the Coronavirus in the bud. Not only were schools shut down for a month, but movements were restricted in and out of Calabar since 23rd of March, 2020.

“My dear Parents and Students, the suspension of academic work in our educational institutions should not be taken in bad light, but positive decision in this critical circumstances. For those countries in Europe that failed to do same when they ought to have done so, bore the dire consequences.
To this end therefore, there is need to lock down in order not to be knocked out, we should all stay safe to return strong at the end”, Odey said.

The NAPTAN chairman also said the association will remain resolute and will continue to partner with the government to ensure the nation overcomes the virus.

“For God is mindful of us all under the umbrella of NAPTAN and all the good people of Cross River State. We remain loyal to the Government of Cross River State in particular and the Federal Government in general, we shall continue to partner with them in this period of trial, and together we shall triumph over this COVID-19”, he said.

He begged the Government to adhere to Parent’s plea for the installation of the 5th Generation (5G) masts which is causing a lot of controversies in the world.

“Finally, Parents hereby advise the Government that, the installation of 5G Masts in our States should be thoroughly investigated and proved harmless to human existence before the final activation of the G5 Network Services in our Cities”, Odey stated.

Source:Akahi News