As the dreaded Coronavirus spreads to other countries outside China, with death tolls now hovering around 300 people, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday extended his sympathy to the Chinese leader, President Xi Jinping and citizens of the People’s Republic of China.
The statement is coming on the heels of Nigeria’s confirmation that it now has in-house capacity to carry out test for the CoronaVirus, with the help of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this , while assuring Nigerians of the country’s readiness to deal with the disease
President Buhari, in a message to the Chinese leader, said Nigeria stands with China and its people “during this trying time”
So far, more than 300 people are reported to have died from the disease outbreak, with a vast majority coming from Hubei, where over 14,000 people have been infected.
This is even as the global community is placing more restrictions on travels to China, to avoid spread of the dreaded virus
President Buhari however, noted that China’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been exemplary, as well as the country’s collaboration with international agencies and other countries on the matter.
Buhari , while also acknowledging that China has been exceptionally supportive of Nigeria and Africa, and even more so in recent years; stated that “it is important to let China know that Nigeria and her citizens are also standing by them during this outbreak.
“With all the efforts being put in, we know that it is only a matter of time before this nightmare passes.
President Buhari said he was using the opportunity to thank Nigerians for their hospitality towards the Chinese nationals in our midst, and for not letting the coronavirus outbreak create any disturbance or disrupt the peaceful coexistence between us and them.
He therefore prayed that God will comfort the Chinese and others who have already lost family members and loved ones to the disease.
This minister in a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Enefaa Bob-Manuel on Sunday therefore advised all persons, who within 14 days of onset of illness, had any one of the following exposures, to report to the nearest hospital.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
