State House's response to pandemic commendable - Presidency

The Presidency has adjudged the State House response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic as commendable.

Giving the vote of confidence on the State House medical response to COVID-19, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, commended medical workers in the clinic for their roles since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

The Permanent Secretary gave the commendation at the valedictory session in honour of Mr. Augustus Ogueri, Deputy Director, Planning and State House SERVICOM Nodal Officer, who retired from service on Tuesday, having attained age 60.

At the event, Dr Ibrahim Bashir, Head, Public Health Department, State House Clinic and Dr Chukwu Eze were also recognized for their "hard work and exemplary contributions to the Coronavirus response in the State House".

The Deputy Director of Information in the State House, Mr Attah Esa, in a statement yesterday, August 19, 2020 said Umar observed that the State House Clinic medical team had been at the frontline of implementing public health advice and protocols to prevent the spread of the pandemic among workers and visitors to the presidential office, since the index case of Coronavirus in the country.

He said some of the interventions from the team include the local production of medical supplies and equipment such as face masks, face shields, hand sanitisers, hand wash and disinfectants, among others.

The permanent Secretary said, "When I briefed the President this week, I told him that the Coronavirus response by the State House Clinic is very strong and solid and I also told him of our intention to recognise some staff that have worked round the clock to make this possible.

“They (medical staff) are in charge of organising COVID-19 tests, following up on results, counselling and ensuring that all public health protocols to prevent the spread of the pandemic are followed and they have been very effective in doing that.

“The recognition is a non-monetary award but we appreciate their sacrifices and selfless contributions in delivering excellent services to staff and visitors to the State House."

In her remarks, the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer SERVICOM, Nnenna Akajemeli, commended the Permanent Secretary and the management team for the commitment to entrenching the culture of improved service delivery in the State House.