Christian Agadibe
Global Igbo Alliance, a conglomerate of Igbo associations in the Diaspora, is calling on Igbos to brace up against the coronavirus pandemic which is currently ravaging the whole world.
A statement made available to the press by the president of Global Igbo Alliance, Christian Duru, and signed by its secretary Mrs Chinwe Eboh, reads:
“We cannot afford to experience another large-scale mortality in Igbo land after losing millions of lives during the Biafran war. Since the war ended, Ndigbo have continued to lose lives in the course of our quest for freedom and autonomy. This is yet another test of our ability as a people. We need to stand up and fight against this dangerous virus to prevent but from overtaking Alaigbo.
“GIA recommends total lockdown in all the states in Igboland for at least two weeks. This is the method adopted by other countries of the world and a proven way to curtail the transmission of the disease. Countries that did not take action timely enough, such as Italy and Spain, have lost thousands of lives and are paying a huge price for it.”
GIA added: “We are in the diaspora and can attest to what is going on overseas with the coronavirus pandemic – it is an unprecedented event that took the world unawares. Let us learn from those around us. Our people say that ‘an orphaned child learns from the counsel of his friend’s living parents’. Both Alaigbo and Nigeria as a whole do not have what it takes to contain an Italy or Spain type of outbreak. If it occurs in Nigeria, it will be catastrophic, hence, the urgent call for Ndi Igbo and all Nigerians to brace up and protect themselves before it is too late.”
They further commented that” alternative measures and options should be considered and put in place without delay. This is not the time for partisan politics or interests; all hands must be on deck. Igbo industrialists such as Innoson Motors and others can assist with ideas or manpower on the possibility of producing alternative ventilators. Our brothers in Aba can start churning out improvised face masks that can be used by Ndigbo and other Nigerians in this difficult time. All media platforms should increase sensitisation and social distancing campaign at all levels, and in various dialects to properly communicate the message to people at the grassroots. Washing of hands frequently, use of hand sanitizers, staying at home and observing social distancing are so crucial at this time. All funerals, Igba Nkwu, weddings etc should be suspended until further notice.”
“It is believed that Coronavirus is now airborne, making contraction even easier than was earlier thought. All that Ndigbo and the rest of Nigeria need to do is give this virus two to three weeks to have its course and fizzle out. Community transmission in Alaigbo or any other part of Nigeria will be devastating.”
The group also stressed that “we call on all the governors in Igbo land to block access to their various states and order everyone to stay at home while this pandemic lasts. Two cases of the deadly COVID-19 have already been confirmed in Enugu. We do not want more cases to arise in Alaigbo on the proverbial saying that “emee ngwangwa, emeghara odachi”. Prevention is better than cure. At the moment, there is no cure for coronavirus and no vaccines available. Therefore, ‘prevention’ remains the best option for Ndigbo and Nigeria.”