Shippers council concludes 1st phrase of Covid-19 sensitization

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The 3 days COVID-19 sensitization programme for the maritime community sponsored by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has come to an end.

The sensitization which is the first phase in the series according to a press statement signed by the Head, Public Relations Unit of NSC, Rekiya Zubairu and made available to nation update online on Sunday, said the program started on Wednesday, 13th May, 2020 at the NSC headquarters.

Bello

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Hassan Bello,  Zubairu said joined by the Council’s Directors of Regulatory Services and Consumer Affairs, Ms. Ifeoma Ezedinma and Chief Cajetan Agu respectively,  presented hand-gloves sanitizers and masks to the leaders of seven trucking associations.

Bello while speaking at the occasion, said NSC considered it part of its responsibility to ensure the safety of truckers as they are silent facilitators of Nigeria’s economy. He commended them for their cooperation in acceding to NSC’s request to reduce their fees during the period of the lockdown.

According to the report, he reminded them that they are primarily responsible for their own well-being, and  urged them to do everything to stay safe as their families and the nation need them.

COTUA executive, receiving protective equipments from NSC

The Coordinator of Committee of Maritime Truck Unions & Associations(COMTUA), Comrade Stephen Okafor while responding on behalf of the trucking associations, commended the Executive Secretary, described him as a partner in progress. He assured him of their cooperation in resetting Nigeria’s post-COVID-19 economy.

Sensitisation going on

The sensitization programme which later moved to the terminals and shipping companies had the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control(NCDC), hygienist, Moji Ayorinde who spoke on how to protect oneself from contracting COVID-19.

Dr. Everistus Aniaku who is the head of emergency operations and National Response Team on COVID-19 in Lagos State, was on hand to direct the team further demonstrated the correct method to wearing a mask, hand washing, hand sanitization and physical distancing among others.

The over 100 participants drawn  from freight forwarders and staff of the shipping companies and terminals engaged the NCDC team in questions and answers section.

Participants at the programme received face masks and sanitizers courtesy of NSC, the release stated that it was in compliance to the physical distancing rule that only few of the stakeholders attended, they are expected to relay and educate thier other colleagues and the general public, as the fight against this deadly virus requires collective efforts.