Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Tijjani Umar, has described measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the State House as very strong and solid, commending medical workers in the clinic for playing crucial 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 the civil service on Tuesday, having attained 60 years of age.
At the event, Dr Ibrahim Bashir, Head, Public Health Department, State House Clinic and Dr Chukwu Eze were also recognised for their ‘‘hard work and exemplary contributions to the COVID-19 response in the State House’’.
Mr Umar said since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Nigeria, the medical team in State House Clinic has 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.
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 sanitizers, hand wash and disinfectants, among others.
According to the Permanent Secretary: ‘‘When I briefed the President this week, I told him that COVID-19 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.
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.
On the retiree, Mr Ogueri, both the Permanent Secretary and the SERVICOM Coordinator congratulated him on the meritorious service to the nation.