The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Tammy Danagogo, has said that certain restrictions have been set up ahead of the Independence day celebrations due to COVID-19.
While briefing newsmen on Wednesday after an inspection at the Shark Stadium, Port Harcourt, the venue for the Independence day event, Danagogoo explained that although the state has prepared a wonderful celebration for Rivers people, COVID-19 recommendations will be in place as advised by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
According to him, “You can see officers ready for the parade; everybody involved, from the military officers, the Commissioner of Police is personally here. The simple reason is to ensure that we are good to go. And you can see that we are actually good to go,’ he expressed.
“This year, we are hoping to, as usual, produce a superlative performance, give Rivers people a resounding Independence celebration.
“The only thing that will be different from what we should have done is that because of COVID-19, there are certain restrictions that would be in place.
“You can see because of COVID-19 all over, school children, who usually should be part of this event, are not because we don’t want to allow the primary and secondary school children to come out. Children will not come because of COVID-19. It is part of COVID-19 recommendations or protocols.
“You are aware that they said the Delta Variant is spreading around the world and everybody needs to be careful. The Rivers State Government is always listening to the advice of medical personnel and the NCDC on the COVID-19 protocols.
“But the police would be able to make it a worthwhile experience for us. The COVID-19 restrictions would be the only restriction in place. Besides that, it would be a superlative Independence celebration. We are set.’
The SSG noted the state government had already initiated activities to mark the October 1 Independence Day Celebration with Jumat and Church services.
“The activities have commenced. Independence Day, October 1, is the climax of it. But, before now, the Jumat service was well attended. On Sunday, the governor of the state led all of us to church to thank God for Independence Day,” he stated.
While appealing to residents to adhere to COVID-19 protocol during the celebrations, urged them to believe in Nigeria and the Rivers State government.
“You can see what the governor is doing. He (Wike) is making sure no effort is spared to give to Rivers people all the promises he has made.
“If you go round Port Harcourt and the entire Rivers State, you will that this is a government that is really geared to ensuring that people have true dividends of democracy.”
