President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shots.
They were both vaccinated at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Villa in Abuja, Saturday, the second day of mass vaccine roll out in Nigeria. The event was live on TV stations.
Dr Shuaib Ranfidadi Sanusi, Chief Personal Physician to the President administered the vaccine on President Buhari.
Also, Dr Nicolas Alfred, Personal Physician to the Vice President administered the shot on Prof. Osinbajo.
Earlier on Friday, four frontline health workers were vaccinated on live TV as the mass vaccination programme began in Africa’s largest country.
President Buhari said the government plans to vaccinate over 70% of Nigerian population between 2021 and 2022 to build herd immunity in the country.
He urged national leaders to present themselves for the vaccination to instil Nigerians’ confidence in the process.
His statement reads, “Covid is seen as an important enemy around the world. Infections from the virus have resulted in over 2 million, 500 thousand fatalities and have destroyed several global and national systems.
“The response between Nigeria and Ecowas has been a robust, collaborative and united one. It is driven by a collective knowledge that no country is safe until all countries are vaccinated.
“The spreading development of Coronavirus vaccine is significant and it underscores the collective resolve of humanity to overcome the pandemic.
“Similarly, the collaborative efforts of developed countries to ensure excess vaccines is released to developing countries is lauded
“The 4 million doze of Asteazeaca vaccines will cater for over 70 percent of our population between the year 2021-22.
“Today is a demonstration of leadership and faith. I wish to commend Nigerians to do the same.
“I urged state governments and religious leaders to take the lead and mobilise their environment to be vaccinated.
“The vaccines offer hope for our country to be safe of Covid-19.
“Moreover, I urged Nigerians to present themselves to be vaccinated.
“I wish to acknowledge the support of government, private sectors, religious leaders, stakeholders and all who have supported Nigerians so far.
“Finally, I congratulate the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid -19 for its successful coordination so far. .
Also, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire in his address lauded the President for ensuring Nigeria received AstraZeneca vaccines.
Enahire noted that the vaccine is safe and well sought after by other countries.
In addition, Dr. Ehanire said vaccine nationalism is ongoing and as well vaccine hoarding. He then assured that Nigerians will get vaccines as and when due with the help of the President.
On the process of being vaccinated, Ehanire said, “the process is simple. There can be pain at the area where it is injected but on the whole, there is no adverse effect that follows.
Moreover, he affirmed that the vaccine has been through all the process and has been certified by NAFDAC and other relevant medical bodies.
