The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Saturday, December 26, implored Nigerians to ensure compliance to safety protocols; due to the rapidity of infection of the second wave of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba during his yuletide message.
While admitting that COVID-19 led to great dislocation; despair; and various other forms of socio-economic upheavals; Wabba said Nigerians should look forward to a bright new year with hope, inspiration and comfort.
He said, “The current vicissitudes that punctuated the year 2020 will give rise to a better and brighter 2021. We believe that the afflictions of the Year 2020 will soon give way to a glorious triumph for Nigerian workers; their families and indeed for the Nigerian nation.
“In the midst of a devastating COVID-19 pandemic, the application of Nigerian frontline workers to their duties was the difference in deaths in millions, as predicted in some parts of the world; and deaths in hundreds as we have been able to curtail the effect and impact of the landfall of the novel coronavirus on our shores.”
The NLC top brass also acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of frontline health workers leading the great battle against the menace of COVID-19.
He was however quick to add that, “We can make the sacrifice of our fallen heroes count; as we renew our commitment to stopping the unrelenting virus even as it threatens a second global wave.
“We honour the memory of workers who gave their lives so we live when we maintain; and improve on the health protocols that can help keep us; our families, our friends, and our colleagues safe.”
The temptation to throw caution to the winds will be rife this festive season, he stressed, adding that this is not the time to be complacent.
“COVID-19 is real. The second wave of the deadly virus is palpable. We can mitigate against its impact if we observe all the necessary health protocols – wash our hands always with soap and running water, use hand sanitisers all the time, keep social distancing, wear a mask when in public places, report any sign of COVID-19 to designated health authorities and submit to treatment once diagnosed.”