By Dauda Iliya
Ahead of the delivery of AstraZeneca vaccine to Borno state, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi has asked traditional and religious leaders to mobilise their followers to accept the vaccine.
Shehu Abubakar Garbai was speaking in an interview with newsmen at his palace in Maiduguri.
The Shehu who is also the Deputy President Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs said the vaccine is safe and efficacious, adding that the vaccine is for the interest of the people.
He promised to personally take the covid vaccine as soon as it has been launched in the state, assuring that all the remaining 7 emirs, other traditional title holders and religious leaders will follow suit.
The Shehu underscores the importance of the vaccine in containing the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.
According to Shehu Abubakar Garbai, Borno had in the past years been inflicted by many pandemics but was successfully eradicated by the use of vaccines.
He urged the people to avail themselves and cooperate with the health officials during the exercise.
In the same vein, the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Borno state Chapter, Bishop William Naga urged the entire Christian community to accept the vaccine.
Bishop Naga stressed that before the vaccine would be administered to any person, it must be certified safe by health professionals.
The CAN Chairman urged the government to make sure the vaccine covers the vulnerable people, who are most susceptible to the virus.