THE 5 SUPERHEROES OF NIGERIA’S CORONAVIRUS BATTLE (IGTV)

THE 5 SUPERHEROES OF NIGERIA’S CORONAVIRUS BATTLE Since Nigeria’s index novel coronavirus case was diagnosed on February 27, 2020, a slew of government officials and individuals have been working round the clock to curb the spread of the respiratory disease in Africa’s most populous nation. So today, we are honouring these heroes. Here are 5 superheroes that have swapped capes for scrubs, masks, hand gloves and overalls when it most matters: 1. Healthcare workers Working strenuous shifts with the virus choking the air around them, Nigeria’s frontline healthcare personnel have put their nation before families and loved ones. From the various isolation centers in Lagos, they are restricted to their hotel rooms after shifts and most haven’t been to their apartments since the index case was diagnosed. 2. Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) The NCDC has worked closely with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on containment and restriction measures, public health awareness, sensitisation and protocols. Attempts by politicians to interfere with the process and doctor figures to suit their motives, have been strongly rebuffed by the NCDC. The NCDC has also strengthened its capacity nationwide and has done its best to ramp up testing and awareness in remote and difficult terrains. 3. LAWMA Personnel of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have kept crowded streets and busy highways clean in the epicenter of Nigeria’s COVID-19 outbreak. Their salaries were delayed during the total lockdown season, but they showed up at their duty posts no less. Refuse management and waste disposal is a big deal in Lagos. The present crop of LAWMA sweepers and supervisors have played their part in keeping a thrumming city sane and that bit liveable. 4. Dispatch riders In a season when staying indoors has become the new normal, privately run dispatch firms have assumed increasing prominence and significance. Dispatch riders and delivery trucks have been criss-crossing the country to deliver much needed groceries, snacks, food and office documents, playing their part in reducing non-essential commuting. 5. Supermarket attendants & market workers While other workers are being told to stay home to curb the spread of the coronavirus, these attendants are being asked to put themselves in constant contact with the public. Working low-paying jobs, these heroes in the supermarkets and in the marketplace down the street are both terrified and grateful to be working during this period. CTA: Who else do you think has been doing an excellent job during the COVID-19 pandemic?