An Appeal to Coronavirus

I was thinking this morning....about Coronavirus. Should it visit us in Nigeria or not? During this past week, I was drafted into a workstream to put together a preparedness plan in response to the threat of the Novel Coronavirus. As we deliberated, I wondered why we are bothering ourselves because the Nigeria Minister of Health had announced that Nigeria is ready for the virus. Choi!

As a typical Warri boy, I am surprised that there is so much noise about this Corona virus. Why is the Corona virus behaving like an 'ogbologbo?' Afterall Corona is not new in Nigeria. We already have Corona Schools in Lagos and Toyota Corona cars in Nigeria. Is it because it is from China that it is raising shoulders? Bursted! We already know say China products no dey last. 

But seriously, the World Health Organization (WHO) is contributing to the scaremongering, by declaring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern. Haba!!! If they are worried about other countries, they shouldn't lose sleep about Nigeria because our Health Minister has declared that we are ready for the virus.

It has been reported that the number of confirmed cases in mainland China has more than quadrupled to close to 60,000. As at yesterday morning, more than 1,523 people had died from the virus. And the media will not let us hear word. Can you imagine? Only 2.5% death and they are panicking. Our Minister says we are ready to receive the virus and he is right. Didn't you see how we dealt with the Lassa fever virus? According to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in this new wave of Lassa fever outbreak, we have recorded 472 confirmed cases with only 70 deaths. A mere 15% mortality rate. Corona virus, please come, our Health Minister says we are ready for you.

People are worried that we do not have the infrastructure to manage the virus should it visit. Yes, China built two new 1000 beds hospitals in 8 days. Is that an achievement? We can build a 10 bed hospital in only 8 years, just two terms. Afterall, according to Chartered Institute of Project Management, the total value of abandoned projects in Nigeria stands at a mere N12 trillion. Our Health Minister says a whooping N680 million has been voted to fight the Coronavirus. The sum is so big that even though we know that N650 million will be stolen from it, the balance N30 million will still be enough to protect 200 million Nigerians. If the N30m is not enough to build hospitals, it can buy face masks. Abi? Please, Corona virus come, our Health Minister says we are ready for you.

Coronavirus, in this season of love, our Health Minister may love you enough to say he is ready for you. For the rest of us, there is no love lost. My appeal is that when you come, please go straight to those government officials that have stolen the funds meant for healthcare and other infrastructure and not the common man. As for me and my family, we are holding unto the words of Exodus 15:26 "I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians (or Chinese): for I am the LORD that healeth thee." After visiting these special Nigerians inviting you, please find your way back because the rest of Nigeria is not ready for you.

Happy Sunday.

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey.