By Dipo Olowookere
Stakeholders in the capital market in Nigeria have applauded the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 led by Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The capital market community heaped praises on the task force when its representative, Capital Market Support Committee on COVID-19 (CMSCC), presented an ambulance to the PTF in Abuja on Wednesday.
The team, led by the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Lamido Yuguda, said the PTF has done well to contain the spread of the virus in Nigeria since it entered the country in February this year through an Italian.
“We are here today on behalf of the capital market because we recognize the need to lend our support towards strengthening the available response mechanisms as well as ameliorating the burdens on those affected,” Mr Yuguda said.
While responding, Mr Boss Mustapha urged Nigerians to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19 by observing the laid down protocols by the federal government and health authorities assuring that the PTF would ensure that resources donated are efficiently deployed.
The PTF chairman, who was represented by Mr Adekunle Olusegun, the Permanent Secretary, General Services, SGF, decried the level of compliance to the laid down protocols by Nigerians which he described as abysmally low.
“We would like to use this opportunity again to solicit your co-operation in helping us spread the message that COVID-19 is real. It has changed everything the way we know them, but we must change our behaviours in order to contain its spread.
“Even if you do not love anyone, I believe you love yourself, secure yourself properly by adhering to laid down protocols. Masks should be worn properly when in public places as if you are not wearing your mask properly you are at risk. In your offices, ensure that you are very strict on the use of face mask,” he said.
Mr Mustapha said there were still some challenges ahead especially in the area of behavioural change and urged the capital market community to use whatever opportunity available to enlighten stakeholders.
“This is a serious health emergency that we are experiencing in our generation, it has challenged the strength and weaknesses of the system globally and no nations immune from this.
“What we do is to provide leadership and guidance by formulating the policies that will help to guide the subnational activities and trying to develop their capacities in response to this pandemic.
“All the measures we have taken are well thought out decisions, however, our challenge is risk communication and community engagements.
“If you have any of the symptoms seek help, observe all the hygiene prescriptions. If you do not have any business to go out, stay at home especially those in the vulnerable group. The strategy is to test, detect, isolate, treat and trace,” he said.
He assured that the ambulance will be deployed in the most useful manner and urged the capital market community to continue to support the health sector even after the pandemic is over.
Adedapo Adesanya 
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