Richard Ginika Izuora
The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Tuesday, May 12; commissioned a COVID-19 world-class Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, certified Laboratory testing centre in the state.
Uzodinma, at the commissioning revealed that another testing centre would be commissioned in Imo.
He stated that the state now prepared to fight the virus holistically as well as to increase the testing capacity.
The governor said: “The Testing Centre – Evernight Diagnostics Centre – is a private sector contribution with assistance from the State Government; which monitored and ensured that all protocols are followed in setting up the Centre in the fight against coronavirus pandemic, is situated along Okigwe Road, Owerri.
“Imo is further encouraged to carry out more tests; and is now more prepared than ever in the fight to stop the deadly disease from discomforting Imo people.
“The Testing Centre now in Owerri, Imo people will not bear the huge cost of logistics; and other inconveniences taking COVID-19 samples to Abakiliki, Ebonyi State for tests.
“In two weeks time, the state will be commissioning another of such centres that will be provided by NCDC.”
Earlier, Chairman of Evernight Laboratories, Mr Everest Okpara, who is also President of Owerri Chamber of Commerce and Industries, OCCIMA, lauded Uzodinma, “for making out time to commission the Centre personally; which goes a long way to show the seriousness he attaches to the protection of life and wellbeing of Imo people.”
Also, Uzodinma has signed two new bills into law which was passed by the State House of Assembly.
The bills are “Imo Waste Management Agency bill” and the “Consolidation of Property and Land Use Charges Bill”.
Uzodinma while accenting to the bills at the Government House in Owerri, explained that the “Waste Management Agency Bill will regulate the activities of the agency; curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the state; and prosecute offenders who are found guilty of violating the law.”
He added that the bill will also enable the government to take a cue from civilised countries where waste is converted into wealth.