By AUSTINE AGBO EMMANUEL, Kaduna Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Forc
By AUSTINE AGBO EMMANUEL, Kaduna
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the defunct Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, has described Nigeria’s recent global commendation for effective management of the pandemic as the best birthday gift on the occasion of his 69th birthday.
Mustapha stated this on Thursday, when friends, associates and well wishers paid him a solidarity birthday visit in his Asokoro residence to felicitate with him.
He was reacting to a report by Prof. Osondu Ogbuoji of Duke University’s Centre for Policy Impact in Global Health, who revealed that Nigeria has been ranked among the top three countries globally, after China and Japan for effective coordination and management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on his role, Mustapha recalled how late President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him to lead the task force despite his not being a health practitioner.
“When the president asked me to chair the programme, I questioned why, since I am not from the medical profession. But he insisted that what the nation needed was diligence, integrity, and someone who could serve as the image of Nigeria for proper coordination. That trust was what guided my team and I,” Mustapha said.
He described the recognition as a vindication of the sacrifices and collective efforts of frontline workers, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), health authorities, and members of the PTF during the pandemic.
“This is the best birthday gift anyone could have given me. To see Nigeria recognized globally for its resilience, coordination, and management of COVID-19 gives me deep joy,” he added.
Mustapha stressed the need for Nigeria to institutionalize the lessons of the pandemic in order to strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks, while also appreciating Nigerians for their resilience during what he described as one of the country’s most challenging moments in history.
Speeches of goodwill, prayers and best wishes marking Boss’ 69th birthday were the highlights of the visit by the different groups.
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