Governments in the country, including the Rivers State Government have been urged to implement palliative measures which would reduce the burden borne by the most vulnerable in the society.
The Rivers Independent Publishers Association, RIVPA, said in a statement signed by its chairman, Jerry Needam and its Secretary, Solomon Parakon that it had become necessary in this very trying times to turn attention to the welfare of the people who are stuck in their homes as a result of the Coronavirus.
The statement said that RIVPA is satisfied with efforts currently being put by the Rivers State Government into the fight against the virus.
“Despite frantic efforts to put the Coronavirus pandemic under check across the globe in the last three months, the Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA) is worried that the hydra-headed disease has continued to ravage the over 7.8 billion world population without any cure at sight”, the statement observed.
“We are however, impressed with the concern so far shown by the Rivers State government led by Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike through numerous proactive measures already put in place to ensure the disease does not spread in the State.
“It’s interesting to note that all these measures are being taken out of compassion to safeguard the precious lives of Rivers people and residents alike in the State”, the statement further stated.
The RIVPA statement acknowledged the contributions that are being made by the mass media in Rivers State, saying, “The efforts of members of RIVPA who have consistently used their newspapers to enlighten and sensitize the masses on the dangers of the Coronavirus and the preventive measures, in the face of escalating prices of printing materials, are noteworthy and commendable.
“The leadership and members of the Rivers State Independent Publishers Association appreciate all these efforts and wish to urge the Rivers State government to as a matter of urgency do all within its powers to quicken the process of implementing the long anticipated palliatives which are aimed at alleviating the consequent harsh effects of the ravaging disease on the people especially the poor vulnerable majority.”
RIVPA urged all individuals, citizens and residents in the State to adhere strictly to all preventive measures by the government and health experts to checkmate the virus that threatens humanity.