Osoba tasks senior citizens on COVID-19 vaccination

A former governor of Ogun, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has called on Nigerians, particularly the elderly, to shun misgivings surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines.

Osoba made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, following confirmation that elder statesman Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye, died of COVID-19 complications.

Durojaiye, 88, represented Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 1999-2003.

His family confirmed that the former chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) died on Tuesday following COVID-19 complications.

Osoba said that it was regrettable that the former senator did not take the COVID-19 vaccination until his death.

The former governor said the benefits of the vaccine clearly outweighed whatever misgivings people were having against it.

NAN reports that Mr Abimbola Durojaiye, first and eldest son of the deceased, confirmed that the late pro-democracy activist shunned the COVID-19 vaccination.

The younger Durojaiye said that getting vaccinated became necessary, following the death of his father.

He said it was inconsequential what killed his father, but stressed the need for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

“There is never a good time to die but what is important is that Baba has gone to rest and he is surely in a better place. His leaving us is very sad,” he said.

Osoba, echoing the feelings of the Durojaiye’s family, said death would come at its appointed time.

“No one knows when his or her time shall come.

“The death of an 88-year-old man is not exactly tragic, but this should be another clarion call to all.

“Taking the (COVID-19) vaccination is of paramount importance; except where directed otherwise by your doctors.

“We should jettison conspiracy theories and listen to our health officials and the authorities.

“The pandemic is global. The solution to it is global.

“The world has come up with a number of vaccines to slow down the rate of fatalities, we need to do our part by trusting the system,” Osoba said.

NAN recalls that Sen. Buruji Kashamu, who also died of COVID-19 complications on Aug. 8, 2020, represented Ogun East Senatorial District like the Durojaiye.