By Chinonso Alozie, Owerri

The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, yesterday commissioned a COVID-19 world-class Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, certified Laboratory testing centre in the state.

The governor while commissioning the testing centre in Owerri, also said that another testing centre would be commissioned in Imo, adding that the state now prepared to fight the virus holistically as well as to increase the testing capacity.

ALSO READ: 47-year-old man rapes, impregnates 17-year-old daughter in Imo

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.

ALSO READ: COSFAN congratulates Gambari, salutes Buhari

“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, was happy that the governor 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.”

Vanguard