Atiku is ‘first Nigerian’ to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Paul Ibe, Atiku’s spokesman, confirmed the development to TheCable on Thursday.

“The importance of the #COVID19 vaccine in mitigating the effect of the coronavirus cannot be overstated, particularly in Africa and Nigeria. Yesterday (Wednesday), as part of the mass vaccination programme, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine,” Atiku’s spokesman said.

“He is anxiously looking forward to when Nigerians, especially medical professionals in the front line and the most vulnerable will be vaccinated in the country.

The Pfizer vaccine is the first to be granted emergency use authorisation by the WHO, and according to Pfizer and BioNTech, it is 90 percent effective.