Prior to the total lockdown of Ogun State which took effect 11pm last night, I yesterday addressed the people on the COVID-19 Stimulus Package Distribution that begins today, Saturday, 4th April, 2020.
On behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, I am very grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who allowed us the 4–day hazard breather before the lockdown for the people and our government to prepare, and our government has indeed finalised details of our stimulus package distribution that begins tomorrow.
I am exceptionally appreciative of the humanitarian sacrifices and contributions from health workers, private individuals, corporate organisations and religious bodies. I am equally grateful for the compliance so far maintained by organisers of coordinated high-density gatherings. It follows therefore that I should highlight details of the stimulus package distribution:
- The pilot stage of the distribution, which ultimately aims to reach 500,000 homes, targets 100,000 homes. These 100,000 packs contain 5kg each of staple food items and hygiene products developed by the State Ministry of Health and donated by the private sector. While they may not reach everyone, they would reach a good number who must remain coordinated and compliant during the distribution.
- The stimulus package distribution and lockdown are defined by the following modalities:
A. Food barns have been set up as supply bases in all three (3) senatorial districts.
B. Multi-sectorial Relief Material Task force has been set up to coordinate distribution. The task force comprises LG Transition Chairmen, CDA/CDC Chairmen, religious and market leaders, legislative and political office holders and a top LG official.
C. Our government will not condone any act of mischief, exploitation or compromise, as this period has already traumatised us collectively. So all task forces are to submit periodic reports on their activities in all wards
- The factors we have put in place to cushion the effects of the lockdown include:
A. From its enforcement 11pm last night, the lockdown remains total till 7am (morning) on Tuesday, 7th April. It will however be suspended between that time, 7am and 2pm (afternoon) for essential service providers to operate. This suspension will be observed every other day; that is, on the said Tuesday, Thursday 9th April, and Saturday 11th April in the coming week.
B. We will decontaminate public spaces, especially markets and parks across the State, and we will continue to allow personnel in essential services move with reasonable restriction.
All these measures and windows have become necessary because of the number of cases we have recorded. Our team has done tremendously well by discharging two out of four confirmed cases, while closely monitoring suspected cases and contacts.
I have declared open our isolation centres housing about 300 bed spaces in total and we have further acquired 14 ventilators, two of which were donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). In the coming weeks, Ogun State will have the first State-fully funded molecular laboratory in Nigeria, saving us time on testing and result retrieval.
Following the footsteps of philanthropists in the private sector who have shown love to the Ogun people, Oluwashikemi Ogunleye who is our youngest donor so far, used the State USSD to donate 950 Naira to the COVID-19 Fund.
Please, let’s all take precautions during this period. Our preventive attitude, for instance, avoided the devastating situation that could have unfolded if I did not ensure the guided and undiverted travel to Osun, of the many returnees from outside the Country. Our epidemiologists and other first responders, including Immigration and Port health officials, identified them in Idiroko and further escorted them to their destination.
Please, stand with us, as we stay at home and drive this thing away! I pray the infected recover. This is my prayer.
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