Governor Fayemi appoints father who rejected son over coronavirus as ambassador

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has appointed the father who kicked against the return of his son back to his home, as an ambassador, following the man insistence that, the son must undergo 14 days isolation before he could be admitted in the family after his return from a Lagos trip.

Penpushing reports that, Femi Adeoye,  retired Federal Road Safety Officer was sighted in a video with caption, ’Father rejects son’ expressing fear that his son might have contracted coronarirus, hence, the need for him(son) to undergo the mandatory two week isolation as stipulated by the NCDC protocol for preventing community spread of  the virus.

The Governor, who also saw the video which went viral, was said to have been impressed by the position of the man, in regards his son, and thereby appointed him as Ambassador of Coronavirus Response in Ekiti State.

Penpushing further reports that, Fayemi was said to have praised Adeoye for his integrity and exemplary show of valour in the ongoing fight against coronavirus pandemic, and also made him a member of the state’s coronavirus taskforce which the governor heads as chairman.

The Governor while presenting the letter of appointment to the man in his office on Thursday commended him for his patriotism and selflessness, pointing out that  his action was the hallmark of Ekiti values which the administration is promoting.

“We see that you adhered to this strictly. You have demonstrated the values for which we were known for and you also demonstrated that integrity and your good name are far more important than any other thing and that is why you have to be accorded a responsibility. I hope you will accept to be a Covid-19 Response Ambassador in our state and a member of the covid-19 task force.

“We don’t know how many lives you have saved by this singular action because we don’t even know your son’s status yet but we pray that nothing happens to him and even if it turns out that way, he would still be safe.”

“I am pleased to let you know that the state is very proud of your conduct which elevated the collective wellbeing of the state above your undeniable love for your dear son. In accordance to existing regulations, denying your son entry into your household, having travelled from places under federal lockdown against your fatherly advice, you have proved to be a worthy ambassador of our collective resolve to end this pandemic.

“Our government and the good people of Ekiti State are very proud of this chivalrous act of courage and principle which are the hallmarks of the Ekiti person. You represent the kind of self-discipline, selflessness and sense of collective responsibility that our state and our nation need desperately today to progress.

“Indeed, the state will, in future recognize your valour as an example of the rebirth of Ekiti values orientation which is the central focus of this administration. For now, we would be most delighted if you consent to being accorded the role of Covid-19 response ambassador in Ekiti state helping to propagate the message as a member of Covid-19 task force in the state.”

Penpushing also reports that, the Governor who disclosed that, the son was undergoing14 days quarantine, assured that he would be release on completion of the period, and, urged Ekiti residents to emulate the selfless attitude of Adeoye by reporting promptly anyone who entered the state through whatever means to the appropriate authority.

The Governor noted that the major solution to the coronavirus pandemic is prevention through social distancing and observing other and strict observance of hygienic procedures recommended by NCDC and health officials.

“Anyone who has not been resident in Ekiti in the period that this disease has inflicted Nigeria should stay wherever they are even if you are Ekiti person and decide to come to Ekiti, you should be ready to be quarantined for 14 days’, he said.

The appointee while responding expressed his appreciation to the Governor and the State government for recognizing his little contribution towards the drive to end the pandemic in the country.

Penpushing further reports that, Adeoye said people should not see him as a wicked father but someone who believed that the nation is greater than an individual, adding that he did what he did for the collective good of all.

The retired staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) while accepting the award by the Governor, noted that he (Fayemi) had been receiving a lot of commendations for the proactive manner he had been working to curtail the pandemic in the state, adding  that his action was his own little way of supporting the government’s efforts.