Coronavirus: Stakeholders charge Oyo state government on border closure

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

Stakeholders from different Groups and Non- Governmental Organizations across Oyo State under the auspices of “Oyo Think Tank, on Monday charged Oyo State government to put in place more enforcement modalities for compliance on social distancing and border closure orders

Penpushing reports that the groups in a communique signed by the Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Oyo State, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola, stressed the need for the state government to intensify efforts on awareness campaign about coronavirus particularly in the markets, motor parks and in the suburbs using traditional methods of conveying messages.

“There should be more enforcement modalities put in  place to ensure that the populace comply with social distancing and border closure orders as it has been noticed that despite the instruction with regards to this, people still come into and exit the state on daily basis from neighbouring states which may increase the risk of escalation of the disease in Oyo state,” the communiqué read.

“Government should also give attention to People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) and orphanages” and that, “in addition to government provision of free face-marks to one million citizens, it would be great if adequate hand sanitizers can also be made available, particularly for those in the suburbs.”

“While we appreciate the government’s plan to systematically distribute palliatives leveraging on available data, the Citizens Group is available and willing to partner with the Government in monitoring the distribution exercise to ensure equitable distribution to all target groups as well as serve as check against any form of abuse by those saddled with the responsibility”.

The stakeholders while urging government to give attention to People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) and orphanages, expressed their willingness to “support the superb efforts His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and his team have been making to curb the spread of the disease since its incursion into the State on March 21, 2020.”

“The Group would like to use this medium to profoundly appreciate the Government for steps taken so far; the healthcare facilities that were provided within a short period; specifically, the Infection Disease Centre, Molecular Laboratory and all other initiatives to ramp up testing and treatment in the State.”

Penpushing also reports that the stakeholders however lauded Governor Seyi Makinde  for the partial lockdown policy due to consideration for the informal economy and total wellbeing of the people of Oyo State, particularly the plan to systematically distribute palliatives to the needy.