The Lagos State Governor and COVID-19 Incident Commander, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has saluted Lagosians for their endurance since measures to fight the Coronavirus were announced by the government.
In a statement issued today, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that no aspect of human life has been spared by the lethal disease, saying the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, among other institutions, will stop at nothing to halt its spread.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated that effective from 11pm, March 30th 2020, as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari, movement will be restricted in Lagos State for 14 days and noted that only people rendering essential services, such as health workers, manufacturers and distributors of health equipment and drugs, food and water companies are expected to go out.
“Also allowed to move are workers in telecommunications, petroleum distribution and retailing as well as power companies and the media, among others whose jobs cannot be handled at home”, he added.
While acknowledging that the restriction on movement is a tough decision, the Incident Commander, stated that it is a necessary step in the battle for life against the COVID-19 pandemic which has no known cure till date.
“We must co-operate with the authorities as long as this restriction lasts”, Sanwo-Olu said.
He maintained that the restriction will enhance chances of defeating Coronavirus by giving room for medical workers to deal faster with cases; contain the disease as those infected will be easily identified and isolated; enhance social-distancing while the restriction will prevent more people from contracting the disease.
“I would also like to address the fears of those who have expressed some security concerns about your places of work and shops during this restriction. I have directed the police and other security agents to ensure that there are no security breaches. They will ensure that criminals do not take advantage of this important measure,” Sanwo-Olu assured.
Governor Sanwo-Olu advised the private sector, market leaders and traders to move out inflammable materials such as petrol, kerosene and others, from their offices and shops before the restriction begins at 11pm, urging them to also switch off all electrical and electronic appliances to stave off fire incidents during the 14-day restriction.
He reaffirmed that the government will intensify its efforts at disinfecting public places, including parks and highways, maintaining that the exercise will extend to rural and riverine areas during the restriction period.
Speaking on the relief package introduced by the Lagos State Government, Sanwo-Olu said, “As I had earlier promised that the poor and vulnerable among us will not be left to their own devices. We have since started our welfare package for this class of people, those who live on daily earnings and the jobless. The hitches noticed in the distribution of the food package are being addressed so as to make the exercise healthier and more dignifying”.
Assuring residents that there is no need to panic, the COVID-19 Incident Commander averred that “even as the number of those infected is rising and our fear of community spreading is being confirmed by the cases that are being handled now, this is the time to be more focused on our responsibility in this battle. Let us continue to obey the simple rules prescribed by the experts”.
He outlined the precautionary measures including social distancing, remaining indoors, washing of hands with soap and water as many times as possible, covering mouths when sneezing or coughing and avoiding any unnecessary gathering.
The Governor thanked the private sector for their comradeship and praised the health workers who have been on the frontlines of the battle against an unseen enemy, describing them as worthy compatriots.
…..Receives N1bn donation from UBA
Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received a cheque for the sum of 1billion naira from the United Bank for Africa as part of the bank’s commitment to help curb the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State.
Presenting the cheque to Mr. Governor at the State House, Marina on Sunday evening, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Kenneth Uzoka, said the one billion naira donation is also in fulfilment of the five billion naira commitment made by the UBA Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, early last week.
Uzoka said that as a socially responsible institution, UBA cares for its communities and for Lagos State, which has recorded the highest number of positive cases thus far, needing special attention.
He disclosed that the decision to give Lagos one billion naira was as a result of the important role that the state plays in the economy of not only Nigeria, but Africa as a whole, given its vast population and other key economic factors.
He said: “Given the population of this state and that it is the business nerve centre, we at UBA are committed to lending our support to the state government. So today, we are giving you and the state one billion naira to support your endeavour in fighting the Coronavirus disease.
“I will not fail to mention that this wasn’t an easy decision for us because Lagos is just one of the many states in Nigeria. However, we looked at the importance of Lagos to Nigeria, but more importantly, we looked at the fact that Lagos has set up the right structure to administer whatever it is that we are giving to the state. So, we are rest assured, because we believe without an iota of doubt that the state will use these funds effectively and efficiently,”
The Governor expressed appreciation to the financial institution for the support, saying that the money will go a long way to assist the state in kicking out the pandemic.
He said: “We appreciate UBA. This is not the kind of money that we would want to take for granted. This is really an important intervention and this fund will go a long way to meet all of our needs both now and in the future, to ensure that Lagos continues to remain safe for business.
“And so, we are indeed happy that you decided to make this very bold move to support the health facility infrastructure in Lagos. You can be rest assured that once the structures have been developed, we will call you again to see what we have put these resources to.”
Last week, the bank announced a donation of over 5 billion Naira (USD14 million), through the UBA Foundation, to catalyse a comprehensive pan-African response to the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.
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