Coronavirus: Despite rising number of cases, governor says no lockdown in Oyo

By Admin


Despite the rising number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has maintained that there will be no lockdown in the state.

Mr. Makinde restated this position while speaking in an interview with Fresh FM on Monday morning. He also said that Oyo State will begin the distribution of aid this week while civil servants from level 13 had been directed to resume this Monday.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Oyo State has 21 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, out of the 1,273 cases in Nigeria as of Sunday night.

“The economic health of the state is as important as the public health,” Mr. Makinde said.

“As I have often said, we have to find a local solution. We can’t keep making reference to United States of America, how about other parts of the world? You have to compare what people have done right."

“America should not always be the point of reference, there are other places in the world doing far better than America. We should only borrow from things that will work for us and that can come from any part of the world. It can come from as near as Ghana. Ghana has just lifted its lockdown, they are moving on with their life.”

Asked why he had directed senior civil servants to resume work despite the fact that only 610 persons had been tested in the state, Mr Makinde said: “We will keep on testing. This (COVID-19) is not going to go away like yesterday and that is exactly what I have been telling a lot of people."

“Okay, you have given palliatives out and this is the direction that you are going to go, in a manner that you are flipping a switch on and off. No, it’s not going to go that way. I think we need to look at this in terms of light dimmers where we can turn the knob and the light may be bright or you may turn the light off."

“We are in this for a long haul and our output should not be like flipping a switch, our output will be with us for a while. And that is exactly what we are doing."

“I mean consciously, we are going out saying let this category of people resume, let the market work, let the farmers take advantage of this planting season,” the Governor said.

The Governor has consistently argued against lockdown as a measure to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The State Government had earlier declared mandatory wearing of face masks in public and announced that it had engaged 100 tailors to produce face masks for people of the state.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the count...
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s...
Read more

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF AN ENLARGED MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024

Image
The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held an enlarged meeting at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge, Tatari Ali House, Asokoro on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Rising from the consultative meeting of the various organs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party resolved as follows: 1. The National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting originally slated for October 24, 2024, has been rescheduled to November 28, 2024. 2. The postponement is to ensure that the party goes into the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial elections of November 16, 2024 with the unity and strength demanded to unseat the floundering All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state. 3. Reiterating the need for unity in the face of efforts by detractors to divide the party, the meeting called on all members to shun divisive utterances that could undermine ongoing efforts at strengthening the party to effectively play its role as the country’s main opposition, preparatory...
Read more