Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman of the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Builder Olusesan Mayokun Daini, has stated that the deadly Coronavirus, that is ravaging the world, is real and people must obey directives by the state government to stay safe.
Daini, who has begun fumigation of public places in his council, also stated that he would not hesitate to further enforce the directives where and when there is any breach of social distance order, restriction on number of people that can gather in public places and other precautionary measures.
He spoke with our reporter at the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Secretariat on Thursday (yesterday) as he prepared to start the enforcement of the stringent measures as directed by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Coronavirus is real and it’s in our midst. We have to play safe and one of the major ways to play safe is personal hygiene and respecting and obeying the directives of the governor which are the precautions – wash your hands regularly, don’t put your hands on your face, manage your cough and sneezes and once they are getting frequent and you are seeing uncommon signs, go and engage in self-isolation and report yourself to the authority for immediate action”, he advised the populace.
“It is not something that it is stigmatic. We have seen cases where people that are tested positive have been discharged. It is better for you to go on self-isolation and communicate with the appropriate quarters for medical attention, sustained treatment and cure at early stage.
Speaking on the complaint level in his council area regarding government’s directives, Hon. Daini stated that the people have been supportive but that there is still need to continue the sensitisation exercise and where need be, enforce the directives so as to keep people safe.
“In Igbogbo and its environs, people have been complying to directives, although not 100% compliant. On our part as a government, we have been trying as much as possible to enforce, sensitise and educate the residents.
“We realise that we cannot enforce alone, we need to actually let them have adequate education about the danger so that they can learn how to take reasonable precautions for themselves, families and the entire community.
“So far so good, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA is doing good. We are still committed to fumigation of some of our public infrastructures and thank God for our Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has equally decided to distribute disinfectant equipment and involve the local councils in the fumigation process across the state”, he stated while commending the efforts of the state government towards combating Coronavirus.
“We are still doing all that needed to be done in implementing the directives of the Governor vs-a-vis social distancing, disengage gathering above required number, closure of markets not into food and pharmaceutical products and others.
“Public places like Churches and Mosques have been obeying and we are still on the lookout.
“Our monitors are outside trying to ensure that things are in order and we are strategising on doing more senstisation and enforcement, but we believe in doing more of enlightenment than enforcement. Enforcement should be the last resort”.
He stated that the enforcement on some bars and club houses last weekend by the council’s taskforce led by him has really made others to realise that the council would not hesitate to close down any public place that is not complying.
“The enforcement has been helpful. We closed up to five bars and clubs and we would do more as long as they are not complying with state government’s directives.
While still waiting for fumigation equipment from the state government, the council chairman informed THE IMPACT that the council has commenced the fumigation of some public facilities.
“While waiting for the state fumigation team, we have started the exercise in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA. We commend the governor for carrying the council along in the process” he stated.
“We have started fumigation of our health centres, markets, schools, Council Secretariat, palaces of the traditional ruler and Chiefs and other places that we see as regular places where people gather within the community.”
