News
COVID-19: ‘Consider a partial lockdown’, Adeolu Akande advises Makinde, gives reason
Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande on Sunday advised the governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde to consider a partial lockdown of the state to curtail the probable spread of the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Varsity Don, Akande also counseled the governor to take more drastic measures to combat the spread of the disease.
In a press statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, Professor Akande expressed concern that the actions taken so far in the state are not commensurate with the risk posed by the Coronavirus to the teeming population of the state.
According to the NCC boss, “I wish to commend Governor Seyi Makinde on the steps taken so far in curtailing the coronavirus. I, however, advise the government to take more drastic measures in the face of the existential threat of the disease in Oyo State”, he stated.
The statement continued, “It is worth bearing in mind that all the states contiguous to Oyo have introduced different forms of lockdown. The implication is that rebellious residents from those states will consider Oyo State a hiding place, with the attendant risk they may pose to the population of State. This has the possibility of turning the state into a dumping ground for potential agents of the virus.
“Even if the assessment of the government of Oyo State is that we are not at risk, the fact that all other states have locked down their territories makes worthy of consideration that the risk level in the state has been increased. Given the level of resistance being shown in neighbouring states under lockdown, it will be too risky for Oyo State to throw itself wide open to recalcitrant residents of those states, more so when statistics from those states reflect a worrisome number of infected persons.
“While it is acknowledged that many of our people are daily wage earners who need the opportunity to earn a living, the state may want to consider the lockdown of points of convergence that host tens of thousands of people in a day. The logic of imposing a curfew at night on drinking “joints” and night clubs also applies to points of convergence that receive tens of thousands of people from all parts of the state daily. The government may give a one or two-day window for affected persons to conduct their business and earn some income.
“The government may also want to declare the mandatory wearing of facemasks in the state as that has so far been determined the best protection of the transmission route of the disease.
“Finally, I wish the governor would reconsider the opening of the State Secretariat at this point. It belies the seriousness with which the world is confronting the coronavirus. Anyone conversant with the workings of bureaucracy knows that there is little officials in the top echelon can do in the absence of mid-level and junior workers. Nevertheless, even that “little” pales into insignificance considering the risk such senior officials will pose to members of their family and the public at large when they return home. Work can always resume. Lost lives cannot be replaced”, the statement concluded.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”
Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
-
News5 days agoAlleged KGB Infiltration: Police in Dilemma as Senator Natasha Abandons Petition, Snubs Summons
-
News4 days ago
Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing
-
News1 week ago
Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Push 80,000 Nigerian Children to Brink of Starvation – UNICEF
-
News1 week ago
Trump Ends Legal Status for Over 500,000 Immigrants, Orders Mass Expulsions
