By Babajide Okeowo
Governors in Nigeria will meet on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, to review and consider new safety measures in view of the increasing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of this meeting, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, hinted that there might not be a need to consider another lockdown as the country is not doing badly. He further revealed that the elite group would be guided by science and facts on the way forward.
“We are generally not doing badly with the management of the situation and Africa generally is doing just fine except for say, South Africa. Therefore, while we agree that there’s a need to review some of the safety measures, it might not be necessary to consider another lockdown because there’s really no need for it.
So, we will be guided by science and facts and not because others are doing something, we’d have to do it too. No! The situation, as we know it, differs from area to area; from state to state. Apart from Lagos, Kaduna and a few others, where the numbers are pretty bad, many states in Nigeria are generally doing well with the management of the virus” he said.
Recall that the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NCDC yesterday announced 1,598 new infections raising confirmed total cases to 108, 943, while discharged cases stand at 85,367 and deaths 1420. As usual, Lagos took the top spot 461, FCT 206, Plateau 197, Rivers 168 amongst others.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has instructed grade level 14 workers and below in the state to stay at home for another two weeks, while the state keeps an eye on the growing number pattern.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said this is part of efforts to curtail the spread of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the directive excluded staff on essential duty and the First Responders.
According to a statement by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the governor however urged all public servants to stay safe and ensure continued observance of all COVID-19 protocols, including physical distancing, use of facemasks, regular washing of hands with soap and running water as well as the use of hand sanitisers.
The governor also asked that the weekly duty rosters should be maintained for effective service delivery by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the State Government.
