Ilorin
Kwara state government says it is considering pilliative measures for the poor in the state, to cushion the effects of luckdown, occasioned by the spread of COVIF-19 across the world.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Technical Committee on COVID-19, Mr Kayode who Alabi, gave the hint during a news briefing in Ilorin however did not give details of the planned pilliative measures.
He, however,said:“The committee seriously frowns at reports of hike in the prices of commodities, especially food and other essentials.
“The humanity is faced with a serious threat from a virus that has infected hundreds of thousands and killed thousands of other worldwide.
“The least we need is exploitative attitude from suppliers and merchants of essential commodities at this critical time.”
Alabi, however, commended the people of the state for cmplying with lockdown but said fuelsl stations, banks were not shut and warned against hike in prices of commodities
Alani said that the compliance with the restrictions that began early Friday showed people’s understanding of the magnitude of the threat of the pandemic disease and appreciation of government’s efforts to enforce measures to check its escalation.
He expressed the committeement of the state to pursue the checking of the spread of the pandemic to the state with all sense of responsibility.
“The committee wishes to state that, apart from the equipment installed at the isolation centre, brand new ICU equipment are today being installed at the Sobi Specialist Hospital to strengthen our preparedness.
” Even then, we wish to state that our priority as a government is to ensure that Kwara is free from this virus, through various preventive measures we have taken and are still taking.
“The Committee seriously frowns at the pocket of violations of the lockdown which are a threat to public health.
“The Committee warns defaulters to desist as the implementation committee has be given the mandate to enforce compliance with all measures put in place to safeguard Kwara from this deadly virus.
“The committee ,today, met with His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Traditional Council who not only commended the government’s measures but also expressed unreserved support of the council for all the measures adopted by the committee.
“This is especially the partial lockdown meant to enforce social distancing and protect all of us. His Royal Highness assured the government that the council and opinion moulders would continue to tell the public of the need to stay at home and be safe.
“This is because, this virus is no respecter of anybody. The government is very grateful to His Royal Highness and the entire members of his council.
“The people of Kwara State should continue to comply as we do not want to bury any Kwaran on account of this pandemic.’he said.
