The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared the state’s complete lockdown following confirmation of the deadly Coronavirus ‘second victim in the state.
The state governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement on Sunday morning, during a statewide broadcast.
While reaffirming its determination to lock down all the borders that lead to the state from midnight, Sunday, March 29, 2020, the governor affirmed that during the closure, only those on critical duties such as health staff, fire department, environmental authorities, security personnel, power and water supply departments, media and telecommunications officers would be in service.
He said it becomes necessary for the government to take this step given the catastrophic nature of the pandemic and added that any sensitive and responsible government’s first priority is to act effectively to protect its people when an emergency arises.
Though expressing sadness about the latest incident, he maintained that the decision remained the alternative for the state to control the disease’s spread.
The governor admonished the people of the state not to fright over the new measures, but to continue to obey the instructions and directives of the government on the need for them to continue to observe the requisite precautionary steps, including daily washing of hands with water and soap and maintaining the prescribed social distance.
He thanked the vital stakeholders headed by Prof. Isaac Adewole, the former Minister of Health; the task force and health officers for their selfless service to humanity.
EXCERPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS
1. Following a review of our current situation, we have in addition to the subsisting measures taken in the past one week, decided to shut down all our boundaries, effective from midnight Sunday, March 29, 2020. In addition, a complete lockdown of the State will come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
2. We believe this is the way to go, if we must contain the spread of this virus. To this end, we urge citizens and residents to take advantage of the hours between now and Tuesday to stock up provisions that will last them two weeks in the first instance.
3. During the lockdown, there will be no movement within the state. The closed boundaries also means there will be no inter-state movements. However, those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty. Also, pharmaceutical and medical outfits will be allowed to open.
4. We have mandated and mobilised the State’s taskforce and security operatives to enforce measures to the letter. We, therefore, strongly advise our people to remain in their homes during the period of the lockdown.
5. When an emergency occurs, such as the one at hand, the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens. This is what we will continue to do.
