Kwara govt raises sub-committee on Coronavirus
The Kwara State Government has raised an offshoot of the Kwara State Technical Committee on coronavirus to oversee the distribution of palliatives in the state.
The 7-member committee is chaired by the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya.
Other members include former CAN Chairman Professor Timothy Opoola; Dr Saudat Abdulbaqi; Umar Jimada (Secretary); Special Adviser to the Governor (Strategy) Gidado Abdullateef Alakawa; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; community development expert Mr Lawal Olohungbebe; TUC Chairman Com Olumoh Kolawole Nasir; and NLC Chairman Com Aliyu Issa Ore.
The emir, during announcement of modalities for palliative distribution, said the stay at home directive was the best strategy to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection, urged the people to abide by the government’s decision. He also called on well-to-do individuals to join the campaign in their own ways but without compromising the efforts to avoid community transmission.
The statement read in part, “This committee, which is an offshoot of the larger Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19, was given the mandate to draw up the modalities for and supervise the distribution of the palliatives from the government and well-meaning members of the society who have donated to this humanitarian cause.
“This measure is government’s way of showing good faith and affection to the people who have been asked to stay at home on safety grounds. The committee therefore urges the well-heeled in the society to help the needy at this time, and commends all those who have donated to the government or are supporting the poor in their own way.
“Because of limited resources, the committee has given priority at this time to limited categories of our people who it considers to be very poor and worst hit by the directive. They are: the aged; the physically challenged; women, widows and widowers who are sole breadwinners of their families
Artisans who are dependent on daily earnings; and any other category that the committee deems fit.”
He also commended those who donated to the government, including the Road Transport Employers Association and the National Union of Road Transport Workers which have graciously volunteered to transport the food items free of charge.
“This (effort) is purely about helping the poor in our society to cope with the situation at hand. The committee urges all of us to continue to sensitise our people on the danger of this deadly virus and to encourage everyone to stay at home and stay safe. Stay safe,” he said.
