Mr Festus Awoniyi, a community leader in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Saturday advocated for the replication of the Kwara State COVID-19 Technical Committees in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Awoniyi, a traditional leader, the Petu Ataiyero of Omu-Aran, said setting up of such committee would help to boost the fight against the deadly virus, especially at the grassroots.
According to him, it will also afford the traditional institution and other grassroots-based civil society groups the opportunity to take active part in the campaign against the pandemic.
Awoniyi praised the State Technical Committee on COVID-19, headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, for its commitment and dedication to duty.
“To ensure total compliance with various measures put in place by the government over COVID-19, I think we need to replicate the technical committee at the councils level.
“Constitution of such committee will not only complement the efforts of the state committee, but also help in sensitising the people on the need to imbibe personal hygiene to curb unwarranted infections among other advantages.
“It will also afford traditional rulers, who are the closest to the grassroots to work in synergy with security agencies and other stakeholders in fighting the menace.
“Even the committee will also take active part in proper and adequate dissemination of various palliatives toward cushioning the effect of the stay-at-home directive to remote towns and villages,” he said.
“We must understand that, in spite of this outbreak, many may still conceal information from government or believe its just a hoax.
“But, if a committee in each community is set up, it would be easier for them to access information within the community for onward transfer to the state government.
“What I’m saying in essence is that, community COVID-19 committee will be closer to the people and can easily work with the state technical committee to tame the spread within the communities.”
Awoniyi said the Omu-Aran Traditional Council of Chiefs, headed by Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, had never relented in sensitising the residents on the need to fully comply with government directives.
“The council also initiated a COVID-19 palliative toward ameliorating the effect of the stay-at-home directive, and in the process distributed over 200 bags of rice donated by the indigenes of the community.
“Part of the donated food items is the 150 bags of rice donated by Bishop David Oyedepo, the President and Founder of the Living Faith Church and other numerous indigenes based in Lagos and other parts of the country.
“Substantial amount of cash was also realised to be used to purchase food items and other materials for the benefit of the people as they observe the various COVID-19 measures,’’ he said.
NAN reports that most communities in the seven local government areas of Kwara South District monitored, adhered strictly with government total lockdown directive when visited on Saturday.
Other communities visited aside Omu-Aran, include Oro, Isin, Oke-onigbin, Iloffa, Odo-Owa, Idofin, Oko, Ajase-Ipo, Ipetu, Aran-orin, Osi and Agbamu.
Most of the streets and major roads were deserted as residents remained indoors while security operatives mounted road blocks to ensure compliance.
Mr John Alesagba, the Divisional Police Officer, Omu-Aran Command, told NAN that the enforcement by the command which started by 6 p.m. on Friday would be strictly sustained for the duration of the government directive on the total lockdown.
