Oyo State Combines Security Agencies to Enforce COVID-19 Directives
From Bola Ogunlayi,Ibadan
A joint team of Security agencies have embarked on enforcement of compliance following directives on precautionary measures outlined by Oyo State Government aimed at combating Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease on rampage in the State and Nigeria.
The inter-agency team comprised of Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps and others.
The Executive Chairman, OYRTMA, Dr. Akin Fagbemi has hinted that inter-agency collaborations in the State would curtail spread of the deadly Corona-virus Disease.
He stayed that it was in line with the directives of Governor Seyi Makinde who had earlier on in an address to residents of the Pacesetter state outlined measures necessary to contain the rampaging Corona Virus in the State.
The team ensured has embarked on strict monitoring of public parks, garages and private transportation companies across Oyo State in a bid to obey Governor Makinde’s directive and prevent rapid spread of the disease.
It would be recalled that part of the preventive measures rolled out by the state government are social distancing, suspension of religious activities, disbandment of gathering with more than 30 people among others.
The State has also directed garages and commercial operators to adhere strictly to guidelines reeled out for them during these trying times, while it warned that anyone caught flouting the government’s intervention would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
The team commended residents and operators for their understanding and cooperation towards eradicating the novel Corona Virus Disease.
In a related development,the State’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun,said that the administration will also engage relevant stakeholders in both the organized private and public health sectors to address the emergency.
Olatubosun stressed that the Government has finalized an arrangement to embark on aggressive public sensitisation across the popular markets, major bus terminals, public spaces and others to enlighten the people on the reality and severity of the global infectious disease.
The Commissioner disclosed that part of the measures taken are the establishment of four isolation centres at University College Hospital, UCH, Jericho Chest Hospital, Olodo State Pediatric all in Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, in addition to acquisition of ambulances for ease of transportation services.
The commissioner therefore implored residents of the state not to hesitate in reporting any case of the disease to the surveillance team set up by the state government.