The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of COVID-19 across the globe, saying the Federal Government should enforce the use of facemask and adherence to other precautionary measures.
Oba Akanbi, who stated that the reported death cases arising from the virus across the globe called for caution, said the influx of the people into Nigeria from the COVID-19 battered countries warranted vigilance and enforcement of preventive measures.
The monarch, in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, said the citizens must strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols such as the use of protective face mask, social distancing and regular washing of hands.
The statement, which indicated that any palace staff seen within the palace or at public place without facemask would be sacked, read in part, “Saddened with the new recorded deaths row of COVID-19 in some developed countries, I want to specially appeal and task the Federal Government to reintroduce enforcement of precautionary measures such as the use of facemasks, keeping of social distance, regular washing of hands etc.
“I fear the influx of people into Nigeria. We can’t close the borders. We need to learn to live with COVID-19. As such, a patriotic Nigerian must always wear facemask, keep social distance, wash hands and avoid gatherings of many people.
“Just yesterday (Monday), I read of the demise of Olu of Owerri. This should tell us the second phase of COVID-19 is real. The best way to protect our country is to be vigilance in protecting ourselves against the virus.
“The Federal Government should further empower the COVID-19 task force on prosecuting violators. Equally, I enjoin Nigerians to cooperate with the government because doing so will help safe our lives, protect our economy against further meltdown and present Nigerians as law abiding citizens.
“The regular palace visitors such as the princes, chiefs and members of staff are strongly instructed to wear their facemask as condition to access the palace. Relationship with the palace are respected but should be maintained with strict observance of COVID-19 precautionary measures. Any member of staff coming to the palace without facemask is risking his or her job.”
