TheCable

The Kogi state government says it is not “desperate” to order a total lockdown in the state over the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communication, on said Kogi is the centre of the nation and a total lockdown would “close down the nation and her economy”.

“As you are aware, Kogi is the centre of the nation and any attempt to lock down Kogi totally will be tantamount to locking down Nigeria and her economy. We are the gateway to the federal capital territory (FCT), south-east, south-west, south-south and many others,” he said.

Fanwo urged the people of the state to ensure personal hygiene, while he gave assurance that the government “is monitoring the situation and will continue to take responsible decisions to ensure the virus doesn’t ravage the state.”

“We are urging the people to ensure personal hygiene as well as observe social distancing to reduce contact to the barest minimum.

“Schools have been shut down and workers in certain categories have been working from their homes. Some markets have been closed down and we have placed a necessary but temporary ban on religious and social gatherings. Commercial motorcyclists have been told to stay off the roads.

“All these measures are in place to ensure Kogi is not devastated by the pandemic.

“The squadron committee on COVID-19,  led by the deputy governor of the state, his excellency, Chief Edward Onoja, is working round the clock to ensure the state is prepared for any eventuality.”

The commissioner added that the state has a fully equipped isolation centre and trained medical personnel on ground to manage any situation.

“And contrary to some fake news in some quarters, our containment/isolation centre is fully ready to manage any eventuality. We have also trained our medical personnel to handle COVID-19 cases,” he said.

“Workers on grade level one to 13 have been directed to continue to work from home until further notice.”

He commended religious leaders for strictly adhering to the directive of government on congregating, adding that their cooperation has helped the state maintain a “no COVID-19 status”.