By: Ike Abiagom
Ikwele of Ibusa Kingdom
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]eltans have been commended for their impressive compliance to the Stay-at-Home directive by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ,to curb the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19 into the state.
His Eminence,The Ikwele of Isu Anicent kingdom,Engr.Celestine Okafor stated this during the 14-day lockdown period of the state against the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that it is heartwarming that Delta State has not recorded any case of the virus due to the proactiveness of the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.He however, appealed to all residents in the state to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies, just as he advised the security operatives to be civil when they are enforcing the lockdown order.
Ikwele of Ibusa in a statement, Monday , April 6th, 2020 said: “On this Day six of the Stay-at-Home directive by our Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, I hereby commend all Deltans for harkening to the call through their impressive compliance.
His Eminence, Engr. Okafor also commended Okowa administration for setting up a Food Bank to assist in cushioning the effect of the 14 day lockdown in the state on indigent Deltans and a centralised food distribution system, which the Food Bank aimed to achieve, was the best way to go in the present circumstance, as it would ensure compliance with recommended precautionary measures in the distribution process.He added that the Food Bank would also serve the needs of the target vulnerable persons irrespective of political interest as the COVID – 19 lockdown was affecting every Deltan.
His Eminence said uncoordinated food donations and distribution directly to the people could negate the social distancing rule, which was the real essence of the lockdown, adding that the donors might not be able to identify those in need of the food items in their localities.
His Eminence said as a critical traditional stakeholder he had realised that what the people needed most to stay safe from the corona virus was adequate sensitization and enlightenment, pointing out that he was in constant touch with his people to keep them abreast of the relevant information that would prevent the spread of COVID – 19 to the state.
“The reported skirmish that led to an avoidable death in Warri is regrettable. Every life is dear to us and we, therefore, urge the heads of all the security agencies to call their operatives to order and advise them to be civil when they engage any of us who may breach the lockdown order.
His Eminence urged his Kingdom (Ibusa) and Deltans to continue to obey the precautionary measures recommended by experts and the state government, assuring them that the trying times would soon be over.
He commended Governor Okowa for all the proactive steps and measures put in place to keep Delta safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.