COVID-19: Organised Labour-Civil Society Committee Embark On Markets, Public Places Sensitisation

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Making the health and safety of residents paramount, the Ogun State chapter of Organised Labour-Civil Society Situation Room on COVID-19 have embarked on coronavirus sensitisation programmes across various markets and public places.

The nine man committee inaugurated barely a week ago at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Secretariat, Abeokuta has since swung into action and assessment the level of compliance to health and safety instructions given by the Ogun State Government.

The Committee led by Comrade Emmanuel Bankole on Monday visited Kuto and Lafenwa markets and other public places to enlighten traders and visitors on the need to obey the laid down guidelines.

While addressing the Iyaloja of Kuto, Alhaja Isiwatu Asake Adewuyi, Comrade Bankole spoke that the need for the advocacy and social dialogue became necessary following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, and the attendant lockdown in the state and its tolls on the economy.

He stated that the committee decided to visit the markets to have on the spot assessment level of compliance to health and safety instructions, owing to the recent easing of the lockdown by the state government.

He said: “We are here as part of our own contribution to the society, particularly in this pandemic to create awareness and to sensitise our people about the coronavirus.

“We are here to enlighten the people that the virus is real and it’s killing. And also to create awareness, and that what we are talking about is for our own good and for our own protection. We intend to go to all the markets in Ogun State .

“We are doing it at the state level, the local government will also take it up to ensure that all the markets, public places adhere strictly to the guidelines, so that people can prevent the spread. Whatever, we want to see how our people are adhering to precautionary measures.”

In the same vein, Nurse Roseline Solarin who talked extensively on the reality of the coronavirus hereby appealed to the people in the market to always use face mask, and avoid social distancing. Adding that there would penalty for those who refuse to follow this measures as being laid down by the government.

However, in her address, the market leader appreciated the committee for the health talk and donation of face masks to the market women. Adding that she would further initiate a market unit to enforce compliance.

“I will continually urge the people of kuto market to follow the NCDC guidelines in order to fight coronavirus. I don’t want the government to lock our market down again. So everybody should use face mask, maintain social distance, and wash their hands frequently.” she said.

Similarly, Mr. Owoyemi Steven, who is the Secretary of the market said: “Concerning the safety, we will still go and educate our people concerning it because we still need to keep the safety of COVID-19.

He hinted: “We appreciate the government on the part of the management of this market, we will be telling our people to wash their hands, make use of face mask, maintaining social distancing. I will try as much as possible to educate our people on this measures.”