A policy advocacy group, Oyo Coalition for Good Governance, has commended the Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for his exemplary leadership and courage in combating the Covid-19 disease in the state.
The group maintained that state government’s approach to combating the pandemic is commendable, noting that positive results could always be expected when all hands are on deck as is the case in the state.
A press statement signed by the group’s Administrator, Dr. Tunde Suberu, said that it was highly commendable that Governor Makinde took the bull by the horn in confronting the spread of Coronavirus in Oyo State.
He said: “The courage and passion with which Governor Makinde has been prosecuting the battle against Covid-19 is commendable. The governor has successfully set up a diagnostic centre independent of grants from either the Federal Governor or the World Health Organization (WHO). He has also ensured the creation of isolation centres in some major cities in the state.
“It is quite unfortunate that Governor Makinde himself was struck by this virus while at the frontline of the battle field. However, it is gratifying that unlike the case with some other state functionaries who depend on facilities outside of their state to get treated for this virus, Governor Makinde will solely rely on the facilities that he had put in place for the people to treat even himself.
“This kind of approach to governance is what is missing in our country where political VIPs do not surrender themselves to public facilities they wish for the people.”
The statement also commended Governor Makinde for appointing a former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge as the Head of Covid-19 Task Force in the state during the period of his self-isolation.
“Professor Alonge is a thoroughbred administrator and we are more than convinced that he is a round peg in a round hole for this appointment,” the group said.
The advocacy group also gave credit to medical officials who are managing the facilities that help to control the spread of Coronavirus and treating its victims.
“We are happy that the index case of the virus in Oyo State has been treated and released to join his family. That is the kind of result to expect when all hands are on the deck. The approach that the Oyo State government has employed to control this pandemic is very commendable so far and we wish Governor Makinde a quick recovery,” the statement concludes.
