Olaosebikan to State Governors: Open special accounts for COVID-19

Governors of the 36 states of the federation and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have been advised to open special accounts where big and small companies as well as public spirited individuals could donate money in aid of the battle against the scourge of Coronavirus Disease being individually and collectively fought by the states and federal governments.
With the special funds, the states would have more money to procure the much needed medical equipment and materials and as well intensify their sensitisation efforts, which at present were less than effective, particularly at the grassroots, Olaosebikan said.
Speaking at a parley with select correspondents on COVID-19 in Ibadan on Thursday, Olaosebikan, a former gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, said with the reality of the ravaging pandemic dawning on all, it is certain that people would contribute generously to such funds.
He maintained that it would be catastrophic and a lifetime regret if the Federal Government and indeed the states allow the disease to spread and wreck further havoc as a result of lack of fund.
He urged the states to create the accounts as soon as possible and ensure transparency and accountability with adequate publicity in running them in order to gain the trust of donors and the general public.
According to Olaosebikan: “As we expect much from the government in protecting us at this perilous times, it is our responsibility too to shore up the government with our wealth so that we don’t both regret at the end of the day.
“The reality now is that there is coronavirus and it is killing across the world.
“If we think it cannot affect us, what of our loved ones?
“It is our collective war and we must join the government in winning the war, putting in our contributions.
“We should donate generously to the funds inasmuch as I believe that the governments would live up to their responsibilities and use the funds judiciously.”
The former local government chairman commended the Lagos State Government for the display of exemplary leadership in its prompt and effective response to the pandemic, stating that with his action, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shown uncommon competence, capacity and care when  most needed.
Olaosebikan added that Governor Sanwo-Olu has put Lagos on the global map of responsible and secured states, adding that he would not be surprised if Lagos State experiences major boom of foreign and local investments and other profound patronages at the end of the bio war.
He also commended other states, including Borno, Ogun, Oyo and Kogi, that had taken comprehensive and well thought out measures towards combating the pandemic in their states.