We Have Spent Over N1bn In COVID-19 Fight In Edo- Governor Obaseki

The governor of Edo, southern Nigeria, Godwin Obaseki, says the state government has spent over N1billion to curtail the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Naija News reports that the Edo State Governor made the statement in Benin City during a live briefing on the virus by the State Response Team on Sunday, April 19.

Governor Obaseki reiterated his administration’s commitment to ending the scourge of coronavirus in Edo state.

His words: “The government of Edo State is leading this battle from the front. We have already spent over N1billion of our limited resources so far on this fight.

“We have constituted the Edo State Fund-Raising Committee which is made up of our sons and daughters who are captains of industries, religious leaders, traditional rulers to help us galvanise efforts at mobilizing resources to beef up the state government’s response to this pandemic,” he said.

The governor said the decision of the state government to review the partial lockdown imposed on residents was borne after reviewing the COVID-19 tests carried out on suspects.

Governor Obaseki appealed for donations by spirited individuals and groups while calling on residents of the state to support his administration’s efforts in fighting the virus.

Also, Governor Obaseki wants the people to reach out to what he described as the most vulnerable in the state, so as to cushion the hardship that may arise from the lockdown order.

The governor believes that doing so will prevent a catastrophe in the society, while maintaining the dignity of those affected. Obaseki noted that the state is on the verge of conducting 1,000 cases arising from the coronavirus.

Governor Obaseki believes that for the state to win the battle against the virus, the people should regularly wear their face masks. The state government also asked the citizens to maintain regular washing of hands and maintain social distancing always.