From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

As part of the move by the Ekiti State Government to combat the spread of the deadly Covid-19, the government has taken delivery of multi million naira medical equipment and health facilities.
The items which include 12,000 nose masks, 12 tricycle ambulances, 100 mattresses, beddings and pillows as well as bedside lockers among others were from the federal government through Sustainable Development Goals, (SDG’s)
Speaking while receiving the materials, the Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi said the state, was ready to fight the pandemic to a standstill, especially as second wave of the pandemic looms.
He expressed gratitude to President Muhamnadu Buhari for the gesture which he noted was not first in the series.
He explained that the state was already preparing for the next wave of the pandemic, saying everything humanly possible would be deployed.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s continued interest, in making sure the state was always not left out of programmes targeted at making life bearable for residents was outstanding and would be reciprocated with judicious use.
He also thanked the presidential SDG’s office for considering Ekiti for the donation
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, who doubles as the Chairman of the state Implementation on SDG’s, Mr Biodun Omoleye, said Ekiti has become a reference point in health care delivery in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the goodwill and cooperative attitude of Gov Fayemi with the federal government had in the past attracted tremendous policy transformation via a grant of over N500million for the turn around of the state’s health sector.
The Chief of Staff who bemoaned poor maintenance culture among some Nigerians, urged good use as well as regular maintenance of the items so that they do not pack up within short time.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Fulani said surveillance had been stepped up to prevent and control, not only COVID-19, but all other diseases such as yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and others in the state
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnership and SDG’s, Mrs Margaret Fagboyo, had alerted that the second wave of COVID-19 was potentially here with the people, saying the proactive steps being taken by the state, in conjunction with federal government were enough to allay all fears.
She enjoined well meaning members of the public to team up with government, saying ” it will require collective efforts to combat the scourge “.