By Adekola Afolabi

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has tested negative to COVID-19 few days after he tested positive to the virus.
The Governor who made his latest COVID-19 status known while briefing journalists at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure, also expressed deep sense of loss and regret of the government over the demise of the late Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, whom he described as one of the most illustrious leaders of the state.
Governor Akeredolu explained that before Dr Wahab Adegbenro took his bow, a total of 20 people have lost their lives to the COVID-19 while over 472 tested positive to the infection, just as the number of discharged cases as at Monday morning was 113.
Worried by the alarming increase in the number of confirmed cases in the state, the Governor again passionately appealed to the people on the need to take necessary precautionary measures seriously to win the fight against COVID-19.
“As you all know, I was a victim of COVID-19, though asymptomatic, I tested positive to the virus and immediately went into self isolation with supervised home management.
“Those days in isolation were defining period for me. They convinced me further of the right track we have chosen, to mobilise our people against the deadly pandemic. After a few days in isolation, my samples were taken and tested again in accordance with the treatment protocols of COVID-19, the results came in (Monday morning). I tested negative.
“Firstly, I give thanks to God Almighty for his mercies. I thank all citizens and residents of Ondo state who have shown great love and genuine affection through prayers, phone calls and kind words expressing regrets and solidarity.
” Rest assured that I am deeply inspired by your faith and goodwill and I wish to state categorically that this season shall also pass away. I also thank members of my family and friends too numerous to mention here. You are all hugely appreciated for your concerns and prayers.
“One lesson which ought to be clear to all of us with the recent events is that COVID-19 is real. It is also a resounding message that it is deadly, willing and able to wreak the greatest havoc on individuals and families, indeed our entire society, if permitted.
“Let me use this opportunity to passionately appeal to all our people to please take the fight against COVID-19 seriously. Let us deliberately address our minds to implement all the precautionary measures pronounced and activated by Government.
“It is the right thing to do. The menace of this deadly virus is expanding in exponential measure. It is in fact putting massive pressure on the treatment facilities of Government. I have just been briefed that between Saturday July the 4th and Sunday July the 5th a total of 62 new cases were recorded.
“Presently, the Infectious Disease Hospital here in Akure has been stretched to the limits, so also are our medical equipment and personnel. The obvious implication of this for us, is that prevention is the best way to reduce pressure on cure”, he added.
Governor Akeredolu further assured the people that in spite of the challenges of the times, government would continue to prioritise its attention and expand its investment upon sustainable efforts at combating the menace, just as he lauded health workers in the state for their renewed energy, passion, commitment and focus to save lives and working to reduce the casualty number.
As political activities ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election kicked off in the state, the Governor equally charged leaders of participating political parties to adhere strictly to the protocols for COVID-19 prevention in order to assure safety and good health for the people.
In another development, Governor Akeredolu has nominated a chieftain of the APC, Mr. Idowu Otetubi, as state commissioner designate. Otetubi is an accomplished chartered accountant and politician from Akure, Akure South Local Government. His name is expected to be immediately forwarded to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.