Ondo’s Palliatives
Ondo’s Palliatives
THIS is a very trying time in the world. There is no country that seems to be immuned from the coronavirus pandemic that has reduced virtually all countries both developed and not developed to a level of equality. The developed countries are in pains and panic and so also are the developing countries.
THE current coronavirus pandemic did not send any warning, it caught virtually all countries of the world unawares. As several countries embark on lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19, the fear now is that the countries are moving towards economic depression.
INDEED, the lockdowns in Nigeria have curtailed economic activities, particularly in states such as Lagos, Ogun, the FCT and some Northern states. In Ondo state, the government has imposed varying degrees of restrictions on movements of people and goods, including public gatherings and markets.
THE effect of the various restrictions on people, in particular those who earn their daily living through daily transactions, is enormous.
IN an effort to ameliorate the impacts on this category of the people, the state government raised a nine-member palliative committee to address the challenges they face as a result of various measures put in place against the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
AMONG other responsibilities, the committee is to work out modalities as well as mobilise human and material resources to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the areas of food supply.
THE palliatives committee headed by seasoned administrators is mandated to distribute foodstuffs and confectionery to people in all the 18 local government areas of the state. Feelers from the first phase of the exercise have shown the enthusiasm of the beneficiaries and impact of the gestures on the citizenry.
WE are not unmindful of the fact that the palliatives cannot go round the state, therefore, we enjoin people to show understanding with the government. We are sure that the government would consider those who did not benefit in the first phase of the palliatives before any other class of persons would be considered in the second phase.
THE HOPE commends the state government for identifying and sharing in the agony and pains of the people whose means of livelihoods have been worsened by the pandemic. We are convinced that the gesture has shown government’s concern to the plight of people in the state. This show of kindness underscores the concern which this administration has for the well-being of its people.
AT this inauspicious time that businesses have been crippled, it is gratifying and gladdens one’s heart that the state government is doling out palliatives to the people of the state.
WE also commend individuals, banks, corporate bodies, philanthropists for showing love through their support to the state government and ask for more support.
WE reaffirm previous call that a dependable data base to work with in a time of crisis should be available for the state. Its availability would have greatly assisted government in identifying the vulnerable and how to reach them in the distribution of palliatives. If this had been put into consideration, the controversy that engulfed the distribution and political undertones that followed would not have occured.
WE admonish the state government to channel the second phase of the palliatives through the landlords associations and other credible groups who will help identify those who are vulnerable in their communities and can easily locate them. Going through the associations will also stop the political patronage that the palliatives seems to have been turned to in the state. We are at a war period, and the distribution of the palliatives to the people should not be seen to be politically tainted.
FINALLY, this is the period to purge ourselves of greed. Those who are saddled with the distribution of the palliatives should do so with the fear of God and not divert them for their selfish use. We are not unaware that the government of Ondo State gave stern warnings to the officials not to allow political affiliation to influence their activities. These warnings have been breached with impunity. Also, there have been allegation of diversion of palliatives to where they are not meant for. Definitely, Ondo State will be a better place if the committee members can serve the state conscientiously, equitably and fairly.