COVID-19: Adeboye, Ooni, Alakija Make Osun’s 21-man Relief Committee

Eminent Nigerian personalities, including Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); entrepreneur and business woman, Funsho Alakija, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Ooni of Ife, have been appointed as members of Osun relief committee, in the fight against Coronavirus outbreak in the state.

The 21-man ‘Food and Relief Committee of Eminent Nigerians’ was put together by the state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday, to cushion the effect of restrictions on movement of goods and services.

The committee members also include; Tunde Badmus, Adebayo Jimoh, Matthew Asimolowo, Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), Tunde Ponle, Patricia Etteh, Akin Ogunbiyi, Demola Aladekomo, Lasun Yusuff,  Wale Babalakin and Segun Aina.

Others members are; Yussuf Alli, AbdulKabir Aliyu, Deji Adeleke, Iyiola Omisore and three former governors of the state, Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rauf Aregbesola.

According to a statement by Funke Egbemode, commissioner for information in the state, the committee will be chaired by Tunde Badmus, while Adebayo Jimoh will serve as the secretary.

“As the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 continues with intense devotion, it has become inevitable to put in place Relief and Humanitarian Banks across the state. The state  appreciates its supportive friends, donors and partners, who have contributed to the project, including those who  have pleaded to remain anonymous.

“Osun  has limited means yet unlimited needs to fulfil at this critical time and is therefore calling on its sons and daughters and also well meaning Nigerians to assist it in the provision of social relief to our people, and those who have been and will be impacted by the precautionary measures to curb the spread of the rampaging  virus.

“Without doubt, the outbreak of the pandemic called COVID-19 will leave a strain on our economy, and the possibility of having a food crisis remains an implication of the various emergency responses to the disease.

“The State Government of Osun therefore calls on indigenes of Osun across the nation (and beyond) and well-meaning Nigerians to kindly pitch in to support the State with social relief items ranging from food to cash, towards the enhancement of the food bank that the State is growing  at the moment.

“It is believed that this kind of magnanimous outreach will help keep our people safe and comfortable during the period of the lockdown.

“To ensure smooth and effective operations,  the state government will work hand-in-hand with the Committee,” the statement read.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as at Tuesday, said five cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the state.