By Wasiu Owolewa, Ado-Ekiti
The Honourable Minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has given kudos to federal government for its timely intervention in halting the spread of Corona virus popularly called COVID-19 in Nigeria.
He gave this commendation in Ado-Ekiti at the 3rd Annual lecture of the Faculty of Arts, Ekiti State University which was delivered by him on 12th July, 2021 at the University’s main auditorium.
The minister asserted that, “The enforcement of non-pharmaceutical policies of lockdown, isolation, stopping interstate movements, maintaining social distance, wearing facemasks and aggressive public enlightment, the regrettable inconveniences and disruption notwithstanding, proved to be effective in significantly halting the spread of the diseases”
He furthered that the ability of Nigerian government to curtail the spread of the diseases within a shortest period of time has proved wrong the projection by some foreigners that Nigeria among other countries would suffer heavy casualties from the dieseases.
“The fatalities recorded, though much regretted could have been worse, in light of the projection by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and WHO that Nigeria among other countries would suffer heavy casualties from the diseases”
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who expressed his delight over the opportunity given him by the University authority to deliver the lecture which was titled, “COVID-19, The Economy And Security” urged students and other dignitaries at the event to, “Be a champion of immunization and not to stop in keeping to all precautionary measures”
According to the minister, the COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked great havoc on the economy and security of the country but expressed optimism that the country would in no distant time would get out of it.
The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof. Edward Olanipekun in his speech at the event showed his profound appreciation to the Minister for taking time out of his tight schedule to attend the event.
The VC talked about the COVID vaccine and urged those who are yet to be vaccinated to do but it is too late.
The Dean of the faculty of Arts, Prof. M.A Abdul-Raheem in his welcome address also showed his profound appreciation to all those that attended the event.
Other notable speakers at the Annual lecture are, Rt Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti House of Assembly, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and NANS President, Sunday Asefon.
They all corroborated the submissions of the Minister and extolled his good virtues.
Also present at the 3rd Annual lecture were the HODs, lecturers, students of all the departments in the faculty of Arts, the bursar and registrar of the university.