The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, who has retreated into self-isolation and is awaiting his COVID -19 test result has advised all Nigerians to heed the stay at home order by Government unless on essential duty.
For the NGF Chairman, his test became imperative after having attended a series of meetings with a few individuals who have been known to have tested positive with COVID -19.
Dr John Kayode Fayemi chaired the Forum’s meeting of Wednesday March 18 and also addressed an audience that attended an exclusive breakfast meeting between governors and the World Bank the following day, Thursday March 19th.
In both instances, there were persons in attendance who eventually turned out to be positive carriers of the Coronavirus.
Subsequently, the NGF Chairman attended the National Economic Council meeting and the APC Governors meeting, all of which involved same or other persons positively identified with the COVID-19 virus.
In a tweet this morning the Chairman said, “I just took a CoviD 19 test, having gone into self-isolation since yesterday evening. I’m asymptomatic and feel well, but I was in meetings with two people who had since tested positive. I look forward to an all clear and have encouraged all my colleagues to take the test. JKF”.
Needless to say, the NGF Chairman has been in the forefront of the advocacy for strict adherence to the protocols that help mitigate the spread of this novel virus.
From the start, Governor Fayemi had also personally scripted several statements that helped spread awareness about the disease.
He has therefore specifically advised all staff of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and their families, particularly those whose duties included secretarial services at the meetings, to self-isolate, in accordance with the existing procedure and regulations already outlined to ensure public safety and to try whenever or wherever possible to get tested.
The Governor also implores his colleagues (other Governors) and all other people who attended the meetings including personal aides of those governors to tread on the path of caution and do everything necessary to test for the virus and self isolate, so as to ensure that the spread of the disease remains at its lowest in the country.
In the same vein, he calls upon all Nigerians who attended functions, at which at least one person was positively identified with COVID – 19, to immediately self isolate and come forward to the NCDC for identification and to do tests.
Hiding from the public and self treatment, places the entire public at risk. We should all do our part to stop the spread of this highly infectious disease.
COVID -19 virus infection is treatable. The earlier it is identified the better.
The Chairman wishes all persons with COVID-19 in Nigeria and worldwide, full recovery. For all those who lost their lives, may their souls Rest In Peace.
abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
Head, Media and Public Affairs
Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat