Protocols
It gives me great pleasure to be here today to declare open the training of
the COVID-19 Response Officers (CROs) across the MDAs in the Public
Service of Ekiti State. As CRO’s, you are to ensure that the health and the
safety of Civil Servants and the citizens that we serve are not compromised
during this pandemic.
I am sure you are well aware of the fatal nature of Coronavirus (COVID-
19) which has spread into almost all countries of the world leaving mass
death in its trail. Unfortunately, since this disease has no definite cure, the
best way to combat the pandemic is to emplace measures to prevent its
spread. In Nigeria, Ekiti State has taken a leading position in this direction.
Despite financial challenges, the administration of Dr John Kayode Fayemi
has prioritized the safety, protection and well-being of the workers and all
Ekiti People. The Government has therefore procured large quantities of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), surgical masks, clinical gloves,
veronica buckets for hand-washing, infrared thermometers, among others.
The Governor has also approved that leg-operated hand-washing
equipment is provided for MDAs. Furthermore, efforts are on to ensure
regular water supply and functional toilet facilities in the offices.
I wish to join many others, to applaud the proactive measures being taken
by the Governor, His Excellency, Dr Kayode Fayemi to contain the
pandemic in Ekiti –State. It is heartwarming that Ekiti State is currently a
reference point in the nation on the management of the pandemic.
At the onset of the ongoing lockdown in the State, Government directed
the people to stay at home for safety. However, for the Public Service, it
was approved that all non-essential workers and officers from grade levels
12 and below should work from home with effect from Monday 23 rd March
- In the latest directive, the Government has ordered the relaxation of
the lockdown by allowing business activities to resume for three days a
week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) from the hours of 7.00 am to
4.00 pm. The relaxation also allowed resumption of officers on essential
services, officers on grade level 13 and above and all Administrative
Officers on the authorized days.
To ensure the safety of the Public Officers who will be turning up for duty
for the three days and the visitors to the various offices, Mr Governor has
approved the release of infrared thermometers to measure the
temperature of all officers and visitors before allowing them to have access
into the offices. This is in addition to the standing preventive measures
earlier put in place.
Today’s training is to ensure proper use of the thermometers and to ensure
that the CROs are protected against infections. COVID-19 Response
Officers were carefully selected for the needed capacity to discharge the
responsibilities efficiently. I, therefore, charge you not to betray the trust
reposed in you by the Government. You are to ensure that all necessary
preventive measures emplaced are strictly adhered to; including the use of
face cover, hand-washing facility, use of alcohol-based sanitizer,
maintaining of social distancing in offices and the use of thermometers that
will be issued to you today. You are expected to report suspected cases to
the appropriate quarters promptly.
I call on all Public Officers, both on essential and non-essential services, to
give maximum support to the measures emplaced by Government to
ensure the safety of all citizens. Our effectiveness will demonstrate our
commitment to the Government, which has kept faith with the promise in
the regular payment of salary despite the pervading global economic
challenge.
Before I end this speech, I must not fail to salute the Chairman and
members of the COVID-19 Task Force, health workers and donors to the
State Covid-19 account and food bank, for your patriotism.
Ladies and gentlemen, at this moment, I hereby declare the training open.
I wish you all fruitful deliberation.
