Kunle Adelabu
The lawmaker representing the Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Nurudeen Saka Solaja, has revealed that he is planning to provide palliative support for additional 7,000 constituents as part of the efforts to cushion the effects of the prolonged COVID – 19 lockdown.
Hon. Solaja revealed this to THE IMPACT in an interview while reviewing the lockdown directive put in place to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
He also called for the inclusion of lawmakers in various constituencies across the state in the distribution of stimulus packages for effective impact.
“Yes, we are considering another round of palliative for the people. We were only able to reach 3, 500 houses in the first one that we did”, the two-term lawmaker said.
‘’Considering the level of the population in Ikorodu which is continually increasing, there are still lands and spaces for expansion and Ikorodu would continue to expand. In this wise, the division needs special attention when it comes to allocation of values.
“Whatever the data or statistics anyone is working with regarding Ikorodu, such is not enough. Although, no amount of palliatives can satisfy the people of Ikorodu considering the huge population, but there is need for government to allocate more for the people”, he stated while making a case for improved stimulus packages for Ikorodu Division.
“We are going to distribute another round of relief materials to the people. The intention is to reach new set of people and support more families in this period of lockdown”.
Hon. Solaja pleaded with privileged individuals, corporate bodies, sons and daughters of the division and other well-meaning individuals to support the efforts of the government in cushioning the hardship caused by the lockdown by providing relief materials for the people.
“We are going to improve on the initial 3,500 beneficiaries by giving out relief materials to another 7,000 beneficiaries . It is not an easy thing to do as an individual and that’s why l am begging and calling on our people, especially privileged people in Ikorodu and the indigenes that are residing out the division to come back and assist the government in providing palliatives for our people”, he pleaded”.
In reviewing the compliance to the lockdown directive of the government so far, Hon. Solaja commended the state government for its response to the ravaging virus and for providing stimulus packages to relieve residents of the state.
“To do an overview of the lockdown on COVID – 19 so far, I strongly think that the Lagos state government has done a lot.
“Many proactive actions have been taken in containing the spread of the virus and management the situation generally. The government has also been providing stimulus and other packages for people that are in need to keep them inside”, he said.
While also commending other state government functionaries, individuals and bodies for their supports, he added that people still need more support.
“Lots of government functionaries, groups, corporate bodies and individuals have also done so much in providing relief to the people. But I think that all that have been provided so far are not enough and we still have to do more”, Hn. Solaja said.
He also called for the inclusion of Assembly members in the distribution of relief materials in their respective constituencies.
“I am of the strong view that whatever further agenda or plans that the government still has, Assembly men should be factored into the arrangements.
“Likewise, the council chairmen, All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen at Local government and Ward levels and Councillors should be involved too, so that such stimulus can go round the 377 wards, 30 LGs and 38 LCDAs in the state. If these LGs/LCDAs and Ward structures join the 40 Assembly men, many people will be reached because they know their people and terrain better”, he argued.
“These are the people that know their areas better. They know the number of streets in their wards, councils and constituencies and also know the people too.
“They know how to get the relief materials to the houses of those that should get them such that there would be no need to gather them in a place.
“That’s the best way to make those that are truly vulnerable to get the food relief and prevent some individuals from getting more than necessary while others have not been able to access any”.
Hon. Solaja also stated that the distribution of relief materials should be devoided of any political consideration as everyone one irrespective of political, religious or other affiliations are affected by the lockdown.
“Distribution of relief materials at this period should not be political but should be about taking care of the people within your community, council and constituency so that they can feel your impact and while doing that, they also must follow the social distancing rule and other measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus”, he advised.
While asking residents of the division not to be apprehensive over the outbreak of the Coronavirus in Ikorodu, Hon. Solaja described cases of the deadly virus reported in various parts of the division as mere rumor.
“As far as I can tell, there is only one death so far arising from Coronavirus in Ikorodu. All the stories being peddled around are just rumours.
“All the stories about Coronavirus deaths in Igboogbo, Oreta, lbeshe, Imota and other parts of the division are mere rumours. Which hospitals were those that were said to have been killed by the virus were tested and confirmed as victims of Coronavirus?”, he asked rhetorically.
“I agree that social media is very important to our existence and social, political and economic developments, but 60% of the information that are generated through the medium are fake. We have to be careful so as not to create needless panic.
“The Lagos State Government is doing a great work in managing the pandemic and we have nothing to be afraid of”.
