Kunle Adelabu
Following its successful partnership with the Managing Director of the Polaris Bank, Mr Adetokunbo Abiru, and wife, in distributing what has been described as the largest distribution of relief packages to residents of Ikorodu Division to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), on Friday, May 1, 2020, commenced the distribution of facemasks to clubs and associations under it.
Also benefitted from the gesture of the cultural and socio-economic group, were palaces, recognised platforms and other stakeholders.
The association, under the able leadership of Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, the former Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been in the forefront of the campaign against COVID – 19 pandemic and the need for strict adherence to measures to curtail it.
The group has also charged well-meaning Ikorodu sons and daughters to come to the aid of residents by providing relief to cushion the effects of the prolonged lockdown.
According to Otunba Abiru, the two holy books, Bible and Quran urge people to be their brother’s keepers and fight the common enemy together.
“The Quran and Bible say we should be our brother’s keepers, especially when there is crisis or when those around us need our help”, he said.
“This informed the production and distribution of facemasks to residents through clubs, associations and other avenues to enable our people imbibe the habit of protecting themselves from contacting the deadly virus.
“It is also our own way of supporting the government that has been doing everything to fight the pandemic.
“In time of crisis, we must all come together to fight so that at the end, we’ll all rejoice together.
“We all know that government alone cannot do it all, that’s why IKODASS, as a socio – cultural organization that has been at the forefront of the development of Ikorodu, is championing the cause of preventing the spread of the virus in our communities.
Otunba Abiru stated that IKODASS would continue to champion the cause of development and other good things for Ikorodu.
He pleaded with residents to comply with the directives of the government in containing the spread of the virus which, according to him, is now at the community level.
“As an institution which has the interest of lkorodu at heart, we shall continue to do the needful by educating people and providing necessary support where and when necessary.
“We also appeal to our people to listen to professional instructions alone regarding COVID – 19 and not the mediocres that are advertising one drug or the other.
“It is also very important that people must maintain social distancing, keep personal hygiene, wash their hands always and stay at home because it’s only when you are safe that you can involve in social, economic and other activities”, he advised.
“We are sure that if people follow the stipulated regulations by the government, we shall defeat the coronavirus together”, Otunba Abiru assured.
