A coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has asked both the federal and state governments to declare a total shutdown so that Nigerians can stay at home and observe a 21 day self-isolation with Government at both federal, state and local governments storing food to be distributed to Nigeria within the period.
Mr. Segun Ogunyannwo, who is the Chief Convener of the initiative “MISSION TO SAVE NIGERIA FROM COVID-19” gave this advise yesterday in Abuja during a press briefing.
The coalition of NGOs includes: The Mediation Training Institute (MTI-Nigeria), JustOne Foundation (JF), My Take Initiative (MTI) and the Abuja branch of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliatory (ICMC).
Ogunyannwo called on President Buhari and the 36 state Governors to buy and store food so that they can distribute to nigerians
“I call on the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, General Mohammadu Buhari , GCFR and State Governors to please order a complete shutdown of movements and ask Nigerians to self-isolate for an initial period of twenty-one (21) days”
On how Nigerians will survive these 21 days self-isolation, period, he said, “this is where visionary leadership comes in. And that is what he hope to bring to the table.
“We are providing an integrated approach that will enable ALL Nigerians to stay at home for 21 days without bothering about what to eat or what to drink? We are aware that a good number of Nigerians are jobless.
And “We are also aware that a good number of workers are daily paid workers-they survie by the day: Committed individuals and organizations within the different states and indeed the 774 LGAs will be inspired to buy off all perishable food items in their communities and store same at the LG Secretariat to be distributed from “House to House” to ensure every family is taken care of for the 21 days duration.”
Speaking further he said, “This is time to take proactive steps and collectively assume the self-centred narcissistic view of “everyone for himself/herself, God for us!.
The mission to save Nigeria from Covid-19 is aimed at mobilizing grassroot support for the prevention of the spread of the deadly virus and the completion eradication of same 21 days!!”
According to him “another objective of the project is to encourage and ensure voluntary self-isolation for All Nigeria for 21 days, starting from 12:00 noon on Monday, March 30, 2020.
“Let us all stay at home and Not receive Any visitors for 21 days. Our lives lives are at stake.”
Local Government chairpersons were encouraged to immediately call an emmergency meeting of stakeholders to discuss to how to go about programme. They are in the best position to coordinate the distribution of food and water.
Mrs. Mariam Kombo-Eze, Executive officer ICMC Abuja said they want families to live in harmony for within this period as many of them do not stay together all day before now.
Mrs. Rosemary Chikwendu, said they were involved in this initiative because they were interested in cushioning the effect of the total shutdown.
Mr. Fisayo Ayita, of MTI advocated for the total shutdown said it was the best and only way out.
