The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Oyo state chapter has advised Governor Seyi Makinde to review the reopening of religious gathering.
This is part of the outcome of its Situation report analysis between Labour and Civil Society in the state.
In a communique signed and made available to InsideOyo on Sunday, group called for a strict adherence to the guidelines of COVID-19 and safety of teachers and students as schools reopen.
The communique was signed by Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo and Comrade Ibrahim Mohammed, the Chairperson of Oyo NLC and Secretary of the Situation Room, respectively.
The full statement below:
Communique of Oyo State Labour-Civil Society Situation Room after Its Meeting on June 25,2020
The Labour -Civil Society Situation Room in Oyo State after its last meeting presided over by its Chairperson and state NLC chairman, Comrade Adebayo Titilola-Sodo deliberated extensively on the prevailing situation in the state bordering on ensuring that front-line workers, students,other workers and residents are well protected in the face of ravaging pandemic.
As resident lives are being protected, the Situation Room is determined to work with the government to protect livelihoods.
Against this backdrop, the Situation Room, rising from its last meeting on Thursday June 25,2029, resolved that:
1. The Government should review its policy on reopening of worship centres. It was observed that many worshippers disregard the advice on protocols for COVID-19. The number of worshippers in many religious centres are more than 25 per cent of the normal number. The disrespect for the protocols is discouraging and dispiriting.
Aside from stating the age-grade that can attend religious services, the specific days when the centres will be opened should be stated as being done in other states.
2. As schools are being reopened, there is a need for a strict adherence to the guidelines of COVID-19 and safety of our teachers and children is important.
3. Government should sustain the tempo of supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other consumables to health workers. We stress that the demand should not be more than supplies. The Situation Room also observes that equipment at Olodo Isolation Centre is justifiable and worth its prices.
4. The Federal Government should support Oyo State financially and material wise in its fight against Covid-19 as being done with some states.
