Date: 2020-05-04

The Kwara State Government of Nigeria has launched an Eco Clean Project as part of efforts to ensure that the state achieved Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Ahman-Patigi, flagged off the project on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at the palace of the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye ll.

According to her, in line with the mandate of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the project would help the state achieve Goals 3, 6, and 13 of the SDGs.

Ahman-Patigi explained that the project would create job opportunities for rural dwellers who would be employed as cleaners to implement the project.

She said the focus of the initiative would be on the 13 Local Government Areas of the state that are outside of Ilorin.

"We are currently faced with the problem of COVID-19 and emphasis has been on cleanliness.

"There is no better time to flag off a program like this," she added. The commissioner emphasized that the governor had given them marching orders to get all local government areas of the state cleared, and also promised to support all efforts to that effect.

Commissioner for Enterprise, Mr. Agbaje Femi, also expressed appreciation to the team, particularly his colleague for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for deeming Offa Local Government Area worthy of launching the project.

"We want each local government area to be responsible for their environment. We want to take cleanliness to the grassroots.

"The scheme will also empower people at the local level," Femi noted. Responding, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, thanked the government for listening to the people of Offa.

The monarch emphasized the need for a clean environment across all levels.

He said that the government should make provisions for the waste collection so that the refuse collected won't find its way back into the surroundings.

He advised the newly employed cleaners to be dutiful and see the task as an opportunity to serve.

He prayed for the success of the administration. The event featured the presentation of the Kwara Eco Clean Initiative Jackets, face masks, and working tools to the monarch by the commissioner.

Meanwhile, the state government has discharged another six COVID-19 patients, who have twice tested negative of the virus, two weeks after it discharged two other patients.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, on Sunday.

According to Ajakaye, the total patients discharged in the state now stand at eight, leaving Kwara with eight active cases of COVID-19.

"Regardless, the government warned people against letting down their guards as the level of threat of infection remains high across the country.

"Effective from tomorrow, Monday, May 4, there will be statewide curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m, until further notice.

"This is part of the agreement of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) to prevent non-essential and unauthorized movement that could spike the infection rate.

"In addition to the measures earlier announced on Friday, May 1, the government, hereby bans travels and movement from one local government to the other.

"This is especially true of local governments with clear borders," he said.

Ajakaye said other measures earlier announced remain in force, but are subject to constant reviews if the government fears increased threat of transmission in the state.

"We repeat that we are not in any way out of the danger of this pandemic. The government will be as flexible as practicable in the phased reopening of the economy, but it will at all times prioritise protection of lives

"In other words, the level of threats of the virus will determine the government's response from time to time

"The government directs residents without something specific and urgent to do outside to stay at home.

"The government also insists that anyone who wants to go out must use a face mask," he said.