BY DAYO ADESULU
The Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos Chapter has lauded the efforts of the Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu towards the fight against the deadly coronavirus.
It specifically praised Sanwo-Olu’s initiative of providing free medical attention to all Lagosian who are hospitalised in any of Lagos General Hospitals during the lockdown.
NLC State Chairperson, Agnes Funmi Sessi who said this in a statement obtained by TheCheer, however, urged the State Government to make the distribution of relief materials to Lagosians seamless.
She said: ”We have observed that in the distribution of relief materials to the indigent and most vulnerable in the State to cushion the effects of the stay-at-home directive, the target recipients are yet to be reached.
”We implore the State Government to make the process more seamless and stress-free by deploying already established structures in the State like market groups, organisations, social groups, trade unions and institutions to reach those in extreme need.”
The statement reads: ”With great pleasure and on behalf of the good workers of Lagos State, we salute the State Government led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the exemplary and enviable leadership and zeal in the fight against Corona Virus Pandemic currently ravaging nations worldwide.
”It is on record that the State has earned itself commendation not only in Nigeria but the world at large.
”The recent decision by the Government to cater for minor medical and maternity expenses of Lagosians in State hospitals during this period is a welcome development and highly appreciated.
”We appreciate the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Prof Akin Abayomi and his team for the commitment and professional way the issue is being handled.
”The untiring efforts of the doctors, nurses and health workers in assisting to combat this pandemic and ensuring the well-being of every citizen are recognised and highly appreciated.
”We call on the Government to do all within its power to protect them in the line of duty by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) and motivating them through adequate compensation.
”We shall not fail to recognise the laudable initiative of the Government on the neighbourhood market as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home directive but observed that the spread is not enough to meet the needs of Lagosians.
”Similarly, we have observed that in the distribution of relief materials to the indigent and most vulnerable in the State to cushion the effects of the stay-at-home directive, the target recipients are yet to be reached.
”We implore the State Government to make the process more seamless and stress-free by deploying already established structures in the State like market groups, organisations, social groups, trade unions and institutions to reach those in extreme need.
”As workers, we are already feeling the impact of the development as it will most likely have a lot of implications on the revenue generation of the State.
”We appeal that the Government and other employers do all within their capacity to protect the jobs of workers/employees in the State.
”We humbly request for tolerance in this trying period on the part of Government, employers and workers as we are optimistic that with the level of commitment by the Government in combating this scourge, this phase will pass.”
