Instead of Lockdown, Oyo Might Go Czech Republic Way - Makinde

Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has said that the state doesn't need to go the Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti way on total lockdown before the spread of coronavirus can be curbed.

Makinde said during a phone call conversation to a popular radio station in Ibadan on Tuesday.


The governor who reiterated that everything that can be done to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Oyo State is on the table, that the government will continue to assess the situation and take additional measures where necessary.

Quoting the governor verbatim, he said "Yes, Lagos can be on lockdown, Ogun can be on lockdown, Oyo State, yes, people have been saying have a total lockdown and then I have been asking them questions. What will be the benefits here? Are there alternative courses of action for us to take? If you ask people not to come out, you lock down the market places, there are people who what they sell today - the profit from today’s activities is what they will eat tomorrow. There are plenty of people like that within our environment. So, are there alternatives available to us? Can we do selective lockdowns? That’s why I imposed the curfew.

"I think, everything is on the table but it has to follow a logical pattern and it will need the input of experts. We are not just going to lockdown because everyone is looking down.

"I have been watching CNN and the most successful place right now in containing this is the Czech Republic. And one of the things they brought out is that they made a law that if you must leave your house, you must wear a mask. It may be that route for us to go. I have asked them to start evaluating that. If we must make that law and say everybody that must go out must wear a mask, then, how about those who cannot afford it. Can we make masks locally? Can we get our artisans and our tailors to commit to that with the government supporting? So, those are the type of solutions we are looking for."

Makinde, after the release of his result which tested positive for coronavirus, has since designated Prof Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force till he fully recovers.