Pan Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, said the gradual easing of lockdown in the country should be combined with “social safety measures” to slow down the rate of infection.
The group was reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s broadcast on government’s measures to address the spread of COVID-19 in the country while also keeping the economy running.
Buhari had announced the gradual easing of lockdown he imposed on the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States in his broadcast on Monday night.
But spokesman of the group, Yinka Odumakin, said: “We are in a difficult situation that tasks health workers and leaders across the world. They have no solutions to what we face and they are just making efforts.
“The gradual easing on lockdowns to keep productivity on should be combined with enforcement of social safety measures to keep the rate of affliction as low as possible.
“The government has to commit to more palliatives by giving edibles that are good and to the people and not spoilt ones as we have seen lately.”
In his broadcast, the President disclosed some new nationwide measures to be introduced.
“There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services,” he said.
Buhari also banned non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice while allowing a partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services.
“We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.
“Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place.
“State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens,” Buhari added.
