The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Lagos, Ogun and FCT, to brace up and fight off the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic protocols already in place.
The custodian of federal cultural initiative and president, World craft Council,(WCC) Africa region, explained that President Buhari as the father of the nation, is pained about the effects of the pandemic on the Nigerian people, hence the very visible interventions and public engagement to discourage panic and fear.
Otunba Runsewe further appealed for calm as the additional two weeks of lockdown takes off, adding that necessary intervention projects will get to the people if we must all see ourselves as stakeholders in the effort to kick coronavirus out of Nigeria.
“I must confess that the scenario is difficult for everyone- government losing revenue faster than ever before, the budget being slashed which again will affect project delivery and the effects on those who work to eat,” Runsewe said.
“It’s a humongous reality but as a people, Nigerians have always risen in one accord to put down clouds of darkness which threatened our collective existence in the past and this covid 19 cannot be an exception.'”
The NCAC boss recalled the many values of our cultural history, including obedience to constituted authority and respect for the welfare and safety of neighbours, as well as other virtues in the culture value chain, all of which he urged all Nigerians to practice by observing social distancing, regular cleaning of hands and other protocols meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Otunba Segun Runsewe urged the traditional rulers, clergy men and Moslem leaders not see the COVID-19 protocols and consequent lock- down across the country as targeted against them but as a necessary sacrifice which we must all bear to keep our people and our future safe.
Runsewe continued: “Take a global look at what is happening today and every one can see even the greater impact. The Saudi Arabia government cancelled the Hajj activities and programmes, the Pope also shut down the Vatican and the grounding of travel, culture and tourism structures. So, we cannot pretend not to see the potential dangers and damage of COVID-19 in our country, and revel in behaviours that will endanger the life of our people.”
He disclosed that NCAC will unfold a post-COVID-19 cultural intervention through skills acquisition across the nation to help unskilled Nigerians, particularly women, to support their families and help rural economy to rebound.
The NCAC boss commended the FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, for the structures put in place to secure the seat of government as evident in the hard work of the Police Commissioner and the Lockdown Task Force.
Runsewe also had some kind words for the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring: “Lagos Governor is doing great too and he needs the backing of security architecture to reduce the incidence of communial transmission of coronavirus and check crime.
He urged Nigerians to be strong and prayerful, as well as acknowledge that the President cares and is deeply concerned about the welfare and safety of NIgerians.
He also encouraged his colleagues in government, saying: “As officials of government, we must all be seen to do our best to help our people. It’s trying time for us all, no doubt, but we must wake up to help Mr President reach out to the people and dispel their fear about the pandemic, as well as bridge gaps where necessary. It is our people and our country first and no sacrifice is too small.”
