Today, I flagged off the disbursement of conditional cash transfer initiative of the Federal Government to 25,000 households in Kwara. Each benefiting household will receive N20,000 cumulatively for the months of January, February, March and April.

This is to assist vulnerable households in this time of forced restrictions on movement as part of the national efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. I commend the Federal Government for increasing the number of CCT beneficiaries in Kwara from 10,000 to 25,000.

I especially thank Mr. President for this gesture as well as the Presidential Task Force on Covid 19 and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for their efforts in coordinating theses actions at this crucial time.

This complements the measures taken by our administration in order to alleviate the consequences caused by the pandemic and the restriction of movement resulting from it.

At the moment, relief materials consisting mainly of food items are being distributed at the ward level by independent committees comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders and community-based organisations.

I welcome civil society and media groups to monitor this process to ensure transparency and accountability. Our administration will be available to receive feedback and reports through appropriate channels.

All of these measures only underscore government’s good faith and commitment to the welfare of the people. Much more crucial is a need for all of us to be responsible and not endanger ourselves and others. Let us stay at home and maintain social distancing.

Until now, I have remained in self- isolation shortly after returning from the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja on March 19.This is in adherence to the COVID19 Protocol that requires anyone with probable exposure to the virus to self-isolate for 14 days or get tested.

Alhamdulilah, I am fine.

Fellow Kwarans, please don’t spread fake news. Don’t spread fear. Ensure personal hygiene.

I commend all the corporate bodies and individuals who have donated to this humanitarian cause or have been involved in any kind of campaign to flatten the curve of transmission of COVID-19.

Finally, I sincerely commend the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19, led by His Excellency the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, for their sacrifice and commitment to the wellbeing of our people.

Thank you and God bless you all.