Speaking at different sensitisation meetings with representatives of CDC/CDA, NURTW and Market Associations operating within the Lagos Island Business District over the weekend, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, called on the leadership of the unions to ensure total compliance with the health guidelines issued by the State Government to curb the spread of the second wave of COVID-19.

Oyerinde said the sensitisation meetings became necessary following the observed increase in the number of those affected due to the general laxity, false sense of security, non-adherence to safety guidelines by citizens, re-opening of schools, large religious congregations, social gatherings and entertainment, among others as well as the large volume of visitors coming into the Lagos Island business district daily.

The Special Adviser called for lifestyle adjustments by adhering strictly to all COVID-19 protocols in order to flatten the curve of the global pandemic.

He urged the leadership of the associations to prevail on their members to adhere strictly to all safety protocols including proper and regular use of face masks, adhering to physical distancing guidelines and avoiding mass gatherings.

While imploring the leadership of transport unions within the Lagos Island Business District to join the fight against the spread of the disease by always checking the temperature of passengers, Oyerinde advised them to ensure that physical distancing protocols relating to the number of passengers allowed in their commercial vehicles are strictly observed.

He said “We noted that as the economy reopens for business and the influx of a large number of visitors coming to the business district daily, there is the need to continually enlighten traders, business owners and visitors against violating COVID-19 protocols as well as avoiding traffic and environmental laws infringement. Most traders are beginning to lose consciousness of the need to obey health guidelines against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic”.

“We have printed enlightenment materials to further enlighten visitors and traders within the CBD zone and our enlightenment and advocacy team will regularly visit markets and streets, especially Balogun, UBA/Tinubu, Ereko/Martins, Alli Balogun, Nnamdi Azikiwe streets, outer and inner Marina and Idumota axis to ensure that everyone coming to the Island on a daily basis for business and private visits are sensitised on the need to obey the COVID-19 protocols as well as keeping the business district safe and clean”, Oyerinde added.

Urging Lagosians to be safety conscious as they come to the Lagos Island business district to engage in business transactions, the Special Adviser said that CBD enforcement unit and other government agencies are ready to ensure that health, traffic, environmental and other security challenges associated with the high influx of shoppers and traders into the Island are curtailed and well managed.

He, however, warned street traders using the walkways and kerbs to display their goods as well as motorists parking on bridges to desist from the practice as the State will continue to impound vehicles parked and goods displayed on walkways and kerbs.