The Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR),has commiserated with Governor Oluwarotmi Akeredolu,the government and people of Ondo State on the demise of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro.
The announcement of his death came to us a rude shock considering his impact on the people especially the less privileged who are enjoying free health care services in his Private clinic and the camaraderie he exuded at all times
For the past three months, Dr Adegbenro has been at the frontline of the battle against the global coronavirus pandemic as the Chairman of the state Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, a duty he diligently and selflessly carried out to flatten the curve of the disease.
As mere mortals,we believe death is a necessary debt which everyone must pay, but his death at this critical time that the state needed his professional experience to keep the killer disease at bay is one loss too many.
Tributes from around the world have clearly shown that Dr Adegbenro was a shining example of an individual who touched many lives in his little way as also evident in the testimonies of sympathizers who thronged his Crown Hospital in Akure.
We pray God to give his family,governor Akeredolu,government and people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We also extend peace and comfort to the Alara of Ilaramokin and people of the community for losing an illustrious son who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and the state.
At this point,we also wish Arakunrin Akeredolu a quick recovery as he goes through self isolation following his positive COVID-19 status.
Coronavirus is not a death sentence. Thousands of people have recovered from the disease. We wish to see the governor come out strong to continue to serve the people of Ondo state.
However, we are deeply concerned with the daily rise in the number of confirmed cases in the state which has in the past three days been hovering around 20, 30 and 40.
Of course, government is doing a lot to slow its spread, but we believe more can still be done.
We want to also note with displeasure the flagrant disobedience to directives and health protocols rolled out by government and health practitioners to contain the spread of the virus.
We therefore urge residents to comply with all precautionary measures as all hands must now be on deck to break the Chain of Community Transmission. All the measures are in the best interest of all.
The NIPR will continue to contribute its quota to the battle against the virus through sensitization programmes and other relevant measures within its ambit.
Lamidi Ishola
State Chairman
Sunday Omosule
State Secretary
Study @ Achievers University
