The Former Deputy Governor of Abia state and currently the President General Aba Landlords Welfare Association, Elder Eric Acho Nwakanma, has commend the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, for taking proactive measures that have kept infection rates very low and death rate at zero in Abia State.
In a public statement made regarding the covid -19 pandemic and signed by Elder Eric Acho Nwakanma, stating that the timely lockdown and curfew imposed on the state, as well as fumigation, distribution of sanitizers, introduction of social distancing, ban on public gatherings, and compulsory use of facemasks were critical first steps in containing the initial spread.
2. I also commend the Governor for listening to the people and effecting a gradual relaxation of the lockdown in a strategic way that still guarantees social distancing, limit the chances of the disease spread, while engendering a safe resumption of some socio-economic activities.
3. I salute the health-workers and members of the State Task Force for their bravery, hard-work and commitment which is evident in the records of Abia State. You are our heroes standing in the front line of the battle.
4. I appreciate the members of the Aba Landlord’s Welfare Association for their patience in the face of the pandemic and the associated economic slow-down. Landlords occupy a unique position in the battle against CoViD19 and I want to use the medium to emphasize the following:
(a) As owners of properties, Landlords should ensure that all activities going on in our properties do not conflict with the regulations and guidelines on CoViD19.
(b) All Landlords have a duty to report all infractions and activities that are non-complaint to the relevant authorities. You also have the duty to report suspected cases to the State CoViD19 committee. The number to call is 0700 2242 362.
(c) Landlords should kindly ensure that your tenants provide sanitizers and facilities for hand-washing at their business-places.
(d) To the best of your ability, encourage business-owners who are in your properties to avoid crowding while delivering whatever goods or services they are offering.
(e) Businessmen should ensure they apply hygienic methods such as use of hand gloves while handling money or conveying goods during exchange. Goods that can be sanitized using disinfectant or soap should be subjected to cleaning before being exchanged.
(f) Finally as landlords, consider steps you can take to make the economic burden easier on your tenants such as rent waiver on humanitarian grounds because that is what makes us Our Brother’s Keeper. Onye aghala nwaane ya.
5. There is no doubt that the emergence of Corona Virus Disease is real. The number of lives it has claimed globally, and has continued to claim is astounding, and apparently the end is not in sight as no certain cure has been found for the disease. Economic livelihoods and social lives have become adversely affected and in some cases have ground to a complete halt.
6. My fellow Landlords, this situation place a huge burden on all of us as humans to strive to survive by taking all necessary steps to avoid the spread of the disease. But what is of most importance is how we react as individuals and as a concerned association in helping to mitigate the realities that have emerged as a result of the presence of the disease. This is the time when those that have capacity must assist in any way to ease the impact of CoViD19 on the lives of others.
7. I give the greatest glory to God for His mercies and over-watch on Abia State because Psalm 127 verse 1 clearly states that except the Lord watches over the city, the watchman watches in vain.
8. It is my fervent prayers that the CoViD19 pandemic will pass over us and we will have no reason to mourn as a State, as an association or as families until this situation iso over.
