Don't open schools now, Lions Club advises govt

By Olubiyi Obasa

Lions club international, Abeokuta Region 9 District 404B Nigeria, has joined other Nigerians to appeal to government not to open schools now, saying that the move may portend great danger in the fight against spread of coronavirus.

The Coordinator of the Region Lions Peter Adelagun made the appeal while distributing some personal protective mask to the members of road transport workers at Kuto Motor park in Abeokuta, the Ogun State chapter.

Lion Adelagun said the high numbers of those infected with the virus calls for caution as there is no way that the students can observe the various protective measures to curb its spread.

His words: "we will passionately appeal to government not to open schools now, as we know, schools is a crowd, and there is now way we can observe all these protectives measures.

" Many of these students interact with each other, and if we are truly working on the ways to curtail the spread, we must put all measures on ground to prevent its spread.

While commending various state government on their efforts at curtailing the virus, Adelagun warned the governors “that only children who are alive and in sound health can sit and pass examinations.”

Adelagun noted that “despite the efforts put in place by the government, particularly the protocols regarding social distancing and use of face mask, majority of our citizens do not adhere to these protocols".

"Even our transporters ignore safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It is our considered view that opening our schools at this time may create a veritable avenue for community spread of this infectious disease".

“In our humble opinion, only children who are alive and in sound health can sit and pass examinations. It is only through these healthy children the investment of government and parents and guardians will not be wasted.

Distributing some face mask to drivers at motor park, Lion Adelagun said the drivers are being singled out because of their peculiarities in dealing with other commuters.

" They carry passengers everyday, and through their interaction's, they can spread the virus if not protected.

The four clubs that participated in the distributions are Abeokuta Jewels Lions Club, Abeokuta Unique Lions Club, Olumo Lions Club and Abeokuta Lions Club