The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has appealed to former Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, who is the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, to join hands with his successor, Gov Dapo Abiodun, in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
NAOSS also called on Senators Lekan Mustapha (Ogun East) and Tolu Odebiyi (Ogun West) to support Abiodun in his efforts to combat the spread of the dreaded virus.
In a statement made available to the newsmen on Wednesday by NAOSS National President, Gbemileke Ogunronbi, the students urged the Federal lawmakers to set aside their individual and political differences and work together with Governor Abiodun for the greater good of the State.
The students urged the Senators to help in the provision of relief materials such as food items, cash gifts and protective materials to their constituents; saying “this will help to lessen the hardships of the people.”
Ogunronbi maintained that, “This is a trying time for the entire world, Africa and Nigeria. Ogun State is not left out in the scourge of this deadly disease. Therefore, the State needs all the help it can get from private individuals, politicians, religious leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians to ensure we win this war against COVID-19.”
He spoke further that, “All hands must be on deck to fight the spread of COVID-19. This is not the time for us to be divided, we must be united, we must see this pandemic as a common enemy, and we must put resources together to ensure that COVID-19 does not consume our dear State.”
“Ogun State is renowned for great things. Our state is famous for producing great and successful individuals. This is the time for us to yield the call of our dear State; this is the time for us to come together and fight this pandemic as a united entity.”
“We must put aside our differences as this is not the time for us to play politics. The lives of people are more important than seeking personal or political Vedanta.”
While appreciating the likes of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Chief Fola Adeola, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and others, for their donations towards the fight against the spread of COVID-19, NAOSS urged other well-meaning individuals within and outside Ogun State to also contribute their own quota towards the fight against the disease.
However, the students body appealed to Adebutu to increase his donation to the State from N100million to N300million.
“We want to passionately appeal to Sir Kensington Adebutu, a philanthropist of repute and business mogul, to increase his N100million donation to N300million; the same amount he donated to Lagos State”.
“NAOSS believes that the Odole-Oodua is “omo Ogun atata” and as Yorubas say: “Ile lati n ko eso ro de” (charity begins at home). We believe that Sir Adebutu should oblige the call at home and do more for the State,” NAOSS pleaded.
Meanwhile, the students called on the people of the State to always remember to put the State in their prayers, even as they follow all guidelines, by ensuring they stay safe.
