Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has appointed a retired official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Femi Adeoye, as an ambassador of the state’s Covid-19 Response, for denying his Lagos-returnee son access to his house, because he refused to confirm his COVID-19 status.
Dr. Fayemi, who also appointed Adeoye as a member of the state’s Covid-19 Task Force, which he chaired, said the appointment was based on his integrity and exemplary show of valour in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic.
Adeoye shot into the limelight when a video of him insisting that his son, who returned to Ekiti State from a trip, be isolated for 14 days as stipulated by NCDC protocol for preventing community spread of COVID-19, went viral.
The governor, who received Adeoye in his office yesterday, hailed him for his patriotism and selflessness, saying his action was the hallmark of Ekiti values, which his administration was promoting.
Presenting the commendation letter to Adeoye, Fayemi urged Ekiti people to emulate the selfless attitude of Cmdr. Adeoye by reporting promptly anyone who entered the state through whatever means, to the authority.
The letter reads: “I am pleased to let you know that the state is very proud of your conduct, which elevates the collective well-being of the state above your undeniable love for your dear son.
“In accordance with existing regulations, denying your son entry into your household, having travelled from places under federal lockdown against your fatherly advice, you have proved to be a worthy ambassador of our collective resolve to end this pandemic.
“Our government and the good people of Ekiti State are very proud of this chivalrous act of courage and principle, which are the hallmarks of the Ekiti person. You represent the kind of self-discipline, selflessness and sense of collective responsibility our state and our nation need desperately today to progress.
“Indeed, the state will, in future, recognise your valour as an example of the rebirth of Ekiti values orientation, which is the central focus of this administration.
“For now, we would be most delighted if you consent to being accorded the role of COVID-19 response ambassador in Ekiti State, helping to propagate the message as a member of COVID-19 task force in the state.”
Cmdr. Adeoye expressed his appreciation to the government and to the governor for recognising his little contribution towards the drive to end the pandemic.
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He said people should not see him as a wicked father, but someone who believed that the nation was greater than an individual, adding that he did what he did for the collective good of all.
Accepting the award, Adeoye noted that Governor Fayemi had been receiving a lot of commendations for the proactive manner he had been working to curtail the pandemic in the state.
He said that his action was his own little way to support the government’s efforts.
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