NCAC appeals for calm amidst COVID-19 lockdown extension in Lagos, others

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Director General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), segun Runsewe has appealed to all Nigerians particularly residents of Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be patient even as additional two weeks lockdown takes off again.

Disbursement of palliative

Meanwhile, Runsewe has assured that necessary intervention projects would get to the people adding that Nigerians must all see themselves as stakeholders in the efforts to kick coronavirus out of the country.

Nation Update online gathered that Runsewe is the custodian of federal cultural initiative and president, World craft council, (WCC) Africa region. He said that the present government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari was pained about the effects of pandemic on the Nigerian people, hence the very visible interventions and public engagement to discourage panic and fear.“I must confess that the scenario is difficult for everyone, government losing revenue faster than ever before, the budget been slashed which again will affect project deliveries and the effects on those who work to eat. It’s a humongous reality but as a people, Nigerians have always in one accord, risen to put down clouds of darkness which threatened our collective existence in the past and this COVID-19 cannot be an exception.'” NCAC boss stressed.

He recalled the many values of our cultural history, obedience to constituted authorities and respect for the welfare and safety of  neighbours as face of several culture value chain which Nigerians from all works of life must put to practice by observing social distancing, regular cleaning of our hands and other protocols meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Runsewe urged the traditional rulers, clergy men and Moslem leaders not to see the COVID-19 protocols and consequent lock down across the country as targeted against them but a sacrifice which we must all bear to keep our people and our future safe.

Hajj Centre

“Take a global look at what is happening today and every one can see even the greater impact. The Saudi Arabia government cancelled the Hajj activities and programs, the pope also shut down the Vatican and other grounding of travel, culture and tourism structures, so we cannot pretend these clear potential dangers and damages of COVID-19 in our country and take to behaviours that will endanger the life of our people.” Runsewe further explained.

He disclosed that NCAC will unfold a post COVID-19 cultural intervention through skills acquisition across the nation to help unskilled Nigerians, particularly women to support their families and to help rural economy to rebound.

The NCAC boss commended the FCT minister for the structures put in place to secure the city of as evident in the hard work of the police commissioner and the lockdown Task Force.

“Lagos State Governor is doing great too and he needs the backing of security architecture to reduce the incidence of communal transmission and also to check crime., Runsewe further stressed, adding that  Nigerians must be strong and prayerfully acknowledge that the president cares and is deeply concerned about our welfare and safety.

“As officials of government, we must all be seen to do our best to help our people. It’s trying time for us all no doubt, so we must wake up to help Mr. President reach out to the people and stem the tide of fear about the pandemic and bridge gaps where necessary. It is our people and our country first and no sacrifice is too small.”  Runsewe stated.