I am delighted to be here today to flag off the distribution of nose masks to the citizens of Ondo State. This exercise is one of the numerous efforts geared towards combating the spread of the pandemic, code-named COVID-19. Despite the fact that the Pandemic is ravaging the whole world, our government is adopting exceptional measures to contain the scourge in our dear State.

Ladies and gentlemen, this initiative of massive production and distribution of nose masks is born out of our desire to always put people first in our dealings and feelings. As a responsive government to the yearnings of its people, our administration has put in place some measures to cushion the effects of the hardship occasioned by the preventive lockdown emplaced to stem the spread of the virus.

The realisation of the negative impacts on the economic activities of our State and its resultant consequences on the livelihood of the citizens compelled this initiative.

Apart from the ongoing distribution of palliatives across the State, we place high premium on preventive measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus, hence the need to make nose masks free for the citizens. Let me state here that the nose masks are being proudly produced by our local tailors drawn from across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State. It is also worth reiterating that the production are done according to the specifications of International Health Organisations standard and of course, the materials deployed for the production met the prescribed medical standard world over.

As I have earlier said, this government places the welfare of our citizens first; we have the pleasure to inform you that our tailors working on the production processes are happy. They are happy not because there is COVID-19 but having the opportunity to exhibit their talents, learning new skills and for being able to generate incomes to cushion the effects of the pandemic on their livelihood. l am also sure that they go to market for their daily needs thereby creating economic chains and having the desired salutary multiplier effects on the State economy. It is worthy of note that in the course of the production of these nose masks, over 400 tailors were engaged who are working round the clock to ensure that we meet our target for our teeming populace.

Despite the time constraint faced by the Committee for the production of these masks, it is pleasing to see that the committee has delivered on its mandate. We are proud of the commitment, dedication and resourcefulness of members of the committee. We will endeavour to ensure that the distribution of the nose masks shall be carried out in such a manner that will ensure that they reach all political wards and households across the State.

It is pertinent to also reiterate that wearing of nose masks in public places is now mandatory for every resident in the State. The enforcement of this measure has already commenced. We urge you all to keep the use of the mask as a must to prevent yourself and your family from contracting or spreading the virus. It is significant for me to inform the public that henceforth, whoever is arrested for not wearing the nose mask will be kept in the isolation centre for 14 days and have his/her specimen taken to be tested for the virus; such individual will be responsible for his/her upkeep at the centre. I hope nobody will test our resolve on this matter. Let us all ensure a Coronavirus-free Ondo State. Thank you all and God bless.