Some groups on Saturday in Ibadan called on the Oyo State Government to provide more incentives for health workers to boost their morale in the fight against the COVID-19.
The groups said there was a need for the state government to emulate the Federal Government by immediately providing incentives for those working on the frontlines in the fight against the pandemic.
Dr Adebimpe Aderounmu, a Policy Researcher at the Development Advocacy and Value Renaissance Initiative, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Federal Government had set the pace by boosting the morale of health workers through various allowances and incentives.
He urged the Seyi Makinde administration to take a cue from this by promptly focusing on the welfare of health workers in the state.
“We must create incentives at this period, considering the fact that we weren’t prepared for the pandemic.
“There is need for encouragement and I strongly suggest the Oyo State task force should look into this,” Aderounmu said.
Also speaking, Mr Dare Ajongbo, the Executive Secretary of the Student Christian Movement of Nigeria, who said the approach of the state government had been systematic, called for prioritization of the welfare of health workers.
Ajongbo said: “The health workers should not be viewed as doing their job but the government should encourage them to boost their morale.
“There is a need to synergize with people who can make valuable contributions at this time and not allow politics to hinder the fight against COVID-19 in the state.
“The government is looking ahead and into other areas to enhance local solutions to our problems which is commendable.
“It is imperative to look inward and come up with solutions to solve our problems as nobody will do that for us. We have to look for ways to help ourselves,” he said.
Mr Tony Fasehun, the Programme Officer, South West, Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria, told NAN that providing incentives for health workers would be a welcome development in the state.
“This is because they are often the first contact person outside the various homes.
“Considering the risks involved in handling infected persons and even managing them at the various isolation centres, they need encouragement to motivate them especially at a time there is no vaccine nor drug that can cure the virus.
“They can be categorized as vulnerable persons also; they need palliatives and more encouragement to put in their best as professionals.
“If they are not in their best form, the whole society is at risk,” Fasehun said.
