COVID-19: Lagos Asks Govt Offices To Reopen On Monday, Celebrates Health Workers On Workers’ Day

By Edna Wande Last updated May 1, 2020

Lagos state government has directed government offices and establishments to re-open on Monday, May 4th.

In a statement on Friday, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the state head of service, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved the reopening of the public offices as a way of gradually easing the lockdown in the state.

It would be recalled that President Buhari had on Monday approved the gradual easing of the lockdown imposed in Lagos, Ogun and FCT since March.

The lockdown had led to the shutdown of economic and social activities within the Lagos state.

Muri-Okunola also said officials from grade levels 12 and below will continue working from home, while the ill workers are advised to stay away from the office.

He stressed;

Officers on Grade Levels 12 and below must continue working from home, unless otherwise directed by their Accounting Officers, with the exception of Frontline Responders and other essential Health Workers, irrespective of Grade, as well as Enforcement Agencies.

The head of service further explained that;

Accounting Officers to carry out a Needs Assessment of critical Staff, identify essential Officers and draw up a Flexible Work Roster for Officers on Grade Levels 13 and above, in compliance with the Physical Distancing Principle as stated by the World Health Organisation.

According to him, the Lagos State Secretariat and other Government Establishments would remain shut to members of the public and non-staff who are advised to conduct their affairs through other channels such as telephone, emails and online platforms.

Muri-Okunola urged all public officials to abide by the dusk-to-dawn curfew put in place by the governor.

He requested that Lagos State government offices should provide liquid soap with water at the entrance of their offices and hand sanitizers.

As at press time, Lagos State has confirmed 976 Coronavirus cases, 199 recoveries and 21 deaths.

Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has celebrated every worker in Lagos on May 1st, a day set aside to honor workers in various working sector every year.

In a celebratory message posted on Twitter, the Governor said;

This #WorkersDay, we pay a special tribute to the life blood of our economy, our workers; public and private. We thank you for your patience, strength and commitment. I implore you to remain productive, stay safe and wish you all good health.

This #WorkersDay, we pay a special tribute to the life blood of our economy, our workers; public and private. We thank you for your patience, strength and commitment. I implore you to remain productive, stay safe and wish you all good health. #MayDay2020 pic.twitter.com/pJvhEJae6m

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 1, 2020

The Governor in a follow up tweet also dedicated this year’s Workers Day to healthcare workers on the frontline battle against Coronavirus.

It is only fitting that I specially dedicate this year’s #WorkersDay to celebrating the true heroes of this season; the healthcare workers on the frontline of the battle against #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/BDlAM1vtHM

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 1, 2020

He stated that;

Since this virus started to ravage our communities and disrupt our lives, these heroes have not just been going to work daily, they have been going to war daily against this unseen enemy.

I remain committed to our workers’ welfare because you are the engine-room of our economy. pic.twitter.com/sctqNBmiBu

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 1, 2020

Govenor Sanwo-Olu went ahead to celebrate every other workers across all sectors in Lagos, saying;

I celebrate with all workers across all sectors in Lagos. I celebrate your dedication and devotion to duty even in the face of a global pandemic.

I salute you all as you continue to give your best in the service of our state and country. pic.twitter.com/3t5BszxlIl

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 1, 2020