COVID-19: Islamic leader urges govt to explore local solution 

COVID-19: Islamic leader urges govt to explore local solution

Solution

By Akeem Abas

Ibadan, April 20, 2020(NAN) An Islamic leader for the Southwest as well as Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Akinola, has called on both Federal and State Governments to explore local solution in combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

Alhaji Akinola, who is the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, told newsmen on Monday in Ibadan that every country of the world have their various ways of dealing with diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the world is yet to develop a vaccine or cure to fight the virus which has claimed several lives across the globe.

Akinola, who decried the increasing number of deaths from the pandemic, said every country of the world would have to look inward for possible cure for the virus.

“We have our own way of dealing with any disease in Africa according to our culture. I am appealing to government at all levels to look into this and act fast.

“In Nigeria, we have herbs which our people use to cure several diseases. Experts on this field should be commissioned and empowered to research for a local cure,” he said.

The Islamic leader said that such, if undertaken, would help in curbing the disease and reduce the economic hardship in the country occasioned by the lockdown.

He, however, commended the ongoing efforts of government at all levels in curtailing the spread of the virus and providing palliatives.

Akinola cautioned Nigerians to desist from heinous crimes such as killing, kidnapping and robbery at this period, saying those in need should seek support, responsibly.

The Islamic leader said that there are lots of people out there who are ready to assist them provided they go about it responsibly as against terrorising others.

“Everybody is involved in this hardship caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

“What you don’t have, your victims also don’t have it. This pandemic is unfortunate and unexpected by everybody. Stop raiding people’s houses for comfort,” he said.

He recalled how he assisted a group of less priviledged people at a neighbouring town, having received a save our souls message from them through the social media.

Akinola said that the group had made use of the social media to demand for assistance, saying he couldn’t ignore them after reading their predicaments.(NAN)

TAA/KTO/AFA

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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Felix Ajide