Lagos state has continued to top the chart of renewed
coronavirus infections amid concerns over a second wave of the pandemic in the
country.
As of Friday, the state had 388 fresh infections out of the
total 712 cases confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
But that was barely taken into consideration when people
gathered on Saturday for a cookout organised by Rocky’s Grills and Barbeque, a
Lagos-based company, which specialises in outdoor catering services.
Cookout refers to a party or gathering where a meal is cooked and eaten outdoors.
The event, which took place at Abdul Quadri Street, Magodo,
featured friends and family members.
According to an official of the company, the annual event,
which is the second of its kind, was organised by the organisation to celebrate
consumers during the outgoing year.
He added that the cookout is also aimed at commemorating
when the company was founded.
This year’s edition of the event is holding despite
directive of the government banning “concerts, carnivals and street parties.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, also warned churches
against organising cross over service, an annual programme, in order to check
the spread of COVID-19.
But on Saturday, residents clad in different attires, seated
in groups, danced, chatted amid intermittent hugs and handshakes in violation
of COVID-19 protocols.
Four officials at the entrance ensured that people were
putting on face masks. They also gave out hand sanitisers while also using
infrared thermometer to check the body temperature of those entering the venue.
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| Picture time |
However, that seemed to be mere formalities observed by
people just to get into the event venue as some of the participants yanked off
their face masks after gaining entry into the venue while others wore the protective
gear below their chins.
‘ENDORSED BY THE
GOVERNMENT’
The event had in attendance operatives of the Lagos state
police command. But the presence of the policemen, who were from Isheri
division, did little to ensure compliance with COVID-19 among the participants.
The event was approved by the state government.
In a statement, the publicity/social unit of Magodo
Residents’ Association (MRA), said the event had the backing of government.
VIDEO: Despite ban on large gatherings, outdoor event 'approved by Lagos govt' holds in Magodo
— TheCable (@thecableng) December 26, 2020
Cc:@followlasg @jidesanwoolu #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Z3WHnF3FQD
“Dear residents, compliments of the season to you all once again. This is to inform everyone one that a Lagos state approved event will be holding today 26th December 2020 on MRA secretariat grounds on Abdul Quadri Street,” the statement, read.
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| Private guards on standby |
“We advise that Residents should kindly use alternative
routes in the estate please to avoid traffic on the corridor. Apologies for any
inconveniences. Thank you.”
Efforts to get Olumuyiwa Rocky, said to be the company’s
founder, to comment on the matter did not yield result as of the time of filing
this report.
When contacted on Saturday, Rocky said he could not speak
“at the moment” and asked our correspondent to call back.
Gboyega Akosile, spokesman of the governor of Lagos, did not
respond to inquiry on the event.
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