COVID-19: Protect lives as well as livelihoods - Governor Ben Ayade

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State has said that hunger will be the next deadly virus if lives are protected while livelihoods are ignored.

Speaking in Calabar, Ayade stated that to avoid such instances after the coronavirus pandemic is over is the reason why his administration is ensuring that livelihoods are protected as well as lives.

He said, “Globally, hunger and hunger-related diseases like kwashiorkor and tuberculosis kill about 8.4million people every year and so there will be more pandemic when it comes to hunger.

“So, we will do all we can to curtail the pandemic from spreading to our state and protect lives too but protection of lives without the protection of livelihoods is a complete imbalance. There must be a holy matrimony between protection of lives and protection of livelihoods.

“Some of our brothers and sisters depend on daily work. If you carry blocks for a living, the day you are stopped from going to work, there will be no money to feed the children,” he stated.

Ayade also revealed that his administration does not support total lockdown in his state which is why people are allowed to go about their businesses but must wear a protective mask.