When things go wrong, we are quick to shout, quick to raise the placards and quick to strike, so I think in the same vein, we should be quick to acknowledge when things go right, quick to praise and quick to encourage. Now, mind you, this is not to say that things are perfect or everything is as it should be, no, it is simply pointing out that an effort is being made and celebrating those behind it.

When the COVID-19 saga started last year, the Lagos State Government took prompt action to try to curb the spread of the virus and soon isolation centres were set up in different parts of the state. I remember someone telling me that she watched clips from one of the isolation centres and she saw how the patients were being ‘well taken care of’. You see, this person is an absolute foodie so naturally, her eyes and mind were fixated on the ‘good food’ they were being given.

While many may have been quick to dismiss the efforts of the government and others saw the showcasing of these efforts as propaganda, I saw things in a whole new light for the very first time when the husband of a friend of mine came down – in full force – with COVID-19 and had to be admitted at the Yaba Isolation centre.

She narrated how her husband received treatment for free and was fed three square meals during the course of his admission. Yep, he slept on a bed and not on the bare floor or a mat and the conditions were fairly conducive or I bet my friend would have been quick to point that out too. She also received free counselling from the doctors since she tested positive although she was not symptomatic.

It is certainly a welcome development to know that indeed, the government is making an effort for the people. It is also encouraging to know that the people appreciate these efforts, although news circulating around some social media channels continue to hype everything wrong with and negative above the system.

So here’s raising a crystal glass to all officials at the various isolation centres in Lagos, to everyone at the frontline, to the eggheads in the ministry of health, and yes, the governor – Babajide Sanwo-Olu. May God give you all the grace to do what is right and best for the great people of this very great state, amen!