Funke Akindele, Nollywood actress, has broken her silence, nearly two weeks after she was arrested and convicted for disobeying the lockdown/ social distancing directives put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In a video aimed at creating awareness about the coronavirus pandemic, the actress says she has learnt a lot over the past few weeks.
As earlier reported on EELive, the award-winning actress and Abdulrasheed Bello, her husband; were arrested for holding a house party to mark the latter’s 43rd birthday.
Delivering judgment on Monday, April 6, after the couple pleaded guilty, Magistrate Y.O. Aje-Afunwa held that the convicts must serve two weeks community services. Afunwa added that they must visit 10 important places in Lagos to educate people on the need to comply with the lockdown order.
Akindele’s statement
In a short video shared on her Twitter page on Sunday, her first since the incident; Akindele said she has learnt her lessons while appreciating friends and families for the love and support so far.
“Thank you so much for all the loves, supports, feedbacks and calls. These past few weeks have been a learning curve, but we must keep moving forward,” she said in the video.
The “Jenifer” star went on to stress the need for Nigerians to ensure compliance with the stay at home directive of the federal and state governments and good hygiene during this period.
“My dear friends, coronavirus is real, we all must continue to collaborate with the Lagos state government and federal government by staying at home, staying safe,” she added.
“We must ensure we wash our hands regularly and maintain social distancing, so as to contain the spread of the virus. A lot of us are so used to ourselves, or trust a group of friends that we forget to practice social distancing. But trust me, it is very important this period.
“Social distancing will help to contain the spread of COVID-19. Prevention is better than cure. My heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones to this. May their soul rest in peace.”
Funke Akindele went on to thank all the health workers who have been on the front line of the pandemic since it’s emergence. And paid condolence to the families of those who have lost loved ones to the pandemic.
“And to our health workers at the front line, we can’t thank you enough. I pray that this pandemic will pass soon. To everyone living in fear and uncertainty daily, trust me, we are in these together. We can only achieve our dreams if we are alive. So, we need to fight for our lives. Let’s stay at home and stay safe. Thank you,” she concluded.
