I’ve learnt my lesson, COVID-19 is real, says Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele, Nollywood actress, has put out a message aimed at creating awareness about the coronavirus pandemic — weeks after she was sentenced for flouting the social distancing directives.

TheCable Lifestyle had earlier reported how the award-winning actress and Abdulrasheed Bello, her husband, were arrested for holding a house party to mark the latter’s birthday.

They had been consequently sent to sentenced to 14-day community service each for going against social distance measures put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Lagos state.

But in a short video shared via her Twitter page on Sunday — her first since the incident — the ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ star said she has learnt her lessons while appreciating friends and families who stood by her.

“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.

#covid19 is real!!! Let’s all #StayatHome and #staysafe #thiswillpass by the grace of God!! pic.twitter.com/8dUytmTuea

— funke Akindele Bello (@funkeakindele) April 19, 2020

Advertisement

The gifted actress also called on Nigerians to ensure compliance with the stay at home directive of the federal and state governments as well as basic health tips to combat spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“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.”

Akindele also urged people to eschew unnecessary panic, adding that by observing regular handwashing, social distancing among other measures, the country would record significant progress in the fight against the pandemic in no distant time.

“And to our health workers at the frontline, 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.