Against the Presidential Task Force (PTF) guidelines on Covid-19, many residents in Kaduna state have discarded the use of Face masks , saying the fear of Covid-19 pandemic are over.
Facemasks is one of the major precautionary measures to stop the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 across the globe.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government through the PTF had mandated all citizens to wear nose/face masks in public places following the lifting of the ban on human and vehicular movement and Kaduna state was no exception and its subsequent prosecution of offenders.
Sadly, while the fears are still in place and the directive for the use of nose/face masks still in force, majority of the residents of the state have dumped the advisories and go about without putting on their nose/face masks and, among the category of offenders are operators of commercial vehicle, especially bus drivers and tricycle operators.
In ensuring compliance with the social distancing directives, operators of commercial transport especially members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW were directed to carry not more than five (5) passengers in a ten (10) seater commercial bus. This directive had caused a spike as operators imposed a one hundred percent hike in transport fares across board in the state but with this also came challenges.
While it became necessary for enforcement officers to carry out routine checks at strategic positions to ensure compliance, the Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai administration continued with its advocacy and sensitization programmes even as it appealed to the public to comply with the social distancing measures.
Residents , however, ignored the social distancing directives and equally dumped the use of nose/face masks, not minding the inherent dangers.
It is now a very common feature to see commercial buses fully loaded in the city metropolis with passengers and persons without nose/face masks in markets and crowded environment as against the COVID-19 protocols.
Speaking with a commercial bus driver who pleaded anonymity, “Our elected leaders and politicians have revealed that COVID-19 is not real as they still gather whenever they are pursuing an election”.
“It is a way of stealing money for themselves:, he said.
Similarly, a tricycle operator, Musa Ali also disclosed that he still complies with the social distancing directive even if others do not. “I wear my nose mask every time and ensure that I try to protect myself”.
More so, Obed Kaffoi, a keke rider says government must continue to enforce the use of nose mask in public places especially in market environment so as to safeguard lives.”Though the attitude of some government officials have made a lot of people doubt the existence of pandemic as they see it as a means to chop money and exploit the masses.
President Donald Trump earlier on Friday announced that he and his wife both tested positive to Covid-19 popularly known as coronavirus.
This is an extraordinary development coming months into a global pandemic and in the final stretch of his reelection campaign in which he has flouted experts’ guidance on preventing the disease’s spread.
The diagnosis amounts to the most serious known health threat to a sitting American president in decades. At 74 years old and obese, Trump falls into the highest risk category for serious complications from the disease, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans and more than 1 million people worldwide.
His infection with the disease could prove destabilizing in an already fraught political climate, and stock market futures tumbled on news of Trump’s infection.
Federal Government has ordered all educational institutions in Nigeria to resume academic activities by October 12th,2020.
This directive also includes tertiary institutions in the country.
Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu made the announcement on Friday in his office.
It would be recalled that educational institutions in Nigeria had been under lockdown following the Covid-19 pandemic that ravaging the country since March this year.
Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila said the commission is better positioned to contribute more meaningfully towards the generation of employment for our teeming youths and funding of developmental projects of the Federal Government.
He made this known in his Independence Message to the stakeholders in the lottery business while disclosing that the commission was fully in sync with the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling poverty and unemployment in the country and that it would do all within its power to create avenues for generation of wealth and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila noted that the commission had already put machinery and policies in place that were steadily effectuating enhanced revenue generation and remittance of funds to the coffers of the government.
Not only that, the NLRC helmsman said that the commission has also become more dexterous and innovative in its activities and programs with superior capacity for developing profound games that would automatically translate to greater prosperity and more jobs for the Nigerian youths.
He said that the commission under his leadership was totally committed to the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari in making life easier for the people, stressing that aftermath of the break out of the COVID 19, the commission has dedicated more time and resources to creativity and innovation in order to improve on its activities.
He further stated that a new technology driven game, Naija National Game to be launched very soon was the outcome of out of the box innovative engagements of the commission adding that the National Game alone was capable of turning things around for the commission and in the lottery business generally.
Gbajabiamila, however, appealed to the operators of the lottery business to always abide by the rules and regulations of the commission, maintaining that the commission would spare no operator found guilty of any misconduct or any act of criminality.
At 60tge Director General said that the Lottery business in Nigeria has been taken to a higher plane compared to the level he met it when he assumed office about three years ago, assuring that with the level of support and cooperation the commission was getting from the supervising minister and its Governing Council, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission would soon become a major source of revenue for Nigeria.
He, therefore, pledged the total commitment of the leadership of the commission to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Gbajabiamila thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume and the Governing Council of the Commission under the chairmanship of Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle for their unflinching supports.
According to him, all the accomplishments of the commission, including the new innovative Naija National Game were made possible through the exceptional support of the supervising Minister and the effective governance of the Board over the NLRC.
…Says Burden To Exemplify This Symbol Rests On Residents
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has described the nation’s capital as the symbol of Nigeria’s unity, while adding that the burden to exemplify this symbol rests on the residents of the FCT.
Bello therefore, called on residents of the territory to continue to work towards the unity of the country and togetherness of all citizens.
He gave this charge in his congratulatory message to FCT residents to commemorate Nigeria at 60, saying, the need for residents to continue to strive to project those values that have always kept the country together as a single undivided entity.
According to him in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anthony Ogunleye stated that ; “For us in the FCT, the dream of our founding fathers was to build a city that showcases our national aspirations. As residents, our charge is to uphold these ideals. I urge all residents to use the opportunity provided by this 60th anniversary to demonstrate acts of unity and togetherness towards our neighbors and everyone else we come in contact with”.
“As our nation turns 60, we are glad to note that FCT is in its 44 years of existence. In the period, the Territory has been blessed with an emergent Abuja generation. These are Abuja-born men and women who are today in their forties, thirties, twenties and tens. I therefore charge them to own the Abuja dream and work towards the preservation of our collective heritage”, the Minister added.
He wish all residents a happy 60th Anniversary Celebration, he urged them to see the occasion as an opportunity to take stock of the great strides in nation-building and march to a brighter future, adding that “It is also a moment to pay tribute to the great men and women who have made great sacrifices to bring us to where we are today. These include all our nationalists, leaders, statesmen and citizens”.
He particularly commended, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his exemplary leadership at this time of Nigeria’s history as an independent nation, saying that “his unique character and personality have done much to imbue hope in a greater future as well as in shaping our ethos in our transition to a brighter future”.
The Minister also used the occasion to commend health personnel, first responders and other partners who have worked hard and made sacrifices towards checking the COVID 19 pandemic which he said “has threatened has collective wellbeing, taken the lives of some of our loved ones, constrained our social interactions and hindered our economic progress”.
Bello, however, added that, while there is no doubt that the virus is under control, there is need for all hands to still be on deck, stressing that COVID-19 remains a very deadly disease judging from the experiences of other countries.
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to make the nation’s capital a true home for all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.
Aliyu made this known in her message to commemorate Nigeria 60th Independence Day Anniversary celebration on Thursday in Abuja.
She, however , hinted that the city would continue to share the noble dreams of the founding fathers who toilled day and night to lay the foundation for this great city that Nigerians proclaim to the rest of the world.
According to her, despite numerous challenges faced by the country in the past 60 years, the diversity has continued to strengthen us as a nation, adding that the nation’s differences have shown that when properly harnessed, Nigerians could surmount any challenges.
The minister lamented that, the 60th Independence Day celebration was restrained due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic that has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll on the economy, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, who responded effectively and well in time.
She assured residents of the territory that the outbreak of the pandemic has afforded the administration the opportunity to initiate reforms to revitalise the economy for the benefit of all, especially in the agricultural value chain and with small entrepreneurs.
Her words ; “This 60th Independence Day celebration, is very unique and restrained. The reason is obvious. The whole world has been rattled by the deadly virus (COVID-19 pandemic) which has disrupted all activities and taken a huge toll on our economy. It has altered the world we lived in before its outbreak.
“However, it is very reassuring to note that, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, responded effectively and well in time. For a country so vast and diverse with its high population density, meeting this challenge requires extraordinary efforts. This we have provided and will continue to do.
“With our committed efforts, we have succeeded in containing the magnitude of the pandemic and saving a large number of our compatriots. We thank all those that supported us in this battle that we continue to wage in our resolve to defeat our common enemy—COVID-19.
She added; “On our part, the FCT Administration headed by Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and I have looked at the current crisis as an opportunity to initiate reforms to revitalise our economy for the benefit of all, especially in the agricultural value chain and with small entrepreneurs”.
She therefore, expressed commitment that working together, Nigerian would emerge stronger in the comity of prosperous democracies of the world, while calling on upcoming generation to imbibe the culture of patriotism and how it could be the driving force and catalyst in nation building.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has congratulated Nigerian workers, the Nigerian people and the Nigerian Government on the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
He made this known in a Statement signed by the NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba and made available to journalists, organized labour said .
The statement reads in bits; “This is indeed a very remarkable milestone in the history of our country. The journey of Nigeria’s nationhood cannot be complete without mentioning the great and timeless contribution of the Nigerian working class in the liberation and developmental struggle for Nigeria. “
The role of Organized Labour in defying the British imperial rule especially through the June 22, 1945 General Strike and Labour’s demand for the respect of the rights of Nigerian workers and people to decent work, just wages and actualization of self-government was a defining moment in Nigeria’s history. Organized Labour has continued to play the role of a vanguard pan Nigerian institution standing as a check to neo-liberal and anti-people policies of successive governments.
Sixty years in the life of a working person is usually the age of retirement from active service. One of the major demands on retirement age is reflective introspection and honest appraisals of one’s life – the highs, the lows, the goals, the misses, the successes, and the failures. If one is able to dispassionately and truthfully examine one’s life, there should be lessons learnt that would inform behavioral adjustments for the rest of one’s life and as a lesson for younger persons and future generations. The statement further said this is the point where Nigeria is at sixty. There is no more evading of critical national questions. Now, is the time to face them squarely.
Nigeria is doubtlessly a country amazingly blessed and richly endowed by God. There is virtually no mineral resource that is lacking in Nigeria even if it occurs in trace quantities. Beyond the mineral and natural resources that abound in the country is the great diversity of human resource that populate Nigeria. Nigeria is made up of 250 ethnic groups. Within these ethnic groups are 371 tribal groups and among these tribal groups more than 500 languages and dialects are spoken. Nigeria is one of the few countries in the world that has such a rich diversity of ethnic groups per square kilometer. This is the very reason Nigeria has been described as an extremely ethnically diverse multinational state. As the most populous black country on the planet, Nigeria’s true wealth lies in her people and not in silver and gold. We believe that it is the celebration of the rich diversity of the Nigerian people that informed the theme of this year’s Independence Anniversary – Together.
Being together after sixty years of independence despite being through very tumultuous moments in our national life including experiencing a very bloody civil war is certainly something to celebrate. But being ‘together’ must have a stronger value than mere physical co-existence and enforced tolerance of ourselves. At sixty years, we must confer a bigger value to our being together. Our togetherness amounts to nothing if we are not tapping from the wealth of knowledge, experience and cultural diversity of the Nigerian people. Our being together amounts to nothing if the rich intellectual resource of our people is not applied to solving key developmental issues. Our togetherness might as well be a liability if we fail to use the political process to achieve national consensus on the Nigeria of our dream, how to construct our dream country and recruitment of an enabling leadership that can midwife our collective developmental aspirations.
It is a spite on our togetherness, a big disservice to our natural endowments and a huge slap on the resourcefulness of our people if after sixty years Nigeria is still importing toothpick, pencils, and needles from abroad. We make a huge mockery of the biggest assemblage of black people on the planet if at sixty years we are unable to refine our own crude oil. Indeed, Nigeria is the only OPEC country suffering from this self-inflicted malaise. It is unimaginable that with the abundance of water sources, vast windy terrains, coal and large deposits of natural gas, Nigeria struggles to generate and distribute up to 5000 megawatts of electricity, a sum insufficient to power some airports abroad.
It is sad that at sixty years, our political leaders still prefer to send their children to schools abroad and treat themselves in foreign hospitals since our public schools and hospitals have been so terribly mismanaged. Truly, the message Nigerians especially workers get when our political leaders say that we are together is that we are together to the extent of baking the national cake. When it comes to eating from the cake, Nigerian workers and people are shut out in the cold and rain while those who had forced their way to positions of political leadership corner the collective wealth for themselves and their families alone.
It is in light of these reflections on our journey in nationhood that Organized Labour adopted some of the positions we took in our recent engagement and negotiation with government over the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as ‘fuel’ or ‘petrol’ and the astronomical hike in electricity tariff. We told government that the so-called deregulation cannot just be about incessant increases in the price of refined petroleum products but should be more about the efficient management of our God-given resources especially our oil refineries for the benefit of the Nigerian people especially workers and the poor. It was on this basis that government for the first time since Labour’s age long struggle against incessant increases in the pump price of petrol yielded to the demand by Labour to set timelines for the complete overhaul of Nigeria’s refineries and include our unions in the oil and gas sector in this process to observe progress being made.
On the issue of hike in electricity tariff, Organized Labour reminded government of the provisions of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that stipulated that the commanding heights of the national economy must be managed by government in the interest of the people. We pointed out to government the folly of making a profit of about N400 billion from the sale of our electricity assets to private investors and then going ahead to spend N1.5 trillion on an asset that had already been sold. This clearly justified our conclusion that the privatization of the power sector was a failure and the recent hike was only an attempt by government to pass off its own failure in the power sector privatization program to poor Nigerians.
Consequent upon our argument, the Federal Government was forced to suspend the recent increase in electricity tariff and constituted a high powered committee made up of representatives of Labour and Government to examine the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector in order to find a more sustainable and mutually acceptable tariff plan and enabling conditions for electricity consumption in Nigeria especially the unjust and vexatious issue of estimated billing against poor Nigerians. These dividends from our recent negotiations are consistent with the contribution of Organized Labour in Nigeria to the genuine togetherness of the Nigerian people and the harnessing of the intellectual and physical abilities of Nigeria for national development.
Mindful of the deleterious effect of the insurgency of the novel corona virus disease (Covid-19), Organized Labour had also used the opportunity offered by the recent negotiation with government to ensure that workers are not completely left high and dry by the recent twin harsh policies of government. We insisted that we must be able to provide workers with affordable means of transportation. The Federal Government promised to release to the two labour centres 133 CNG/LPG Autogas mass transit buses for workers. Workers who are also interested in setting up agricultural facilities were also promised direct access to Federal Government’s agriculture loans in a short time.
The Statement states that as a pan Nigerian mass membership-based organization, the Nigeria Labour Congress would continue to seek for real solutions, not cheap populism, to the challenges that beset the Nigerian people and the Nigerian workers. On this commemoration, we renew this bond with Nigerian workers and the Nigerian people. Labour would continue to be the voice of the voiceless, the voice of caution, the voice of unity and the voice that galvanizes ‘togetherness’ towards realizing the huge potentials in the destiny of Nigeria and her immensely talented people.
“We urge every Nigerian to renew their faith and hopes in a Nigeria that is truly together on the principles of justice, equity and fairness. It is our hope and expectation that going forward from this 60th Independence commemoration, Nigerian citizens would discover that the power to make our togetherness count for something lies in every Nigerian. We all have our contributions to make towards building a great country that speaks well of the black race. This can be achieved through laying a strong foundation for decent work conditions, secured environment, participatory democracy, free and fair elections, accountable leadership and diligent commitment to building a vibrant economy that is export oriented, job yielding, inclusive and provides a resilient base for sustainable prosperity and for the wellbeing of all Nigerians regardless of ethnic and religious orientation.”
For the past 3 days, when I got to learn you’ll be 60, an age for retirement, I’ve had series of thoughts going through my mind.
The retirement age is the point at which someone stops working, esp. because of having reached a particular age.
As in the case of Nigeria Instead of saying
Happy independence, why not say happy retirement Nigeria?
Instead of getting better like an old wine, you’ve become even more confused like an old fool.
Kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, inter ethnic/religious crises, insurgency & unemployment has been soaring in multitudes!
How far 9ja?
You’re once the giant of Africa! A caring mother to South Africa during the apartheid, a loving step mom to Ghana & a pride land to all Nigerians!!!
A country that’s once filled with honey and milk.
A nation where job once awaits graduates & offer juicy package for it children!
Bad leadership, corruption, nepotism, Godfather ism, tribalism are the order of the day!
What’s gone wrong 9ja?
On our part, we’ve been bad followers, greedy and saboteurs, bad neighbors & intolerant each other!
Nothing matters to us as long as it does not affect us or our family even if it’s at the detriment of others.
Nigeria at 60 is a time for sober reflection, let’s sit and discuss our difference! Let’s sit and pray for our country! Let’s sit and embrace each other!
It’s a time to move ahead with great love and patriotism!
There’s no time than now!
Let’s build the Nigeria of our dream and make it great.
Let’s make it a home we can all be proud of!
To you my dearly beloved nation, 60 is the age to renew your commitment to us!
We love💚 you dearly and we can’t afford to lose you!!!
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu on Wednesday donated 50 pieces of cooking camp gas, and assorted food items to victims of Trademore estate in Lugbe area of Abuja Municipal Area Council who were recently ravaged by flood.
She visited the scene of the flood as part of activities to mark Nigeria 60th independence anniversary, while using the occasion to warn residents to stay off waterways, while assuring that the administration would approach the Ecological Funds Office for assistance.
The minister , however, commended residents of the estate for demonstrating maturity and sense of patriotism during the disaster, stressing that governance is a collective responsibility.
Her words ; “I came this afternoon bearing in mind all that has happened to residents of this estate. Despite my tight schedules, I still finds it pertinent to come here in person to commensurate with you over the loss of life of our brother and the wanton destruction of property.
“I am here to also appeal to you as much as possible before any intervention from Ecological Funds office or any relevant government agencies to stay clear of waterways. Certainly, this year’s rain not only in Trademore is very heavy with colossal damages associated with it. This also tells us to appeal to our brothers in this estate and other parts who have constructions along the water-line to move to higher ground for now.
“One, it is better to be alive. This is not time to trade blame over who construct what on the waterways. But we are appealing that if you are along the waterline, you have to move before something else happen to you.
“So I want to appeal to you that natural disaster do happen without advance notice. It is not within your power or that of government. We feel your pains and we know what it means to loss a life. I want to also thank you for your patience and understanding with the government and the situation we find ourselves in”.
Aliyu also used the occasion to task Nigerians to celebrate the 60th independence anniversary of the country, noting that despite the challenges faced by the nation, October 1 was worth celebrating.
According to her, “Nigeria will be 60 years tomorrow. No matter the situation we find ourselves, October 1 still remains a day to celebrate. To come of age and to clock diamond age is not an easy task. Whatever anybody will think of Nigeria, we appeal to you to put the country first. Country first will move us forward, but patience and collective responsibility will take us further. Nation building is a collective responsibility”.
Earlier, the Chairman of Trademore Estate Phase 3, Engr. Adewale Adenaike, commended the minister for her prompt response to the flood victims, just as he tasked the FCT Administration to address the situation urgently before it goes out of hand.
Adenaike, added that the ecological problem in the estate was beyond the capacity of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, hence the need for the intervention of Ecological Funds office to come to the aid of residents of the estate.
The out going Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development , Mr. Edet Sunday Akpan on Wednesday hinted that, very soon Nigeria will assume the status of the best mining country in African.
He gave this hint during the handing over to his successor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade as the new Permanent Secretary of Mines and Steel Ministry, in Abuja.
He noted that, ” I have been deployed to the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, but with the foundation on ground, my successor will do better.”
“Nigeria will assume the greatest industry in Africa.”
He, however, called on all staff to support the new permanent secretary to excel in her duties.
He thanked the staff, who he described as resourceful saying, there is cordial relationship working as a team to achieve their goals.
Meanwhile, the incoming Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade said the presidential mandate is clear and with the good foundation already laid, it will be easy to succeed.
She said that, with the calibas of focused and experienced Directors in the ministry, they will build on the already success stories.
