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Covid-19: FCT Apprehends 29 Lagos-Bound Commercial Motorcyclists

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Ikharo Attah
Chairman FCT covid-19 enforcement task force


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministerial Enforcement Task-team on Covid-19 Restrictions has apprehended 29 commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as ‘Okada’ Riders, who were travelling in a truck from Lafia in Nasarawa state to Lagos.

The truck with registration Number LFA 837 ZX was intercepted at the AYA Bridge in Asokoro District of the FCT.

Samaila Samiya, the truck driver said, he was carrying fine stones used for making marbles and tiles was loaded in Taraba state and heading to Lagos, but that on getting to Lafia, he decided to pick the passengers after they pleaded to pay the sum of N2,000 per person.

One of the passengers, Musa Simon also said that they are commercial motorcycle operators who had left Lagos in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown and are returning to resume work following threats by the motorcycle owners that they would sell off the motorcycles should they fail to resume work.

While addressing newsmen at the Eagle Square where those apprehended were arraigned before a Mobile Court, the Chairman of the Taskteam , Comrade Ikharo Attah said that, “despite the series of arrests, prosecution and turning back of violators by the FCT Administration, many persons are yet to fully comply with the Presidential directive on interstate travel ban”.

He said that, “Just when one feels there is enough arrest to deter people, many more would continue to move and traverse state borders.

According to him, “We in the Enforcement Team are very saddened by the way human dignity is trampled upon. How can the driver load passengers in a truck carrying stones to Lagos which is highly uncomfortable for the human body? We have seen also where persons are transported in between bags of beans, onions, fertilizers and even cement. In very sad cases, some even hide under cattle to evade arrest. Even the driver of the truck admitted that he cannot allow any member of his family to be transported in such manner.”

He continued; the truck and all its non-human contents would be impounded until the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

The men were arraigned before Magistrate Idayat Akonni who found them guilty and ruled that the truck be impounded. The driver was awarded a fine of N3,000 while the court ruled that all the occupants of the truck be sent back to their point of departure.

UNICEF Names Cobhams Asuquo As National Ambassador

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Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo , UNICEF National Ambassador.
Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo , UNICEF National Ambassador.


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

As Nigeria celebrates the 2020 Children Day, UNICEF Nigeria has appointed the internationally acclaimed, award-winning Nigerian musician, producer and songwriter Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo as a National Ambassador.

The appointment makes this celebrated artist UNICEF Nigeria’s first National Ambassador in 15 years.

Speaking on the appointment, Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo said , “It’s a huge honour to become a UNICEF Nigeria Ambassador.

Saying, “I am passionate about children’s rights, and I am passionate about Nigeria – and securing it’s future. The only way we can truly do that, is through ensuring every child can fulfill their potential.”

“I am thrilled to join the very impressive list of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors around the world supporting the protection and promotion of children’s rights globally and look forward to making my contribution to the improvement of the lives of Nigerian children and young people.”

Cobhams Asuquo, a lawyer by training, is a well-known singer and musician who shot to fame when he produced the debut album of Nigerian soul sensation Asa, including the hit singles, “Fire on the Mountain” and “Jailer”.

As UNICEF National Ambassador, he will help raise awareness of children’s rights concerns and solutions, including around issues such as birth registration, immunization, education, and protection from violence.

Cobhams has supported UNICEF Nigeria’s work since 2019, including through producing the hits I’m a Nigeria Child (For Every Child) calling for every Nigerian child’s rights to be respected and protected, and We go Win (Corona), to raise awareness on how Nigerians can protect themselves from COVID-19.

In 2015, Cobhams produced a song Tell Everybody, to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the UN Global Goals campaign.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative Peter Hawkins said, “I’m delighted to welcome Cobhams to the UNICEF family, particularly on Nigerian Children’s Day – a day that is dedicated to every Nigerian child, to give Nigerian children a better place to survive, thrive and develop”

“Cobhams has already supported UNICEF to raise children’s and youth issues. I am sure that he will use his singing, his passion, and dedication to continue to defend the rights of vulnerable children and young people in Nigeria.”

Nigerian Children’s Day – celebrated on 27 May – celebrates the importance of children in Nigeria, providing the opportunity to policymakers and families to focus on the holistic development of young Nigerians.

Bello Direct Markets To Open Three Times A Week

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muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has directed all markets in the territory to open three times a week in order to mitigate the sufferings of residents who find it difficult to buy foodstuffs due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

He added that, with effect from Monday, May 25th, 2020, the number of days that markets are allowed to operate in the FCT has been increased from 2 to 3 days in a week. Accordingly, all markets will now be opened on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.00am to 3.00pm.

Bello made this known when he chaired a joint meeting of the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCT Security Committee, as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the FCT.

The Meeting deliberated on the second phase of the ease of lockdown guidelines issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 generally and as they affect the operations of markets in particular

Consequently, the meeting came up with the following guidelines which will guide the operations of markets in the FCT from Monday May 25th 2020.

In addition to sale of foodstuff the following additional sections of the market will now open; Agricultural inputs for farm activities such as sale of fertilizer, herbicides, seeds and agricultural implements; Building and construction materials; and Electrical items specifically for construction

More so, Neighborhood selling points managed by the Abuja Markets Management Ltd which are restricted to selling only foodstuff, are to operate daily;

He continued: “All new sections of the market to be re-opened as indicated above must ensure decontamination of their premises prior to commencement of business.

Market operators and customers must also observe all already established protocols of handwashing, facial coverings and social distancing;

All other measures at curtailing COVID-19 in the FCT as contained in the guidelines issued by the FCTA on the 2nd of May 2020 still subsist.

Eid-el-Fitr: FCT MInister Urges Muslim To Pray For Quick End Of Covid-19 Pandemic

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muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has congratulated Muslim faithful in the nation’s capital for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and wishes them a pleasant and joyous Eid-el Fitr celebration.

While also urging them to intensify prayers towards the end of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging country.

Bello made this known as part of his Eid-el Fitr celebration message to the nation’s capital residents.

 
He further stated that, “while the Holy month of Ramadan was no doubt used to pray fervently for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative consequences on the society, I must urge the Muslim Ummah not to relent in their prayers but rather intensify them even after Ramadan, because in times of tribulations, true supplications to the Almighty indeed yields positive results”.

The FCT Minister also used the occasion to express his appreciation on behalf of the FCTA and all residents of the FCT to health and other essential workers in the frontlines of the battle against the Coronavirus disease.

He praised them for their dedication to duty and the sacrifices they are making in ensuring that there are no dramatic spikes in the number of positive cases in the FCT and keeping the numbers within manageable limits.

 
Bello also thanked individuals, corporate, religious and non-governmental organisations as well as some government establishments for their contributions in the provision of medical equipment and facilities as well as palliatives for the less privileged members of the society who are being negatively impacted by COVID-19. Their generosity, he said underscores the significance of the FCT as Nigeria’s Center of Unity.

The Minister also advised residents that while enjoying the festivities, they should obey all laid down protocols of hand washing, face covering, staying at home and social distancing. He reminded residents that these measures were put in place for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

He further said that, “COVID-19 does not discriminate on whom it affects and there is therefore the need for residents to take personal responsibility for their health. If you observe any symptoms associated with the virus, please, contact the relevant health authorities.”

The Minister continued, “Remember that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and there is the need to avoid stigmatizing anyone who has been infected. Defeating it will require the cooperation and collaboration of all”.

Malam Bello once again wished residents a happy Eid-El Fitr celebrations and encouraged them to enjoy the festivities from the safety of their homes.

FCTA Supports 17 Graded Chiefs With Respiratory Hygiene Materials

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FCT-MINISTER-OF-STATE
FCT-MINISTER-OF-STATE

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

In an effort to contain the further spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Primary Healthcare, Board on Sunday supported 17 graded chiefs with hands and respiratory hygiene materials and non contact digital infra-red thermometer.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who presented the items to the Agaba of Jiwa kingdom, HRM. Alhaji Idris Musa,  said that the medical support was to guide against the spread of the coronavirus in view of the large number of people that visit the palace of traditional rulers to seek counselling.

The Minister who was represented by the Ag. Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo, also noted that the role of traditional rulers in Federal Capital Territory in terms of sensitization and mobilization cannot be overemphasied, noting that the OVID-19 response from the primary healthcare sector fits into the community response too.  

She also hinted that the community spread of the virus was no more in doubt, therefore the traditional institutions should be the custodial of sensitization and mobilization of activities at the community level.  

Her words: “The role of traditional rulers in FCT cannot be overemphasied. There are three approaches to COVID-19 response in FCT from the health sector itself. Primary health sector, the pubic health sector and the secondary health sector which will also pass through the tertiary and specialist hospitals.  

“The response from the primary healthcare sector fits into the community response too. They are all represented here. The response may appear belated but it has to take a lot of planning and focused strategic activities to ensure that we work together as a team and reactivate that partnership that can make things to happen.  

She continued: “Prevention and control are very critical particularly hands and respiratory hygiene and using non contact infra-red digital thermometer that could help us to detect some of the major symptoms of the disease known as COVID-19.  

“The community spread of the virus is no more in doubt, it is very obvious that is ongoing. The traditional institutions are the custodial of sensitization and mobilization of activities in the community level. And without you being protected, going by the number of meetings you are going to hold, for advice and counselling, there is need to protect yourself as a frontline workers.  

“In response to this critial observation, the administration has approved PPE to the 17 graded chiefs that will protect and aid surveillance. We are here with infra-red digital thermometer, hand sanitizers, face masks and buckets. This will go a long way to strengthen our partnership”.  

While receiving the items on behalf of the graded traditional rulers in the FCT, the Agaba of Jiwa, HRM. Alhaji Idris Musa, described the support as the right step in the right direction, stressing that with the support, traditional rulers would have a sense of belonging.  

The royal father, however, charged the FCT Primary Health Care Board to work as a team, even as he tasked them to tap from the knowledge of the traditional rulers who are the custodial of the people.  

“This is what we have been seeing in other states. First, let me commend the FCT Minister of State for presenting these items so that it will go round to all the graded chiefs. I am happy as a representative of northern traditional rulers of primary healthcare representing the FCT. It is what we have being waiting for.  

“It is a first approach. With these, the traditional rulers will have a sense of belonging. At the area council level, most of our traditional rulers don’t know what is happening. It is the responsibility of the primary healthcare board in various state to officially communicate each chiefdom.  

“We are lucky that FCT is the headquarter of the country and all our development partners are here to help us and they are also here to watch us including their security.In the state, you can do whatever you want to because your report only end within the state, but our own in FCT goes internationally. So, FCT, primary healthcare should always be the pacesetter in the development of our primary healthcare services,” he charges.

Eid-il- fitr: FCTA Donates Food Items To Twelve Less Privileged Groups

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FCTA donates covid-19 palliatives to NGOs
FCTA donates covid-19 palliatives to NGOs

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

In order to allievate the sufferings of the less privileged groups in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory 1 (FCTA) on Friday donated 60 bags of rice, 60 cartoons of vegetables oil and twelve cows to the vulnerables groups in Abuja in the spirit of Eid-il-Fitr.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries on behalf of the administration, the Chief of Protocols, Malam Sani Daura said it was a routine gesture by the administration in assisting the less privileged at a time such as this to enable them celebrate the festival with other member of the society.

The Chief Protocols who was represented by the Head of Admin in his office, Mr Terfa Agor enjoined the representing of the group to be transparent in distributing the items to their members.

Federal Capital Territory  Administration  donate covid-19 palliatives to twelve NGOs
Federal Capital Territory Administration donate covid-19 palliatives to twelve NGOs

Daura, however , called on the group, especially the Muslims, to pray for peace and unity amongst residents of the FCT and the nation at large as they celebrate Eid-el fitr.

He reminded them of the obligation to work and pray for the unity and indivisibility of the country, also called on them to pray for an end to the Coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the country and the world in general.

While admonishing them to use the occasion to meditate and give expression to the teachings and lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad, SAW, and to pray for the administration.

Representatives of the group were given five 50kg bags of rice and five cartoons of groundnut oil and one cow each for onward distribution to their members.

Those who benefited from items includes, School for the handicapped Kuje, School for the blind Jabi, School for the deaf Kuje, Leppers Colony, Motherless baby home, FCT Para Soccer team, Unity Orphanage Bwari and Community based Vocational Rehabilitation center Old Karu.

Others were Community based vocational based Rehabilitation center Zuba, Blind person Karon Majiji, Vocational Rehabilitation center Kuje, Karon Majiji Disabled Rehabilitation Community.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Principal School for the Blind Kuje, Comrade Abdulrazaq Surajo on behalf of the groups thanked the administration, saying, the items given to them should will be a kind of sacrifice that would bring an end to Coronavirus pandemic in the whole world.

Stressing that the Coronavirus has caused severed hardship to most of their members

According to him, ”We want to say a very big thank you to you, the FCT administration, the Minister and the team that all came together believing in us.

“The goods you brought today we will ensure that they are distributed across all the members of this group.

“This will go a long way in assisting us to celebrate the eid-el Fitr and would also help in cushioning the economy hardship faced by our members as results of the sit at home COVID-19 global pandemic”.

He also called on other well-meaning Nigerians to follow suite in reaching out to the less privileged in the society in a time like this to alleviate their plight.

Nisa Premier Hospital Donates 2 Ventilators, PPEs To FCTA

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Nisa Premier Hospital donates ventilators to Federal Capital Territory Authority
Nisa Premier Hospital donates ventilators to Federal Capital Territory Authority

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Nisa Premier Hospital based in nation’s capital on friday donated two ventilators and other Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), to boost the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s efforts in combating the further spread of COVID-19 in the territory. 

Donating the utems, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Wada said that the donation was in recogniti5on of the administration’s efforts in the fight against coronavirus, stressing that at the inception of the COVID-19 outbreak in the territory, Nisa Premier has donated Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) to medical workers on frontline.  

Wada, also pledged the commitment of the hospital to provide ambulance support to move symptomatic patients from one point to the other as part of Nisa Premier hospital corporate social responsibility throughout the period of COVID-19 pandemic.  

According to him;”First, we want to appreciate the government especially the FCT Administration for the enormous and giant stride being undertaken by alleviating the suffering of the people occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“We have seen the efforts you have put in place and we pray for strength for you to do more. I am here today with the chairman of Nisa hospital, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, former Minister of National Planning and other top management staff of Nisa Premier hospital to appreciate your team.  

He continued;”When we entered the pandemic period, Nisa Premier hospital was one of the first hospitals that donated PPE on behalf of the Primary Healthcare Board to medical personnel on how to stay safe. Today, we are here for more support for both medical personnel and patients.  

Nisa Premier Hospital donates ventilators to Federal Capital Territory Authority, Nigeria
Nisa Premier Hospital donates ventilators to Federal Capital Territory Authority, Nigeria

“We have brought face masks in cartons, hand sanitizers in cartons, surgical goggles,  50 PPE, hand gloves to protect your medical personnel on frontline and two ventilators. We pledged ambulance support to move people from one place to the other because they are not well positioned within the city. Anytime we are called upon, we shall be there to assist,” he pledged.  

Responding on behalf of the administration, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, described the gesture as unique, adding that the ventilators would be used even after the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Aliyu, stated that she was not surprised at the donation made by the Nisa Premier hospital, revealing that the hospital had in the past put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians and Africans  

According to her;  “Nisa premier hospital has put smiles and still putting smiles on the faces of many Nigerians and Africans. So, I am not surprised because this is not the first time and he has come again to put smiles on many faces of indigenes and residents of the Federal Capital Territory in this period of COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Actually since we have been receiving gifts here, I can proudly say we never received ventilators and other medical items like these. This is unique donation As we all know, ventilator is what every state is seeking for even in advanced climes. And today, we have one of us because Dr. Wada is also managing one of our hospitals to support us with what everyone acknowledged to be scare commodity. These ventilators will serve us beyond COVID-19 era and by extension upgrade the standard of our hospitals”.  

Other items donated include face masks, hand gloves, hand sanitizers and protective goggles  

Eid-il-fitr: Bello Tells Muslim Faithful To Pray At Home

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muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The FCT Administration has informed residents of the nation’s capital especially muslim faithful of the suspension of the Eid Congregational prayers in towns and cities across the Federation because of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said this year’s Eid-el Fitr prayers will not hold on Eid-grounds across the FCT.

This, he said was following the statement by the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar,

Bello made this known, in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anthony Ogunleye stated that the statement equally urged Muslims to observe the Eid-il-Fitr prayers at home with family members or alone in the case of an individual living alone.

He further stated that, this is in tandem with the guidelines, issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, that all places of worship in the FCT and other high risk states of the Federation should remain closed during the recently extended period of lock down.

In order to achieve this objective of enforcing these guidelines, meetings were held earlier between the Administration and leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the League of FCT Imams.

According to him, The meeting acknowledged that the primary concern of all leaders and public officials was to save lives. In view of this common goal, the leaders of the religious organisations have agreed to work towards the eventual opening up of worship places at a time to be determined by the Presidential Task Force, based on medical advice.

A team consisting of representatives of the religious organisations and their leadership, as well as the FCT has already been constituted to look at what the modalities and protocols of operating places of worship will be when COVID-19 lockdown of the FCT is relaxed.

The FCT Administration therefore calls for support and understanding of all residents as efforts are being made to curtail and eventually end the spread of the COVID-19 in the Territory.

Covid-19 Restrictions: FCTA Goes Tough, Arrests 84 Travellers, Impounds Dangote Truck, Buses

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Ikharo Attah
Chairman FCT covid-19 enforcement task force

TOYIN ADEBAYO ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has arrested 84 travellers who violated the interstate travel ban.

While warning others seeking to pass through the nation’s capital to stay back, saying, the Administration is not in a hurry to relax the emergency containment protocols of Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chairman, FCT Ministerial Enforcement Taskteam on COVID-19 Restrictions, Comrade Ikharo Attah while addressing newsmen at Zuba in Abuja, lamentsled that, “in spite of the directives by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, many seem determined to remain lawless. One wonders why these people are still travelling in from state to state and in overloaded vehicles.

Attah continued: “Despite the alarming increase in the number of interstate violators, we of the FCT Administration will not relent in doing what we are directed to do by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. If we must contain this virus that is ravaging the world, citizens must close ranks with the government”, he added.

According to him, those apprehended were travelling in a Dangote truck as well as six other buses. The breakdown of the arrest shows that 21 passengers were apprehended on a J5 bus travelling from Owo in Ondo state to Kano state.

He also said that his team intercepted a Dangote truck from Lagos to Jos with six passengers and a Toyota Hiace bus from Kaduna to Warri in Delta state with 13 passengers.

A Mazda Bus from Minna in Niger state to Nasarawa state with 16 passengers was also apprehended.

Six passengers in a Volkswagen Sharon bus from Kaduna to Kogi state were arrested as well as 14 passengers in a Toyota Hiace bus from Kaduna to Ankpa in Kogi state.

The last vehicle intercepted was a Toyota hiace bus travelling from Akwa-Ibom state to Kaduna state with eight passengers.

He further stated: “They were arraigned at the Zuba mobile court where the magistrate, Ebiwari Damini convicted both the drivers and passengers. While all the passengers, excluding minors, were fined N1, 000 naira each, the drivers of the vehicles were fined between three and five thousand naira each”.

While he ruled that the Dangote truck and three other buses be impounded in the FCT until the COVID-19 pandemic is over, he ordered that three buses whose passengers were largely women and children be turned back to where they were coming from.

FCT Cleaning Contractors Donate Palliatives To Support FCTA

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TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Contractors under the auspises of Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors (AFSOWAC) have supported the administration with palliative items to cushion the effect of lockdown order.

Chairman of the group, Chief Lawrence Agbasoga, presenting the items to the administration stated that members of the association have noted with interest, the sterling leadership role both the FCT Minister and Minister of State have continued to play in ensuring that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the teeming populace of the less privileged was cushioned.  

He also commended the efforts of the FCT Administration in the distribution of palliatives to the vulnerable members of the society across the territory, just as he pledged the commitment of the association in driving some of its programmes.  

He further stated that, “the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been distributing palliatives to the vulnerable members of the society across the territory to cushion the harsh effects of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past 7 weeks as means of ensuring strict compliance of the presidential sit-at-home order and other attendant requirements aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in the FCT.  

FCT Minister of State receiving pallatives from Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors on behalf of the FCTA
FCT Minister of State receiving pallatives from Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors on behalf of the FCTA

He continued: “We note with special interest, the sterling leadership role that the FCT Minister and Minister of State have continued to play in ensuring that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on our teeming populace of the less privileged is cushioned”.  

Responding, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, appreciated the collective efforts of the organised private sector and individuals since the outbreak of the pandemic in the territory.  

She described the donation as “giving back to society”, also commended the cleaning contractors in supporting the administration’s efforts to reach out to the less privileged in the society.  

According to her, “On behalf of the FCT Administration, we want to appreciate your efforts in supporting us to cushion the effect of COVID-19. A friend in need is a friend indeed. You have demonstrated that you are not just cleaning the city, but partners in progress in the battle against coronavirus,” Aliyu affirmed.  

Items donated include 100 bags of 50kg rice, 100 cartons of 1×12 vegetable oil, 150 cartons of spaghetti and 150 cartons of indomie.