There was a little distruption on Sunday at LifeCamp district of the nation’s capital where one of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) COVID -19 Mobile Courts was sitting.
It all started when some alleged uniform personnel obstructed the proceedings of a mobile court, insisting that a taxi driver who was apprehended and brought to the court for overloading his car against social distancing presidential directives, will not be tried by the magistrate.
The Chairman, FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19, Comrade Ikharo Attah confirmed the incident , saying, the alleged assailants took to their heels when noticed that reinforcement contingent of the team was arriving the court location.
Attah, however, warned that the FCT Administration would not tolerate rascality of any kind from any group of persons, also revealed that the Mobile Courts have so far convicted over 9,000 violators of COVID 19 restrictions orders.
According to him, the convicts paid various fines with supervised community services as sentences for their offences, while others who were found to be innocent were duly acquitted and discharged.
“We got information that some acclaimed uniform personnels were obstructing the proceedings of a mobile court at Life Camp. As we were approaching the location, the said personnels left the taxi driver and fled.
” The magistrates in the courts need all the support from Enforcement officers to dispense justice. He warned that the FCT administration would deal decisively with anyone who attempt to make the court vicinity uncomfortable for the dispensation of justice”
” so far over 9,000 persons have been convicted by the mobile. While many others were discharged and acquitted. The magistrates work round the clock to ensure that all cases are dispensed with, hence the need for no one to distract or stampede them”, he stressed.
FCT TASK FORCE TEAM ON COVID-19 VISIT CEMETERY WORKERS 1
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19, of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Sunday charged cemetery workers and mourners on use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and observance of social distancing during burial rite
Chairman of the Enforcement Team, Comrade Ikharo Attah said his team invaded the Gudu cemetery during its early morning patrol, when it noticed an unusual gathering there.
According to explained that though the deceased was not confirmed to have died of Coronavirus, but there was need to counsel both family members and cemetery workers to be safety conscious by observing necessary health protocols at burial sites.
According to him, the FCT administration was making efforts to prevent any action capable of undermining the fight against COVID -19.
FCT Task Force Team on covid-19 address Cemetery workers in Abuja
He, however, enjoined the cemetery workers to always wear their face masks , hand gloves and other Personal Protective Equipments during the period, he also cautioned mourners not to disregard social distancing during the burial particularly while offering the final prayers.
Attah also warned the cemetery workers not to abuse any extant environmental laws by improperly disposing their burial items immediately after every internment.
His words: “Though the families said their loved ones did not die of conronavirus, but by natural causes, it is fundamentally important to enlighten them on measures needed to contain the spread of coronavirus”.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Despite the development of the National Health Research Policy and Priorities in 2014, health research in the Nigeria has largely been uncoordinated with lack of synergy between the various research institutions, the academia and policy makers, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora has said.
He added that, health research has often been dictated by the preferences of the researchers and institutions, without recourse to the priority health needs of the country as documented in the National Health research Policy.
The Minister of State lamented that the “Excellent research findings are probably gracing the shelves of libraries in the various institutions without having the desired impact on the health system due to this disconnect between the institutions and policy makers.”
Mamora further stated that, these are some of the reasons adduced by the the Minister of State for putting a health research committee in place to fill the yearning gap.
He made this known while inugurating the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) Friday, 8th May, 2020 comprising of erudite researchers who had made their marks in the field and could only bring their experience and expertise to bear for the benefit of the nation at this time of COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister announced Dr. Babatunde Salako, the Director General (DG) Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and a renowned Nephrologist to chair the National Committee with the Director of Health Services in Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Adebimpe Adebiyi, mni as the Secretary to the Research Team.
Other members include: Professor Abdulrazak Habib, Department of Medicine; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH); an Infectious Diseases expert; Professor Lawal Bulbis, the Vice Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, a Biological Chemist; Professor Onwujekwe Obinna, Department of Health Administration/Management & Pharmacology/Therapeutic; University Of Nigeria, a renowned Health Economist; Dr Obi Adigwe , the Director-General National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), a Pharmacist; Associate Professor Peter Oladosu, NIPRD, also a Pharmacist; Professor AMS Oduola, the Director, University of Ibadan’ Reserach Foundation, Ibadan, Nigeria, a Public Health practitioner; Dr Reuben A. Ocholi, the Chief Executive of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau, and Veterinary Medicine expert.
Others include Dr Clement Maseko of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, a Veterinary Medicine Practitioner; Professor Haruna Yusuph of the Department of Medicine, University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a Clinical Immunology/Infectious Disease; Dr Musa Garba of the Department of Medicine, University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, an expert on Infectious Disease; Professor Ogoina Dimie, the Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa, also an Infectious Disease expert; and Prof. Asogun Danny of the Department of Community Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo, who is a Public Health expert.
Dr. Mamora therefore charged the NHRC members to see their appointment to this Committee as a challenge for them to ensure that the research findings are collated and made ready to solve the nation’s health challenges. The Honourable Minister of State charged the body to “collate the researches from the respective institutions and translate the same to policy for evidence based health interventions.” “We are counting on your wealth of experience evident in your individual accomplishments at your various research domains over the years”, he charged.
The Minister of State further charged the Committee to note that “The World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently supporting the Ministry to develop a National Research for Health Strategic Plan (NRHSP) which should form the basis for the implementation of prioritized research activities to strengthen leadership, coordination and funding for health research in the country.”
He added that “A team comprising stakeholders in health research was constituted to work with WHO and the Ministry to develop the NRHSP and charged the newly inaugurated National Health Research Committee to collaborate with the team to actualise this strategic plan as well as the Operational Plan.
Mamora declared to the inaugurated Committee members that their job is enormous “and this becomes more so now that we are faced with the COVID- 19 pandemic.” He said that the global community is involved in research to find the most effective strategy to slow down and eventually halt the spread of the virus. “Nigeria shouldn’t be an exception.”
He, however, urged the Committee to quickly develop a COVID -19 Research Agenda for the country, adapting the WHO Research Roadmap to our local situation and commence the aggregation of all COVID-19 researches in the country.
Furthermore, he charged the Committee to swiftly identify and source for funds, within and outside the country to carry out relevant research, pledging that Federal Ministry of Health on its part will give all the necessary support. He added that even when the expectation from this Committee is great, given the calibre of professionals in it, he will be awaiting clear deliverables in the next couple of weeks.
The Chairman of the inaugurated NHRC accepted on behalf of members to serve diligently, thanking the Honourable Minister for giving them the opportunity to do so.
As the COVID-19 pandemic increases and progresses to community transmission level in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and other organs of Government are continuously seeking measures to check or break transmission and so control the spread, with tried, tested and also innovative measures and guidelines, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has hinted.
He added that, they identify all positive cases and isolate both the symptomatic and asymptomatic, to safeguard the health of the rest of the population as well as provide care to the symptomatic.
Ehanire gave this hint during the daily briefing of the presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on Friday in Abuja, saying, this includes our efforts at intensively building the expertise of critical care doctors and nurses, to utilize ventilators and other appliances being allocated to Intensivecare hospitals, nationwide.
The sustainability of the strategy may be challenged as time goes on by the evolving realities across the country, he opined.
The Minister further stated that, the Federal Ministry of Health is continuously monitoring and reviewing the situation and responding with the dispatch of teams of experts to provide technical support to high burden areas or States grappling with epidemic control issues.
Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora
According to him, “the FMoH holds daily situational analysis via teleconference with Directors of the Ministry of Health, Medical Directors of Federal Hospitals and members of the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee and other relevant stakeholders, such as NPHCDA, NCDC, NAFDAC in attendance. This enables real time reporting on incidents in the field and immediate solution or mitigating steps. The Ministerial Response Action Plan of the Federal Ministry of Health is ready next week.
Speaking on the updates, Ehanire said
the Ministerial Technical Team deployed to Kano State by FMoH to support the State in handling the ravaging community spread and providing direction in managing the COVID-19 situation has gained very significant community acceptance and is now generating a pool of trained and updated health workers, including over 100 ambulance drivers and patient handlers. The Ambulance service is now running smoothly and rendering invaluable service to support Kano citizens in the face of the lockdown.
He also, said that, the ministerial technical team comprising of various specialists, was set up and deployed to Katsina State to assess the situation and provide, and also report on needed support. They will be rebuilding public confidence in the health system and creating awareness about the reality of covid19, as well as encouraging health workers, who will be trained and retrained to show more commitment. They will also ensure health workers are well protected by providing working materials and PPEs.
He added that calm has been restored in Gombe state Isolation centres.
According to him, ” FMoH this morning deployed a multi-sectoral technical team on a fact finding mission to Jigawa State at the request of the State Executive Governor. The challenges in Jigawa revolve around repatriated Almajiris, of whom many have tested positive for covid19. The team includes doctors and nurses, who will support the State Ministry of Health in setting up and accrediting their Isolation and treatment centers.
“The Ministry of Health team sent to Kogi State has returned to Abuja, without mission accomplishment. New efforts will be made to engage Kogi authorities for resolution of differences. A team will visit Bornu State for the same purpose in due course.
“State Commissioners of Health will be engaged on a continuous basis to monitor readiness and preparedness, and address matters arising”, he explained.
He, however, urged shall Healthcare cworkers and all citizens of the usual advisory; but also that with the increasing figures, we are approaching a difficult area in our COVID-19 response, which we all can still influence by adhering more strictly to all the safety, infection prevention and non pharmaceutical injunctions that have been repeatedly given here.
FCT Minister Mallam Muhammad Bello Receives The Chairman of Wuse Traders Asociation
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has commended Market leaders
for making economic activities in the nation’s capital very vibrant and their support in the FCTA fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
He made this known, when he played host to a delegation from the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the various market associations in the FCT who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
He also called for the continuous cooperation of traders and market association in the FCT in the fight against COVID-19 while praying that God will guide all to do the right things.
The minister, however , reminded the leaders of the various market associations that despite increasing the number of business hours from 8:00 am to 3:00pm, from the initial 10:00 am to 2:00pm,the activities at the markets still left a lot to be desired in terms of social distancing.
Bello said that the FCT Administration had taken note of the requests from the Market Associations and will present them during its weekly COVID-19 review meetings for further discussions.
Earlier, the various market associations in the FCT have pledged their support for the efforts of the FCT Administration in containing the spread of COVID-19 in the Territory.
Speaking through the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Raphael Okechukwu Okorie who is also the Chairman of the Wuse Market Traders Association said that the Committee said they came to show appreciation to the FCT Minister for the way he is successfully managing the pandemic in the FCT.
Okorie added that, “We are here to appreciate the Minister for all he has done to see that Abuja has not turned to a disaster zone. We are here to say that we are solidly behind all the decisions, policies and programmes that the Minister has implemented to keep FCT residents safe and also well fed with the palliatives distribution that is ongoing”.
Speaking on the implementation of the lockdown, Mr Okorie said “the lockdown is the safest thing that will happen to the FCT to ensure the safety of lives during the pandemic”.
He however said that the Association will like to see an easing of the lockdown especially on market operational days. The market associations, he said, would like the markets to open 3 times a week and also allow for the selling of other commodities besides food items which is currently in effect.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Borno and other senior staff of the FCT Administration.
Minister for Mines & Steel, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), has hinted that the 17 Chinese nationals and 10 locals, including a local traditional ruler (Baale) apprehended for illegal mining in Osun and Zamfara states will be charged to court to face the full wrath of the law.
He, however, opined that, if we guard our gold reserves and make sure they are exploited properly, the revenue drive from there is comparable to what oil and gas fetches us.
He added that, there are alot of foreign illegal miners in Nigeria, some of them have only visiting visa and some of them have visas that has expired. what is the status of these people when they come in, he queried.
According to him, “In Osun, 17 foreigners have been apprehended while in zamfara just two of them. We re taking them to the Federal High Court, the case is being compiled. The people caught in zamfara have been transferred to the headquarters, their files are being compiled and we sent to the director of public prosecutions so that we can arraingn them in court so that it serves as deterrence because in the past its assumed that we can only bark and not bite.
“These set of people that have been caught now, we will ask the state to allow us to prosecute them to the maximum extent of the law.
“There are pressure on state government’s especially in Osun that these people should be released because most of these people are working for Nigerians. Nigerians in high positions, Nigerians in authority. But, thank God, the Osun state government’s have so far instituted this spread$, he explained.
He, however, hinted that his ministry will involve his counterpart from Interior ministry to keeps track of all these villains who come into Nigeria and they go back as at when due.
Also, we will go to some international diplomacy, we will be interacting with some embassies especially Chinese because they are the main culprit in this, we have to interact with Chinese embassy in Nigeria so that it would not be as if we are unfair to their people we will present the facts to them so that they also keep these people in check.
He further stated that, they are looking at identifying and registering all the miners in Nigeria both local and foreign ones with their biometrics so that we will identify who and who is operating legally and illegally.
According to him, “We welcome further cooperation from state governors so that in future when we sight or heard of any illegality anywhere, the kind of force that the governors of Osun and Zamfara put up avail us, we will be able to catch this people without escape.
“In conjunction with the foreign affairs ministry we may need to work to get the Dubai authorities to ascertain that any gold that is coming into Dubai must have export certificate from Nigeria, we sign that agreement because United Arab Emirates is the first destination of the gold.
“We will ensure that the certificate is transmitted electronically such that anywhere you go, the customs check their database to ascertain the gold you are exporting and also send an electronic certificate to the Dubai government to check and ask for export certificate. If it’s not legal, they will confiscate the gold and we will share the cost of that maybe on a 70, 30 basis as an incentive to them. Because it left Nigeria illegally, they repatrate 70 Percent to us and 30 for them to make sure we do have people moving gold to Dubai illegally anymore. That’s what we will work on as soon as the lockdown is over.
“These and more we will be implementing gradually as soon as the pandemic is controlled and lockdown is lifted because now when Nigeria oil and gas revenue is dwindling, Nigeria has to focus on agriculture essentially to feed ourselves but the minerals to ean revenue.
“The quantum of gold that is taken out is day light robbery on Nigeria. Our customs need to check our borders. We need to educate our people now that the oil revenue is down,we need to make sure that our wealth is not taken out by the customs and immigration, it is an economic sabotage to allow these people to pass through the borders”, he stressed.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu,receive covid-19 palliative pacKate for 3,000
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Christ Embassy, Abuja Ministry Centre in collaboration with the Innercity Mission for Children on Friday donated 2000 packages of food items to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for onward distribution to vulnerable members in the territory to cushion the effect of sit-at-hom presidential order.
Making the donations, the Senior Pastor of Abuja Ministry Centre, Rev. Tom Amenkhienan, said that the gesture was in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ to reach-out to the poor in time of needs.
He, however, revealed that the ministry had fed over 3000 households in Waru, Wassa, Kuchigoro, Durumi 1, Durumi 11, Durumi 111, Asokoro Extension all in the Federal Capital Territory during the lockdown period, adding that provisions have been made for over 50 orphanages in the territory.
His words: “I am glad to be here today with some of our senior ministers and pastors to tell you that we recognize your efforts to reach-out to residents of the Federal Capital Territory at this time of pandemic. Let me begin by saying thank you to our dear man of God, Dr. Rev. Christ Oyakhilome, who has raised us to be agents of change and to reach out for the human need and meet that need.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu, Tijani Aliyu receives palliative for 3,000 households from Christ Embassy
“So seeing the crisis that the whole world has been plunged into by the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to reach-out in collaboration with the Innercity Mission for Children under the auspices of Christ Oyakhilome Foundation to reach-out to many communities.
“A few days ago, we reached out to over 10 communities to give out food to over 3000 families in Waru, Wassa, Kuchigoro, Durumi 1, Durumi 11, Durumi 111, Asokoro Extension to name a few. We have concluded that exercise and move ahead to make provisions for 50 orphanages to be distributed by ourselves.
“But to compliment the work that you are doing, seeing that you have sent out to bring some palliatives, we decided to come today with 2000 packages to reach-out to 2000 families and in each of them contain rice, beans, yam, garri, and 2000 face masks you can help the community with, and 250 hand sanitizers.
“We believe that God has raised us up in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ to reach-out to the needy, visit those who are sick in the hospitals, those in prison and to help those that have needs. So, in line with the life of Christ and his teachings, we are here today to support the efforts of the government and to make available these materials,” Amenkhienan adfed.
While receiving the palliative items on behalf of the administration, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, thanked the ministry for identifying with the administration especially at this critical period of COVID-19 pandemic.
Aliyu, used the occasion to acknowledge the support of the Innercity Mission for Children by renovating and equipping the Maternal and Child Healthcare Centre in Waru community, noting that the project has assisted in no small measure to widen the scope of healthcare delivery system in the nation’s capital.
According to her, “We want to appreciate the leadership of intercity mission for children under the auspices of Christ Embassy Church, Abuja Centre. Few weeks ago, we where in Waru, where you renovated and equipped a befitting Maternal and Child Healthcare centre for the community. That will go a long way to support the administration’s efforts in healthcare delivery system. Keep on doing the good works you are known for. We appreciate your desire to give back to the society.
“We do everything in the FCT Administration with the fear of God. This pandemic period is not a time we wish for, but you have demonstrated that a friend in need is a friend indeed. We are grateful to every organisation that has surprisingly come out to support us to cushion the effect of sit-at-home which has been the best way out globally”, she said.
She, however, assured that the donated palliative items would be distributed to vulnerable communities and workers on frontline in the battle against the Covid-19.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora receives covid 19 test kits from officials of Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health has received 5, 000 testing kits from Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria to boost the containment of the dreaded COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora who received the items from the delegation of Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria led by Ju-Yeol LEE, Counselor/Economy, Embassy of Republic of Korea at the Ministry’s headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, described the donation as very significant.
The Minister said they are very important saying that testing is the starting point before isolation and treatment of COVID-19 positive persons.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora receives officials of Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria
Mamora assured the delegate that the testing kits would be delivered to appropriate testing locations.
The Minister of State for Health, congratulated the Republic of Korea for defeating and coming out from COVID-19 successfully, adding that with their technical supports, Nigeria would very soon come out of the pandemic disease.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation of Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria, Ju-Yeol LEE, Counsellor/Economy in the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Nigeria said that its companies produce a good number of items that could be vital in the fight against Corona Virus.
He assured that Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria and Republic of Korea would continue to partner with Nigeria to ensure that COVID-19 is scrapped from the country. He commended the efforts of the Health Ministry and the Federal Government on the steps put in place to contain the disease.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has hinted that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture many of the Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) we presently import and are in high demand globally.
While adding that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology demonstrated innovative capabilities to participate in finding solutions to the problem of shortages in commodities and equipment.
He gave this hint at a daily briefing of the presidential Task Force on Covid-19 on Abuja, saying, We are convinced that Nigeria has the potential to manufacture many of the commodities we presently import, which presently high global demand also make difficult to come by.
He revealed that the Federal Government through the
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is adapting the infrastructure for demand creation in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, this approach will be useful for the engagement of communities and population mobilisation.
Ehanire stated that the training of health workers will also be fast tracked in new high burden States, as is being conducted in Kano State, with focus on needs identified by State Commissioners of Health, whom the Federal Ministry of Health has been engaging, to define the training and capacity building deficits.
He further stated that, the Ministerial team of FMoH left en route to Lokoja today to work with the Kogi State government. It includes officials of NCDC and Dept. of Hospital Services of the Ministry of Health. They will ensure that the state has adequate testing capacity and shall also advocate for the engagement of traditional rulers and community leaders in surveillance efforts of the State.
According to him, “Nigeria now has 3,145 persons confirmed to have COVID-1 in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The 195 persons who tested positive yesterday, were reported in 13 states distributed as follows: 82 in Lagos, 30 in Kano, 19 in Zamfara, 18 in Sokoto, 10 in Borno, 9 in FCT, 8 in Oyo, 5 each in Gombe and Kebbi, 4 in Ogun, 3 in Katsina, and 1 each in Adamawa and Kaduna. Sadly, 103 COVID-19 related fatalities have been recorded, however, 534 persons have recovered and been discharged.
“21 laboratories nationwide are now operational for covid-19 testing, as we work to drive up demand. The Laboratories in Kano were directed to work in shifts, to reducie the turnaround time for testing”, he added
Speaking on the Kano issue, the minister said that the Ministry of Health’s Task Team to Kano is collaborating intimately and fully engaged in remediation activities, strongly emphasizing training and capacity building for all personnel, in order to help rebuild manpower in State and Federal health facilities. This includes non-medical personnel such as cleaners, porters and security guards, especially in the COVID-19 isolation and treatment centres. The intensive training is essential to minimise the risk of infection of personnel in the line of duty, which is becoming a major challenge in various parts of Nigeria. We do not have the latitude of having so many essential health workers in treatment or Isolation, and being out of service in these critical times.
He further stated that, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control routinely replenishes stocks of personal protective equipment to State Emergency Operations Centres and the Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to ensure that our health workers are protected. But I also take the opportunity to again appeal to all Health professionals and associated personnel, to diligently follow all safety and infection prevention and control protocols both inside and outside Health facilities and not to indulge in unauthorized treatment of covid 19 cases.
He also joined the SGF in welcoming the first batch of Nigerian nationals, who were successfully repatriated yesterday evening to Lagos from Dubai. They have entered into mandatory supervised 14-day quarantine, in 2 designated hotels, in line with laid down protocols. They will be tested for COVID-19 and any person testing positive shall be invited to a treatment facility.
He , therefore, appealed to returning citizens to bear with us and cooperate with authorities, especially if they perceive imperfections in our arrangements, as this is a test run, the first of these excercises. I shall here also request all states to embark on preparing at least 300 bed spaces for COVID-19 isolation and treatment. As testing is scaled up and more persons with COVID-19 infection are identified, it is necessary that they are safely and securely isolated and treated with dignity until they test negative, to break our chain of transmission.
Comfort Lamptey, UN women country representative in Nigeria
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The UN Women is contributing N38 million to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to provide palliatives for vulnerable Nigerian women as part of the ongoing efforts to support the Federal Government of Nigeria on the COVID-19 response.
The donation was officially presented today in Abuja, to the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, by the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Comfort Lamptey.
She said that, the funds will be channeled towards the procurement and distribution of relief and hygiene supplies including food items, soap, masks and sanitizers, which will be procured from women-owned businesses.
According to her, “These palliative measures are targeted at reaching 12,600 vulnerable women and girls who have been worst hit by the effects of the crisis, in 14 states across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.
“Through the oversight and supervision of the Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with women’s organizations and networks in the targeted states, including the Nigeria chapter of the Africa Women Leaders Network (AWLN), the leadership role of women will be underlined throughout this pilot partnership effort: from the process of procurement of the palliatives from women-owned businesses, the identification of vulnerable households in the states in collaboration with women’s organizations, to the monitoring of the distribution of the palliative materials for vulnerable women.
“Women in Nigeria make up 47.8 % of sole owners of microenterprises and 22 % of SMEs, with a high concentration in specific economic sectors, such as wholesale, manufacturing, accommodation, food services and agriculture. These women-led enterprises will be heavily impacted by disruptions in supply chains and closure of markets; impacting on their ability to feed their families and be independent,” said Ms. Lamptey.
“Whilst the pandemic is one that affects all spheres of society, women and girls are being more adversely affected by violence, food insecurity and loss of income. Additionally, women and girls are the bearers of an unfair burden of care. During this time, they are most likely to be responsible for caring and providing for households including sick relatives,” she stated.
She further stated that, the UN Women through its support to the Ministry of Women Affairs will continue to contribute to strengthening the resilience and coping capacities of some of the most affected households, including vulnerable female-headed households, poor women with disabilities, and those affected by conflict in the country. The targeted support is also geared at improving the awareness and adoption of hygiene practices as measures to prevent the target beneficiaries and their communities from contracting the COVID-19 disease.
Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen thanked UN Women for the gracious donation and show of support.
She highlighted the efforts and resilience of Nigerian women during this challenging time and commended the efforts of frontline workers and journalists for their selfless service. “Support will be prioritized for the most vulnerable women and those women who earn a daily income.”
She also thanked the UN family in Nigeria, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, for highlighting the need to prioritize women’s empowerment through the UN-managed Basket Fund to guide the COVID-19 response in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of UN Women, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has made the call to governments and stakeholders worldwide to integrate protection policies for women in their COVID response plans: “Where governments or businesses put income protection in place, this can ease these dilemmas, sustain incomes and avoid driving households into poverty. This response must also include those in the informal economy, where most women who work outside home make their livelihood. Such social protection is best directed specifically to women.”
