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Covid-19Lockdown: Bello Commends Abuja Market Leaders For Making Economic Activities Vibrant

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
FCT Minister Mallam Muhammad Bello Receives The Chairman of Wuse Traders Asociation
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.

Illegal Mining: 17 Chinese Nationals, Others To Face The Full Wrath Of Law, Adegbite

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister for Mines & Steel, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
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.

Lockdown Pallatives: Christ Embassy Donates 2000 Packages, Feeds 3000 Households In Abuja

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu,receive covid-19 palliative pacKate for 3,000
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
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.

COVID-19: Samsung’s Heavy Donates 5,000 Testing Kits To Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora receives covid 19 test kits from officials of Samsung Heavy Industries, Nigeria
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
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.

Covid-19: Nigeria Has Capacity To Manufacture PPEs , Health Minister

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

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.

Covid-19 Pallatives: UN Women Supports Nigeria With N38M

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Comfort Lamptey, UN women country representative in Nigeria
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 wholesa​le, 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.”

Lockdown Interstate Ban: FCT Minister Appeals To Army For Support

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
FCT Minister Mallam Mohammmad Bello receive PIPes from Nigeria Army
FCT Minister Mallam Mohammad Bello receive PIPes from Nigeria Army

…As Army Donates PPEs To FCTA

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has appealed to Nigerian Army to help enforce the ban on interstate travels in and out of the FCT, to ensure that the successes recorded so far in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the FCT are not eroded.

He gave this appeal on Wednesday while receiving delegation from the Nigerian Army Headquarters, who were on a visit to present Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the FCT Administration, adding, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic was at a very critical stage and required the support of the army to proceed further.

He further stated that, “We have now reached a phase in the fight of the pandemic that is very critical, particularly for us in the FCT. But for us to be able to sustain the efforts, we would like to appeal to the Army High Command to continue to support us, with respect to the lockdown enforcements within the Territory itself, especially at the entry and exit points of the Territory.”

Bello, however, explained that it was necessary to enforce the ban on interstate travels to ensure that those who are infected within the Territory do not spread the virus if allowed to leave and those infected from outside the FCT do not infect residents if allowed to come in.

The minister on behalf of the FCT Administration also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the Personal Protective Equipment donated to the FCT saying that the PPEs received will go a long way in supporting the frontline medical officers who have been working tirelessly over the last six weeks to fight the pandemic.

He also acknowledged the tremendous cooperation and support that the FCT Administration has been receiving from the Nigerian Army in the areas of enforcement and security related activities.

Earlier while presenting the PPEs on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian Army, the leader of the delegation, Maj. General H.I Bature, Chief of Civil – Army relations, Army Headquarters, Abuja, assured that the Nigerian Army is always willing to support the Administration’s efforts at curbing the threat of COVID-19 in the country.

Mallam Mohammed Bello receive delegation of Nigeria that brought PPEs to combat covid-19
Mallam Mohammed Bello receive delegation of Nigeria that brought PPEs to combat covid-19

Maj. General Bature further explained that the donations were part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of the Nigerian Army as well as the continuation of the drive towards strengthening the civil/military relationship in the Federal Capital Territory.

Items donated to the FCTA include personal protective suits, face masks, hand sanitizers, hand gloves and buckets.

The delegation was jointly received by the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa as well as other top officials of the FCT Administration.

Covid-19: Nigeria Army Donates PPE, Facemasks, Others To FCT

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Nigeria army donate protective gear to fcta
Nigeria army donate protective gear to fcta


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Nigeria Army on Wednesday donated Personal Protecting Equipments (PPE) to the FCT Administration in its effort to curtail the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 in the nation’s capital.

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenants General Yusuf Tukur Buratai made this known while donating PPEs, Facemasks, hand sanitizer and others to the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

Saying, “we remain resolute in supporting the Federal government effort in ensuring the welfare and well-being of its citizens”.

Buratai who was represented by Major General Hamza Ibrahim Bature said the gesture was part of the Nigerian Army Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well as the continuation of the Nigeria Army drive to straighten the civil military relationship.

According to him, ” we are here to present on behalf of the Nigeria Army Personal Protecting Equipment, (PPE). It is my pleasure to announce to you the following items, protecting suit- 100 copies, face mask- 2000 pieces, hand sanitizer- 200 pieces, hand bin- 1000 pieces and 120 buckets”.

He, however, hope the items donated to the administration will go a long way in supporting the Federal Capital Territory Administration efforts in curbing the COVID -19 pandemic in the territory.

Nigeria army donate protective gear to federal capita territory administration
Nigeria army donate protective gear to federal capita territory administration

While receiving the items on behalf of the Administration, the FCT Minister, Malam Mohammad Musa Bello commended the Nigerian Army for the donations towards the fight to combat the dreaded Coronavirus.

Bello assured the Army Commander that the items donated will go a long way in supporting the administration fight against the COVID-19.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu who is also the Chairman FCT COVID-19 Palliative Committee noted that the scourge will come to an end in no distance time but the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff and the FCT Administration will remain for a long time.

protective gear that the Nigeria Army donates to the Federal Capital Territory Administration
protective gear that the Nigeria Army donates to the Federal Capital Territory Administration

Commenting on the interstate ban nationwide to curtail the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus, Dr Aliyu solicited the support of the Nigerian Army to compliment the effort of the administration in protecting the territory against those coming into the city from neighbouring states and those going out of the territory to infect other people.

Ease of Lockdown Depends On Nigerians Adherence To PTF Guidelines, Minister

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Nigeria presidential task force on covid-19
Nigeria presidential task force on covid-19


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health has said that the value of the tentative easing of the lockdown by President Muhammadu Buhari depends largely on Nigerians adherence to the Presidential Task Force guidelines, Saying, this is even more critical, as the restrictions have been relaxed.

Ehanire made this known at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, while adding that we are clearly in community transmission phase, where much now depends on individual and collective behaviour and the urgency of behavior change communication becomes apparent.

The minister further stated that, Knowledge so far gathered about COVID-19 needs to be converted into practice, because our safety, now more than ever, depends on all of us.

He urged Nigerians to adhere to public health advisories (wearing our face masks, observing social distancing, practicing hand washing or sanitizing, standard respiratory hygiene, avoiding crowded places and all manner of non-essential travel, as well as reporting when we feel unwell, or someone close to us has symptoms of Infection. If not, we expose ourselves and our loved ones to risk and inadvertently increase the period this virus will be with us and make life worse for all of us. For example, large crowds reported at certain events and the movement and repatriation of persons from one State to the other, do contribute to the problem and do not indicate a good understanding of the urgency of the situation. Therefore, I again appeal for considerate and responsible social adjustment to the challenges Nigeria faces.

According to him, while we are striving to increase our testing capacity, we have noted the complaints about turn around time to get the results of tests conducted. We are doing what we can to resolve them. We have also continued to train and retrain our health care workers as well as provide them with the necessary personal protective equipment.

“Community mobilizers have been deployed at the grassroots to continue to sensitize our people through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency. I participated earlier this week in a teleconference of Northern Traditional Leaders Committee organized by NPHCDA, in which the need for urgent engagement of all traditional, religious and community gatekeepers was emphasized and agreed on.

“We are encouraging and supporting States to increase the number of isolation centres nationwide, and we are extremely grateful to Corporate Organizations and Philanthropists who have donated Isolation facilities, diagnostic equipment, commodities and sundry supplies relevant to our response efforts to COVID-19 threat. One example is the This day Dome, which has been purposed by donors, to be a 320 bed Isolation Center with a 10 bed ICU, which is to be commissioned next week to significantly ease the supply of bed spaces.

“With regard to Kano, progress has been made in collaboration efforts with the State EOC to restore routine medical services to hospitals and further drive the ongoing investigations.

“Organized ambulance service is already in operation bringing relief to citizens who need to access medical services, especially in view of restrictions of movement and also in emergency situations.

The Fedeal Ministry of Health is sending supporting teams to Sakoto and Katsina for training and capacity building in case management and Infection prevention and control in the hospital setting. Other States shall follow at short intervals, to assist the State Ministries of Heakth in their response to the COVID-19 threat.”, he explained.

I also wish to appreciate the efforts of traditional rulers and religious leaders in sensitizing our people to the importance of compliance with COVID-19 infection prevention measures.

He also, thanked all frontline and backroom workers- health care givers, hygienists, security, drivers, porters and others, for their tireless efforts and to continue to adhere to self protection regulations.

He also commended all citizens for adhering to the infection, prevention and control and non pharmaceutical intervention advisories.

Lockdown Curfew: FCT Apprehends Night Travellers From Neighbouring States

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Ikharo Attah
Chairman FCT covid-19 enforcement task force


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory FCT Administrations (FCTA) Covid-19 lockdown Enforcement Team on Tuesday night arrested vehicles conveying over 43 passengers to different parts of the country.

The Chairman of the Enforcement Team, Comrade Ikharo Attah gave this hint on Wednesday, said the occupants of the vehicles, largely commercial buses breached the night curfew imposed on the territory and were heading to Kano, Niger and Kaduna states, while a few of them from neighbouring states were also heading to some parts of the FCT.

Attah, however, noted that the violators were all apprehended at the popular AYA Roundabout in Asokoro District of the FCT.

His words: the drivers and motorists were immediately turned back and escorted by security personnel out of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Some of the FCT bound passengers, including a woman and her two children, came in from Benue state. Despite the curfew imposed by the president many persons are still adamant on breaking the order” Attah lamented.

He, therefore, called on enforcement officers in states contiguous to the FCT to wake up to their responsibilities by ensuring that motorists do not cross their checkpoints during the period of the current ban on interstate movement.

He also queried why “security men would allow violators of the presidential order to travel freely at night despite the numerous checkpoints mounted by various security agencies across the country.”

“Also the team met a lady who was robbed and stabbed by a suspected ‘one-chance’ driver. We took her to the Maitama Hospital where doctors attended to her at the Emergency Ward”, he added.

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