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Tag: Boss Mustapha

  • God’s hands never too short to deliver Nigeria from challenges – SGF

    Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), says the hands of God are never too short to deliver Nigeria from whatever challenges it may be going through.

    He made the assertion at the 2022 Democracy Day interdenominational church service, held at the Abuja Christian Centre on Sunday, where he represented Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    “We assure ourselves that the hands of God are never too short to deliver, and that his grace would always prevail for our good.

    “Equally important is that we also assure ourselves that no matter how challenging the situation or moment might be, there is always enough God-given strength within us as a people to surmount them.

    “Nigerians have always risen to the occasion; when it mattered most, we rose to the occasion when colonial powers subjugated our people and lorded over our resources.

    “We rose to the occasion, following the ravages of a civil war to rebuild a united country, no matter how imperfect, we rose to the occasion,” he said.

    The SGF added that the country also rose when military dictatorships pushed us to the age of extinction and negotiated our way into a democratic government.

    This, he said, provided a platform for us to build a country we could all be proud of, adding that we had come this far because of the collaboration of all.

    He extended President Muhammadu Buhari”s gratitude to the body of Christ for its stabilising role in the growth of the county’s democracy.

    “I believe an interdenominational gathering of this sort is an important way to mark this special anniversary of our nation’s democracy.

    “Largely because the values of justice, equality, fairness and inclusion, which underpin democratic governance are also at the heart of our Christian faith.

    “A day like this set aside to commemorate Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a people. It invites sobriety and gratitude,” he said.

    Mustapha said that the day allowed Nigerians to remember the decades characterised by lack of freedom, suspicion, and uncertainty and calls to mind the prayers, faith as well as the courageous actions.

    He urged people to therefore see the day as a day for gratitude and hope, and a day to remind ourselves that what was once thought impossible of Nigeria had been made possible.

    The SGF expressed optimism that with unity, all hands being on deck, there would be light at the end of the tunnel, in spite of the country’s challenges.

    “It is possible for joy to overcome sorrow, it is possible for peace to prevail, it is possible for us to be re-united, irrespective of our cultural, linguistic, religious or even ideological differences.

    “Jesus said to the crowd in Luke, Chapter 12, verse 54, when you see a cloud rising in the West, immediately you will say it’s going to rain.

    “And it does and of course we have seen the rain coming over Nigeria, reign of peace and prosperity, one which like the goodness of God touches everyone, no matter who or where they are.

    “Today, let us be rest assured in the promise and possibilities of Nigeria, we have the talent and the resources to be a beacon of hope and standard bearer for the rest of Africa and the block grace,” he said.

    Mustapha said that as a country, we had been progressively moving, proving that we had what it took to run an open, honest and transparent government that guarantees the rule of law.

    He added that the Federal Government had showed that it could lift 100 million people out of poverty and guarantee equal access to education and opportunities for our women.

    He said the government had also brought into fruition the most comprehensive social welfare programme for the poor and vulnerable in our society.

    “We know the challenges, we live with them, but we also know and we have seen in the worlds of hold apostle that in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

    “And of course, our nation will continue its long but steady march toward the fulfillment of his goal.

    “I believe you are as persuaded as I am, because we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” he said.

    Mustapha assured that the government was working towards the emergence of a stronger, united, peaceful and economically prosperous Nigeria.

    Recall that from 1999, Nigeria had consistently celebrated Democracy Day.

    The day is used to mark the end of military rule, and the return of power and control to the hands of those freely elected by the people to represent them in government.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Buhari-led federal government in 2018, moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, the day the election that launched Nigeria into democracy took place.

    The June 12, 1993, general election was acclaimed the freest election in the country’s political history, though the presumed winner, Chief Moshood Abiola, and Nigerians were denied their rights and choice of leadership.

    This was because the election was consequently annulled on June 24, same year, by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military administration.

    The service was attended by members of the diplomatic communities and heads of government agencies, among others.

  • SGF reacts to alleged hometown attack

    SGF reacts to alleged hometown attack

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has dismissed the purported report that his hometown, Garha, and other sorrounding villages were attacked by Boko Haram and Bandits.

    Mustapha made the reaction in an interview with newsmen shortly after Hong Secondary School Old Boys Association meeting held in Hong, the headquarters of Hong local government area (LGA) on Wednesday.

    Mustapha, who expressed dismay over the report, said that there was nothing similar to that.

    “There was nothing like that (attack on my hometown). It is just some people’s mischievous imagination.

    “I was in my hometown attending weddings when my attention was drawn to a report by some mischievous persons.

    “There was consistent marriage ceremony in my village even before and after Christmas.

    “I didn’t only go to my village, I went to several neighbouring villages where people were getting married and rejoicing,” Mustapha said.

    He said that the report was out to portray government in bad light.

    “Why associating the report with the village of SGF?

    “If there’s general insecurity, there’s general insecurity and SGF village will not spared from the insecurity,” he said.

    He said government is doing what it can to ensure that insurgency, banditry and other insecurity challenges are curtailed and brought to order.

    On the old boys meeting, he expressed happiness for meeting with his classmates of the 1970 set.

    He said that the association has made a modest attempt to transform the school by renovating many structures, and providing water supply in the school.

  • FG fears Nigeria’s population projection

    FG fears Nigeria’s population projection

    The Federal Government says Nigeria’s population projection is scary, hence the urgent need to put in place control measures to keep the country’s population growth in check.

    Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated this on Monday in Abuja during a book launch.

    The book, written by Dr Manassah Jatau, a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, is titled, “A Sociology for Medical Practice.”

    Mustapha said, “Given one or two decades from now, Nigeria will become the third most populous country, coming after China and India.

    “There is an urgent need for us to begin to plan for this increase.

    “Right now, we are dealing with the youth population and we have not been able to provide solutions to some of the complaints in the country.”

    The SGF appreciated the author for his deep insight into issues of leadership in determining the effectiveness and efficiency of organizations, especially in physical and economic wealth, as captured in the book.

    Mustapha further emphasized the need to develop Nigeria’s traditional medicine, adding that it would create employment, develop the nation’s pharmaceutical products, as well as improve its economy.

    “There is also need for the introduction of traditional medicine. It will reduce the level at which Nigerians visit other countries for medical treatment,” the SGF added.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), eulogized Jatau for a job well done, stressing that the issues of health and environment could not be over-emphasized.

    Adeniyi noted that the retired Customs boss left indelible footprints in the service of the NCS, which are worthy of emulation, adding that the author has successfully married sociology and medicine.

    Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, former Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, who reviewed the book, said that the book contains both the knowledge of medicine and sociology.

    In his remarks, Jatau stated that “man is a social being and his health is influenced by numerous social factors, and the causes of most diseases lie deep in the social factors.”

    He explained that the book would help to recognise the cure, as well as prevent the occurrence of diseases and illnesses as it emphasizes healthy living conditions in human population and eliminates hazards to health.

    Jatau therefore appealed to government, scholars, medical practitioners and the public to take a critical look at the book and use it as a basis for their discussions and research.

  • PFN cautions Christians against amplifying Nigeria’s problems

    PFN cautions Christians against amplifying Nigeria’s problems

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), on Sunday in Abuja cautioned Christians against amplifying the country’s problems and challenges but to pray ceaselessly for the nation and its leaders.

    “Christians should not amplify the challenges or problems of the country, but pray and fill the vacuum of worries and anxieties with prayers.

    “God is showing mercy to our country and we shall prevail if we the people do not relent in prayers or give excuses not to pray,’’ PFN president, Bishop Wale Oke, said while giving the charge.

    It was at the end of a three-day Anchor Men’s conference of the PFN themed “In His Presence.’’

    The conference was part of an Anchor Business Breakfast Meeting organised annually by the Men’s Fellowship of Family Worship Centre (FWC) in Abuja.

    Oke advised Christians, especially Christian men not to lose close contact and relationships with God, His words and His presence.

    According to him, Christians, especially real Christian men should not lose their place in God’s presence, because it is in God’s presence that men will get clear directions for life.

    “According to Philippians 4:6 in the Holy Bible, God says be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayerful and supplicate with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.

    `This is the will of God, so instead of worrying and amplifying the challenges, pray about everything and watch God intervene,’’ he said.

    Oke said that it was only when men sought God’s guidance and directions to lead that they would be able to lead rightly and righteously.

    He added that where kings could not do anything, where the military was paralysed, and the economy could not be sustained, it was only the Word of God through prayers that would make a difference in the country.

    Pastor Oke prayed for peace and an ease of tension in all the regions of the country and in all spheres of governance.

    At the conference were Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is also the Chairman of the Anchor Men’s Fellowship, branch pastors of FWC and other ministers of God.

  • Again FG releases list of countries Nigerians should avoid

    Again FG releases list of countries Nigerians should avoid

    The Federal Government has issued travel advisory to Nigerians to Brazil, India, Turkey, citing risks from COVID-19.

    Mr Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, gave the advice during a Town Hall Meeting on COVID-19 vaccination for the North East Zone in Yola,

    The meeting was organised by the PSC in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    Mustapha, who was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, Minister of Environment, said Nigeria has the responsibility to safeguard the health of its people and block any chance to spread the COVID-19 in the country.

    “Nigerians are strongly advised to avoid non essential international travelling at this time especially to countries that are showing increase in number of COVID-19 deaths.

    “Consequently, any person who had visited Brazil, India and Turkey within 14 days preceding travel to Nigeria shall be denied entry into Nigeria.

    “Among other travelling guidelines, individuals, transporters and airlines who abuse the guidelines shall be sanction,’’ Mustapha said.

    He explained that the PSC has been monitoring with keen interest the rise in cases of COVID-19 abroad.

    ”The Federal Government deeply sympathises with the government and citizens of those countries and assured them of unflinching support and solidarity.

    ”All Governors are also advised to ensure that all returned international passengers in their respective states adhere strictly to the mandatory seven days isolation period,” he said.

    The PSC chairman said that the cardinal objective of the meeting was to provide means for the government, communities and other relevant stakeholders to discuss about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination in the country.

    The SGF noted that records available showed that the daily incident of COVID-19 in the country has reduced.

    Also speaking, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, said the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be the greatest health threat to the present generation.

    Ehanire disclosed that the impact of COVID-19 on country’s health, economic and social services have been so overarching, that it calls for all hands to be on the deck to focus on solutions to the disease.

    “This meeting today is the second in the series of town hall interactions across the country to afford the opportunity to rub minds with elders and arrive at a messaging strategy for citizen engagement in ongoing vaccination to protect Nigerians against COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Since Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 case in February 2020, the Federal Government has put measures in place to protect lives and mitigate the devastating effect of community transmission,’’ Ehanire said.

    He disclosed that Nigeria has lost over 2, 000 lives and it’s GDP has fallen by 23 per cent due to slowdown of global economic activity as a result of COVID-19.

    Also speaking, Dr Faisal Shuaibu, Executive Director, NPHCDA said that the town hall was organised to share mutual concerns, reach a consensus and take responsibilities in ongoing efforts to protect the citizens against the pandemic.

    “This Town Hall meeting is in line with the principles of pro-active community engagement, transparency and accountability of the PSC, under the able leadership of Mr.Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    “Our gathering here today is anchored on our core principles and conviction that it is not enough to offer vaccines to Nigerians.

    “But that we must also empower the people with the correct information required for them to make informed decisions about getting vaccinated against COVID-19,’’ Shuaibu said.

    Shuaibu said Nigeria received a shipment of nearly four million doses of the Oxford/Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    He said the agency across the country had provided first COVID-19 vaccine doses to 1,966,548 Nigerians, which represent about 98 per cent of those targeted in the first wave of the vaccination exercise.

    “We have begun providing second doses. Those individuals currently eligible for second doses will have received their first dose six to 12 weeks prior,’’ Shuaibu said.

    Participants include top government officials from federal and six states of the zone.

    Others who attended the meeting are members of the State Assemblies from the zone, Traditional and Religious leaders among others.

  • SGF clarifies phase 4 COVID-19 lockdown

    SGF clarifies phase 4 COVID-19 lockdown

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha has clarified misrepresentation in the briefing of the PSC on Monday.

    Mustapha on Tuesday in Abuja said it was erroneously reported that the federal government had re-introduced nationwide curfew between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. as part of the COVID-19 safety protocols.

    He, However, said the announcement by the National Incident Manager, Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed, during the PSC press briefing was taken out of context, stressing that the federal government did not relax the curfew imposed earlier under Phase Three of the eased lockdown.

    Rather, he explained that what Mohammed said was that the federal government was maintaining the curfew under the Phase Four of the phased restriction of movement.

    “Under the Fourth Phase of restriction of movement, night clubs, gyms and others will remain closed till further notice; while all citizens will also ensure that mass gatherings outside work settings do not exceed maximum of 50 people in an enclosed space.

    “These restrictions have been in existence under the Third Phase but are being maintained under the Phase Four of the phased restriction of movement,” said the SGF.

    He further said because people had been violating the safety protocols, they had forgotten that the protocols were never relaxed in the first place.

    “Therefore, the PSC hereby reiterates that there is no newly introduced lockdown. There is no need for the panic that followed the announcement of the Fourth Phase of the phased restriction of movement.

    “We will continue to appeal to members of the public to comply with these restrictions because they are necessary safety measures against contracting the dreaded coronavirus, which is still ravaging human populations across the world,” Mustapha said, while speaking with NAN.

    Recall President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the transition of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to PSC on COVID-19, which took effective from April 1, with a modified mandate to reflect the non-emergent status of COVID-19 as a potentially long-term pandemic.

    “The structure of the PSC shall reflect the new focus of the response with a targeted approach on vaccine oversight, risk communication, international travel quarantine processes and sub-national engagement; and that the tenure of the PSC shall last till 31 December, 2021,” said the president.

    He added that the PSC would maintain the present constitution, functions and strategies of the PTF; be supported by a slim technical and administrative structure.

    Mohammed is expected to formally take over from the National Coordinator, Dr. Sani Aliyu, and function as the Head (Technical Secretariat) and member of the PSC.

    In a similar vein, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed denied that the federal government has “introduced or re-introduced’’ new restrictions on COVID-19.

    The Minister made the rebuttal at a meeting with Online Publishers in Lagos State.

    Mohammed said there were no new restrictions, adding that the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19 only reiterated existing regulations to control spread of the disease.

    The minister, a member of the steering committee, said the committee’s national incident manager Mukhtar Mohammed was quoted out of context during the briefing of the committee on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the only thing that was newly introduced was that anyone, including Nigerians travelling from Brazil, Turkey or India, must go through compulsory quarantine.

    “What we did was the need to remind people of the existing extant regulations on Covid-19.

    “Government has not introduced anything new. You can still travel by air or road or any other means but ensure you wear your face mask.

    “We have not opened night clubs, the regulations on social distancing, social and religious gatherings, use of face mask are still in place.

    “The curfew between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. is still on and we are saying people must obey the existing protocols,’’ he said.

    The minister said the emphasis became imperative because Nigerians were taking things for granted and behaving as if COVID-19 had gone.

    He said India made the same mistake and they were paying dearly for it at the moment

    “This is the mistake that India made when they actually boasted they had conquered Covid-19.

    “They were holding political campaigns and religious festivals when a new variant of COVID -19 surfaced.

    “Today, they are recording more than 400,000 case per day and about 4,000 lives lost daily.

    “This is why every citizen must know where we are going,’’ he said.

    Mohammed said Nigeria had been fortunate not to record high rate of infection that it would not have the health infrastructure to handle.

  • COVID-19: FG extends work-from-home order for workers tíll June 11

    COVID-19: FG extends work-from-home order for workers tíll June 11

    As part of measures targeted at preventing the spread of deadly strains of COVID-19 in the country, the Federal Government on Monday extended its work-from-home directive for civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below.

    According to the Presidential Steering Committee On COVID-19 domiciled in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, civil servants will continue to work from home till June 11, 2021, after which the directive may be reviewed.

    Amid concerns about deadly COVID-19 strains in India, South Africa, Turkey and Brazil, the government also reestablished some measures which were put in place during the second COVID-19 wave in Nigeria which include restricted gatherings at worship centres and banned night clubs.

    The World Health Organisation Regional Virologist, Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi had said B.1.351 variant of the coronavirus, first found in South Africa, was spreading in 23 African countries.

    As of Sunday, Africa had recorded 4,673,466 cases. South Africa with 1.59 million cases has the highest number of infections in the continent.

    Nigeria has so far recorded 165,419 cases of the virus out of which 2,065 have died while 156,300 have been discharged.

    India, whose cases have attracted global attention following shortage of oxygen and hospital spaces, has recorded 22,991,927 infections.

    To prevent a similar occurrence in Nigeria, the National Incident Manager, Mukhtar Mohammed at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday said a nationwide curfew would be introduced from midnight of Monday. He said the curfew would run from 12 midnight till 4am daily.

  • FG secures first batch of COVID-19 vaccines for health workers

    FG secures first batch of COVID-19 vaccines for health workers

    The federal government has secured the first batch of 100,000 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines for frontline healthcare workers in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) made this known on Friday.

    Dr Shuaib said the 100,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are expected in the country by the end of January, 2021.

    He also said millions of other doses that will cover 20% of the Nigerian population will come in March.

    Speaking live on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Good Morning Nigeria show, the ED of the NPHCDA also said the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will, irrespective of other foreign certifications, carry out due diligence and certify the vaccines good enough before they would be used.

    “100,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are expected in the country by the end of January, 2021.

    “We are prioritising our health workers. When the vaccine arrives, 100,000 will go to the front line workers.

    “The first batch of 100,000 will be here in January. Millions of other doses that will cover 20% of the population will come in March.

    “Our focus is to get vaccines that our cold chain can manage. We have the ultra cold chain to keep them potent.

    “We have invested in cold chain equipments. We are aware the Covac Facility will bring additional vaccines that will work more in our environment.

    “We are also generating a more comprehensive database of such workers. There is a comprehensive deployment plan. We are identifying priorities especially those that work directly with patients and we have a list of these individuals that work across the country.

    “For us in the health sector, we must put in the effort and push the drive for vaccine. We must also listen to people and empathise with their concerns with continuous sensitization.

    “We are working with a regulatory agency — NAFDAC, irrespective of other foreign certification of the vaccine. There must be due diligence.

    “When the vaccines come, NAFDAC has to go through the assessment and processes to certify it good enough for Nigerians.

    “The leadership of NAFDAC is very important. They will work with WHO to certify the vaccines. We have competent Nigerians that can do the job,” Dr Shuaib said.

    Meanwhile, in a bid to encourage Nigerians to get inoculated, the ED had said President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will receive their COVID-19 vaccine doses on live television.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha will also receive the vaccine on live telecast in a move the government hopes will help drive awareness.

  • SGF, Boss Mustapha in isolation as family members test positive for COVID-19

    SGF, Boss Mustapha in isolation as family members test positive for COVID-19

    Some members of the family of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Boss Mustapha, have tested positive for the virus.

    He announced this in a statement that he personally issued in Abuja on Sunday night.

    The SGF informed that they tested positive on Saturday and are presently asymptomatic.

    According to him, both himself and wife, however, tested negative.

    He said in the statement: “I would like to inform the general public that some members of my household tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday evening.

    “Although they are currently asymptomatic, they have been isolated and are receiving care in one of the government treatment centres.

    “My wife and I tested negative but will remain in self-isolation and work from home according to protocols by the health authorities.

    “I would like to remind all Nigerians that COVID-19 is real. As the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced last week, we are recording an increase in cases across several states.

    “Please stay safe and protect yourself. Adhere to all public health and safety measures so that we do not lose the gains we have made in the fight against COVID-19.

    “As a family, we covet your prayers. Please take responsibility for yourself and protect our country!”

  • PTF shares high points of battle against COVID-19 in Nigeria

    PTF shares high points of battle against COVID-19 in Nigeria

    The Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus disease (PTFCOVID19) at the national briefing of Thursday shared high points of the battle against the dreaded disease in the country in the last three months.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chairman of the PTFCOVID19, Boss Mustapha, who is also Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) gave the highlights in his remarks.

    According to Mustapha, the PTF has planned a full mid-term report with larger stakeholders groups for 2nd and 3rd of July. However, he did give titbits of the high points.

    Read remarks by the SGF at the national briefing of Thursday below:

    I welcome you all to the National Briefing for Thursday, 18th June, 2020.

    2. Yesterday, Wednesday 17th June, 2020 made it exactly three months since the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 was inaugurated and assigned the task of putting in place sustainable measures for the control of the spread of the virus and strengthening our health care systems to withstand the deadly virus and prepare for the future. The PTF was given a time line of six months for its assignment

    3. You will recall that the ToR given to the PTF include the following:

    i. Strengthen the national response strategy, particularly in the areas of testing, containment and management of COVID-19;

    ii. Strengthen collaboration with all tiers of Government, Private Sector, Faith-Based Organizations, Civil Societies, Donors and Partners;

    iii. Build awareness among the populace;

    iv. Direct the deployment of any relevant national assets when necessary;

    v. Lay a foundation for scientific and medical research to address all emerging infectious diseases; and

    vi. Advise Government on the declaration of national emergency as part of the containment measures when necessary.

    4. It is therefore, very apposite that the PTF on COVID-19 undertake a Mid-Term Review to ascertain the extent to which it has been able to achieve set objectives. There has, no doubt, been some modest achievements, challenges and lessons learned over the past three months. The COVID-19 is certainly the greatest invisible public health emergency that has threatened humanity in modern history.

    5. As at the last recorded numbers on Wednesday 17th June, 2020, global figures of confirmed cases were 8,408, 203 resulting in 451,463 deaths in 213 countries. Unfortunately, as at the same period, Nigeria accounts for 17,735 and 469 fatalities. Ladies and gentlemen, these are not just numbers. They are our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and colleagues. These fatalities are forceful reminders of the task before us all.

    6. Although the PTF has planned a full mid-term report with larger stakeholders Groups on 2nd and 3rd July, 2020, we nevertheless find it necessary to share with you some of the high points of the last three months.

    7. The Presidential Task Force has the following functional working areas through which it implements its objectives. These are:

    (i) PTF National Pandemic Response Center (NPRC) Coordination

    (ii) Epidemiology & Surveillance

    (iii) Risk Communication & Community Engagement

    (iv) Laboratory

    (v) Security, Logistics & Mass Care

    (vi) Points of Entry

    (vii) Resource Mobilization

    (viii) Infection, Prevention & Control

    (ix) Research

    (x) Case Management

    (xi) Finance Monitoring & Compliance

    8. Since inception, several measures have been instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to curtail the spread of the disease and protect the health of Nigerians. These include:

    (i) Initial lockdown of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT;

    (ii) Ban on flights to prevent importation

    (iii) Ban on inter-state travels and domestic flights;

    (iv) Closure of schools and religious centres;

    (v) Imposition of nationwide curfew

    (vi) Easing of the lockdown in phases to allow for gradual reopening of the economy;

    (vii) Prescription of measures to be observed, to prevent spread such as:

    – Mandatory use of non-medical face mask/covering in public spaces

    – Mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers

    – Extensive temperature checks in all public spaces

    – Physical distancing of 2 metres between people in workplaces and other public spaces;

    – Prohibition of gathering of more than twenty (20) persons outside of a workplace

    9. In addition to non-pharmaceutical measures, the following capacity has been developed:

    (i) Expansion of the testing laboratories from two (2) to 38 as at today;

    (ii) Trained over 13,000 health workers in Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC);

    (iii) Developed policy and protocols for testing returning Nigerians;

    (iv) Developed policies and protocols for integration of primary healthcare into national response;

    (v) Developed stronger and sustainable policy for community engagement and risk Communication

    (viii) Collaborated with development partners to boost our resources and enrich our capacity for technical response;

    (ix) Raised the isolation centre bed space from three-thousand to over five thousand nation wide

    10. Let me acknowledge at this point the leadership and guidance by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, who has consistently supported and encouraged the PTF. The support received has been a huge boost to the determination of members for success. I similarly acknowledge the collaboration with other Committees set up to address the impact of the COVID-19 and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum

    11. The PTF consistently pursued a National Response that was under-pinned by science, data and global experiences that placed a high premium on our local peculiarities. The importance of this approach is further underscored by Mr. President’s call during yesterday’s Extra-ordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against the COVID-19 (Video Conferencing), when he called for knowledge sharing as a fundamental aspect of dealing with this pandemic, globally.

    12. Like the rest of the world, our National Response continues to face challenges, especially as there is no known cure for the virus, presently. These include inadequate infrastructure, manpower shortage, global shortage of essential items (test kits, PPE), strain on the economy which has compelled the need to balance between lives and livelihoods.

    13. By far the greatest challenges are human resistance to change, stigmatization, mental health, skepticism, culture, religious belief, rising incidents of domestic violence and a host of others. Ladies and gentlemen, the COVID-19 has changed our ways of life and we may never go back to what we used to know.

    14. As we push the frontiers of research at domestic and international levels, the debate on which drugs will be clinically suitable also continues. With our reliance on data and science, we eagerly look towards crossing the threshold of experiments into a world of cure. We continue to encourage our researchers and scientists to rise up to the occasion by submitting to the validation processes. The PTF’s position is that every treatment regime must be supported by incontrovertible scientific evidence.

    15. The PTF wishes to express its appreciation to our diverse stakeholder for their support and commitment to the course of humanity. These include the health workers (our last line of defence), security agencies, State Governments, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, international community, professional bodies and public-spirited Nigerians. Your contributions have been highly instrumental to our present level of progress.

    16. Ladies and gentlemen, the journey ahead of us all is even more important than the last three months. As you are aware, the main focus is on community engagement and risk communication while not neglecting the need to obey all the guidelines and non-pharmaceutical measures. We therefore crave your buy-in so that we can collectively become champions in the efforts to wipe out the virus.

    17. Always remember, that the virus is real, potent and dangerous. Our relaxed lock down should never be interpreted to mean otherwise. This point is further underscored by reported resurgence of a second wave in countries like China and the USA and this should put all of us on alert, knowing that this virus can only be eliminated if we agree to play our part.

    18. This call becomes more pertinent as we go fully into the rainy season that ordinarily brings with it cold, catarrh and other COVID-19 mimicking illnesses. Our call to take personal responsibility cannot be more strident than now.

    19. As we go forward, therefore, let us look forward to another three months of overwhelming successes, let us create awareness and sensitization, stop stigmatization of survivors and let’s encourage fellow citizens that have contracted the virus to enable them overcome the illness. Our choice of words matter. Our attitude and reactions to them help to boost the stability of their mental health. All combined will help our efforts to test, detect, trace, isolate and treat.

    20. I thank you for listening.