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Tag: COVID-19

  • COVID-19, most difficult situation for Nigeria since civil war – Rep

    COVID-19, most difficult situation for Nigeria since civil war – Rep

    The member representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has said the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents about the most difficult situation for Nigeria, probably since the civil war.

    Ogbeide-Ihama made this known in a statement on Thursday, describing the COVID-19 pandemic as like a scene from a doomsday sci-fi movie, and that as with every challenge that confronts man, the solutions always come from the same sources.

    The statement reads: “Like a scene from a doomsday sci-fi movie, we are faced with the reality of an invincible enemy that threatens our long-held traditions, strong communal bonds, and most seriously, our very existence. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) presents about the most difficult situation we have found ourselves, probably since the civil war.

    “While these are really scary times, we are not in a hopeless situation. As with every challenge that confronts man, the solutions always come from the same sources – Knowledge and Action. Defeating this scourge truly is not difficult if we will get accurate and genuine knowledge about it and take necessary actions to protect ourselves to stop the spread. Here are a few important things to know and do;

    “The virus can not harm us as long as it remains outside our bodies. So even if you contact someone who has it, it has no effect on you until you ingest it. We must not let it get in. That is why two of the most important actions you can take this period are to WASH YOUR HANDS ALWAYS and KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY FROM YOUR FACE! We must help stop the spread by avoiding as much as possible any sort of gatherings and avoid handshakes. As much as possible, the best place to be now is in your home.

    “Thankfully the government has helped by taking some pro-active steps that we believe will go a long way in stemming the spread if followed by our people. I commiserate with everyone who has tested positive so far, and ask that we keep them in our prayers. Let us appreciate very deeply our healthcare professionals working sacrificially in the front-lines of combating this pandemic. We will not lose any of them to this.

    “Let me add very importantly that we be careful about the authenticity of the information we consume this period. So much ‘fake news’ and ‘un-proven solutions’ permeate the social media space these days. It is important we act on information from only credible news sources, and as much as possible avoid any kind of self-medication. If you sense you have symptoms, please consult a health-care center.

    “I plead with our traders and sellers to have the fear of God in their hearts and compassion towards their brothers and sisters this period by resisting the temptation to hoard and over-price essentials goods. I have been shocked to see the astronomical rise in the costs of items like face-masks, hand-gloves, and hand-sanitizers. No ‘artificial-profit’ that costs lives is worth it. I am confident we will defeat this. We all just need to play our part. May God protect us and end this in the shortest time. Amen”.

     

  • Two of Buhari’s ministers test negative for COVID-19

    Two of Buhari’s ministers test negative for COVID-19

    Two Nigerian ministers have tested negative for the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

    Zainab Ahmed Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Clement Agba, Minister of State, Budget and National Planning both tested negative for Coronavirus on Thursday.

    According to Ahmed, on her twitter account, “I am grateful for negative #Covid19 test results & appreciate your concerns & prayers.

    “I urge all of us to practice social distancing, wash our hands & use sanitizers as frequently as possible to help put an end to this global pandemic. Please support by following guidelines.”

  • Covid-19: Senate President, Lawan urges Buhari to provide relief for poor Nigerians

    Covid-19: Senate President, Lawan urges Buhari to provide relief for poor Nigerians

    Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has called on the Federal Government to immediately devise ways of providing relief funds for poor Nigerians as a result of the restriction on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Lawan, according to a statement by his media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, made the appeal following a meeting between the leadership of the National Assembly and some ministers and heads of government agencies on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Senate President said apart from the lockdown of business activities in the country, a plan must be devised by the Federal Government through the release of funds specifically for the purpose of purchasing food and pharmaceutical supplies for ordinary Nigerians.

    He warned that not making provisions ahead of time to address the basic needs of poor Nigerians may likely lead to more problems for the government, and less result in controlling the spread of the disease.

    He said, “Our prayer is that we are able to overcome this menace of COVID-19 in good time, because it is really taking a toll on our lives.

    “If we have to eventually shut down our country, then as a government we must be prepared to have some relief for the most ordinary people.

    “As a government, we must find our own money to fund something for our people, because the United States of America that is talked about or the British Parliament is because this involves public funds.

    “I’m not seeing anything at the moment targeted at providing some relief. If we lock up Nigeria today, then we will wake-up trouble, because majority of our citizens go to market everyday before they can get something to eat.

    “So, you lock them up in their houses with a threat of disease and without food. We need to have something, a plan of some sorts, in addition to making sure we don’t lock up the farmers market for example, where people can easily go and buy something, and of course pharmacies.

    “We need to have some kind of supplies to people, I don’t know how we can achieve this, but we have to be ingenious.
    “This is a time to think deep and wide, to provide for our people, in order for us at least to deal with this challenge at the moment,” Lawan advised.

    The Senate President, in addition, urged the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control to establish more testing and isolation centres as soon as more funds are released to it by the Federal Government.

    He added that the Senate Committees on Appropriation, Finance and National Planning will oversight the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control on the strict application of the N6.5 billion to be released for the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

    He said, “I believe that our committees on Health, in the Senate and in the House, must be alert to this, when funds are released, so that they (NCDC) don’t just go on jamboree spending the money elsewhere, where we may not achieve this kind of spread that is extremely necessary,” the Senate President said.

  • Covid-19: Lagos to flood streets with military, police from tomorrow to keep nonessential people off streets

    Following a virtual meeting held between Lagos State Government, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA) on Wednesday, a resolution to engage the Nigeria Army and police was reached to ensure compliance of a partial lockdown in Lagos.

    According to reports, the said meeting held in Lagos between 11am – 1.00pm , 25th March 2020, on COVID -19 Update.

    Below are the highlights of the Sanwo-Olu’s response based on the issues and challenges companies raised;

    · NECA (FMCG & Pharmaceutical companies) – about 24 participants including PZCN represented by Kayode and myself; Others are Nestle, Unilever, Nigeria Breweries, Frischland, Promascido, Flourmill, Honeywell Flourmill, Spar, Niemeth Pharmacy, Shoprite, Cadbury, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, etc.

    · NB PLC provided IT facility to enable the meeting.

    · Lagos will not be on complete lockdown but slow down. Intention is to take non essentials out of the street.

    · There will be increased military presence (army, police, navy, air force and other para military organisations) as from tomorrow on the road to ensure compliance.

    · Security – the police & military will be well briefed to be cautious with citizens to avoid untoward incidents. Government will over index on security.

    · FMCGs are essential goods classified as daily need products, foods and drugs, beverages, health and hygiene products, medicaments, etc.

    · Employees of these companies must carry their IDs to and from work to ensure easy identification and smooth passage.

    · All Food markets shall remain open.

    · The retail chains – Spar, Game, Shoprite etc. shall remain open daily. People should not panic buy. Government will ensure that supplies are kept flowing.

    · Government will open additional 50 – 60 emergency markets in school premises that will be allocated to FMCG companies to go in and erect stands to sell their essential goods for people who cannot go to Spar and Shoprite to go and buy their daily needs.

    · Electronics markets, shops, spare parts markets, clothes markets and all classified as non-essentials shall be closed down.

    · Transport for intra city commuting shall be allowed to operate, especially Lagos State Transport Buses.

    · Trucks carrying inbound supplies or outbound products of FMCG companies will be allowed to operate to ensure supplies continuity of essential products. These trucks must have means of identification to enable law enforcement identify them easily. To this end, we will get our transport to make cardboard with PZCN logo for easy identification.

    · Intercity and Interstate supplies are a challenge outside Lagos because most states governments have imposed no entry into their state especially from Lagos. The Governor promised to put a call immediately after the meeting to Chairman of Governors forum of the federation who is governor of nearby Ekiti State (Gov Fayemi) for him to use his office and prevail on all state governments to co-operate and allow SC trucks of FMCG companies delivering essential raw materials and products supplies free passage into and through the states of the federation to ensure supply continuity. How fast and far this will happen remains to be seen. We will monitor deliveries across the countries and update.

    · Garbage clearance off the streets and road by LAWMA – Lagos State Waste Management Authority- shall work all through to remove filth.

    · Government will reach out to Airport and Sea Ports operators (NAHCO; APMT, Maersk etc. ) to get them prioritise FMCG materials clearing over others during this period.

    · Tax incentives and reliefs (breaks) to companies and citizens due to increased cost during this crisis times. Governor mentioned that it is being considered by the State Government.

    · ISOLATION Centres – Government is setting up centres across the state in Yaba, Onikan, Lekki, Gbagada. Target is to achieve 2000 bed capacity by end March.

    · TESTING Centres – Government is setting up 3 testing centres with capacity to test 100 people per day. 2 already functioning and the third is WIP.

    · To conclude Governor released key contacts to NECA members for quick access to key commissioners including Commissioner of Police and his ADC.

    · The NECA forum with Governor shall remain a standing forum for crisis management. Will be meeting once or twice weekly as the case may arise. Members will be notified accordingly.

  • COVID-19: Six things countries must do to successfully tackle pandemic during lockdown – WHO

    Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, has urged countries that had introduced “lockdown” measures to use this time to attack Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Ghebreyesus gave the advice in a speech read at a news conference in Geneva, posted on the agency’s website.

    The director-general said that no fewer than 16,000 lives had been lost to the virus.

    “We know we will lose more – how many more will be determined by the decisions we make and the actions we take now.

    “To slow the spread of COVID-19, many countries have introduced unprecedented measures, at a significant social and economic cost. They have closed schools and businesses, cancelled sporting events and asked people to stay home and stay safe.

    “We understand that these countries are now trying to assess when and how they will be able to ease these measures.

    “The answer depends on what countries do while these population-wide measures are in place.

    “Asking people to stay at home and shutting down population movement is buying time and reducing the pressure on health systems.

    “But on their own, these measures will not extinguish epidemics. The point of these actions is to enable the more precise and targeted measures that are needed to stop transmission and save lives,’’ he said.

    Ghebreyesus further advised countries that had adopted “lockdown” measures to take some actions to attack the virus.

    According to him, the countries have created a second window of opportunity, but “the question is, how will you use it?

    “There are six key actions that we recommend. First, expand, train and deploy your health care and public health workforce.

    “Second, implement a system to find every suspected case at the community level; third, ramp up the production, capacity and availability of testing.

    “Fourth, identify, adapt and equip facilities you will use to treat and isolate patients; fifth, develop a clear plan and process to quarantine contacts;

    “And sixth, refocus the whole of government on suppressing and controlling the Coronavirus.’’

    He said the measures were the best way to suppress and stop transmission so that when restrictions are lifted, the virus doesn’t resurge.

    “The last thing any country needs is to open schools and businesses, only to be forced to close them again because of a resurgence.

    “Aggressive measures to find, isolate, test, treat and trace are not only the best and fastest way out of extreme social and economic restrictions – they are also the best way to prevent them.

    “More than 150 countries and territories still have fewer than 100 cases.’’

  • COVID-19: Agency charges residents of Warri, Uvwie to clean up surroundings

    COVID-19: Agency charges residents of Warri, Uvwie to clean up surroundings

    As part of measures to enhance personal hygiene and curb the spread of diseases including the ravaging Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) has charged communities and residents of the area to immediately embark on a cleaning exercise of their surroundings.

    The Agency said that it was pertinent for the people to instantly tidy up their environment not just to promote a healthy living but particularly to ensure that the circumstance that could stimulate the growth and spread of the corona virus was avoided.

    In a statement issued by the Director General (DG) of WUEDA, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, the Agency said that due to the seriousness and urgency of the issue at stake, the people have to commence the cleaning exercise straightaway and not wait for a government declared environmental sanitation day.

    “Given the devastating effect of the corona virus (covid-19) worldwide and the increasing rate of its spread in Nigeria, we have no other option now than to clean up our surroundings, on individual and house to house basis.

    “Besides keeping our environment neat, it will help us to live healthy, checkmate the spread of infectious diseases like the corona virus.

    “So we plead with you all in the Warri and Uvwie axis to go clean up that gutter in your front, that heap of dirt in front of your kitchen and that refuse in your office, shop and market place. Above all, maintain a clean attitude inside your residence,” the DG said in the statement.

    Macaulay who is a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) reiterated the government’s commitment to the integrated development of the entire Warri and Uvwie axis through the master drainage project and facelift of the area.

    According to him, the charge for the people to clean up their surroundings did not mean that the government was running away from its responsibilities.

  • COVID-19: How to keep Nigerians happy as government enforces stay home order

    COVID-19: How to keep Nigerians happy as government enforces stay home order

    The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has turned the world into something like a zombie movie right now, with governments across the globe having to issue stay home orders, and enforcing the same by every means possible.

    While the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weakness of humanity, it has shown that we can actually do things differently – work from home, do transactions online, worship our God differently – otherwise thought impractical in some climes.

    Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone would agree that a total lockdown is the answer to curtail the outbreak. We have seen great measures countries like France, Canada has put in place to make this time less depressing for their citizens.

    However a nation like Nigeria is not prepared for such, but Elijah Bello gives us 5 things we can do with what we have to make a lockdown possible and less depressing for Nigerians.

    1. Keep banks, groceries available and affordable

    Keep Banks and grocery stores in minimal operations with precautions. People need to be assured of easy access to life basic needs. When citizens are sure to get basic needs when they need it, panic disappears so we can focus on the problem. Aside sending out keeping safe messages, major banks in the country such as, Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, GTBank, Union Bank, Access Bank, Unity Bank, First Bank, and the many others should think out of the box and do more. Government should make sure grocery stores and markets are opened and controlled.

    2. Ensure stable and cheap power, including petrol and cooking gas

    Have you noticed that Nigerians usually stay indoors when there is stable power supply? This human behavior should be capitalized on. This is time for NERC to man up, and the various electricity distribution companies to live up to expectations. It is either we make power available or we also capitalize on the crash in oil prices and sell cheaper, so Nigerians can fuel their gen sets and sit at home. Same as cooking gas and kerosine.

    3. Ensure fast and cheap Internet

    This is another aspect where reality is catching up with us. An average Nigerian masses off his/her data more than 8 hours a day. If we really want people to practice social distancing, we need to provide a cheaper alternative. Internet is not cheap in Nigeria and this may be the time to fix it. And, no, we don’t want a GPRS data bundle sold as a 4G LTE bundle. Let’s check the speed. Nigerians will happily remain at home if Internet is readily available. Telecoms companies, such as Airtel, MTN, Glo, 9mobile can use this as their own way of contributing to curtailing the pandemic.

    4. Ensure cheap cable TV and start great and relaxing programs on radio and TV stations

    There is no reason why organizers of Ultimate Love should be packing up early. After having stable power or cheap fuel to power gen sets, an average citizen would get locked to their TV sets, while pressing phones. Nigerians would love to stay at home. But how can an average citizen afford DStv in this crisis? Maybe if data is cheap enough we can just NETFLIX anyway.

    5. Educate! Educate!! Educate!!!

    If data is cheap, power is available or cheap and more people now have direct access to information (TV) and radio, the government could seize the opportunity to do continuous education and timely updates.

     

    Drop a comment on ways you think Nigerians could be happy at home in these times.

  • BREAKING: Ex-President Jonathan breaks silence on COVID-19

    BREAKING: Ex-President Jonathan breaks silence on COVID-19

    For the first time since the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria, former President Goodluck Jonathan has aired his voice.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Goodluck Jonathan took to his official social media platforms to air his voice on the pandemic, encouraging Nigerians not to despair at this time.

    “Today our world faces a global crisis that threatens our peace, hope, and freedoms. Across the globe is the climate of fear, havoc, and consequences of a new enemy, Coronavirus Disease- COVID – 19.

    “Dear Compatriot, this is not a time to fear or despair; it is a moment of responsibility, courage and faith. It is time to demonstrate good citizenship by yielding to relevant policies and guidelines put in place by government and its agencies to combat the challenge of COVID- 19.

    “As a country, ours is a history of many triumphs in times of global and national challenges.In 2014, through solidarity and unity of purpose, we combated the dreaded Ebola virus.

    “More than ever before, now is the time for action, solidarity and patriotism. Let’s all brace up and work together to combat this new scourge COVID- 19,” the former President stated.

  • Akeredolu tests negative for COVID-19

    Akeredolu tests negative for COVID-19

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has tested negative to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.

    His samples were collected after some persons in the presidency tested positive to coronavirus.

    Akeredolu revealed his status on COVID-19 via his Twitter handle.

    The Ondo Governor shared the message his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, sent to him about the lab results.

    “Good morning sir. The result is negative. Congratulations your Excellency”

    In his tweet, Akeredolu said, “I just received the above text from the Commissioner for Health regarding my #Covid19 test results. We give all glory to God. Wish everyone affected speedy recovery.”

  • Just in: NMA warns Buhari on poor handling of Covid-19, demands unified lockdown

    Just in: NMA warns Buhari on poor handling of Covid-19, demands unified lockdown

    The Nigerian Medical Association has warned President Muhammadu Buhari-led government over the poor handling of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country while calling for a uniform and immediate lockdown of the country.

    Nigeria has so far recorded 51 confirmed cases of the virus and one recorded death.

    The NMA in a statement by Francis Faduyile, its President, on Thursday said key strategies in containing the virus were largely absent or sub-optimally implemented.

    It said based on assessment of the response so far, federal and state authorities were working independently, thus leaving several grounds uncovered.

    The NMA further lamented the absence of purpose-built isolation centers unlike in the past when infectious disease hospitals existed in every state of the federation.

    In the statement, the NMA called for the immediate and uniform lockdown of every state and non-essential services as well as synergy between the federal and state governments in handling the pandemic.

    The group also called on the Nigerian Government to give incentives to every medical practitioner and volunteer helping to contain the spread of the virus, adding that government must reconvene the 2014 team that tackled Ebola to assist with effective planning.