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Tag: Kaduna State

  • BREAKING: Almajirai deported from Kano tested positive for COVID-19 in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Government has confirmed five new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the State, bringing the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the State to nine.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni Commissioner of Health for Kaduna State made this known in a statement on Monday, revealing that the new cases were among Almajirai recently deported from Kano.

    The statement reads: “The Kaduna State Ministry of Health regrets to confirm that five new cased of Covid-19 have been identified in the state. There are now nine active cases in the state.

    “The new cases are among almajirai who were recently repatriated from Kano. The contacts of the new cases are being traced so that they can be monitored and tested if they meet the case definition.

    “The new patients have been moved to the Infectious Diseases Control Centre, the state’s premier isolation centre. Our medical professionals are treating them with the same high standards and we wish all our nine active cases speedy recovery.

    “Testing capacity has improved in the state. Two labs, one each in Kaduna and Zaria, have been accredited by NCDC to conduct Covid-19 tests.

    “The Ministry of Health wishes to remind the general public of the importance of hand-washing, personal hygiene, social distancing and the avoidance of large gatherings in helping protect us all from Covid-19. It is important to stay home, stay safe and save lives”.

  • BREAKING: Kaduna State extends lockdown by 30 days

    BREAKING: Kaduna State extends lockdown by 30 days

    The Kaduna State Government has extended the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown in the State by 30 days.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Muyiwa Adekeye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication made this known in a statement on Sunday.

    Read full statement below:

    KADUNA UPDATE: KDSG extends quarantine by 30 days

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has extended the quarantine orders being enforced in the state for another 30 days. The governor’s decision follows a recommendation to that effect by the State Standing Committee on Covid-19, which is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe. This is effective from today, 26th April 2020.

    With Covid-19 cases rising rapidly in neighbouring states and the FCT, and with strong evidence of interstate travel being a major means of spreading the virus, the Standing Committee’s evaluation is that measures to protect Kaduna State residents require further strengthening and more vigorous enforcement.

    Malam Nasir El-Rufai has endorsed this evaluation and has accordingly reviewed the Quarantine Orders to strengthen the provisions against unauthorised movements. The two-day window during which the restriction of movement is relaxed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays has been reduced to only one day.

    Henceforth, only Wednesdays will be lockdown-free, until the trajectory of Covid-19 infections becomes clearer.

    All persons that venture out of their homes for whatever reason must wear facemasks and observe social distancing everywhere they go, in markets and in authorised vehicles. Government is making efforts to provide facemasks for poor and vulnerable residents, and it appeals to everyone that can afford it to get their tailors to make them cloth face masks which they can wash after every use. The government also encourages tailors to produce facemasks for sale to those that are neither poor nor vulnerable.

    Wearing of face masks will be robustly enforced as a critical public health measure to reduce person-person transmission.

    The state government said that the measures announced on 26th March 2020, to contain Covid-19 remain in force and have been renewed. These were imposed in exercise of the powers vested in the Governor by Section 45 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended), Sections 2 and 8 of the Quarantine Act 1926, now known as CAP Q2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and the Public Health Law of 1917.

    Therefore, further to these declarations, and in accordance with the law, the quarantine orders imposed at midnight on Thursday, 26th March 2020, are further extended for another 30 days, with the following conditions, amongst others:

    i. All residents of Kaduna State are quarantined and must stay at home.

    ii. No office, event centre, market, shop or business of any sort or place of worship is allowed to open;

    iii. The only category of persons exempted are workers in essential services such as health workers, the fire service, water corporation, electricity distribution and security personnel. Tankers conveying fuel to petrol stations are also permitted to move;

    iv. Businesses in the food and pharmaceutical value-chain are exempted; and shall enjoy the protections accorded to other essential services;

    v. Schools, places of worship, event centres, sports grounds, bars, restaurants, public parks and all other places where large crowds could gather are to remain closed until further notice.

    vi. Residents are advised to stay at home, observe social distancing, avoid large gatherings, wear facemasks and wash their hands regularly with soap and water.

    The Quarantine Orders prescribe fines, imprisonment and forfeiture for violations of the provisions specified therein.

    The Kaduna State Government has clearly stated that no visitor is welcome to enter the state while the Covid-19 pandemic is raging. Entry into or passage through Kaduna State is prohibited whilst the Quarantine Orders remain in force. Persons seeking to come into the state will be denied entry. Such persons will be given the option of returning to their take-off points or entering isolation for 14 days in locations and conditions that are so austere that nobody can mistake them for holiday resorts.

    The vehicles being used to enable such attempts to breach the quarantine conditions will be confiscated and forfeited to the government. The companies operating those vehicles will also be prosecuted and shall lose their license to operate in the state, even after the Covid-19 pandemic is contained. Within the state, vehicles of whatever type that are determined to be in violation will be confiscated and forfeited to the government, while the persons driving them will be fined, and may be imprisoned upon conviction. Motorcycle taxis and tricycles (popular known as Keke Napep) are prohibited in the state. Persons driving or riding in them shall be prosecuted while the vehicles shall be forfeited upon conviction.

    Mobile courts have been empowered by the Quarantine Orders to try violators and impose the prescribed penalties, including fines, imprisonment and forfeiture of vehicles, upon conviction.

    Conscious of the need to keep vital industries and businesses in the farming, food and pharmaceutical value chains operational, trailers and trucks conveying food, seeds, fertilizer and medical products are exempted from the restriction of movement. Such vehicles must, however, not carry more than three persons, including the driver. Otherwise they will be deemed to be engaging in illegal transport of persons which is a breach of quarantine orders.

    Anyone thinking of disguising as a food vendor by parading a few bags of rice or other food in their cars must cut the pretence as they will be prosecuted at the mobile court and the vehicle forfeited to the government upon conviction.

    The Kaduna State Government has also directed the Ministry for Local Government to ensure that local government chairmen are fully involved in enforcing the quarantine orders in their council areas. The Ministry of Local Government has also reminded traditional and community leaders of their obligation to report violations of quarantine conditions in their localities. Places of worship that violate the quarantine orders in any form will lose their titles to the land and the buildings will be demolished.

    Regarding burials, guidelines from the Ministry of Health will outline the maximum number of persons that can attend any burial, while observing safety and social distancing rules. Gatherings for condolence are prohibited until the Covid-19 pandemic is declared over. The burial of any fatality from Covid-19 will be in accordance with the strict protocol to be announced by the Commissioner of Health.

    The extension of the quarantine conditions imposes an obligation to make provision for the low income, poor and vulnerable persons that would be adversely affected, as they may be unable to earn any income while the lockdown persists. The state government has done a first phase of distribution of food across 59 community clusters in nine local government areas. The next phase will be conducted across the 23 local government areas.

    To fund the provision of these support packages, the Kaduna State Government expects all those fortunate enough to still earn a regular income to live up to their neighbourly responsibility towards those who are unable to earn any money due to no fault of theirs. Therefore, the less than 100, 000 persons who work for the Kaduna State Government as political appointees and public servants must contribute financially towards enabling the almost 10m persons living in the state to survive and thrive in this emergency period.

    Therefore, the Kaduna State Government has directed all its senior appointees, including Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers and Heads of Agencies to each donate N500,000 in April 2020. In subsequent months, they will donate 50% of their salaries until the quarantine ends. Other categories of political appointees will also be making monthly donations to support the provision of relief to the low income, poor and vulnerable residents of the state.

    Career public servants earning a net pay of N67,000 and above after tax will also donate 25% of their pay monthly whilst the quarantine conditions are in place. No public servant will have less N50,000 monthly to manage in this emergency period.

    We are obliged to demonstrate that as government workers, we care enough for others to donate part of our earnings for their wellbeing. As a state government, we are also seeking donations from high net worth individuals, the private sector and development partners to support our efforts to contain Covid-19 and its consequences.

    The Kaduna State Government wishes to inform potential donors that we prefer donations to be in kind: personal protective equipment, PCR machines, medical facilities and equipment, facemasks, food, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer, seeds and seedlings and other support for farmers. The state government will publicly acknowledge all donations in addition to the letters of appreciation that shall be sent to all donors.

    Signed

    Muyiwa Adekeye

    Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication)

    26th April 2020

  • Kaduna govt. sets up mobile courts to try violators of lockdown order

    Kaduna govt. sets up mobile courts to try violators of lockdown order

    The Kaduna State Government on Friday said it had set up mobile courts to try violators of its lockdown order.

    The state’s Solicitor-General, Chris Umar, in a letter dated April 22, to the Chief Registrar of Kaduna State High Court, said the decision was taken by the State Executive Council to enforce the executive order.

    The solicitor-general said that the mobile courts would deal with violators summarily without the need for the present cumbersome procedure of taking offenders to court over such violation.

    According to Umar, magistrates that will preside over the mobile courts have already been assigned by the state Ministry of Justice.

    He explained that the magistrates would be sitting at various locations across the city starting with Kakuri, Kawo, Magajin Gari, Rigasa, Sabon-Tasha, Maraban Rido and Rigachikun.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, had invoked the 1999 Constitution, Sections 2 and 8 of the Quarantine Act of 1926 and the Kaduna State Public Health Law of 1917 and imposed a lockdown throughout the state on March 26.

    Violations of the restriction of movement order, social distancing and the gathering of large crowds have been reported.

    The state government had threatened to sanction traditional leaders of communities where such violations took place.

    The deputy governor had also threatened to revert to the 24 hour-lockdown, by closing the two-day weekly window of Tuesdays and Wednesdays that allows residents to re-stock foodstuffs.

  • BREAKING: Governor El-Rufai cleared of COVID-19

    BREAKING: Governor El-Rufai cleared of COVID-19

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been cleared of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after testing negative twice of the infection.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor El-Rufai made this known in a statement on Wednesday, expressing delight at recovery after nearly four weeks in isolation.

    The statement reads: “In the evening of Saturday, 28 March 2020, I was notified that I had tested positive for Covid-19. I immediately made a public disclosure of this sad news and proceeded into isolation under the strict supervision of our healthcare professionals.

    “I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.

    “I thank Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy. I also acknowledge with gratitude the massive outpouring of sympathy, prayers and public support that followed the disclosure of the infection. My family not only went through the trauma of potentially losing a member, but also the risk of being infected as well. The entire family has been supportive as usual, while my many friends and colleagues from all over the world have sent their prayers and best wishes.

    “I wish to thank the diligent medical personnel of our Ministry of Health and the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital who managed my case for their dedicated and professional care.

    “It was cheering to see the determined efforts of our Covid-19 Task Force chaired by the Deputy Governor, the officials of our Ministry of Health ably led by the Commissioner and our security/enforcement agencies, to manage and contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

    “I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, for her reassuring leadership of our team in my absence. In this trying period, our senior officials have demonstrated admirable commitment and the flexibility to provide governance in circumstances that are so different from the old normal. The commitment, competence and capabilities displayed by the Kaduna State Government in my four-week absence is clear evidence that we have a public service we can all be proud of.

    “I am relieved by my recovery. With the privilege of life, sound health, and the support and prayers of our citizens, I will continue to lead the Kaduna State Government’s efforts to ensure that as few of our people as possible get infected by Covid-19, and that those who do can receive adequate and timely care and treatment. Our emphasis is rightly on prevention because it is the prudent thing to do to save lives, given the limited capacity of our health system.

    “I am delighted by the recovery of four other Covid-19 cases who were discharged last week which was followed yesterday with the discharge of a fifth patient. On Monday, we received the sad news of three more positive cases in Kaduna State. They will receive the best care that our dedicated health professionals can muster and we wish them speedy recovery from Covid-19.

    “We must all work hard to ensure that we keep Covid-19 out of Kaduna State. We have lower infection rates than expected due to stringent measures we imposed in our state, but we cannot let our guards down. We are in dangerous times. This disease is a threat to our humanity, our lives and livelihoods. As someone that has experienced it, I will not wish it on my worst enemy.

    “We must reiterate that an infected person can show no symptoms as I did, for up to two weeks, while unknowingly infecting others close to him or even through casual contact. That is why mixing with many people is not a good idea. While four of every five infected persons show mild symptoms like headache, fever and cough and recover fully, there is evidence worldwide that older people and those with pre-existing health challenges like hypertension and diabetes are particularly at greater risk of dying if they get the Covid-19 infection.

    “We must therefore do everything to avoid exposure and prevent the spread of this disease in our towns and villages. We must now make the sacrifices of enhanced domestic hygiene, regular hand-washing with soap, staying at home and avoiding crowds to defeat this disease.

    “Let me conclude by informing the citizens of Kaduna State that I have issued another amendment to the Quarantine Regulations requiring everyone in the State to wear a face mask when going out of the home or workplace for any reason. The State Government is going to make these masks available free to the poor and vulnerable groups, and encourage everyone that can afford it to get their neighborhood tailor to sew cloth masks for their use. This will help protect them, their loved ones and everyone else from the spread of this disease.

    “Once again, we appeal to everyone to stay at home, observe social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and wash our hands with soap and water regularly.

    “Stay home, stay safe, save lives! God Bless and Protect Kaduna State. God Bless and Protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

  • Gov. El-Rufai: ‘I haven’t shaved since I went into isolation, but I am fine, getting better’ [PHOTO]

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has said he is yet to shave since going into isolation, but that he is fine and getting better every passing day.

    Governor El-Rufai made this known on Monday after taking part in the daily virtual meeting of the State Standing Committee on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), chaired by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe.

    “Earlier today, I took 2 hours out of isolation to attend the daily virtual meeting of State Standing Committee on Covid-19, chaired by Deputy Governor @DrHadiza Balarabe.

    “Since there is some fake news circulating that I am in an ICU in a Lagos Hospital, a nice ICU picture will help debunk the evil news!

    “For the avoidance of any doubt, I have been isolated for the past 24 days in a wing of the Government House, Kaduna undergoing treatment for coronavirus from doctors of the State Ministry of Health.

    “As the pictures show, I have not shaved since I went into isolation so that I will have a new Covid-19 look to remember when this pandemic passes, as it surely will by the Grace of God.

    “I appreciate these dedicated public servants as well as all those that called or sent messages expressing concern and sympathy, but I am fine and getting better every passing day,” Governor El-Rufai stated.

    See photo of unshaved Governor El-Rufai in isolation below:Gov. El-Rufai: 'I haven't shaved since I went into isolation, but I am fine, getting better' [PHOTO]

  • EXCLUSIVE: Kaduna Gov’t. intensifies lockdown order enforcement amid 2 weeks black out in Zonkwa

    It’s serious business in Kaduna State as far as the lockdown order by Governor Nasir Elrufai is concern. Law enforcement agents are not taking things for granted. They are in every nooks and crannies of the state no matter how small a community is enforcing the lock down order without fear of favour.

    The state government gave the lock down other two weeks ago to tame the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

    It’s week three of the lock down and while a few Communities manage to stay indoors, it’s a tough task for residents of Zonkwa.

    Located in Southern part of Kaduna, Zonkwa a Christian dominated town is the Headquarter of Zangon Kataf Local government area of the state. The town which only enjoyed electricity in the first five days of the lockdown, is now in total blackout caused by a torrential rainfall that collapsed the high tension cables in the town. This has not been going down well with residents of the town especially now that the state government has intensified the enforcement of the lock down order. “….these poles have been down for two weeks now and no attempt to raise them…we are suffering in this lock down….” Yazonom Iliyasu a resident of Zonkwa told TNG.

    Commissioner of Internal Affairs Samuel Aruwan led a team of heavily armed security operatives on Saturday to the town to ensure that the usual Saturday Market activities did not take place. Religious organisations have been adhering to the lock down order by using the social media and other online platforms to connect to their faithfuls but the electricity challenge is really a contriant to them. One of the clergy men Pastor Yusuf Dauda from Fadan Kaje area of the town pleaded with the state government to include the constant supply of electricity among it’s palliatives measures during the lock down.

    Kaduna State has a total of six(6) Covid-19 cases including the State Governor Malam Nasir Elrufai who was the index case.

  • COVID-19: Kaduna Govt reveals test result of man in viral video

    The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Sunday said the man in a viral video tested negative for the Coronavirus (Covid-19).

    A video had surfaced online, that went viral, in which a man was shown in distress and people suspected that he had been infected with the virus.

    But Dr Amina Baloni, the State Commissioner for Health, in a statement in Kaduna said his test result returned negative but was diagnosed with severe hypertension.

    ” Tasiu Mohammed, the man who was shown in distress in a video that was widely circulated a few days ago, has tested negative to COVID-19.

    “The 27-year old, had been sick for a while before he traveled from Ogun State to his hometown in Jigawa.

    ”Given his sickly state, the vehicle he was traveling in dropped him at the Western Bye-pass in Kaduna.

    ”From there, he was taken to the Primary Health Centre in Hayin Bankin, where the video was recorded by people frightened that he might be a COVID-19 case,” she said.

    Baloni said the patient was evacuated from Hayin Bankin to the isolation centre where he was assessed by the medical team, tested for COVID-19 and his result returned negative.

    “He was treated as a case of severe hypertension with acute pulmonary oedema, unfortunately, he passed away at the isolation centre,” she said.

    Baloni said that his relatives were informed and they gave permission for him to be buried in Kaduna in view of the current restriction of movements.

    She said that the Ministry of Health wished to appeal to the good people of Kaduna State to avoid spreading rumours, especially on social media, without ascertaining facts.

    Baloni said that COVID-19 was deadly.

    “The Ministry wishes to remind the public of the importance of hand washing, personal hygiene, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings, in helping to contain COVID-19 spread, she said.

    The Commissioner said that it was important to stay home, stay safe and save lives.

  • El-Rufai: ‘I’ve not been cleared of COVID-19’, Kaduna Governor speaks from isolation

    El-Rufai: ‘I’ve not been cleared of COVID-19’, Kaduna Governor speaks from isolation

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said he is yet to be cleared of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), stressing that when he is cleared, he will personally announce it.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor El-Rufai made this known on Wednesday, having earlier chaired a virtual meeting of the State Executive Council from the centre where he is being isolated.

    “Earlier Wednesday 10am-2pm, I took few hours during isolation to chair a virtual meeting of the State Executive Council. I haven’t been cleared of Covid-19 yet & will personally announce when confirmed negative.

    “I am grateful to our team ably led by the Deputy Governor for keeping the government going without me. I am super proud of all our Commissioners, SSG, Senior aides, Advisers, Assistants, security agency & other government officials for a job well done,” El-Rufai stated.

    TNG learnt that the Council discussed the State’s Governance Continuation Plan and the revised 2020 Budget being proposed to take account of the revenue impact of Covid-19.

    Recall that Governor El-Rufai on Saturday 28 March tested positive to Coronavirus, being the first case of COVID-19 recorded in the state. Since then, confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased to six in the State as of April 15th.

    Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government said it has discharged one out of the six infected Covid-19 patients from the Infectious Disease Centre in Kaduna.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni disclosed this at the virtual meeting of the state executive council on Wednesday. She said that the patient has recovered following treatment at the isolation centre.

    “The patient’s recovery has been confirmed by two consecutive negative results, the second of which came yesterday, Tuesday, 14 April 2020,” the Commissioner said.

    The Commissioner further said that the State government is looking forward to the recovery and discharge of the other five Covid-19 patients in the State.

  • COVID-19: Kaduna discharges one patient

    Kaduna State Government said it has discharged one out of the six infected Covid-19 patients from the Infectious Disease Centre in Kaduna

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni disclosed this at the Virtual meeting of the state executive council on Wednesday. She said that the patient has recovered following treatment at the isolation centre.

    The Commissioner further said that the ‘’ state government is looking forward to the recovery and discharge of the other five Covid-19 patients in the state.’’

    ‘’They are also advised to avoid large gatherings and stay at home, except it is absolutely necessary to go out. Wherever they are, they should also practise respiratory hygiene,’’ she advised.

    According to her, “the patient’s recovery has been confirmed by two consecutive negative results, the second of which came yesterday, Tuesday, 14 April 2020.’’

    Dr Baloni acknowledged ‘’ the dedicated contributions of our various teams that are contributing to our collective Covid-19 efforts. We also wish to pay tribute to the medical professionals at the Infectious Disease Centre for the successful management of this patient.”

  • Lockdown: Kaduna residents complain of hunger, demand food

    Lockdown: Kaduna residents complain of hunger, demand food

    Some residents of Kaduna have expressed reservation over the stay-at-home order imposed on the state government, and alleged that starvation was setting in.

    A cross section of the residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews, said they could no longer go out in search of daily bread due to the lockdown.

    They also called on the state government to initiate food stimulus to ease their sufferings.

    Mr Nuhu Bala, a resident of Lokoja Road, Rigasa area of Kaduna, said he was into transport business but stopped due to the lockdown, adding that he had exhausted the food supplies in his home.

    Bala, however, commended the state government for the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and called for palliative measures to assist the poor with food and medical supplies.

    Another resident, Muhammad Abubakar, a trader at the Central Market, said he suspended his businesses in compliance with the lockdown.

    “I am now feeding my family from my capital with no assistance from anywhere and I can not leave my children hungry.

    “I hope the government both at the federal and state levels will consider the situation being experienced by the masses and support them with food and other essential commodities,” he said.

    Sa’adatu Saidu, a 76-year-old woman, who resides at Abuja Road, Rigasa said that she and her husband had no means of earning due to illness.

    She said that her husband had stroke and could not go out while she is diabetic patient who depended on alms to survive.

    She urged government to distribute food to the poor and vulnerable at the grassroots to enable them feed their families.

    On his part, Mr Salisu Musa, a commercial tricycle operator and a father of eight urged government to relax curfew so that people could work for some hours to enable them fend for their families.

    “Tricycle riders were ordered to stop business even before the lockdown and there were no alternative means of livelihood; we are left with nothing, we only beg our family to be patient.

    “Prices of food items has also skyrocketed. A measure of Garri sold at N300 as against its old price of N90, while corn flour sold for N300 as against N190 per measure before the lockdown,” he said.

    Gov. Nasir El-Rufai had in a state broadcast on March 26, announced plans to procure food and other essential commodities to mitigate the effects of the lockdown in the state.

    The items would be distributed to community clusters in designated centres in rural and urban settlements in the state.