DAN MANJAN Commend Journalist And FrontLine Workers On The Fight Against Covid-19

By Peter Akpah

PLATEAU STATE COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION PRAISES JOURNALISTS & FRONTLINE WORKERS ON COVID 19 CAMPAIGN.

The level of awareness on the coronavirus, COVID 19 compliance in Plateau State is attributed to the relentless effort of journalists, health workers, and the strategic mobilization of the Governor Simon Lalong led Rescue administration.

State Commissioner of Information and Communication Dan Manjang also appreciates Media organisations journalists in Plateau for deploying their resources and time in relaying Government and health experts advice on how to keep the disease at bay from the Plateau.

Not exempted from the commendation are bloggers and online publishers who have been up and doing in the race to keep Plateau state safe from the coronavirus pandemic.

Manjang said Government is happy with the role of traditional rulers and religious leaders who have suspended spiritual gatherings all in the bid to safe Plateau people from the pandemic.

He emphasized the contribution of volunteer quasi security agencies working with security organisations to ensure compliance.

The Commissioner said the oneness of purpose demonstrated by Plateau people in the containment of COVID 19 is the spirit that should bind the citizens now and always.

He assures that Governor Simon Lalong will continue to provide the enabling environment for unity of purpose and thank citizens for being foot soldiers of the COVID 19 campaign.

Manjang however warned that the battle is not yet over, stressing that citizens must remain vigilant.

Dan Manjang said Government is concerned about the health of Plateau citizens and the Rescue administration will do all it can to ensure the state remains free of the COVID 19 disease.

He noted that Government is not unmindful of the pain of the lockdown and assures the palliative promised by Governor Lalong will reach those who deserve them. He however implored citizens to, in the spirit of Easter reach out to those in need in their community.

Hon Dan Manjang
Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Communication
Plateau State.

ASTC Ready To Fumigate The 17 Local Government.

By Peter Akpah

The Agricultural Services and Training Center has expressed readiness to fumigate all the 17 local government areas of the state before the lock down ends as we have enough manpower and equipment to do it says Dr Susan.
During the fumigation Exercise In some LGAs, the monitoring team of some journalist came across the the Fumigation team from The ASTC in person of Dr Susan Bentu who is the current MD/CEO of the ASTC whom really applauded the government in considering the health of the citizens against contracting the COVID 19 into the state through the fumigation Exercises , She further highlighted the importance of the monitoring team from the COVID 19 Plateau situation room in Riyom And Bassa LGA where she told the team that it is very important for government, NGO, corporate societies and individuals to engage in Fumigation as its not only against the COVID 19 but it kills other insecticides, rodents and mosquitoes etc in an environment and she also categorical made it clear that they Offer best services in terms of agriculture and they are known for their quality.
There were some controversial questions as to why fumigating during the raining season in which Dr Susan Bentu made it clear that why the Fumigation was carried out now despite the downpour in some LGA during the flag off of the Fumigation Exercise
She said the rains haven’t really started for it to cause an uproar of the Fumigation Exercise and said despite the rains yesterday at Jos South and Jos North it was still productive and the rain for now has no much effect on the chemicals and is good to go according to her.

Dr Susan further said their doors are open for any questions concerning the exercise and any other agricultural activities in the state, she further called on the good people of plateau to maintain the social distancing and adhere by the government and medical advice against the dreaded pandemic that have bedevil the nation and the world at large.

The Fight Against Covid-19 in Plateau State May Suffer a Set Back As Ambulances Are Use in Smuggling People in To The State.

By Peter Akpah The fight against covid-19 some various individuals have device some criminal means smuggling people in the state sourcenews24 while monitoring the lock down complaint discovered some people use Ambulance and are conveying people in the state as sick persons our correspondent show an Ambulance of MDGs general hospital Gwantau of Sanga local government of kaduna state with passengers they pass through the security check down to marabajama round about.

Our correspondent while approaching them show some passengers dropping from the Ambulance at marabajama round about in jos south local and he show over 12 people inside the Ambulance and among them are 2 military personnel who refused to give their names but rather prefer to show their identification card, and information available to us by our correspondent also shows that some of the passengers are from Abuja and others are coming all the way from Lagos.

The question here is this if such people can smugle their way into jos how many other ways are others using to come into the state without any check and medical check up to check their status to know if they are infected persons or not, and also in an interactions with one of the passenger we discovered they pay very high amounts of money to come into the state and pass through the check point with the help of the ministry guys with them.

Plateau State is still free from the pandemic and government have put in proactive measures to make sure the state is free from covid-19, by closing the borders and the total lock down to fumigate the state against any possible virus, but with this efforts government is doing some individuals use criminal ways in entering the state using Ambulance.

Our call is for government should do a thorough check and check every Ambulance and if more than 3 persons including the patient and the Medical personal and driver are in the Ambulance they should be arrested or sent back, recently our correspondent engage the management committee chairman of Riyom Hon Mafeng Gwallson who disclose to our medium that some people device some means of entering the state by creating bush part and when they discovered that they block all the possible exit and main roads and arrest them and they all have taken some steps by educating the villagers through their counsellors in case they see any stranger they should raise alarm, according to hon Mafeng the measures they have taken so far has really helped.

Violation of Social distancing Seriously affecting The Fight Against Covid-19 Health Minister Worn.

Price Of Not Taking Social Distancing Seriously is Very High and if necessary measure are not taken this could lead to disaster so medical health practitioners are seriously advising that Nigerians should adhere to social distance policy to help win the fight against covid-19 the health minister said people should take social distancing seriously.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has warned that the rate of COVID-19 infections in the country could worsen if citizens do not strictly comply with measures such as social distancing and staying at home.

The minister, who is concerned about the failure of many people to comply strictly with the lockdown order and other measures to curb the spread of the pandemic, believes such people “trivialise COVID-19 because they have not seen its effects”.

To address this misconception the minister said concerted efforts have to be made by all stakeholders including the National Orientation Agency, the NCDC, along with traditional and community leaders.

Arrival of Chinese Medical Experts

Days after a team of Chinese medical experts arrived in the country, questions have continued to be asked about their arrival, reception and the exact nature of their mission to the country.

One of the questions is why the Federal Government allowed them to self-isolate on their terms in a facility owned by construction firm CCECC, which invited and brought them into the country.

According to Ehanire, the government took that decision because it was satisfied that the CCECC had a suitable facility for self-isolation purpose and extracted an agreement for NCDC officials to be able to check in any time.

“We allowed the Chinese to choose their self-isolation space because the company in charge had adequate resources, the minister said.

Dr Ehanire also explained that although the Federal Government did not invite or bring the experts into the country, they were welcome as the country could use their help.

“We didn’t bring the Chinese doctors. A Chinese company, in its own wisdom, did. But we are happy that they are here. We want to learn from their experiences,” he said.

Ehanire assured Nigerians that the country had medical stockpiles that would be crucial in the fight to stop the pandemic, with the additional equipment brought in by the Chinese team expected to further help.

“There is almost no healthcare system in the world that is ready for COVID-19. But the lesson is that one should be prepared. We are happy that we have medical stockpiles,” he said.

Hon Mafeng Delighted Over The Fumigation E Exercise in Riyom And Promise To Consolidate on it.

By Peter Akpah

Riyom local government council got their share of the fumigation exercise Hon Mafeng Gwallson the management committee chairman of Riyom has expressed satisfaction over the fumigation exercise that took place in his local government today 11th of April 2020 Hon Gwallson made this known in an interview with journalist in Riyom who are there to monitor the exercise he said this is one of the best exercise he witnessed and he also used to medium to call on the people of his local government and residents to also take advantage of the fumigation exercise and also fumigate their own houses as the exercise cover public places like school hospital market places the secretariat and the main roads.

Hon Mafeng highlighted some important of the exercise and call of the residents to follow suit of what the government is doing by fumigating theirs too as the exercise can not cover individual houses, according to him government has done their part let us do ours and perfect the good thing the government done,

Hon Mafeng said now that local government is fumigated the next step is to see how to give out some palliatives to cushion the effects of the lock down according to hon Mafeng, he said they have received some contribution from some well meaning individuals to help in alleviating the sufferings others most have been facing and he said preparation is on Top Gear for the distribution of the relief materials.

Dr Susan Bentu the MD CEO of ASCT who lead the team of workers and that are also responsible for the fumigation exercise express her delight over the way and manner they have an easy work in the local government and the cooperation and support they got from the chairman on arrival to fumigate the local government.

Hon Mafeng Expressed Satisfaction Over The Fumigation Exercise in Riyom.

By Peter Akpah

Riyom local government council got their share of the fumigation exercise Hon Mafeng Gwallson the management committee chairman of Riyom has expressed satisfaction over the fumigation exercise that took place in his local government today 11th of April 2020 Hon Gwallson made this known in an interview with journalist in Riyom who are there to monitor the exercise he said this is one of the best exercise he witnessed and he also used to medium to call on the people of his local government and residents to also take advantage of the fumigation exercise and also fumigate their own houses as the exercise cover public places like school hospital market places the secretariat and the main roads.

12 Convicted in Barkin ladi Over Violation of Covid-19 Lock Down.

By Peter Akpah

Barr. Ezekiel Mandyau, Management Committee Chairman Barkin Ladi LGC on Covid-19 lock down said Barkin ladi so far has totally comply with the lock down directives by the state governor and 12 persons so far have been convicted and all of them are not from the local government some are from Abuja ABD one other truck driver is from Lantang with empty creats heading to kaduna state according to him, Hon Mandyau said the mobile court in Barkin ladi also handles cases of Diffaulters in Bokkos they have just received 2 Helux loaded with Diffaulters from Bokkos and so far he said they have some little complains coming from forom where cows entered and their farms and distroyed crops.

Although he said they are un top of the situation as they have called one of the leaders of the Fulani to caution their people against such act that can cause any security out break or conflicts in the various communities and to them as a council will not accept that, and also speaking to the Fulani leader who was unground at the mobile court premises said he is doing very thing possible to call his people to order and they should as a matter of urgency stop and remain in their various domain.

And on the order hand the chairman they have been briefed by the governor on how the fumigation exercise of each local government will be like as he said the people of Barkin ladi are going to cooperate with the ASTC when the come for the fumigation exercise they will give them the necessary cooperation needed as they have been carrying out various sesitazation on the need for total complaints, and the need for a healthy and hygiene environment and by the grace of God plateau state will be free from covid-19.

Hon Mandyau when asked if there is any challenge so far or any suspected case in the local government he said the have one in besichi and they send the task force and the medical team the because reports reaching them shows the person is developing some symptoms and when their medical team got there and he was tested they discovered that he has TB and he was also taken for treatment and now he is under Isolation for 14 days before they can allow him into the people so according to him this are the type of measures they are taking and sensitization they do to the public and that was why the had of the man case.

The chairman Hon Ezekiel Mandyau also use the opportunity to thank all the security agencies and the local government staffs and task force, and the good people of Barkin Ladi for their understanding and promise them that better days are ahead, and a covid-19 free plateau and he also thank the governor and the entire covid-19 team for the good work they are doing to safe guard the state against coronavirus.

Covid-19 Lock Down Full Compliance in Riyom As 10 Convicted For Violation.

By Peter Akpah

Covid-19 lock down over 10 persons convicted for violating the lock down order Hon Mafeng Gwallson disclose this to journalist and some members of the monitoring team of covid-19plateau in his local government Riyom according to him so many people felt Riyom LGA is just a place where they can pass and creat bush part because is a border way to the state.

The chairman of Riyom Hon Mafeng Gwallson who despite the rain came out to monitor the complaints of the lock down order said he is there to make sure there is a total lock down as directed by the governor he said no matter your status you most obey law and order, and he is not taking anything likely and among the violators are some people coming from Abuja who where arrested and tried by the mobile court and fined and he ask them to go back to where they are coming from after paying the charges and according to him there is total complaint to the lock down by the people of Riyom

Hon Mafeng who brief the monitoring team about some of the local government activities and measures taken so far said they have been receiving information on how some people bribe there way in and some creating bush part just to boycott the security check so with that they develop a strategy to mount the road at all corners since they will end up coming back to the roads that was why they are able to rest the Diffaulters.

According to him they have been embarking on sesitazation of the people of his local government through their counsellors, educating them about the danger of exposing themselves out side mostly to visitors that is the reason for the high complaint he said, and he also said the Riyom LGA most people are farming perishable food such as tomatoes, cabbage, etc and to soften the ground for some of them for the safety of their crops he said such people are allowed to go and water their farms as long as they are not more than one person the simple reason he said there is life after the lock down and most people that is thier livelihood and their only source.

Hon Mafeng also use the opportunity to thank the security agencies the vigilante and the members of his task force for the wonderful work they have been doing even before the lock down and he also call on the good people of Riyom to continue to remain law abiding and keep social distance and to adhere to the safety measures and report any suspected cases to the task force for immediate response.

Lalong Flag-Off Fumigation Exercise of The Entire State Against The Spread of Covid-19

By Peter Akpah

The coronavirus is no longer a new thing in the country and plateau state has not recorded any case of the virus since the out break of the pandemic, there have been over 49 suspected cases of coronavirus in plateau but all the results turn out to be negative making the state free of the virus and part of the measures plateau state government is putting in place is fumigating of the entire state.

The governor earlier gave an order to close all the borders of the state to reduce the risks of the state contacting the virus, the commissioner of environment usman Bamiyi Idi during the flag-off said the decision to fumigate the entire state is to ensure that the state is free from any possible out break and to make sure the state is free from any infection such as the covid-19 and medically it is good to keep the state free and the steps is not only to take care of the virus but any other bacteria and also against mosquitos and insects, according to Hon Idi the environment will be save he also said the chemicals used are not harmful.

The state government contracted ASTC to do the fumigation exercise representative from ASTC Dr Susan Bentu said there are different combinations of chemicals to be use and one of it will take care of the virus and others will serve various purpose and the are not harmful to the environment and humans.

Governor Lalong in his remarks said the fumigation exercise is a continuation of our efforts at fighting the Corona Virus Pandemic that is ravaging the world and continues to spread in Nigeria and our mission here is to begin the fumigation of the entire State against the Corona Virus Disease.

According to Lalong Since the outbreak of the disease, our Government has taken several steps aimed at ensuring that the disease does not come into the State we have also been preparing in the unfortunate event if any case is recorded in Plateau State so that we can respond appropriately although no case has been recorded yet in Plateau State as at today, we cannot relax. We have to remain vigilant and proactive.

Lalong said the reason for the fumigation is why we announced a total lockdown of the State, which began some hours ago during this period, the entire State will be fumigated. [All Public places such as markets, Streets, Office Premises among others will be fumigated]

Governor Lalong there for call on all the citizens to stay at home in line with the directive we have issued in order to achieve the aim of this exercise he said in addition to the fumigation, the lockdown will also help us reduce any tendency for inter-State transfer of the disease and enable us respond appropriately to any suspected case and contact tracing.

The governor Lalong also said the State shall soon be getting a Testing Centre here in Plateau State in the coming days, which will also boost our capacity to identify any case faster as he said these are difficult and unusual times for not only Plateau State, but also the world at large.

According to him ordinarily, we should not be doing an event like this on a Good Friday, but the times warrant this and we continue to appeal for the patience and understanding of our citizens and for our Christian brothers and sisters, let us use this Solemn Easter Friday to cry unto God within our homes to show us mercy and remove this pandemic like Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “Our Churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek God in the tabernacles of our hearts”.

Lalong also said similarly, our Muslim brethren should also use this day to offer solemn Zuhur Prayers in their homes for God to intervene and save us from this calamity.

Governor Lolong use the opportunity to thank the Religious, Traditional, Political and Community Leaders and their followers for their cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.
He again appeal to all citizens to abide by the lockdown directive in order to make the work of law enforcement officers easier. We do not want to hear of ugly cases of harsh enforcement with God on our side, this situation will not last long and very soon, we shall bounce back and resume normal life. All we need is patience and prayers.

Lalong said government will soon roll out palliative measures to assist the weak and vulnerable amongst us and he said on this Special Good Friday, may the Lord answer our prayers and reveal the essence of His sacrifice for mankind.

On this note, I have the honour to officially flag off the fumigation of Plateau State to the glory of God and for the defeat of Covid-19 and good health of the citizens of Plateau State.

Lalong Flag Off State Fumigation exercise At Terminus.

TALKING POINTS FOR HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE FLAG-OFF OF FUMIGATION EXERCISE OF THE ENTIRE STATE, HELD AT THE TERMINUS ROUND ABOUT, JOS ON 10TH APRIL 2020.
1. We are gathered here in continuation of our efforts at fighting the Corona Virus Pandemic that is ravaging the world and continues to spread in Nigeria.

2. Our mission here is to begin the fumigation of the entire State against the Corona Virus Disease.

3. Since the outbreak of the disease, our Government has taken several steps aimed at ensuring that the disease does not come into the State.

4. We have also been preparing in the unfortunate event if any case is recorded in Plateau State so that we can respond appropriately.

5. Although no case has been recorded yet in Plateau State as at today, we cannot relax. We have to remain vigilant and proactive.

6. That is why we announced a total lockdown of the State, which began some hours ago.

7. During this period, the entire State will be fumigated. [All Public places such as markets, Streets, Office Premises among others will be fumigated]

8. I call on all our citizens to stay at home in line with the directive we have issued in order to achieve the aim of this exercise.

9. In addition to the fumigation, the lockdown will also help us reduce any tendency for inter-State transfer of the disease and enable us respond appropriately to any suspected case and contact tracing.

10. We shall be getting a Testing Centre here in Plateau State in the coming days, which will also boost our capacity to identify any case faster.
11. These are difficult and unusual times for not only Plateau State, but also the world at large.

12. Ordinarily, we should not be doing an event like this on a Good Friday, but the times warrant this and we continue to appeal for the patience and understanding of our citizens.

13. For our Christian brothers and sisters, let us use this Solemn Easter Friday to cry unto God within our homes to show us mercy and remove this pandemic.

14. Like Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “Our Churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek God in the tabernacles of our hearts”.

15. Similarly, our Muslim brethren should also use this day to offer solemn Zuhur Prayers in their homes for God to intervene and save us from this calamity.

16. I wish to thank our Religious, Traditional, Political and Community Leaders and their followers for their cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.
17. Let me again appeal to all citizens to abide by the lockdown directive in order to make the work of law enforcement officers easier. We do not want to hear of ugly cases of harsh enforcement.

18. With God on our side, this situation will not last long and very soon, we shall bounce back and resume normal life. All we need is patience and prayers.

19. Government will soon roll out palliative measures to assist the weak and vulnerable amongst us.

20. On this Special Good Friday, may the Lord answer our prayers and reveal the essence of His sacrifice for mankind.

21. On this note, I have the honour to officially flag off the fumigation of Plateau State to the glory of God and for the defeat of Covid-19 and good health of the citizens of Plateau State.

22. Thank You.
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State.
10th April 2020.