By Peter Akpah ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC SUNDAY 29TH MARCH, 20201. Fellow Nigerians,2. From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a world-wide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.3. The whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.4. Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.5. By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to ninety-seven.6. Regrettably, we also had our first fatality, a former employee of PPMC, who died on 23rd March 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time. We also pray for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.7. As of today, COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.8. We are in touch with these institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.9. For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.10. As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.11. Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.12. Indeed, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of ten global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians.13. Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.14. Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.15. In Nigeria, we are taking a two step approach.16. First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.17. To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.18. Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.19. In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.20. Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.21. I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.22. As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.23. This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.24. We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change. This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.25. Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.26. So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of adhoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.27. I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.28. This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.29. As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation. All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.30. As I mentioned earlier, as at this morning we had ninety-seven confirmed cases. Majority of these are in Lagos and Abuja. All the confirmed cases are getting the necessary medical care.31. Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.32. The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.33. We are therefore working to ensure such inter state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.34. Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.35. All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.36. The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.37. We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.38. This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.39. Furthermore, commercial establishments such as;
a. food processing, distribution and retail companies;
b. petroleum distribution and retail entities,
c. power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and
d. private security companies are also exempted.40. Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.41. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.42. All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.43. Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.44. Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.45. Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.46. We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain.47. However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will therefore ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice.48. As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19. Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.49. For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.50. Furthermore, although schools are closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies. The Minister will be contacting the affected States and agree on detailed next steps.51. Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.52. I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.53. For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.54. For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.55. We also call on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.56. As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.57. This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.58. My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.59. We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.60. At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.61. I want to assure you all that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.62. Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus.63. I will therefore implore you again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support Government and the most vulnerable in your communities.64. I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, health care workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication and commitment. You are true heroes.65. I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all.President Muhammadu Buhari
29th March 2020.More… https://www.femiadesina.com/address-by-h-e-muhammadu-buhari-president-of-the-federal-republic-of-nigeria-on-the-covid-19-pandemic-sunday-29th-march-2020/

By Peter Akpah

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI BROACASTS TO THE NATION

President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to the nation Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 7pm.

Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively for the broadcast.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)

By Peter Akpah

#FakeNewsAlert

The following has been making rounds on social media. Plateau state is still zero on #COVID19 cases.

#COVID19Plateau

“SUSPECTED CASE OF CORONAVIRUS IN JOS NORTH LGA
. Information available to this formation date, revealed that, one Hassan SALE, an influential personality from Gangare area of Jos, Jos North LGA, and ally of Muhammad BALA, Governor of Bauchi State, has developed symptoms similar to those of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Source revealed that, SALE might have come in contact with BALA.
. Accordingly, his sample was collected and taken to Abuja for analysis for confirmation or otherwise. Meanwhile, the victim is in quarantine in his residence at Gangare.

Above is for your information while monitoring continues, please.”

David Daser
DG PICTDA

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREETS ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU @ 68

The Northern Governors Forum has joined the family, friends, well wishers and political associates of National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to felicitate with him he turns 68, on March 29, 2020.
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described the former Senator and two-term Governor of Lagos State as one of Nigeria’s finest politicians who understands the best way to connect with the people and canvass for their interests.
Lalong said “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a leader who serves with dileligence, courage and compassion in such a manner that he clearly articulates and canvasses for the issues that directly affect the people. He has remained consistent in advocating for matters that unite Nigerians and also promote the economic development of the country”.
The Northern Governors Forum also acknowleged the great contributions of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as National Leader of the APC and one of its founding fathers where he continues to provide exemplary leadership for the ruling party, in maintaining harmony amongst members of the party.
While wishing Asiwaju more years of peace, good health and prosperity, the Northern Governors called on the APC National Leader not to relent in pursuing the path of cooperation and collaboration among different segments of the Nigerian society, so as to enable the nation overcome the challenges of insecurity, religious intolerance, corruption and economic sabotage.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D
Director, Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
March 28, 2020.

By Peter Akpah

Coronavirus Pandamic: Dr. Chris Kwaja Admonish Citizens to be Cautious and Comply with Preventive Measures

With growing global cases of the dreaded novel coronavirus at over 600,000 and over 28,000 deaths recorded globally, a Peace and Security Scholar and United Nations Expert, Dr. Chris Kwaja has charged the people to be cautious, maintain good personal hygiene and stick to all preventive and precautionary measures and directives employed by government to stem the spread of the virus.

Dr. Kwaja said Covid-19 is real, should not be treated with kid gloves and there is need for the people to know what will expose them to the disease and how to stay safe.

He urged the people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, use hand sanitizers, avoid handshake, drink lot of warm water, stay at home, avoid touching things anyhow, avoid crowdy gatherings/public places to avoid contact with people with the virus, avoid touching their faces, eat fruits and vegetable rich in zinc and vitamin C to protect body, maintain social distance and report any suspected case to health practitioners to protect themselves against the virus.

Dr. Kwaja also urged the people to stick to directives by health practitioners and government aimed at stemming the spread of the virus.

“People must avoid lifestyles and tendencies that will expose them to the virus in order to stay safe, stop the spread of the virus and save lives”

“I join government to be decisive in enforcing all policies/directives associated with the prevention of the corona virus”

“Those who violate such directives have the potential of becoming the primary vectors of the virus, which might in turn affect other law abiding citizens” he concluded.

By Peter Akpah

Effective Sunday 29th
March 2020, there will be prohibition of vehicular movement into Plateau State
from all border entry routes from 6pm to 7am. All people coming into Plateau

As you are aware, the Plateau State

Government has been up and doing in ensuring
that it adequately prepares against the COVID-19 disease
You will also recall that the Plateau State Government set up a Task Force on COVID-19
Response Chaired by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Executive
Governor of Plateau State

As of now, we have no recorded case of the disease in Plateau State.

In order to ensure that we prevent any case from coming into the State, Government
has rolled out measures including shutting of markets; ban on festivals;
restriction of gatherings to not more than 50 people; Ban on weekly Sunday
markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs; closure of night clubs and
drinking joints etc.

We have appraised the situation about compliance to the directives and you will
recall that the Chairman of the Task Force, His Excellency further directed the
full enforcement of the orders issued.

As of yesterday Friday 27th March 2020, there is substantial compliance
and the Government commends the good and peace loving citizens of Plateau State
who have adhered to the directives.

However, the government takes exception to the non-challance and flagrant disregard of
the directives by some individuals and groups who have remained recalcitrant. They
have also mobilised their followers to disobey the orders of Government, which
is meant to protect the lives of the people.

Let me categorically make it clear that nobody is above the law and government is
taking necessary action.

In line with the directive of Government for full implementation of compliance,
the Governor has asked Security agencies to take the necessary measures on such
persons.

Further measures taken include the following:

a. Tricycles will no longer take more
than 1 passenger

b. Saloon cars will only take 4
passengers including the driver

c. The Government has set up a COVID-19
Eradication Fund, which the organised private sector and well-spirited members
of the public can contribute into. The essence of it is to take care of the vulnerable
and some social challenges arising from the situation. Details will be issued later.

d. Effective Sunday 29th
March 2020, there will be prohibition of vehicular movement into Plateau State
from all border entry routes from 6pm to 7am. All people coming into Plateau

State should note and take note of this and prepare their trips to avoid unnecessary
inconveniences.

We want to appeal to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the
Government as we work together to ensure that we protect the lives of our
people.

We thank you the members of the media for supporting us and we count on you to
continue to do your part.

Prof. Danladi Abok Atu

Secretary to Government of the State & Coordinating Secretary,

Plateau State COVID-19 Task Force

28th March 2020.

By Peter Akpah

My heart feels for Jibam people, affected by rainstorm-Sen Dimka

The news of the havoc caused on the Jibam community of Pankshin Local Government area of Plateau State on Monday, March 23, 2020 as a result of rainstorm was received with mixed feelings and concern. The windstorm is reported to have blown the rooftops of several houses; rendering many families homeless in its trail.

While thanking God Almighty for the rains, I am however worried with the level of destruction that came in the wake of the blessings. We are not oblivious of the confusion that may have come on the community; for which I feel sad also.

No doubt, as an agrarian community, I am aware; they lost seedlings that were preserved preparatory to the farming session which has just set in. Hard as it has come, and as worried as the community is, I shall; in conjunction with the state government and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA ensure that your tears are wiped for the better.

Let me assure the Jibam community that you won’t be abandoned in your hour of need. Whatever measures that are that being worked will be for your safety and peace of the families which were affected by the storm.

Senator Hezekiah Ayuba Dimka, Senator representing Plateau Central Zone and, Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics.

By Peter Akpah

Coronavirus: Hon. Timothy Dantong and Wife Engages Constituency with Covid-19 Awareness Campaign

Following the global outbreak, ravaging effect, deaths and confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the Member representing Riyom Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Dantong and his Wife, Dr. Rahila Dantong took awareness campaign to Riyom LGA in order to sensitize the people about the disease.

The delegation led by the Wife of the Member, Dr. Mrs Rahila Dantong took the campaign to the 17 Wards in Riyom LGA.

Dr. Rahila expressed concern over the coronavirus pandemic and charged the people to observe good personal hygiene as well as adhere strictly to preventive measures and directives put in place by government at all levels to curtail the spread of the dreaded disease.

In all the places visited, Dr. Dantong advised the people to avoid crowdy gatherings, maintain social spacing, abstain from handshake, ensure they wash their hands regularly and avoid tendencies that could expose them to the disease.
She said these are not best of times and admonished the people to exercise patience to remain safe and protected.

She said global active cases stands at over 400,000 with over 25,000 deaths recorded globally.

“In Nigeria, total cases stood at 65 with 61 active cases, 3 recoveries and 1 death recorded Nationally so far” she said.

She said the figures above are alarming and indicates that the disease is a global emergency hence the need for the people to be cautious and do what is expected to stay away from the diseases.
She called on world Leaders to come together in unity to confront the global threat potent by Covid-19.

She encouraged the people to remain steadfast in prayers, draw closer to God, assist one another at this critical time and trust God, who is able to turn the Covid-19 situation around.

In their separate remarks, those who spoke in the visited communities were full of joy and appreciated the Member and his wife for the proactive campaign which they described as timely and enlightening.

They commended them for the kind gesture, show of love and empathy to the people at the grassroot.

Items provided for the people included Wash hand buckets, hand washing soaps, hand sanitizers and fliers containing information about Covid-19.

Communities visited were Kwi, Wereng, Riyom, Fang (Shonong), Rachi (Sharubutu), Rim, Jol, Kwogo, Rahoss, Tahoss, Gurra, Danto, Tse, Fangroi and Bum.

By Peter Akpah

BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19: PRESIDENT BUHARI THUMBS UP ELUMELU, RABIU, DANGOTE, ATIKU, BANKS, OTHERS

President Muhammadu Buhari has saluted the public-spiritedness of wealthy Nigerians and organizations for standing up to be counted in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The President commends members of the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against Covid-19, made of people like Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu of BUA Group, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Herbert Wigwe, Segun Agbaje and Jim Ovia of UBA, Access, GT, and Zenith Banks, respectively, for contributing N1 billion each, and being in the vanguard of encouraging others in the private sector to do same.
UBA has equally donated the sum of N5 billion to Nigeria and Africa, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged N50 million, while First Bank is partnering with government, the United Nations, and innovative technological firms to provide e-learning solutions to at least one million children under its ‘Keep Them Engaged, Keep Them Safe’ initiative.
The President extols every other helping hand that has been lent by individuals, groups and organizations, which may not necessarily be in the public domain, noting that God who sees all things will abundantly recompense.
President Buhari recommends these laudable strides to other high net-worth Nigerians and organizations, stressing that hand in hand, the country will overcome the challenges brought by the pandemic, and chart new course in nationalism and brotherhood.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
March 27, 2020