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Health

Distribution of N500m food: Group tasks Kaduna Govt. on transparency, accountability

Distribution of N500m food: Group tasks Kaduna Govt. on transparency, accountability

Accountability

By Philip Yatai

Kaduna, April 2, 2020 (NAN) The Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC) has called on the Kaduna State Government to be accountable and transparent in the distribution of the N500 million foodstuffs to vulnerable groups in the state.

Chairman of the group, Ms Jessica Bartholomew, in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday, lauded the government for the initiative, which was necessary to avert hunger among vulnerable groups, following the lockdown of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had on March 27 locked down the state to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The state government had on Wednesday commenced the distribution of foodstuffs worth N500m to vulnerable people in the state to cushion the effect of the lockdown.

Bartholomew described the distribution of the food items as “lifesaving”, but expressed concern that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), media and people with disability were schemed out of the planning and distribution exercise.

According to her, the  development casts a cloud of suspicion on the process, and stressed that engaging CSOs and media was critical in bridging information gap between the government and citizens.

She also expressed concern at the low level of information on the modalities for the distribution of the food items.

“Not only that, the modalities for the constitution of the distribution clusters and the committees in the benefiting councils as well as the identification and selection of targeted beneficiaries are not made clear.

“There are already growing fears among the citizenry that the intervention might be hijacked by politicians while some vulnerable groups are already concerned that they might not make the list of beneficiaries,” she said.

She recalled that state government had signed unto the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and made commitment to reforms that ensure active citizen’s access to information and participation in government’s decision-making processes.

“The distribution of the foodstuff is timely as residents of the state have been expressing concern over growing hunger, particularly among the vulnerable groups due to the lockdown.

“This quick response did not come as a surprise as the government has already initiated the process of establishing a social protection system in the State.

“However, we are fully aware that due process in unusual times might be jettisoned in order to effectively confront humanitarian emergencies such as the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.

“Nonetheless, as a government that made a commitment to carry citizens along in the formulation and implementation of programmes and policies, it needs to strengthen its fiscal transparency and accountability instruments,” she said.

Bartholomew, therefore, appealed for the inclusion of civil society and media partners in all the relevant committees and clusters to ensure transparency and accountability.

She added that the government should also make public the disaggregated list of beneficiaries for follow-up and verification as part of measures to ensure that the intervention gets to the targeted groups.

“We are also appealing that the state’s Social Register that captures data on the vulnerable households across the state should be used for any social protection intervention in the state.

“We strongly believe that, if these issues are critically looked into and addressed in good time, the intervention will make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable who are badly affected by the lockdown,” she added.

NAN reports that KADSPAC, is a network of active civil society and media partners working to strengthen transparency and accountability in the Social Protection system in the State.

Its goal is to improve coordination and delivery of social protection programmes to benefit poor and vulnerable people in Kaduna state. (NAN)

FDY/ECN/ MZA

edited  by Emmanuel Nwoye/Maharazu Ahmed

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General news

JNI, CAN call for prayers against coronavirus spread

Compliance
By Ibrahim Kado
Balanga (Gombe) April 2, 2020 (NAN) Jamatul Nasiril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have jointly called for prayers against the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The two faith-based organisations have also advised Nigerians to compliance with government’s directives on what they should do to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further.

The groups made the call on Thursday during an awareness campaign visit to traditional rulers in Cham and Dadiya Chiefdoms in Balanga Local Government Area of the state the by the Task Force committee on the Coronavirus.

Alhaji Sale Danburam, Secretary JNI and member of the committee said that prayers and compliance with government directives would go a long way toward stopping the spread of the virus.

According to him, people need to understand that the virus is really spreading and killing people, hence the need for the public to pray for God to intervene.

“As Muslims whatever happens we submit it to Almighty God and we have our weapon which is prayers.

“We urge you to pray for us not to have the virus in the state and for those infected to recover.

“Government has done its own part and our own is to comply for all of us to succeed,” he said.

Danburam commended the state government for its commitment to the fight against the spread of the virus.

Mr Samuel Bulus, Vice Chairman of CAN and member of the committee also urged people to support government to save lives, ensure peace and development of the state.

Bulus said because of the virus, church services had been suspended except on Sunday on which day “worshipers must not be more than 50 persons at a time”.

He advised those with small Churches not to congregate more than 20 people and to provide water, soap, and sanitisers for good hygiene against the spread of the virus.

He emphasised the need to observe social distancing during funerals, marriages, and other gatherings that are necessary.

The Christian leader lauded the efforts of the state government in the fight against the spread of the virus.

On their part, the traditional rulers commended the state governor Inuwa Yahaya for the measures put in place by his administration to contain the spread of the virus.

They pledged to communicate to their subjects, government’s directives on what they should do to stop the spread of the virus. (NAN)

IMK/ECN/YEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Emmanuel Yashim

Health

COVID-19: NGO tasks committee on utilisation of N500 m contingency fund by C’river govt

Fund
By Benson Ezugwu
Calabar, April 2, 2020 (NAN) An NGO, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative has called on Cross River COVID-19 Task Force Committee to ensure judicious utilisation of funds released by the state government to prevent spread of the pandemic.
Mr James Ibor, Principal Counsel of the organisation, made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Calabar.
Ibor said the organisation was happy with the government for taking far reaching decisions to control spread of the virus in the state and tasked the committee to ensure probity and accountability in the management of the fund.
He said: “I commend the government for the measures adopted so far, however, the task force committee must ensure judicious and proper use of the funds because they are going to account for every Kobo spent.
‘We are going to take them up on that after the whole thing”.
Ibor further also appealed to political leaders and philanthropists to the campaign against the pandemic in the state.
He noted that the state required the support of everyone at his critical period to ensure that Coronavirus did not cause damage to the state.
NAN reports that Gov. Ben Ayade had on Tuesday inaugurated a COVID-19 Task Force Committee and released N500 million for it’s operations.
No case of the virus was recorded so far in the state. (NAN).
BEN/ECN/RSA
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Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Rabiu Sani Ali
General news

NGOs applaud Delta govt’s measures at containing Coronavirus

Forum
By Mercy Obojeghren
Asaba, April 2, 2020 (NAN) The Forum of Delta State NGOs has commended the state government for the proactive measures put in place at containing the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The Forum gave the commendation in a statement signed by the Coordinator, Mr Okezi Odugala and Secretary, Chief Gregg Osamenjor and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Thursday.

The Forum called on Deltans to live clean and healthy.

It tasked Deltans and non-Deltans to take the issues of personal hygiene and public health and sanitation more seriously by keeping themselves and the environment clean and healthy.

The statement also advised residents to avoid crowded environment at this trying times and called for regular hand washing with soap and the use of disinfectants.

The Forum called for prayers against the global pandemic that was already negating sustainable developments.

“We believe that a divinely-propelled vaccine against COVID-19 will be out soon from the global scientific community,” it said.

It enjoined Deltans to partner the state government, Federal Government and the global community in surmounting this health scourge and urged governments at all levels to provide palliatives for the citizens.

“We also want the government to open up as a matter of urgency government-controlled emergency foodstuff bank.

“Flooded with essential food items like garri, rice, beans, yam, palm oil, groundnut oil in all the local government areas of the state to checkmate the increasing cost of basic food items by desperate foodstuff sellers.

“Provision should also be made to pay workers in advance; release some financial palliatives to Deltans; and welfare packages for vulnerable persons toward ameliorating the physical and psychological pains from the lockdown,’’ the statement added. (NAN)
MOA/ECN/AJA
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Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Adeleye Ajayi

Defence/Security

Coronavirus: Motorists on Ore-Benin highway complying with order on overloading-FRSC

Overloading
By Aderemi Bamgbose
Ore (Ondo State), April 2, 2020 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday said motorists plying the Ore-Benin expressway were complying with the order against overloading of passengers which was aimed at checking the spread of the coronavirus.

Mr Olusegun Aladenika, the Unit Commander of FRSC in Ore, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that commercial drivers in all motor parks in the area had started carrying just one passenger on the front seat and three on the back seat as directed.

He said that the report emanated from his team’s enforcement of compliance  on the Ore-Benin expressway where it was detailed to perform its  duties.

“Since the order on overloading to check the spread of COVID-19, commercial motorists most especially have been complying as they now carry one passenger in front and three at the back to have more space and reduce body contacts.

“My team is on the Ore-Benin expressway to enforce the overloading order and to ensure motorists obey all traffic rules and save lives and property in case of any emergency, ” he said.

The FRSC boss also said that his team was ready to enforce the border closure order by the Ondo State government to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

NAN reports that the Ondo State Government on Wednesday announced the closure of all its land borders with effect from 6. p.m on Thursday in order to contain the pandemic as the state had not recorded any positive case yet. (NAN)
BAA/ECN/OJO
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(Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Mufutau Ojo)

Defence/Security

Covid-19: Plateau Water Board adopts measures to check water scarcity

Covid-19: Plateau Water Board adopts measures to check water scarcity

Measures

By Emmanuel Nwoye

Jos, March 30, 2020 (NAN) The Plateau State Water Board (PSWB) has employed measures to check water shortage as people stay at home over the Covid-19 pandemic, the acting General Manager of the board, Mrs Stella Buge, has said.

In a statement issued to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos, Buge assured customers and the general public of adequate water supply during the period.

She said that the board in collaboration with other essential service providers had adopted measures to check water shortage, pipe burst and leakages around Jos Bukuru metropolis.

She said that the gesture was also extended to other local government areas in the state where portable water was provided.

The general manager urged the public and well spirited individuals to report to the board any breach or sabotage of any kind.

She also urged private water tanker operators to liaise with officials of the board at water treatment plants in areas “where our water is yet to be extended to help in augmenting the state government’s efforts in curbing the spread of the dreaded Covid-19 in Plateau”. (NAN)
ECN/AMY
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and Abdullahi Yusuf

General news

Cleric urges individuals, corporate bodies to support COVID-19 emergency fund

Cleric urges individuals, corporate bodies to support COVID-19 emergency fund
 
Relief
 
By Hassana Yakubu
 

Kaduna, March 29, 2020 (NAN) Pastor Yohanna Buru, General Overseer, Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Fellowship Ministry, Kaduna, has urged wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to support the COVID-19 emergency fund set up by the Federal Government. 

“Wealthy people and corporate bodies should contribute and help government to succeed in the fight against the spread of the virus in the entire country,” Buru said in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kaduna. 

He said that the emergency fund would help  to provide necessary interventions to tackle the spread of the virus.

“Globally thousands have been reported dead, and many are reported  infected with the disease.

“There is need to support states and federal  government with funding to confront the pandemic.

“Nigerians should also pray and fast with the aim of begging Almighty God to bring an end to this epidemic,” he said.

The cleric applauded Dangote and  BUA groups as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others  who had already donated to the fund.

Buru urged all Nigerians to play their part in stemming the pandemic by adhering to safety measures announced by health experts.(NAN)

HMY/ECN/MZA

edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Maharazu Ahmed

Sport

Rangers Int’l FC  pay final respect to late player, George 

Burial

By Nicholas Obisike

Enugu, March 29, 2020 (NAN) Rangers International FC of Enugu on sunday paid their last respect to it’s late player, Ifeanyi George who died in a car crash  alongside two others while on their way to Lagos.

The club media officer,  Norbert Okolie told newsmen in Enugu on Sunday that the late player alongside his friends was given his final respect on Saturday  amidst rains of tears in Lagos.

”George was buried on Saturday at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos amidst rains of tears from very few family members and friends in attendance owing to the state restriction because of Coronavirus,” he said.

The late player’s remains was taken from a private health facility in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo state where it was deposited after the ghastly auto-crash that claimed his life and transported to Lagos for the ceremony

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that George died in a motor accident along side Rangers feeders team player  Emmanuel Ogbu, and his  friend George Eteka Gabriel on Sunday, March 22.

The media officer said the General Manager of the club, Davidson Owumi at the rites of committal noted it had been a week long season of pains and tears for Rangers family since the confirmation of the death of Ifeanyi George in a ghastly auto-crash.

”But, with his burial today, as requested by his family in Lagos, some weight is lifted off everybody that is concerned with the footballer.

”We had representatives at the burial site and we thank all those that were there and those that were prevented by the lock down order of Lagos state government.

”Ifeanyi will remain indelible in the hearts of all of us in Rangers and  may his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of our Lord,” he said.

His team mate,  Obinna Eleje said, ”goodbye is the saddest word as you are laid to rest today, may our good Lord accept your soul brother.

”A great loss to Rangers FC and football family as a whole”.

Another player, Nnamdi Egbujuo said, “ still crying till tomorrow for the death of my brother, team mate Ifeanyi George known as Odogwu.

”As you are laid to rest today; I pray that God almighty will accept you till we meet again, goodbye brother”.

Ifeanyi Egwim on his part said:  ”farewell my brother as you are laid to rest today, may God grant your gentle soul rest in perfect peace”.

While Chidera Ezeh said: “Rrest on my brother and my friend, as you are laid to rest today, may your soul and all the departed ones be accepted by the Almighty,  farewell George, farewell Zlatan,  farewell Odogwu”.

Okolie added that the decision to burial of the late player in Lagos came from the family after an exhaustive deliberation between them and the Rangers FC management.
He said that the club activated all that was needed to be done for a befitting burial for the all action attacker. (NAN)
NUO/ECN/RSA
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edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Rabiu Sani Ali
General news

NVCG hails FG, states over measures against COVID-19

Appreciation
By Hassana Yakubu
Kaduna, March 28, 2020 (NAN) The National Volunteer Group (NVCG) has commended the federal and state governments as well as other frontline medical experts for the steps taken so far in controlling the spread of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
The Coordinator of the group, Mallam Yusuf Amoke, gave the commendation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Kaduna.
“We commend the pragmatic steps of stopping public gatherings and commercial activities in a bid to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.
“This is the time when our humanity must transcend all our deeply- held moral values.
“To defeat this virus, we must stand together. ‘All for one and one for all’, as the famous maxim dictates,” the statement said.
The group urged Nigerians to take steps to ameliorate the sufferings of their neighbours and dependents.
“We appeal for more relief materials to help support the most vulnerable members of our communities facing the challenges posed by the virus,”the group said.
The coordinator extended the group’s special appreciation to medical experts, led by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), for risking their lives to lead the fight against the virus.
“We also commend the media for their advocacy messages and public enlightenment campaigns,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group is an ad hoc team of patriotic citizens working together to support the public and private efforts at curbing the effects of COVID-19 in the country.
The group aims to create awareness within local communities and build mass support for directives of the government and other medical experts as well as reach out to the vulnerable and the most-at-risk members of the public with relief items.
It also aims to ensure information management that will aid timely handling of incidences regarding Coronavirus. (NAN)
HMY/ECN/WAS
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Health

COVID-19: Zamfara opens isolation centre

COVID-19: Zamfara opens isolation centre

Committee

By Ishaq Zaki

Gusau, March 28, 2020 (NAN) The Zamfara Government has designated General Hospital, Kasuwar-daji in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area as COVID-19 Isolation centre.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Magarya announced this at a sensitisation on Coronavirus pandemic at Gusau Central Motor park on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) reports that Gov. Bello Matawalle had appointed Magarya as Chairman of the State Task Force on Control and Prevention of Coronavirus.

The 16-man task force was inaugurated on Friday by the governor and has Dr Habib Yelwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health as Secretary.

Magarya said the committee has the mandate to sensitise and enlighten the general public on the nature of the disease and how to avoid it.

He said that the committee was also charged with the responsibility of collaborating with similar groups and agencies in the fight against the disease.

The Speaker said the committee will advise the government on humanitarian assistance to reduce the stay at home directive.

“Since our inauguration, we met with relevant stakeholders including religious and traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs as well as the media among others.

“We have so far visited public places including motor parks, markets among others.

“We established sub committees across the 147 wards in the 14 local government areas of the state to carry out sensitisation at the grassroots,” the speaker said.

He appealed to people of the state to cooperate with the government, respect and abide by all precautionary measures against the disease.

Also, the state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yahaya Kanoma said the state had not recorded any case of COVID-19.

Kanoma said the government planned to establish three isolation centers across the state, one in each of the three senatorial districts when the need arises.

“We have procured 20 Coronavirus thermometer as detectors and distributed to various public places,” the commissioner said.

He appealed to people of the state to comply with the proactive measures announced by health experts in order to prevent the disease.

Kanoma also called on people of the state to ensure effective hygiene practice and environmental sanitation in order to avoid contracting the disease.

He commended the support and cooperation of royal fathers and religious leaders in sensitising residents on the virus.(NAN)
IZ/ECN/MZA
edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Maharazu Ahmed