Persons numbering 43 have been caught by security personal at Zaramaganda Junction in Jos after passing through and coming into the state despite border Lockdown.
The persons who were caught said they were coming in from Lafia in Nassarawa state. As at the time of filing this report they were being moved to isolation center
Owing to the serious impact of the Corona Virus pandemic on the global economy as well as its effect on Nigerian economy and by extension the Plateau State economy, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has directed the State Economic Advisory Council headed by Chief Ezekiel Gomos, to immediately brainstorm and come up with practical and comprehensive strategies on the sustainability and continuation of the State Economy under COVID-19.
To ensure that Plateau State adapts to this new economic reality, the Governor has equally directed the Council to put together a post-COVID road map for the Plateau State economy especially for its revival and recovery.
To achieve this task, the Governor has mandated the Council to liaise and consult extensively with all Ministries, Department and Agencies; Local Government Councils; key private sector players in the State in the manufacturing, agriculture, banking and finance; hospitality and entertainment; trade and commerce; ICT; mining sector; and other important stakeholders like the MSMEs; the informal sector; Trade Associations; Chambers of Commerce; development partners NGOS and CSOs, Labour Unions etc.
The Council is expected to submit periodic policy and strategic recommendations to the Governor on the State economy under COVID19 and beyond.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to
the Governor of Plateau State and
Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
22nd April 2020.
Plateau State government has quarantined at least 600 travellers in two of its observation centres in the state for violating the lockdown order.
The state Commissioner for Health, Lar Ndam, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Pankshin.
Mr Ndam decried the attitudes of some indigenes staying in other states who were insisting on returning to the Plateau despite the government’s lockdown order aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
“We have 49 of the defaulters in Godiya Resort Observation Centre at Heipang In Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area and 545 others at our newly opened observation centre at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Jakatai in Mangu Local Government Area.
“Our worry is that even as we speak, more are still coming into the state; which is a very worrisome development that calls for stringent measures to curtail the spread of the deadly disease into the Plateau.
“As you know, God is faithful to us for not allowing any index case on the Plateau, which is our joy and why we have to keep the state free of the virus,’’ the commissioner said.
He said that reports from Sam Mbok, the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area’s Enforcement, Response and Monitoring Team, showed that 12 of the returnees were taken to the NYSC camp Observation Centre on April 21.
“Out of the 12 defaulters, five came from Kano, one from Lagos, five from Abia and another one from Niger states.
“Out of the 12 persons, five of them were discovered to be running high temperature and were separated from the rest and taken to the COVID-19 Testing Centre at NVRI, Vom, for test,” he said.
He said that four of the defaulters were arrested at Mangu town on Tuesday evening and were also taken to the NYSC Orientation Camp Observation Centre where they were quarantined.
Mr Ndam, however, called on the security operatives and government officials to strictly mount surveillance at all boundaries of the state with others to fish out defaulters to save the state from the dreaded virus.
According to him, traditional rulers and the general public are implored to report any person coming to their midst from another state to government officials and security agencies.
The members of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at a meeting held on Wednesday had agreed to implement inter-state lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
Coronavirus has spread to 25 states in Nigeria and the FCT. As at 11:25 pm, 21st April, there are 782 confirmed cases of the virus reported in Nigeria with 25 fatalities.
The press statement released by the Forum which consists of the 36 states governors stated; “Governors unanimously agreed to the implementation of an inter-state lockdown in the country over the next two weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus from state to state. Only essential services will be permitted.”
The statement also noted; “in order to strengthen coordinated implementation of necessary public health recommendations across states, governors resolved to set up COVID-19 committees at the regional level, headed by their state Commissioners of Health.
“Regional committees will continue to interface with the State Task Force Committees on COVID-19 already established in each state.
The forum also held a minute’s silence in honour of all Nigerians who have lost their lives from coronavirus, especially health workers who were in the front lines of the pandemic.
“Members also conveyed their condolence to President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Borno State on the passing of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Abba Kyari, who passed away on 17th April 2020 in the line of duty to the country.
“The NGF Chairman briefed the forum on the rapidly evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and coordination efforts with the Federal Government, multilateral and bilateral partners and the private sector through the Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
“With over 25 states now affected by the spread of the virus and increasing evidence of community transmission, state governors called for the decentralisation of the COVID-19 response as the best chance of nipping in the bud the spread of the virus in communities.More in Home
“Following an update from the NGF Secretariat on the number of COVID-19 cases in the country, members expressed concern over the rising spread of the virus among health workers and resolved to work with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that health workers are adequately provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) and are constantly traineod on the use of protective gears.
“The forum also received briefing from the governors of Lagos, Bauchi, Oyo and Ogun states who shared their experiences and lessons from the fight against COVID-19.
“Lastly, the forum congratulated the Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, who after nearly four weeks of testing positive and observing very strict medical regime, has now received two consecutive negative test results for the coronavirus,” the communiqué read.
Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos, Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the Nigerian National Assembly Abuja, has distributed food items to some Plateau State indigenes resident in APO DISTRICT of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Hon. Bagos who was ably represented by his Abuja Liaison Officer and former staff of the British Council, Rwas Julius Dung Turu stated Rep. Bagos was moved by the accentuation of the World Health Organization (WHO), that ‘’Hunger will be another crisis to deal with in Africa during the COVID-19 lockdown”.
Therefore, it was necessary to consider the disadvantaged class of people, who depend on daily patronage to make a living, especially since the advent of this COVID-19. They are now stranded and starving because all their clients and customers are locked down at home for safety.
The anchor of METRO ANGELS HUMANITARIAN RADIO SHOW, on HOT FM 98.3 Abuja, Mr. Victor Chollom who was present at the presentation of the food items said “beyond being a great act of kindness to Plateau State indigenes, this is the first time any Abuja based-Plateau State elected member has considered this category of artisans (Mechanics), who are grossly affected by the COVID-19 lock down.
Elizabeth Iliya, expressed gratitude and showered prayers for the honorable member. She added “God has given us a son in Dachung Bagos and today, the son was sent us timely intervention May God bless him for his benevolence, she spoke on behalf of the widows who were part of the beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the Berom Youth leader in Kabusa, Mr. David Dung stated that, his prayer this morning was for God to just provide for his small family any means of feeding for that day, and behold the palliatives from the Honorable Member is beyond just a day, it will cover for another two weeks.
COVID-19: Rep. Bagos Urges NCDC to give Attention to the North, Calls for More Testing Centres
With 782 total cases and 25 deaths recorded nationally of the Coronavirus, the Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Dachung Musa Bagos has called on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to give attention to Northern Nigeria to forestall what could lead to monumental deaths.
He said if more attention is not accorded the North, the outbreak will be devastating considering the rising number of confirmed cases in its most populous State, Kano, the illiteracy level and culture in the region.
He called for more awareness and sensitization to the people to enable them know the devastating impact of COVID-19 which is adversely affecting socioeconomic activities.
“As we speak many Northerners still think COVID-19 is a scam and not real thereby not adjusting to the current global realities of the time”
“They go about shaking hand which is part of their culture, not observing social distancing and seen in large gatherings, actions which are already exposing many of them to the virus”
“There is need for total lockdown in the North to prevent and contain the monstrous COVID-19” he posited.
The Legislator urged NCDC to establish more molecular testing centres in the North which is high risk zone considering the illiteracy level and their way of life.
Rep. Bagos further called on government at all levels to provide palliatives to the people to alleviate the untold economic hardships the coronavirus pandemic has brought to the people.
He admonished the people to adhere to all measures put in place by NCDC, Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO) and government directives aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and safety of the people.
A total of 117 new cases of COVID-19 was recorded on Tuesday; with Lagos, Abuja – the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kano accounting for the overwhelming majority.
Lagos racked up 59 new cases, the FCT recorded 29 new cases while Kano was responsible for 14. Furthermore, the 117 new cases took the total of COVID-19 infections in Nigeria to 782.
Other states with reported cases from Tuesday’s updates include Borno – seven; Katsina – four; Ogun – three cases; while Rivers and Bauchi both recorded one new case each.
Specifically, the new figures were confirmed by the country’s disease-fighting agency, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Equally important, the NCDC made the disclosure via its verified handle on the micro-blogging site, Twitter.
On the other hand, a total of 25 deaths have been recorded; while 197 patients have recovered from the disease and subsequently discharged.
‘‘117 new cases of #COVID19 have been reported; 59 in Lagos, 29 in FCT, 14 in Kano, 6 in Borno; 4 in Katsina, 3 in Ogun, 1 in Rivers, 1 in Bauchi. As at 11:25 pm 21st April there are 782 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Discharged: 197. Deaths: 25,’’ the NCDC tweeted.
Lagos has previously recorded no new case of COVID-19 in the update delivered by the NCDC on Monday. However, it returned to the top of the infection pile on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, a breakdown of the total number of COVID-19 cases by states in Nigeria shows that Lagos remains the epicentre; with a total of 430 cases. Abuja (FCT) is next with 118, Kano is third on the list with 73 cases; followed by Osun and Ogun with 20 cases each while Oyo and Katsina have 16 cases each.
Next is Edo with 15 cases while Kwara, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom and Borno are tied on nine cases each. Bauchi has eight cases, Gombe has five while Delta and Ekiti have recorded four cases each. Ondo and Rivers have three cases of COVID-19 each. Behind them is Jigawa, Enugu, Niger and Abia with two cases each. Anambra and Sokoto bring up the rear with one case each.
117 new cases of #COVID19 have been reported;
59 in Lagos
29 in FCT
14 in Kano
6 in Borno
4 in Katsina
3 in Ogun
1 in Rivers
1 in Bauchi
As at 11:25 pm 21st April there are 782 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria.
Discharged: 197
Deaths: 25
As at 11:25 pm 21st April, breakdown of cases by states:
Lagos-430
FCT-118
Kano-73
Osun-20
Ogun-20
Oyo-16
Katsina-16
Edo-15
Kwara-9
Kaduna-9
Akwa Ibom-9
Borno-9
Bauchi-8
Gombe-5
Delta-4
Ekiti-4
Ondo-3
Rivers-3
Jigawa-2
Enugu-2
Niger-2
Abia-2
Benue-1
Anambra-1
Sokoto-12,17723:38 – 21 Apr 2020Twitter Ads information and privacy2,526 people are talking about this
In addition, the NCDC had disclosed that five cases previously reported in Lagos, have been transferred to Ogun state. Consequently, this leaves the total number of confirmed cases in Lagos at 430; while Ogun’s climbs to 20.
For the second time in one month, the Northern States Governors Forum has met to discuss the region’s response to the Corona Virus pandemic and evaluate some of the measures adopted by each State to deal with the situation.
The meeting presided over by its Chairman, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State was convened via teleconferencing with 17 Governors participating.
The Chairman briefed the members on some of the issues discussed at their last meeting and the follow up developments.
He told them that based on their resolution at the last meeting, he had a discussion with President Muhammadu Buhari where he conveyed their concerns on the need for the region to access special funding, palliatives, testing centres and other forms of support to assist the region deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the President assured him of the support of the Federal Government within the context of Federal Government programmes both under the Corona Virus response and under other incentives to farmers and States.
The meeting further discussed the issue of COVID-19 Testing Centres within the Northern Region where it noted some improvement, but again insisted that all States in the region should have at least one centre in order to make the detection of the disease and its management easier and faster.
On border control and lockdown measures, the Northern Governors retained their earlier decision for the States to individually decide on the measure to adopt, but reaffirmed the need for border closures to stop inter-state spread of the disease, which is rising in the region.
The Governors also discussed the risk that Almajiri children are exposed to because of the Corona Virus disease where they unanimously decided to totally ban the Almajiri system and evacuate the children to their parents or States of origin.
They agreed to take a cue from Kano, Kaduna and Nasarawa States who have begun returning Almajiri children to families and States of origin, while those within their States who do not have parents are taken care of by the Government.
They vowed never to allow the system persist any longer because of the social challenges associated with it including the perpetuation of poverty, illiteracy, insecurity and social disorder.
The meeting also engaged the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Alhaji Muhammed Sabo Nanono on the incentives available to Nigerian Farmers and how those in their region can benefit. The Minister outlined all the agricultural programmes of the Federal Government including provision of farm inputs and fertilizers, cluster farming, training and deployment of extension workers, provision of rural roads, value chain addition, development of irrigation facilities, agro-mechanization and mobilization of agro-rangers.
The Governors also raised concerns about the challenges of insecurity especially the activities of bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, Kidnappers and other criminals who they say pose great threat to farmers who are afraid to go to their farms – a development that could result in food insecurity. They therefore resolved to engage relevant Federal Government Agencies and heads of security agencies to urgently address the problem.
The Forum also noted with dismay rapid deforestation in the region and resolved to take tougher measures to curtail the situation.
They also reiterated their resolve to turn the economic challenges posed by the Corona Virus Pandemic into opportunities for diversification and emancipation.
The Northern Governors also commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the loss of his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and prayed that God will grant his family and the Government of Borno State the fortitude to bear the loss.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State &
Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
21st April, 2020.
There was a fire outbreak at the Jos branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday.
Isaac Okorafor, the apex bank’s spokesman, said the fire was put under control minutes after it broke out.
“At about 9.15 a.m., today, Tuesday, April 21, 2020, the fire alarm in our Jos branch was triggered and in line with the bank’s fire drill and protocol, the skeletal staff on essential duty were promptly evacuated from the building to the muster point,” Okorafor said in a statement.
“Our branch controller quickly called the Fire Service at about 9:19 am.
“However, before the arrival of men of the fire service, the bank’s security unit, relying on information from the fire alarm dashboard, traced the fire to an air conditioner installed in the inverter room on the second floor of the building.
“They swiftly put out the fire with extinguishers and hydrants installed in the building.
“The affected room has since been cordoned off for further investigation, while normal work has resumed at the branch.”
Okorafor said the fire outbreak was minor and there was no damage to any bank records.
“We hereby assure the general public that the minor fire has been effectively put out and no damage was done to any records of the bank.”
A number of fire incidents have been recorded recently in locations like markets and public institutions including the office of the accountant-general.
Plateau state Government has planted Closed-circuit television CCTV cameras at major borders in the state to check the entrance of persons to the state .
Governor Simon Lalong in a state wide broadcast in which he extended the state total curfew had directed that all entry and exists routes to the state should be further beefed up with cctv cameras to complement the measures put in place to shut the borders and curb any the spread of COVID-19 to the state as it is yet to record any case.
The DG of Plateau State Information Technology Agency (PICTDA), Mr Daser David, made a post confirming that the state now have CCTV cameras displaying major borders in Plateau state.
He saidOfficial: We now have CCTV cameras displaying major borders in Plateau state. Next phase is building a robust process with the security handlers. What we have learnt from the video feed is that lockdown is the best way to enforce border closure. #COVID19Plateau In the coming days we would conclude on a proper security process while looking at the borders from the situation room. As a thing of policy we may also crowd surveil. Get everyone to help up watch the border through their phones.