Month: April 2020

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COVID-19: GOVERNOR LALONG, FAMILY TEST NEGATIVE TO VIRUS.

PRESS STATEMENT

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and members of his family have tested negative to the Corona Virus disease after carrying out the test.
The samples of the Governor and members of his family were taken 2 days ago by health officials and forwarded to the NCDC laboratory in Abuja for examination.
The results came back today, 9th April 2020 and indicated negative for the Governor and members of his family.
Reacting to the results, Governor Lalong said he and his family decided to take the test in order to help in tackling the rising stigma that is gradually building up on the disease and making people reluctant of coming out even when they notice any symptoms.


He said “Corona Virus is not a death sentence and if we are not careful, people can die out of fear and stigma. I call on all our citizens particularly those who notice any symptoms of the disease including difficulty in breathing, fever, cough, sore throat, headache and general fatigue, or have had contact with any infected person to report to health officials and submit themselves for examination”.


Lalong said the Plateau State Government has continued to take proactive measures including a one week total lockdown beginning midnight Thurday 9th April to prevent movements that could expose the State to the disease.


Lalong also assured the people of the State that the NCDC has already approved the establishment of a corona virus testing centre in Plateau State which will take off very soon and reduce challenges associated with the shuttle to Abuja for testing.


He thanked the citizens of the State for their cooperation and compliance to Government directives in curbing COVID-19, assuring them that his administration will not subject them to any unnecessary hardship and losses.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th April 2020.

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COVID-19: Rep. Bagos Demands FG N20,000 Coronavorus Palliative For his Constituents

As the World continue to battle with the ravaging impact of the novel coronavirus, the Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Dachung Bagos has called for holistic approach to tackle the dreaded virus globally.

Rep. Bagos said with over 1.5 million total cases and over 89,000 deaths recorded globally, the disease has presented global threat to economic, social, cultural and religious activities worldwide.

While calling on citizens to adhere to all safety, preventive and precautionary measures as well as government directives at all levels, the Federal Lawmaker urged government at all levels to provide welfare palliative to address hunger crisis and malnutrition will be imminent among the poor population.

He challenged the Federal Government to demonstrate fairness, equity and empathy in the distribution of N20,000 coronavirus palliative to vulnerable Nigerians as the gesture is yet to reach his Constituents.
He decried how his Constituents are left out in the disbursement of the Coronavirus Palliative Funds by the Federal Government.

He said having forgone their two Months salaries to the fight against COVID-19 the Members House of Representatives will want to see their Constituents feeling the impact of the palliative by the Federal Government.

He said he has distributed Personal Protective Equipment and Food Items to the vulnerable in his Federal Constituency to assist them in this trying moment.

He called on government to provide PPE and express his willingness and readiness to volunteer as a Driver to distribute any form of palliatives to the people.

He urged the people to have faith in God and pray always saying the coronavirus and the hardships being faced are temporal.

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Rep. Dachung Bagos Donates Preventive Aides and Palliatives to Constituents.

Following the lockdown announced by the Plateau State Government as part of the fight against the novel Coronavirus, Member Representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon.
Dachung Bagos has donated relief materials and personal protective equipments to members of his constituents.

The items were distributed within Hwolshe Ward of Jos South Local Government where Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to the representative, Pwajok Lang said “We are faced with dire a situation… this has affected the economy of the state and nation. We felt it wise to come up with some sort of palliative [measures.]”

He further explained the nature of the distribution which he said is going to be on a door-to-door basis keeping in line with social distancing policy prescribed by health officials.

The ongoing distribution targets the poor and the vulnerable within the 39 state wards of the Constituency. Items that that were distributed included; rice, maize, hand sanitizers, face masks, and other food items.

The Member urged his constituents to obey government’s decision to have the state on lockdown to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

He also encouraged his constituents to maintain proper personal hygiene- wash hands frequently, maintain a distance of at least 6-for from each other and keep away from crowds and immediately reach out to health officials should they suspect a case of the virus.

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Covid-19: Hon. Fom Gwottson Urges Plateau Govt to Provide Palliative to Poor Citizens & Ensure Accountability in Spendings

House Member representing, Jos South in the Plateau assembly Hon. Gwottson Dalyop Fom on Wednesday called on the state Government to provide some palliative to the poor in the state to alleviate their sufferings during the one week lock down declared by the state governor

It could be recalled that Governor Simon Lalong had said that the state Government has concluded plans to carry out a State-wide fumigation exercise which will cover Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and all the 17 Local Governments Areas of the State and directed a total lockdown, effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020.

In a open letter address to the Governor of Plateau state and a copy made available newsmen in Jos , Fom said Plateau people needs to know if the government has fully considered what the Corona Virus situation will portend and how it will affect the Plateau people especially the poorest of the poor amongst us?

He said “What other measures and plans does the Plateau State government have to ensure that if there is a real danger of disease and hunger in Plateau State that we are prepared to deal with the situation in a very transparent and forthright manner?”

“Is there a list of those who have enjoyed the twenty thousand naira palliative from the Federal Government? If yes I will like to know which of my constituents got the money if any.

The statement further reads that “MY TAKE: The pandemic stares at all of us in the face and we need to be united in purpose and also be our brothers keepers at this time.

I believe that monies that are used at this time should be judiciously used with due respect to the Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The Plateau people have great need of food at this time. While we say God forbid it, we must also be realistic and prepare.

We need to have an isolation/treatment center with equipment’s and medication to cater to any cases that may be confirmed in the coming days; accounts of funds used during this pandemic must be rendered to the citizenry periodically. We all need to be on the same page and by the grace of God we will beat this pandemic.

Mr. Governor Sir, we are happy with your confirmation of not being in any danger yourself after the scare of a few weeks back.

May God continue to grant you heath and wisdom, especially at this time, to effectively pilot the affairs of state with wisdom and the fear of God. I wish to use this medium to ask Plateau people to please adopt the social distancing and hand washing advisory of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Long live Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The letter also reads that “Your Excellency it is with every sense of responsibility that I write you this letter during the times that the entire globe is afflicted by the Pandemic of COVID 19 popularly known as the Corona Virus.

Allow me to congratulate you on the action that your Government took to make sure that suspected cases were closely monitored and based on your last admission there are about eight individuals that are still persons of interest in the state and no confirm cases as of today. It gives me joy and an uneasy calm that of the 254 cases in Nigeria, we still do not have any known case in Plateau State.”

Two days ago we woke up to the information from your Government that directed that that there will be a lock down for seven days, ostensibly for the purpose of fumigating the entire state.

While on the face of it, this seems like a step in the right direction I am constraint to ask a few questions which I do believe the people of Plateau State will like to get answers to as well:
Plateau people will like to know what areas will be subject to the fumigation.

It is necessary to know which parts will be affected directly so as to better prepare citizens who are going to be affected.
What is going to be the medium of fumigation and what chemicals will be used in the exercise? Will the rains that has started becoming constant, not adversely affect the fumigation?

This need to fumigate must have been informed by a clear and present danger that the Plateau citizens must have been laboring under. We will like to know how eminent the threat was and how the proposed fumigation will address the danger posed to the populace.

How much has been approved for the exercise and who or which body made the approval? Was the Plateau State House of Assembly involved in the approval of a supplementary budget approval or did the money come another source that the Plateau people should be informed about?

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NCC clears doubts over 5G, COVID-19 and Security

In view of the recent development in which misleading materials with no proven evidence being circulated to link CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19 with 5G Technology, it has become imperative for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide the following clarifications;

Firstly, there is no correlation between 5G Technology and COVID-19. 5G is an advancement on today’s 4G technology designed to transform the world positively.

Secondly, there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment. The NCC back in November 2019 approved trial test for 5G for a period of three (3) months and that the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned.

The trial among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. Relevant stakeholders including members of the security agencies were invited to participate during the trial.

The NCC will continue to maintain its policy of technology neutrality and will continue to encourage Service providers to deploy the best technology that will meet the needs of the society in a secured and friendly manner.

The following are some Frequently Asked Questions :

What is 5G ?

Ans: 5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology which is an improvement of today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.

Do we have 5G network in Nigeria now?

Ans: No there is no 5G network in Nigeria at the moment. What we had was a trial test for 3 months which has since been concluded.

When are we expecting 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. No exact time frame but when conditions are right and all doubts are cleared.

Do we have spectrum for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. Yes, particularly the millimetre wave spectrum from 24GHz and above are available.

Have we given out 5G spectrum to operators?

Ans. No. It will be auctioned at the appropriate time.

Are there 5G deployment around the world?

Ans. Yes, in countries like South Korea, China, USA, Germany and others since middle 2019.

Is the Radiation from 5G different from those of 2G, 3G and 4G?

Ans. No, they all belong to the same class of Non-ionizing Radiation.

Who is going to Allocate spectrum for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) Chaired by the Hon Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has the responsibility for allocating bulk spectrum for various services.

Should I be concerned about 5G technology?

Ans. No, nothing to worry about. Safety and human health are top priority in the design and deployment of 5G.

What are the benefits of 5G ?

Ans. 5G technology will transform the world by connecting everything with everybody. It will create millions of jobs, it will add billions of dollars to the economy (GDP) and can solve some of our problems such as insecurity and improve governance and efficiency in the society.

Is 5G causing CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19?

Ans. No, there is no link what so ever between 5G and CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19.

Should I ignore all the negative narratives I am hearing about 5G ?

Ans. No, but rely on information from world Standards making bodies such as WHO, ITU, IEEE and industry experts for advice when in doubt.

Is there Standard limit set for Radiation from mobile devices?

Ans. Yes, there is Radiation emission limits set by the International Commission for Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) below which the radiation is considered safe for humans.

Are the mobile network operators in Nigeria conforming to the Radiation emissions limits ?

Ans. Yes, the NCC has been regularly conducting measurements of Radiation emissions from Base stations across the country and they are all well below the set limits.

Is 5G same as Fibre cable?

Ans. No, fibre cable is a terrestrial technology for broadband that existed for decades while 5G is a new mobile technology for enhanced quality of service as explained in Q1 above.

Are there other sources of Radiation apart from mobile Base stations ?

Ans. Yes, there are other sources of Radiation which include television stations, radio broadcasts stations, wifi and so on. They all belong to the class of Radiation considered to be safe for humans when operated below the set limits.

Who owns 5G ?

Ans. 5G is not owned by anybody but collection of technologies, Standards and processes agreed at the international level by Standards making bodies.

Has NCC issued licenses for 5G in Nigeria ?

Ans. No, NCC has not issued any licence for 5G in Nigeria. NCC is technology neutral as such we don’t license technology but assigns spectrum to operators for deployment of any service when allocated by NFMC.

Why are some operators rolling out fibre during the lockdown period?

Ans. As a result of the lockdown, the amount of voice and data usage has increased by huge amounts and there is need to expand the network to provide optimum quality of service to users sitting at home. Telecom is also critical for information decimination during the lockdown.

SIGNED

Dr. Henry Nkemadu
Director, Public Affairs
Nigerian Communications Commission
05 April 2020

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Ogbons Art Studio Donates COVID-19 Awareness Campaign Items to Plateau State (Photos)

The CEO Ogbons Art Studio Mr Ogbonna presented a donation of some print Media COVID-19 awareness items to the state government, Mr Ogbonna appreciates the government for the opportunity and the effort they have put in place to ensure safety of the citizens as there is no confirmed case of the pandemic virus in the state

While making the donations, Mr Ogbonna said Ogbons Art Studio have seen the need to produce mini bill board, stickers and hand bills to create more awareness in English and Hausa Languages with preventive messages about the pandemic COVID-19 because not everyone have televisions, radios and smart phones.

The items they donated are as follows:

5000 flyers (250 Hausa Language, 250 English Language)

100 stickers for tricycles

6 bill boards

20 mini bill boards

The Secretary to Government of the State and Coordinating Secretary of the Taskforce, Dr Atu Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, received the donation with thanks and made emphasis on the need of sensitization in the state to fight the spread of coronavirus pandemic as the virus is no respecter of man kind

He state that the donation will go a long way in creating awareness to the general public and that the items will be put in place at key positions. He motioned that the state will call for the production of more of such items to widen awareness of COVID-19 in the state especially in the rural areas.

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COVID-19: Plateau State Declare A Total Lockdown, Starting From Thursday

TALKING POINTS FOR PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR, HIS EXCELLENCY RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG AT A MEDIA BRIEFING  ON THE PROGRESS REPORT ON THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC (COVID-19) 6TH APRIL 2020.
PROTOCOLS


Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the government constituted a monitoring and enforcement task force under my Chairmanship. The Task Force has the following sub-committees:
Awareness and advocacy
Medical Facility Management and Health Services
Enforcement
Border Management and Traffic
Secretariat and Logistics
A situation room was also created under the Secretariat and Logistics Committee to collate information and monitor activities of the various committees and the Local Governments.
These five sub-committees were replicated in each of the 17 Local Government Areas with the Executive Chairmen heading the Central Committees.
The Covid-19 Taskforce under my Chairmanship meets every day to receive briefs, analyse and review strategies of the entire response.
We had set ground rules for general observation e.g. sanitation and personal hygiene; crowd control of not more than 50 people; maintaining of social distance of 2 metres and 5 metres apart for traders selling food items.


 I also undertook a facility tour of Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital to assess the state of medical facilities and capacity to respond to Covid-19 pandemic.
After receiving complaints on insufficient respirators and other essentials, I immediately directed the purchase of some ventilators, which are being received at the moment.


We also purchased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Monitors, Infrared Thermometers, Oxygen, Concentrators and other essential drugs. We are looking inwards to improve what we have on ground.
In particular, one of our sons who has continued to make in-roads in innovation, Engr. Jerry Mallo has been engaged to produce ventilators while the duo of Engineers Nura Jibrin and William Gyang have resuscitated broken down ventilators at JUTH. We are grateful to them.
We are also taking steps to establish more Covid-19 Isolation Centres in Pankshin and Shendam to cover the other Senatorial districts in the State.


In line with the Federal Government Directive, we propose to establish a 300-bed Treatment Centre to be located at the Riyom General Hospital and the State NYSC Camp.
The State Emergency Operation Centre at the Epidemiology Centre Jos, was activated and is now functional.
Information and Sensitization Committee had embarked on dialogue and interface with Local Government Chairmen, Traditional, Religious and Community leaders to get them on board in the fight against the disease.
In the course of implementation, all markets were closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and other essential items. We also put a ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals.
Vehicles were also restricted to carry 1, 4 and 6 passengers (i.e. Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) respectively.


So far, we have recorded 48 suspected cases which were investigated and all found negative. Total discharge from self-isolation are 25 while 8 are still under surveillance. Our surveillance team already in place will continue to be vigilant in identifying cases.
We had established checkpoints at entry points to the State to enable health officials conduct preliminary screening of commuters.
Based on further developments, we announced the closure of all border routes to the State, which took effect from 29th March 2020 to further strengthen the capacity of our health officials to concentrate on the situation within the State.


Monitoring and Enforcement is still going on and we are recording substantial compliance. However, the few cases of disregard for the order are being handled by the security agencies.
With all these, Government has concluded plans to carry out a State-wide fumigation exercise which will cover Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and all the 17 Local Governments Areas of the State.
To this effect, I am directing a total lockdown, effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020.
During this period, there will be no movement of any kind except for staff on essential duty. These include:
Security Agencies; Medical and Health workers; Power and Energy Staff; Fire Service; Media; Telecom Operators; Fuel Tankers.


At this point, let me express our deep appreciation to Corporate organisations and individuals that have so far contributed to the Plateau Covid-19 Endowment Fund both in cash and in kind.
We thank Grand Cereals, NASCO Group of Companies; Zuma Steel West Africa; Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association; ASUU University of Jos Branch; Senator Hezekiah Dimka; Mees Palace; Godiya Hotel Heipang; Bar. Pius Akubo (SAN) and the UBA for their various contributions.
In all the operations so far, a number of challenges have arisen which we are working hard to address in conjunction with key partners including the Federal Government.


Some of the challenges include lack of at least a Diagnostic Centre despite the State having Grade 3-4 Diagnostic Centres. We are liaising with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that Plateau State to get a centre soon.
We need more Personal Protective Equipment, which we hope to also complement by producing locally.
Because of the enormity of the challenge we are facing, the State is liaising with the Federal Government with a view to implementing palliatives from to deal with the pandemic.
As I ask our citizens to continue cooperating with us in these difficult times, I wish to commend them for their patience and resilience. Working together, we can overcome this monster that is ravaging the world.


I also wish to commend citizens who are using the Covid-19 Plateau Platform in reporting incidences directly to the situation room, which has enabled Government to take timely action.
The media has also played supportive role and we appreciate your efforts.

Thank you.

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State
6th A pril 2020.

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Plateau State Receives First Individual Donation of N500k from Barr. Akubo

The Plateau state Government has received the first individual donation to the Plateau Covid-19 fund aimed at assisting government in the fight against the spread of the deadly virus

Barr. Pius Akubo of Akubo and Co. Law Firm, who made the donation of N500,000 to the state Covid -19 Fund, said though he never wanted to make the donation public but was compelled and encouraged by the pro-activeness of plateau state government in curbing the spread of coronavirus and wanted to contribute in identifying with the fight against covid-19.

Prof. Danladi Atu who received the donations on behalf of Governor Simon Lalong said the Government was elated with a spirited donation from a reputable citizen and that the government was highly impressed by this kind gesture especially being the first personal donation to the state.

He said despite the fact that plateau is yet to record any case of coronavirus, the state has not relented in contact tracing to track down suspected cases as most tests have returned negative with 2 pending tests results. Furthermore the contributions will go a long way in adding value to the measures set by government and called on more spirited individuals to support the drive by government.

You will recall that the Plateau state government has received various donations, among organizations include; UBA, Grand Cereals, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Zuma Steel Company, Nasco Group of Companies, Leader Impact, Ogbons Art amongst others.

Governor Lalong who was represented at the presentation of various donations by Secretary to Government of the State and Coordinating Secretary of the Taskforce Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said the State is grateful to all those who have heeded to the call for assistance.

The Government announced that it has established the Plateau State Covid-19 Support Fund. For other corporate organizations and well spirited individuals who may wish to contribute, the
Account Number is: 1022751747. UBA

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Covid-19: Leader Impact Group Donates Hand-Washing Buckets to Plateau Government

Leader Impact of Great Commission Movement Of Nigeria in a bid to support the Plateau State Government in the Fight against the Covid-19 virus, today donated 100 buckets for hand-washing and some liquid soaps.

Leading the delegation to make the donation was Mr Lepan Tyoden, National coordinator of Leader Impact an organization that helps to grow top leaders personally and spirituality with the motto “Positive impact starts here”.

Mr Lepan pleaded the absence of the Jos City Chairman, Mr Jonathan Onigbinde who was sopos to make the presentation but was unavoidably absent. He praised the government for setting proactive measures as the state was yet to record any case of coronavirus. He said the organization was making the donation to assist government in providing hand-washing points in markets and other designated places.

Responding, Secretary to Government of the State and Coordinating Secretary of the Taskforce, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said that the donation was apt and in line with the first ground rules set by government which is washing. He noted that government was pleased with such donations coming from different organization showing that the fight is a collective responsibility of all its citizenry and noted that the tasksforce will ensure the effective use of such donations suiting the propose for curbing the spread of the covid-19 pandemic