Month: May 2020

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NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM HOLDS ANOTHER MEETING, REVIEW COVID-19 COMMENDS PRESIDENT BUHARI ON SECURITY INTERVENTION

The Northern State Governors Forum held its 4th teleconference meeting on Wednesday 20th May 2020 to review the region’s COVID-19 response, and deliberate on other matters relating to its progress and development.

During the meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, the Forum acknowledged and appreciated the intervention of the Federal Government following their request to President Muhammadu Buhari for the deployment of more security personnel to the region to tackle banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other crimes which are threatening livelihoods and preventing farmers from going to their farms.

On the profiling and evacuation of Almajiris, the Forum noted that so far, there has been appreciable progress as many States have transferred Almajiris to other States and also received their citizens without any problem.
They resolved to continue with the exercise by strictly following laid down protocols for profiling, quarantining, testing, transportation, handing and taking over as well as reintegration.
The Governors also maintained their earlier decision to purchase COVID-19 Mobile Testing Vans which have already been ordered to boost testing of more citizens especially in the rural areas.
On enforcing closure of inter-state boundary roads, the Northern Governors again expressed disappointment that despite several measures taken, including Presidential orders, there are still violations where people move from one State to another through compromise and use of illegal routes.
They vowed to continue to take further measures to protect their people including the deployment of members of their cabinets and civil servants where necessary.
The Forum resolved to continue their appeal to the Federal Government for support to deal with the Corona Virus Pandemic, as the Northern Region now has about 54% of the national cases and 70 percent of new infections.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of
Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
20th May 2020.
 
 

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NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM COMMISERATE WITH SHEIK LEMU OVER DEATH OF ELDEST SON.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM COMMISERATE WITH SHEIK LEMU OVER DEATH OF ELDEST SON.

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has on behalf of the Forum expressed condolences to Sheik Ahmed Lemu, over the death of Abubakar Shehu Lemu, his eldest son.
In a condolence message to the revered Islamic Scholar and members of his family, Governor Lalong described the death of the late Abubakar, as a great loss to the family, Niger State and the Nation.


He said “Late Abubakar, a retired Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, distinguished himself in serving the country meritoriously within and outside the country, and also impacting the lives of people particularly at the community level. The Northern Governors Forum shares in your pain at this moment of grief”.


The Northern Governors Chairman also noted that although the death of Late Abubakar remains painful, it has to be accepted as the wish of Allah who is his maker and decided to take him, having fulfilled his purpose on earth.
He prayed Allah (SWT) to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family, noting that Late Abubakar will continue to be remembered for his humility, tolerance, generosity and service to humanity.
 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau
State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
20th May, 2020.

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COVID-19: House of Reps Demand the Whereabout of Chinese Doctors

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REQUEST THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE CHINESE DOCTORS.

At the planery session of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, 19th May, 2020, Rep. Dachung Bagos, Member Representing Jos South/ Jos East Federal Constituency moved a motion on the need to know the whereabouts of the Chinese doctors who came into the country to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and it was seconded by Rep. Maria Onuoha.

In leading the motion Rep. Bagos said when the Federal government announced the arrival of the Chinese health workers in April to share their experiences in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with their Nigerian counterparts, it generated a lot of controversies that even made the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila to convene a meeting between the leadership of the House and the Health Ministry with guidelines to ensure the safety of Nigerians. Rep. Bagos then expressed concern on a report that the Ministry of Health has not furnished reasonable responses to enquiries of concern by Nigerians on where the Chinese health workers are, and what specific help they are rendering? Rep. Bagos called on the House to mandate the Minister of Health to furnish it with a detailed report on the activities of the Chinese health workers as was agreed upon during the meeting with the leadership of the House. He also called on the House Committees on Interior, National Security and Foreign Affairs to investigate and ensure the House is kept aware of the outcome.
The motion was voted on and adopted.

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Rep. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D Donates Zinc, Others for Rebuilding Destroyed Communities in Ropp, B/Ladi LGA

Rep. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D Donates Zinc, Others for Rebuilding Destroyed Communities in Ropp, B/Ladi LGA

The Honorable Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State at the National Assemby, Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D has donated building materials worth over N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) for the roofing of communities in Ropp Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State that were destroyed by violent crisis that engulfed the area in the past.

Presenting the items, Dr. Simon Mwadkwon who was represented by Mr. Davou Dung Davou, the DG of the Rep. Dr. Mwadkwon Rescue, Transformation and Progress Campaign Team who was accompanied by the Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) of the Member, Hon. Jackson Daniel Dashwei and other Members of the Directorate said the donation became imperative in order to help the people return to their aboriginal homes as the rains set in.

The Federal Lawmaker applauded the enthusiasm and commitment of the people who are eager to go back to their ancestral land.

He said the donation was borne out of the empathy, love and concern the Federal Lawmaker, Rep. Dr. Simon Mwadkwon has for the people who were displaced by their enemies whose agenda was to kill, dislodge and forcefully grab their heritage.

He encouraged the people to remain resilient and vigilant as they return back to their homes to continue livelihood.

Rep. Dr. Simon Mwadkwon condemned in strong terms recent attack in the area (Messiah College Mission Gana Ropp) in which Rev. Canon Bayo James and Members of his family sustained various degrees of injuries when his house was invaded. He called on government and security agencies to rise up to their cardinal constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives & property of the citizens.

He reiterated the commitment of the Member to the welfare of the Constituents and said he will continue to pursue bills and projects that are people-oriented.

Receiving the items, the Chairman Building Committee of the Communities, Da Dung Adamu Dung, the Village Head HRH Da Gyang Pam Sagai, religious Leaders & others who spoke in their separate remarks commended the Legislator for the humanitarian gesture, timely response to their plight having being told of same not long ago, taking necessary action to alleviate their sufferings and making the welfare of the constituents his priority.

They appreciated the Lawmaker for coming to their aid at the time of their need and contributing towards addressing their physiological problems.

They said the people of the Federal Constituency are fortunate having Dr. Simon Mwadkwon as their Representative describing him as a proactive, focused, visionary and people-oriented Leader.

They promised to accord him the necessary support needed to succeed and take the Federal Constituency to an enviable height.

Cmr. Friday Bako
Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D

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Tems – These Days

After the long wait, Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems finally dishes out a brand new single and it is titled, “These Days.”

“These Days” comes shortly after her stellar feature on Khalid-led record, “Know Your Worth” the remix, alongside Nigerian heavyweight singer, Davido.

The captivating tune was produced by RVdical The Kid, mixed and mastered by skilled sound engineer, Omeiza.

Check it out below and share your thoughts!

Tems actually knows the terms and conditions surrounding the music sphere, she’s a formidable force to reckon with.

DOWNLOAD MP3: Tems – These Days

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Why salaries of lecturers reduced after IPPIS – FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has explained why lecturers have been receiving reduced salaries, following the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Lecturers have complained about not receiving full pay in February, March and April.

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, in a statement on Monday, said the IPPIS made the “right deductions”.

Part of the statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information, press and public relations in the office of the AGF, read: “The Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax is a statutory tax deductions paid by all salary earners. IPPIS applied the correct rate in compliance with Section 34 of the 6th schedule on personal income tax (Amendment) Act of 2011. Prior to migration to IPPIS, the rate of tax being applied by tertiary institutions was not correct, leading to underpayment of PAYE Tax.

“It is important to note that all states governments of the federation made claims on the federal government to pay the differential arising from underpayment of tax by these institutions. The federal government has paid several billions on behalf of these institutions because of their underpayment of PAYE Tax.”

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COVID-19: Official death toll gets close to 200 as confirmed cases hit 6175

The official death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic is inching ever closer to the 200 mark.

On Monday, May 18, 2020, nine new deaths were reported across Nigeria, thereby taking the death toll to 191; just nine shy of 200.

Furthermore, the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria has risen to 6175. This comes as 216 new cases were reported across Nigeria on Monday. The breakdown of the 216 new cases shows Lagos once again accounting for the highest number of new infections. The state reported 74 new cases.

In addition, four other states – Katsina with 33 new cases; Oyo with 19, Kano – 17 cases, Edo with 13 and Zamfara which recorded 10 new cases; all racked up double figures in new infections on Monday.

In summary, a total of 14 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); were responsible for the 216 new cases of COVID-19 reported on Monday.

Equally important, an additional 50 patients have recovered from the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria; further taking the total number of recoveries to 1644.

T

foregoing was contained in an update released by Nigeria’s disease-fighting agency, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Specifically, the statistics was released on Monday night via its verified handle on the micro-blogging site, Twitter.

Meanwhile, the total number of active cases in Nigeria as at Monday, May 18 stands at 4340.

Also, the agency revealed that it has so far tested a total of 35, 345 samples.

Furthermore, Cross River and Kogi remain the only two states in Nigeria yet to report a case of COVID-19. All 6175 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria so far have originated from 34 states and the FCT.

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look at the breakdown of cases per state can be seen in the table below. Specifically, Lagos remains at the top of the infection table with a total of 2624 cases, representing 42.5 per cent.

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COVID-19: President Buhari Extends Gradual Ease Of Lockdown By 2 Weeks, Bans All inter-State Movements

The Federal Government, on Monday, said the recent order of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on gradual ease of lockdown will remain in force for another two weeks.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja.

The President had on April 27, announced a “phased and gradual easing” of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states, while declaring a nationwide curfew with effect from May 4.

He also ordered a ban on all inter-state movements.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria was not yet ready for full opening of the economy “and tough decisions have to be taken for the good of the greater majority.”

He said, “Any relaxation will only portend grave danger for our populace.

“​Advisedly, the current phase of eased restriction will be maintained for another two weeks during which stricter enforcement and persuasion measures will be pursued.

“The two weeks extension of Phase One of the eased restriction is also to enable other segments of the economy to prepare adequately for compliance with the guidelines, preparatory to reopening in the coming weeks.”

For the avoidance of doubt, the SGF added that “Mr President has approved the following: (i) ​The measures, exemptions, advisories, and scope of entities allowed to reopen under phase one of the eased locked down, shall be maintained across the federation for another two weeks effective from 12 00 midnight today (18th May, 2020 to 1st June, 2020);

“(ii) ​intensifying efforts to ‘tell (communicate), trace (identify) and treat (manage)’ cases;

“(iii) ​elevating the level of community ownership of non-pharmaceutical interventions;

“(iv)​Maintain the existing lockdown order in Kano for an additional two weeks;

“(v)​Imposition of precision lockdown in states, or in metropolitan/high-burden LGAs, that are reporting a rapidly increasing number of cases, when the need arises. This would be complemented with the provision of palliatives and continued re-evaluation of the impact of the interventions; and

“(vi)​Aggressive scale-up of efforts to ensure that communities are informed, engaged and participating in the response with enhanced public awareness in high-risk states.”

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COVID-19: Buhari holds virtual meeting with Govs, COVID-19 pandemic amongst issues discussed

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 18, revealed that not even technology, power, and resources can solve the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buhari cited the examples of countries around the world blessed with these attributes who continue to record high casualty figures.

The president spoke during a virtual meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), where he called on the state chief executives to work closely with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

This is in order to engender better harmony in the daunting task of checking the pandemic.

“In my meeting with the Governors today, I informed them that I have directed the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 to work very closely with all State Governors. To succeed in containing this pandemic we have to improve collaboration.

“I also stressed the need for extensive public education and enlightenment. We need to continue to educate and persuade Nigerians to accept the reality of the situation, and do all that is necessary to stay safe,” Buhari said.

A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) in Abuja said Buhari disclosed that the PTF had briefed him on the next steps in the national response to the pandemic.

It said the meeting also discussed economic and security issues, among others, with the governors commending the president on the “leadership and direction” he has given the country in combating COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says it is considering full re-opening of the critical sectors of its economy after assessing the readiness of businesses to re-open.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Sunday, May 17, after the State’s Security Council meeting, held at the State House, Marina.

However, he stated that the move to fully re-open the economy would not be pushed in a hurry.

Indeed, the governor revealed that in the coming days, the state government would be rolling out the “Register-to-Open” initiative; as part of the plans that would enable it to assess the level of readiness of the players in the identified sectors for supervised operations.