The Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor on Women and Children Development, Princess Omotayo Adeleye Ishaya has congratulated Governor Yahaya Bello on his 45th birthday.
The Kogi State Governor’s Aide in a statement she personally signed and made available to Newsmen in Lokoja, described the Governor as a youthful, resourceful and pacesetter.
“Today, I join family, friends, associate, and the good people of Kogi State to celebrate our Governor with panache, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello as he mark his birthday.” She said.
According to her, “I was fascinated by your birthday message to the youths – excerpt” *I look forward to a future of greatness for the Nigerian youth, for my dear Kogi State, and our nation, Nigeria. I am going to be working with willing compatriots around the nation to see how far God will take us in meeting the objectives “. What a message full with enthusiasm, commitment to serve and hope for the youth.”
Princess Adeleye Ishaya further noted that “His Excellency, You have been steadfast in defending the success record to attain a secure Kogi State which prepare a ground for socio-economic development of our state and more you have done. I bring you best wishes and appreciate all you have done to better the living standard of Kogi people. We are proud to be identified with your political ideology and family.”
The State Security Adviser to Kogi State Government who is also a member of the Kogi Covid-19 SQUADRON Committee, Comdr Jerry Omodara speaks on the Kogi Covid-19 purported index case.
The State Security Adviser said, as a member of the SQUADRON Committee, charged with the responsibility of preventing the spread of the Corona virus pandemic into the State, he is very much aware of the unrelenting efforts of the State Governor – His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello to keep the citizens informed, educated and enlightened about the novel Corona virus ravaging the whole world and also ensure all laid down guidelines of the Federal Government and the NCDC are observed to the latter.
He said though, the State is yet to record any case, the Kogi State Government is fully ready and prepared for any eventualities.
Commander Jerry (Rtd), said the Committee is unaware of the index case alloted to the State by the NCDC.
He said in his words : “I read with disappointment the statement of Hon. TJ Yusuf – Member Representing Kabba /Bunu /Ijumu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly that two cases were said to have been confirmed in the State, I wish he (TJ Yusuf) can mention the other name”
According to Omodara, he said it is disheartening that people tend to play politics with serious and life threatening issues such as Covid-19. He prayed the conspiracy would not go to the extent of jeopardizing the life of our respected Imam – Sheikh Ahmad Ejibunu, as he is certain the truth would be unveiled soon.
Also, Omodara in a statement expressed his disappointment in the claims of Hon. TJ Yusuf that the Kogi State Government is yet to give out any palliatives to the people. He said, TJ Yusuf must be far from his people not to have known the facts.
This however is not farfetched from the absentee representation he (TJ) is currently giving to our people. “As a leader in Bunu District, I can not attest to any community Yusuf has visited since his reelection or carried out any tangible project, reason he is oblivion of the happenings in his Constituency.”
In other words, the State Security Adviser charged the people to take a review of the past three years of the efforts of the Kogi State Government to lay off armed bandits, especially bank robbery from the State, despite surrounding States including the FCT have numbers of recorded bank robberies.
The State Security Adviser opined that this efforts are worth applauding when compared to the sorry security state the opposition has left Kogi State.
He enjoined the people of Kogi State, especially Kogi West to go about their lawful businesses, as His Excellency – Alh. Yahaya Bello is poised to safe guarding the lives and properties of every Kogi indigene.
The Kogi Covid-19 SQUADRON Committee will continue to ensure that all laid down protocols of the Federal Government and the NCDC are strictly followed and maintained, he said.
Recently, the Federal Government dished out some palliative measures to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians due to the sit-at-home directive in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The palliative include: distribution of foodstuffs and Conditional Cash Transfers which has in the last two weeks been a subject to controversy.
There have been allegations and counter allegations on the distribution of food items, distribution of physical cash and conditional money transfers to some less privileged Nigerians.
Some corporate bodies, NGOs, political opponents of the ruling APC have faulted the strategies currently being used as palliative to reach out to targeted Nigerians.
Some critics claimed that the execution of these plans of government was not transparent enough.
This they noted will hinder government from achieving the desired result, thereby tarnishing the federal government’s good intention as such effort might have been sabotaged by officials saddled with the responsibility or activities of middlemen and other channels of distribution.
In the last few weeks, these palliatives have been subject of discussion on the social media, electronic media, in public arenas and print media.
The Covid 19 pandemic government rules and regulations concerning public gatherings, social distancing and the resultant lockdown in many states of the country has compounded the issue of gathering a large number of people for the purpose of distribution of food items which is one of the major strategies of the federal government.
It is obvious that we lack the capacity to distribute food items to each household as it is being currently done in other advanced countries.
Only yesterday, I watched and listened to a debate on Channels Television where a stalwart of PDP accused the Federal Government of not being transparent in the current distribution of Covid 19 palliatives.
He went further to accuse the government of not having data on the distribution methods, the beneficiaries and the amount of money that had been spent so far. This also includes similar initiatives before the Covid 19 outbreak. He gave the examples of the money market cash transfers and empowerment and the school feeding system, He further raised the issue of majority of Nigerians who live on daily wages and have no savings to cope with the current situation.
Considering the current lockdown that has extended to almost all parts of the country, what is the way forward?
Nigerians need to come together and reason. President Muhammadu Buhari should go beyond the Presidential Task Force on Covid 19 made up of top government officials to include all other shades of opinion, public and private sectors across political and economic divide to address this emergency, especially palliatives affecting medical personnel and other very poor Nigerians.
Since the current strategy has not made the desired impact and Nigeria lacks the necessary data that can affect individual needs, I wish to suggest that the Federal Government should take a second look at the use of BVN as the most credible data which can be used to transfer money to many Nigerians who in turn as individuals will affect others because of its multiplier effect.
In addition,Nigeria had conducted census before and there were demarcations made according to households, the last database can still be used with some upward adjustments to distribute food and cash to households.
Furthermore, Religious institutions like churches and Mosques, can also be used to reach many poor Nigerians who are their members.
Also, the state and local government must be adequately involved in the distribution of food items and other medical equipment for easy access to the grassroot.
Finally, a body should be set up where Nigerians who are sidelined or not captured by the distribution channels can apply to for inclusion, give advice and lay their complaints.
In conclusion, the Federal Government should urgently address all the complaints and loopholes so that Nigeria can be confident that the Federal Government is not paying lip service to the current unfortunate situation. Many Nigerians are praying for urgent divine and medical solution to the current situation but who knows when the solution will come, already there have been report of pockets of armed robbery and other incidents in some parts of the country. The only solution to the current impasse is for an overhaul of the current system to prevent anarchy and civil disobedience.
Following the directive of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State that the ban on religious congregations be lifted with immediate effect to allow religious bodies have their normal worship and services; we urge religious leaders to put in place the following preventive measures:
Sanitizers should be provided for all worshippers at the entrance of churches and Mosques.
Sitting arrangements in Mosques and Churches should be done to ensure social distancing.
We also urge Churches and Mosques to make their services as brief as possible in order not to keep a large crowd of worshipers within an enclosed confinement for a long period of time.
The COVID-19 Squadron Committee also urges religious leaders to continue to pray for the end of the pandemic so that the world can return to normal life and activities.
Signed: Kingsley Fanwo Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communication
The unfortunate entrance of Covid-19 to the world has brought untold hardship to the entire world. The Virus which caught the nations around globe unawares, has brought the world to its knees, making the powerful powerless and the knowledgeable novice.
According to the Holy Bible, God used plagues to troubled a Egyptians. This happened in the old testament when the Egypt, the captors of Israelites were recalcitrant in giving freedom to them after several years in bondage.
In 1918, history records it that there was an outbreak of virus that took its toll on the whole world leaving many people dead. It is true that the corona virus took the whole world by surprise, leaving many afflicted and dead, but of serious concern to me and many others is the link that is being established between the virus, 666 and 5G. The controversy has been endless as the social media have witnessed unprecedented and endless controversy.
The question is will the trend of this palpable fear and controversy continue endlessly. What is the origin of Corona Virus? Is it a plague sent to the world as a result of our many iniquities? Is it a biological or chemical weapon unleashed to the world by an ambitious super power? Is it as a result of endless competition among super powers? Or is it as a result of age long competition and survival of the fittest among the super powers? Or could it be a connivance or mischief to cause massive deaths, unleash sorrow and tears and forcefully reduce the world population? Will the world ever come to the consensus on the true origin of corona virus?
We were told that some legal actions have been initiated to bring to book those who are behind the origin of the virus.
On the 666 controversy, and introduction of 5G a lot of messages have flooded the social media on the link between the two.
While some linked them to the signs that the world is coming to an end and the Antichrist.
In the last few days, I’ve had the privilege of listening to some men of God who have dispelled the rumors surrounding all this issues, especially that of Antichrist.
Prominent men of God including Pastors Matthew Ashimolowo, Sam Adeyemi and Paul Eneche who have traveled far and wide educated and exposed members of the body of Christ have expressed missed reactions to the current debate.
Pastor Ashimolowo was of the opinion that there have always been plagues that wiped out many people at particular time in history but did not lead to the destruction of the whole world.
He posited that at some point in history, dictators like Adolph Hitler, Mussolini emerged and did a lot of havoc, caused unimaginable destruction and people easily tagged them as Antichrist, adding that their destruction however did not lead to the end of the world.
On the introduction of the 5G, which is the latest technology in the world, what will be the benefit to the world and Nigeria in particular? Is it true that it’s a messenger of death? Is it true that it has already been launched in Nigeria with the Minister of Information in attendance? Is there any report on the impact assessment? Are the cables currently been laid as speculated? Many Nigerians have spoken against this technology including Sen. Dino Melaye. Have they been speaking as scientists, IT Experts or from the Information they gathered from the social media? Has the federal government verified all these claims? Is the Federal government ready to setup a committee to verify all this claims and counter claims.
It is interesting to note that some fingers of accusation are been pointed to some individuals, Institutions, Corporate Bodies and nations and that legal actions are being taken to unravel their culpability, connivance or otherwise on an issue that has brought the whole world to its knees.
Finally, will the world come to consensus on this issues? Will the truth be unraveled?
KOGI State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Tuesday, approved the appointment of Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche as the acting Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu Unversity, Anyigba.
In the same vein, Governor Bello approved the appointment of Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman as the Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Arike Ayoade, both appointments take immediate effect.
Professor Tenuche, two-time Deputy Vice Chancellor of the institution, replaces Professor Mohammed S. Abdulkadir, who has been asked to proceed on terminal leave. Dr. Usman on the other hand, replaces Professor M.S Atureta, whom, the statement said, has been relieved of his appointment. The statement wished the out-going appointees “the best in their future endeavour” and stressed that all handing and taking over “should be completed immediately”.
As the Countries world over continue to battle the fight against Covid-19 pandemic, the Babatude Irukera Foundation has distributed food items worth millions of Naira to people in the twenty one Local Government Areas of Kogi State to ameliorate the effect of government sit-at-home directive.Kogi State Government had announced some measures aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus which index case is increasing in Nigeria.
Parts of the measures include: for the people to sit-at-home, avoid public gatherings and civil servants from level One to thirteen to work from home among others.
The measures have no doubt affected the living standard of those who get their incomes on daily basis.
To ameliorate the hardship faced by the people of Kogi State, the Babatunde Irukera Foundation came to the aid of the citizens of the state.
Speaking to Newsmen on a Telephone interview, a representative of the Foundation, Mr. Onirinwa Folami said the move is in line with the ideas of the Director General, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Barrister Babatunde Irukera which is taking the welfare of the people first.Mr. Folami said the items were distributed beyond political parties, ethnic and religious background as a way of reaching out to at this period that people cannot go out for their daily jobs. He commended the founder of the foundation, Barrister Irukera for his passion and selfless contribution to Kogi people at this time of economic hardship, describing the gesture as a step in the right direction. Mr. Folami urged other well-to-do individuals in the state to also reach out to the less privileged to cushion the economic impact of the sit-at-home order and advised the people to stay safe.
Barrister David Shola Ayedogbon (Charvid) Donated Food Items to Ayegunle Gbede and Iluafon Gbede Communities in Ijumu Local Government.
Following to the directive of the Kogi State Government for citizens to sit at home in order to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic, A Philanthropist, Barrister Shola Ayedogbon popularly known as Charvid, Monday donated bags of rice, gallons of palm oil (30 litres), bags of salt and cartons of seasoning worth millions of naira to his people to cushion the effects of sit at home as a result of covid-19 disease.
The Philanthropist Barrister David Aiyedogbon popularly called Charvid, represented by Chief Elijah Ayejugbagbe noted that his principal has decided to stand with his people at this crucial time when he was needed most,he further stated that the food items is to cushion the effects of the stay at home order.
Barrister Aiyedogbon urged the good people of the communities and by large the Local Government to continue to observe the precautions laid down by the World Health Organization and Nigeria Center for Disease Control WHO/NCDC. He further advised the citizens to follow the directives of the government.
The Olu of Ayegunle Gbede,Oba Michael Ayeni in his speech appreciates the donor and termed his gifts as covid-19 surprise package and he wishes him well in his future endeavors.
Muslim and Christian prayers was offered for Barrister Charvid by the Chief of Okeleti and Iluesho quarters.
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.
The whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.
Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.
By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to ninety-seven.
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.
As of today, COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.
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.
For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.
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.
Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.
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.
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.
Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.
In Nigeria, we are taking a two step approach.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.
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.
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.
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.
Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.
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.
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.
This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.
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.
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.
Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.
The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.
We are therefore working to ensure such inter state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.
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.
Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.
Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.
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.
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.
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.
Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.
This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.
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.
We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all.
Sequel to the directive of the Kogi State Government, The senior special assistant on security of Ijumu Local Government, Hon.Taufiq Isa restricts large gathering of more than thirty people, religious activities,Okada riders,burials and social events in the nook and crannies of the local government.
As part of measures to protect residents from, and slow down the spread of the coronavirus disease,the head of security in the local government is restricting religious services and all form of large gatherings.
Henceforth,Imams are advised not to hold Jumua’at services,members of the public are encouraged to pray at home,and not congregate as is the practice in normal times.The local government hereby directs that all daily congregational prayers should be suspended until the coronavirus situation is clearly contained.
Pastors as well as congregants are expected to abide by public health advice and avoid gatherings in churches. Other means of worship and fellowship should be adopted in much smaller numbers of not more than 10 persons, for now.
As part of the directive of the state government to close down all schools, all nursery and primary schools, secondary schools should abide by the directive.
These measures to contain the spread of coronavirus mean that social gatherings in parties, bars,public parks,political parties are suspended untill further notice.
The Local Government security aide urges all citizens, including religious, security agencies,traditional and community leaders to do their duty in supporting these measures which will help in protecting the larger society from coronavirus.
As the chairman forum of senior special assistant on security, I am hereby directing the local government security aides to ensure the directive of the Executive Governor of Kogi State is highly effective in our respective localities.
Signed
Hon.Taufiq Isa, SSA Security, Ijumu Local Government March 24th,2020.
The Drum Reporters 