Kolawole Ajeyemi, husband to delectable Actress, and mother of one, Toyin Abraham today, shared a picture of himself lying face-down at the top of a mountain and offering prayers against coronavirus (covid-19).
He captioned the picture he shared:
“Alpha and Omega
You are the Rose of Sharon
We call you “Your Excellency”
How excellent is your name my God
Father Lord, please forgive & have mercy on us”
2 new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria: 1 in FCT and 1 in Bauchi
The cases have travel history to Germany and the UK.
As at 06:25 pm on 24th March, there are 44 confirmed cases of COVID19 in Nigeria. 2 have been discharged with 1 death.
Celebrity couple, Banky W and Adesua, have both revealed they have been indoors for a few days prior to the announcement that a participant at the AMVCA tested positive for coronavirus. (Read Here)
Adesua, in her reaction to the report, wrote ;
To all of us who attended the AMVCA – please let’s stay indoors. I’m begging you. Let’s be responsible. Edakun. Bubba and I have been indoors for a few days now but it’s imperative that we ALL adhere to the call to self isolate. Let’s not unknowingly put others at risk.
Banky on his part, shared ;
Mrs W and I were already self-isolating since last week.. and here’s the thing… everyone else who attended the AMVCA’s should already have been doing the same. This threat is real. Don’t wait until you know an infected person before you take it seriously. Please.
Nigeria is tough… a lot of our people cannot afford to stay home because their daily food comes from being out, hustling on the streets for work. If you can afford to stay home and you have chosen not to, that’s either ignorance or wickedness, or both. And it’s not okay!!!
Mrs W and were already self-isolating since last week.. and here's the thing… everyone else who attended the AMVCA's should already have been doing the same. This threat is real. Don't wait until you know an infected person before you take it seriously. Please. https://t.co/iKYn9ORjDQ
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has permitted all corps members to travel to their homes in light of the pandemic Covid-19 that’s had the country on mild lockdown.
The decision, according to the Gen. Shuaibu, is coming on the heels of the closure of all schools in the country due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.
In a memo to all Area Coordinators signed by Sanusi A.R on behalf of the NYSC DG, he stated that corps members willing to travel to their various homes should be allowed to go.
I am directed to request all state coordinators to grant permission to corps members willing to travel, especially those in the teaching or allied professions.
For the period it will last, corps members should be advised to adopt all preventive tips provided by the federal health authorities including high level of hygiene and refrain from any unwholesome act that may put them at risk” the DG said
He ordered all coordinators to inform corps members about the decision and ensure compliance.
Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor has tested positive to coronavirus.
This was disclosed by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, on Tuesday.
This comes a day after the governor took the test after he had contact with the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was confirmed to have been infected with the virus.
President Buhari’s daughter, Zahra took to Instagram to make an indirect remark about coronavirus which is currently ravaging most countries around the world.
In her Instastory post, Zahra stated that the earth is cleansing itself and its inhabitants.
She also shared a post about karma, hours after her father tested negative for coronavirus while his Chief of Staff Abba Kyari tested positive for the virus.
Following the report that one of President Buhari’s aides, Abba Kyari tested positive for the Corona Virus that’s putting the country and the world at large in panic mode, Nigerians have reacted to the latest development.
President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari tested positive for coronavirus and there’s reportedly been an immediate shut down with activities put on hold in the Aso Villa following this development.
A report states that the lockdown was to prevent a further spread of the virus especially after Kyari came in contact with several high-ranking officials in the presidency.
Another report stated that a test was done for President Buhari which came out in the negative – Nigerians have now taken to social media to react to the report with many of them not convinced of the President’s results.
With a handful of them petitioning for the test to be redone, others are appreciative of the wellness of the President in these desperate and critical times.
See some reactions below,
Reckless and irresponsible to allow Buhari attend all those events last week. Like, do they want him dead? Man has underlying health issues already!! Keep him away from public gatherings!!
I just confirmed that my old friend &brother Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to Pres. Buhari, has tested positive to Covid 19. I sincerely &honestly wish him well &pray for a quick recovery for him just as I do for all other Nigerians that have tested positive,including @atiku's son.
General Muhammadu Buhari is a great survivor. He survived poisoning; survived death wishes from IPOB terrorists and criminals; survived death wishing prophecies from Satan's prophets, and he will surely survive any other ill wishes against him! God bless Buhari.
— Maj Gen Covenant Buhari (@CovenantBuhari) March 24, 2020
The fact that Buhari was allowed to attend events last week and also attended Friday Jumat in a Mosque says a lot about the awareness and intelligence of those around him. This is a major gross misconduct. This is a serious breach. This is reckless and irresponsible.
There’s been a bit of a shock after a Nigerian family of four were discovered dead in their apartment and they supposedly lost their lives whilst they were sleeping.
The family – a unit of four; father, mother and two children – were said to have died in their sleep after a Lagos-based Facebook user, Nkiru Chukwuemeka Unachukwu reported the incident on their page.
Nkiru Chukwuemeka Unachukwu who shared photos of the deceased couple and their two children, revealed that the incident occurred on Sunday, March 22, 2020 .
Nkiru, however didn’t mention the location of the incident. Nkiru, alongside photos shared, wrote,
“I can’t believe it how a fully lively family with no symptoms of any kind of sickness, husband wife, 2 kids slept last night couldn’t wake up this morning. Hand work of the devil really exists. RIP”
In the photos shared on Nkiru’s page, the father and mother can be seen lying sideways with white substances just below their nostrils.
See graphic photos from the scene of the incident below,
Following the sadly growing cases of the Covid-19 virus in the country, the workplace and official residence of the Nigerian President, Aso Villa has been reportedly shut down after it was revealed that one of his aides tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari tested positive for coronavirus and there’s reportedly been an immediate shut down with activities put on hold in the Aso Villa following this development.
A report by Sahara Reporters states that the lockdown was to prevent a further spread of the virus especially after Kyari came in contact with several high-ranking officials in the presidency.
Before he was diagnosed with coronavirus, Kyari reportedly met with Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, one Babagana Kingibe and Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello who he visited over the death of his mother.
Shehu and Kingibe have been reported to be self-isolating and it’s speculated that Bello might also do same. Kyari who became ill after returning from trips to Germany and Egypt where the virus has killed many, is currently being isolated for treatment at a guest chalet in the Defence House in Abuja.
The #ENDSars movement is most definitely far from over as operatives of the Nigerian Police force division continue to indulge in activities that’s at the detriment of innocent civilians, thereby causing an uproar from citizens in the country.
Amidst the pandemic that’s rocking the country with over 40 confirmed cases and a strict warning from the government that citizens should stay in their respective homes, some operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS went on their usual wont of chasing young men who they suspect to be internet fraudsters in Lagos.
These particular operatives eventually got more than they bargained for after they reportedly crushed the leg of a little boy while chasing a young man they accused of being an internet fraudster.
With three of the SARS officers escaping after the incident at Ajayi Street in Agege area of Lagos State, two others of the security division were apprehended.
The nabbed officers were severely beaten by residents of the community who were agitated with their unruly behaviour whilst demanding an explanation.
An eyewitness, Leon Dag took to his Facebook page to give a narrative of the incident. He wrote,
These SARS officers chased a guy driving an SUV to Ajayi street, Agege. They collected his phone and labeled him a yahoo boy. While they were chasing him the SARS vehicle knocked a little boy and his legs badly broken.
Area boys noticed what had happened and accosted the officers demanding an explanation . Three of the officers ran away while two were caught and beaten. The young boy was rushed to the hospital . SARS must be stopped
Lagos state Commissioner for health, Prof. Akin Abayomi has taken to his twitter account to advice the participants at the African Magic viewers’ Choice Award which was held on 14th March, 2020 to observe strict self-isolation as they may have come in contact with one of the confirmed positive case of Coronavirus.
His tweet reads ;
#COVID19 Lagos AlertSpeaker with three sound waves! I hereby notify you that all participants at the African Magic viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) held on14th March at @EkoHotels may have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases in Lagos and are most likely to have been exposed to #COVID19 Infection.
Attendees at the said event are therefo advised to: 1️⃣observe strict self- isolation. 2️⃣ call our #TollFree line 08000corona if they notice any of the #COVID19 related symptoms 3️⃣ Let’s #TakeResponsibility by practicing #SocialDistancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
Attendees at the said event are therefo advised to: 1️⃣observe strict self- isolation. 2️⃣ call our #TollFree line 08000corona if they notice any of the #COVID19 related symptoms 3️⃣ Let's #TakeResponsibility by practicing #SocialDistancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
An Italian priest who was infected with the novel corona virus, gave up a respirator – one which his parishioners acquired for him – to a younger patient and thereafter lost his life.
Father Giuseppe Berardelli, 72, refused to take the respirator while in a hospital after finding out that the other patient — who was a complete stranger — also needed it, according to the BBC.
According to the Catholic News Agency, he was one of at least 60 priests who lost their lives in Italy this month due to the Corona virus.
As at the time of filing this report, Italy has become the country with the highest mortality (deaths) with over 6000 people who have lost their lives to the Covid-19 novel Corona Virus.
Ecobank Nigeria has revealed that the first victim who died of coronavirus in Nigeria, visited their Abuja branch on the 12th of march, 2020.
According to the bank, at the time of visitation, the victim did not show any symptom, though they have now taken steps, as the branch is closed down, with staff also placed in isolation.
The bank has now urged visitors of the Wuse II, Abuja Branch, to self isolate for 14days, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines.
See the statement released by the bank below;
The COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic. Nigeria, very sadly, this morning recorded its first death, which unfortunately is one of our valued Customers. Our most sincere condolences to the family. Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the deceased was at our Wuse II, Abuja Branch on 12 March 2020, twelve days ago.
The deceased did not show any symptom at time of visit. In line with best standards and our COVID-19 response plans, we have, therefore, immediately temporarily closed the branch and all staff at the location have been put in mandatory self-isolation for 14 days, in full compliance with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines and to ensure their wellbeing and those of our customers. We have promptly informed the NCDC. We are further requesting, through this communication, that anyone who visited the branch between 12 March 2020 and now should take the necessary mandatory recommended step of self-isolation for 14 days and contact the NCDC.
Should any of these persons feel sick or exhibit any symptoms do immediately call NCDC on 0800 970000 10 (Toll-Free Call Centre) for assistance and guidance. Since 01 March 2020, Ecobank Nigeria had commenced preventive measures at all its locations.
On 19 March 2020 we had advised our customers that as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, to use our digital platforms – Ecobank Mobile App and USSO *326#, Ecobank Online, EcobankPay (contactless payment), Rapidtransfer App, Ecobank Omnilite and Ecobank OmniPlus for their transactions or call our Contact Centre for support.
The wellbeing of our staff, customers and community is of utmost importance to us and we remain fully committed to every effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria. We have evoked our business continuity plan and would be advising our customers of additional steps shortly. Let us all join to #StayWell and #StaySafe.
Nigerian comedian, Ali Baba, has taken to social media to warn people against exposing themselves to the deadly coronavirus.
In a recent post, he warned people not to be deceived by pastors who claim to have the powers to cure the virus. The veteran comedian said this as he advised people to remain at home and protect themselves.
He continued in the caption: “Or any Imam… stay safe. Dont test God. You can not be holier than the Pope and other Senior Pastors. They have all said stay at home, away from exposing yourself to contamination and pray. Don’t try to impress anyone with your faith. Be guided”
Singer, Simi has reacted to the current strategy implemented by authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The music star who noted that authorities urged Nigerians not to “spread fear”, stated that there is need for a change in strategy as the only thing Nigerians respect more than religion is fear.
Simi added that everything in the country needs to be shut down now. She tweeted;
“Don’t spread fear.” They said. At this point, we might need to change that strategy because the only thing Nigerians respect more than religion is fear. Everything needs to shut be down. Not later. Now! If they insist on going to church, show them the stories of churches abroad where the virus spread. These religious heads need to start being more responsible. People respect you – ACT LIKE YOU DESERVE THE RESPECT. Be compassionate and tell your followers to stay home.
The country has been shut down for less trivial things before etc…somehow we got by. Now let’s do it for something way more important. For our lives. We’ve been governing ourselves on a lot of things that matter for a while now, we have no choice but to continue. Please
President, Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, has reportedly tested positive to coronavirus.
A new report by ThisDay has it that Kyari who recently tested positive was at a meeting on containing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria all through Sunday, where he reportedly started to cough.
Subsequently, he voluntarily submitted himself for testing and was informed of his status yesterday.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has tested negative for the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus), following a test for the disease that was carried out yesterday on the president by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), THISDAY reports.
The NCDC has informed the president on the outcome his negative result this morning in Abuja.
According to presidential sources, the test for the president was necessitated after his Chief of Staff, Mr. Abba Kyari tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.
Kyari had travelled to Germany on Saturday, March 7th to meet with officials of Siemens in Munich on the Nigerian electricity expansion programme.
He returned exactly one week later on Saturday, March 14th, but did not show any symptoms.
He was said to have been at a meeting on containing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria all through Sunday, where he reportedly started to cough.
Subsequently, he voluntarily submitted himself for testing and was informed of his status yesterday.
A video making the rounds on social media captured the moment a newly-wedded couple held their reception with absolutely no guest in sight.
The Nigerian couple have gone viral on different social media platforms after a video from their wedding surfaced the internet.
The couple who held their wedding last weekend in one of the Nigerian’ states where there is a ban on public gathering in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, were spotted in the video dancing into their wedding reception with no guests around.
A man from China’s Yunnan Province, who tested positive for hantavirus, died on a bus, according to a report by the Global Times.
Global times further revealed that 32 persons who were on the bus with him were also tested for the virus.v
A person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. He was tested positive for #hantavirus. Other 32 people on bus were tested. pic.twitter.com/SXzBpWmHvW
According to Wikipedia, an orthohantavirus is a single-stranded, enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus in the family Hantaviridae of the order Bunyavirales. These viruses normally infect rodents, but do not cause disease in them. Humans may become infected with hantaviruses through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or feces
The Ogun state police command have arrested a 23-year-old secondary school teacher, Azunyere Chima, for allegedly defiling his 14-year old student.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement, said the suspect was arrested following a report by the father of the alleged victim at Ibafo divisional headquarters that his daughter was raped at the house of the suspect who happened to be her Arts teacher.
The father told the police that the teacher under the guise of assisting his daughter with her practical work, invited her to his home. But on getting there, he allegedly dragged her into his room, over powered and forcefully had sex with her, causing her to bleed profusely from her private part.
The police spokesperson said the suspect has made confessional statement to the Police while the victim had been taken to a hospital for medical treatment. He added that the suspect has been transferred to Anti-human Trafficking and Child Labour unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department(SCIID) for proper investigation and prosecution.
The representative of Cross River North in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Rose Oko, has died.
Mrs. Oko died at a medical facility in the United Kingdom on Monday, March 23rd 2020. TheNation reports.
The 63-year-old, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was first elected to the Senate in 2015 and re-elected last year.
She was also a member of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.
Oko is the third member of the 9th Senate to have died since inauguration in June 2019, following the deaths of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu (Imo South – APC) in December 2019, and Senator Ignatius Datong Longjan (Plateau South – APC) in February 2020.
The family of Nigerian rapper CDQ has given their tenants a 30% off their 2020 rent over the inconvenience caused by the ravaging coronavirus disease.
Taking to his Instagram page, the rapper mentioned that move was necessary to ease the burdens on the tenants who are likely to be affected economically by the disease.
He wrote:
So I was on the phone with my lil brother last-night for almost 2hrs discussing the issue of this deadly Corona Virus… I’ve never spoken to him for this long before 臘♀️ Last night I realized how much I’m meant to have loved him… mostly I’m always concerned about my mum and my little sister, and I’ll be like after-all he’s a guy he’ll be fine.
So last night we concluded on taking some burdens off the people that are attached to the little properties we have control over in this temporal hard time.
I believe if there’s no productive activities happening with the ongoing shut-down issues everywhere right now, there has to be a way we can be rational and fair to ourselves to make life easy for our fellow humans… cos against all odds…we are all we’ve got ❤️ I’m actually posting this not as a show off but to commence a movement that will probably influence everyone with good heart out there to make life easy in this hard time for anyone under or attached to us somehow… Thank You
Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel, has finally revealed why fully-packed services was held at its International Headquarters despite a ban on public gathering of 50 people and above in Ogun State.
In a statement released by Steve Ogah, special assistant to Bishop David Oyedepo who is founder of the church, the church stressed that its fully-packed services on Sunday was devoted entirely to sensitising and mobilizing its members against the dangers of coronavirus (COVID-19).
It was further gathered that Bishop Oyedepo has since engaged Ogun State Government at the highest level to clarify the issue and any misgivings and also reiterate the full support of the church for the State Government’s efforts to ensure public safety, towards curtailing the spread of this deadly virus.
The statement reads;
“It has become necessary to issue this statement to clarify issues surrounding why Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, the International Headquarters of Living Faith Church in Ogun State, held church service on Sunday, although with less than half of her regular worshippers.
“For avoidance of doubt, as stakeholders and as a responsible organisation, Living Faith Church fully supports and encourages compliance with all initiatives of government to combat the spread of this dreaded virus.
“However, information has to be strategically disseminated to the grassroot, noting that the Church is a family and not an industry, it is for this reason that enlightenment and sensitization from the Church platform is a most effective way to get people involved in playing their part in terms of prayers and intercessions and not just staying away from Church without knowing what to do.
“As we all know, the Church is made up of both literate and illiterate congregants; many are not in touch with any of the modern platforms of communication and this is what we did yesterday. Indeed, the service was devoted entirely to sensitizing and mobilizing members of the Church regarding the danger of this deadly virus and the need to comply with government directives.
“The Bishop has since engaged Ogun State Government at the highest level to clarify this issue and any misgivings and reiterated the full support of the church for the State Government’s efforts to ensure public safety, towards curtailing the spread of this deadly virus. He appreciates the opportunity of direct engagement and the understanding of the government. Cooperation to safeguard public safety is not just a moral obligation or civic responsibility; the church also considers it a spiritual duty.
“The Church shall continue to engage all necessary logistics to ensure compliance with government directives and continue to pray for speedy divine intervention to stem this deadly virus.”
Veteran Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo has called on Pastors who are convinced they have supernatural powers to go to hospitals and lay hand on those infected with coronavirus.
According to the actress, those infected with coronavirus need to be healed so everyone can return to their normal lives.
Onah Blessed Emmanuel, a Facebook user, has said she spotted a group of women lying down on the road in the Ukpute area of Benue state, praying against coronavirus.
Emmanuel while sharing the photos on his Facebook page, she he immediately joined them in the prayer.
PRAYERS AGAINST CORONAVIRUS
On my way to the village, last weekend, at the boundary between the Igede and the Tiv people – that was in Konshisha – I saw these the women of Methodist Church Nigeria, Ukpute, whose photos appear underneath, with their white uniform all laid on the red sand praying completely smeared.
Upon sighting them, I stopped quickly and wasted no second to join them in the prayer.
They called on God to put an end to coronavirus. They asked God to preserve Igede sons and daughters and bless them wherever they are.
They prayed for Governor Samuel Ortom and the people of Benue State. They begged God to stop the killings in Benue and in other parts of the country.
They expressed their happiness that I was the first among those who passed before me to stop, and they prayed for me. Mrs Jessy Obwo, the wife of the circuit minister, specifically requested the women to pray for me and appreciated me for identifying with them.
The world is on a trajectory to a devastating end, if nothing is done. A famous American elite, yesterday, charged the people of the United States to spend more time on their knees than they do on the internet.
The social media too have been awashed with pictures of doctors surrendering to God in prayers while treating Coronavirus patients.
Are these not clear statements that the solution to the global health crisis is in the place of prayer?
Let’s speak to God. Suffer your knees and save your life. Emmanuel wrote on Facebook
TV presenter, IK Osakioduwa, has debunked rumours that he has contracted coronavirus.
IK shared a video on Instagram today Monday March 23rd in which he cleared the air on reports suggesting he had attended the 2020 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), which he hosted, after contracting coronavirus while in the UK.
In his words
“I’m seeing people passing messages on WhatsApp that I travelled to London, came back with the coronavirus, took it to the AMVCAs, took it to some clubs. I haven’t been to London in a very long time. I haven’t been to that club… I don’t have coronavirus” he said
Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has thanked Nigerians for complying with all the preventive measures being put in place by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In a statement released by his media aide Segun Adeyemi, Lai stated that the Nigerian government at its highest level is already leading by example. According to the Minister, President Buhari has cut down the number of courtesy visits and is also not shaking hands.
He said;
We thank Nigerians for complying with all the preventive measures being put in place by the government. These include social distancing (deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. This entails staying at least six feet away from other people), cancellation of events likely to attract large number of people, quarantine, self-isolation, suspension of services, etc.
The government, at the highest level, is already leading by example. Mr. President has cut down the number of courtesy visits. Mr. President is not shaking hands. One of the President’s daughters is in self isolation. The meeting of the heads of state of the Chad Basin Commission, scheduled for next week, has been cancelled. Visitors to the State House get their hands sanitized and their temperature taken at several points before reaching the executive council chambers.
The Minister who disclosed that the federal government is aware that some political and religious leaders have either denied the existence of coronavirus or have defied the directives to avoid a large gathering, urged leaders at all stratas to show great responsibility at this time.
He added;
The Federal Government is aware that some political and religious leaders have either denied the existence of coronavirus or have defied the directives to avoid a large gathering. Leaders of all hues must show great responsibility at this time. They must avoid putting the lives of not just their followers but also those of the general public in danger. Nigerians too must take responsibility, do what they are requested to do to stay safe and stop blaming others. For those who would continue to willfully flout the directives aimed at checking the spread of this disease, the long arm of the law will soon catch them.
We need the cooperation of all Nigerians in the area of ‘contact tracing’. As you may be aware, health services use ‘contact tracing’ to find people who may have been exposed to an infectious disease, in this case coronavirus. Those who have come into close contact with others who have coronavirus are at higher risk of infection, and of potentially infecting others. For those who will not cooperate by submitting to the authorities, as required, the government will use all lawful means at its disposal to trace and bring them in. Having now shut our gateway airports, the biggest assignment for us is ‘contact tracing’ to find all those who may have come into contact with those who have the disease.
Lai Mohammed also debunked claims of Africans and young people being immune to the virus. He disclosed that the Federal Government had set up an Inter-Ministerial/Multi Sectoral Preparedness and Response Committee to put in place an action plan for joint response, in the event that the importation of the disease occurs.
The statement added;
There is also the farce out there that the disease cannot affect Africans for one reason or another, or that the young is immune to it. This is not true. Based on what we know so far, no one is immune to this disease. In New York, for example, 54% of those infected are between the ages of 18 and 49. As the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned, young people are not immune to coronavirus and must avoid socialising and communicating it to older, more vulnerable people.
Gentlemen, as far back as January 31st 2020, the Federal Government had set up an Inter-Ministerial/Multi Sectoral Preparedness and Response Committee to put in place an action plan for joint response, in the event that the importation of the disease occurs, to ensure its containment. The committee started work immediately and has been responsible for the formulation of many of the containment measures so far rolled out.
And on March 9th, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari set up a Presidential Task Force for the Control of Coronavirus, especially the disease’s potential of causing significant disruption to health services in the country as well as impacting negatively on the economy.
While Nigeria has refused to succumb to panic in tackling this disease, it has not wavered in its preparedness. The government has taken a number of measures to contain the disease. They include:
– Restrictions of travel from 15 countries, each with more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. The countries are China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, the United States, Norway, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria and Sweden. – Suspension of issuance of visa on arrival -Cancellation of visas issued to nationals of these countries. – Shutdown of international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt – Reduction of fuel price from 145 Naira to 125 Naira per litre – Credit relief of 1.1 Trillion Naira announced by the CBN to businesses affected by the pandemic. – Establishment of a credit facility by the CBN for household, small and medium enterprises (SMEs). – Reduction of interest rates for loans from 9% to 5%, etc.
Lai Mohammed spoke against fake news which according to him can hamper efforts to tackle coronavirus in the country. He also asked Nigerians to report any false
or misleading report on Facebook and Instagram pages so they can immediately bring them down.
Controversial investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo has said Abuja could be a disaster zone for the COVID 19 pandemic which is slowly finding its way into different states in Nigeria.
Olunloyo stated this while reacting to a report which affirmed that certain lawmakers in Nigeria are refusing to subject themselves to medical tests at airports.
Kemi wrote on social media ;
“An internal memo was leaked to me as an Investigative Journalist which revealed that TWO LAWMAKERS in both house and Senate may have been EXPOSED to #CoronaVirus. This is a THREAT to NATIONAL SECURITY☠️??
I’m recommending the #NCDCgov to mandatory test all members of the national assembly ASAP!! Abuja could be a disaster zone soon. We need to flatten the curve and not have 100 people infected at the same time. This disease has entered US, Brazilian, Canadian, Burkina Faso and Iranian governments.
It has caused Positive carriers and even death. We need these same lawmakers to pass economic stimulus packages for Nigerians sent home not spread the infection. We cannot afford to shut down NASS!? Airport’s SHUT DOWN NOW so no in and out anymore.”
