Agriculture

FG Commences Distribution of Farms

By Web News 997

The Federal government has commenced the distribution of farms to over 7500 smallholders Women Farmers in the North Central zone of the Country.

The gesture is aimed at improving Mechanized Farming, cushion the effect of Covid 19 among women farmers and increase Food Security in the Country.

Samuel Adeyinka reports that the Federal government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had rolled out similar events in nine States since June last year.

Since the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Federal government and other Stakeholders in Agriculture Sector have been at the forefront of assisting people both in the formal and informal sectors, including Women farmers at the grassroots.

At the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Sabo Nanono expressed optimism that the gesture would help to defeat hunger and improve infrastructure in the rural areas.

” It has been established that when you assist women, you a build a nation, there is no doubt that these inputs will reduce hunger and increase infrastructure at the rural Communities.” Alhaji Sabo Nanono said.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Mustapha Shehuri who called on the Beneficiaries to use the farm implements judiciously, said the gesture would increase Food Security and Economy growth.

In a remark, the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen stressed that women are contributing their quota in all Sectors of the Economy, and should be encouraged to do more.

One of the leaders of the Benefitted groups, Mrs Mary Afan who is the National President, Small Scale Women Farmers in Nigeria, described the provisions of the farm inputs as timely and thanked the Federal Government for the efforts.

Items distributed include Treadle Pumps,Maize Thresher, Groundnut Decorticator ,Cashew Seedling.

Others are Motorized Weeder, Solar Charcoal Stove and Cassava Stem.

Samuel Adeyinka

Health

FG Extends Work-from-Home Directive till Month End

By Web News 599

Federal Government has directed officers on Grade Level 12 and below to continue to work from home till the end of April and await further directive.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan following advice from the Presidential TaskForce (PTF) on COVID-19.

The statement says the directive became necessary with regard to maintaining the reduction of reported cases.

Meanwhile, all officers are reminded to adhere to other preventive measures prescribed in previous circulars which are in force.

Maintenance of physical distancing, regular washing, sanitizing of hands, wearing of face masks/shields, and reducing the number of visitors.

Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers are enjoined to bring the contents of the circular to the attention of all concerned and ensure strict compliance.

Adeniyi Bakare

Agriculture

We will prevent food shortages – Federal Government

By Web News 635

The Federal Government says it will ensure that the Nigeria does not experience food shortage crisis this year and beyond arriving from the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s economy, particularly Agriculture.

The Federal Government’s resolve was contained in a key note addressed delivered by the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Hajia Karima Babangida in Osogbo, Osun State at the Potatoe Value Chain Stakeholders Meeting on the adoption and utilization of orange fleshed sweet potatoes.

Correspondent, Adenitan Akinola completes the story.

Religion

FG declares Friday, Monday public holiday for Easter celebration

By Web News 1405

The Federal Government has declared Friday 2nd and Monday 5th April 2021, Public Holidays to mark this year’s FG declares Friday, Monday public holiday for Easter celebration

In a statement, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who urged Christians to emulate the attributes of forgiveness, kindness, humility, love, peace and patience, which were demonstrated by Jesus Christ .

He called on them to use the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration to pray for the Peace, Unity, and Progress of our country.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola assured that the Federal Government will leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with the spate of kidnapping, armed banditry and other crimes and criminality being perpetrated by enemies of the country in parts of Nigeria.

While wishing Christians both at home and abroad a happy and peaceful Easter Celebration, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola called on Nigerians to join hands with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in its determination to make life more meaningful for all.

FRCN Abuja

Education

FG Wants Nigerian Universities among Top Global Institutions

By Web News 676

The Federal Government has expressed commitment to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian Universities to be among top global Institutions in areas of research and development.

The Chairman Board of Trustees of Tertiary Education Fund, TETFUND, Alhaji Kashim Imam stated this at a media briefing in Maiduguri.

The Chairman said the meeting was to address the challenges militating against the progress and advancement of Tertiary Institutions in the country.

Alhaji Kashim Imam said TETFUND has financed over ten thousand projects in 226 Tertiary Institution across the country.

He explained that N300 billion has been earmarked this year to improve infrastructure, laboratory, human capacity and research and development in the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The Chairman Board of Trustees of TETFUND highlighted some of the projects being executed to uplift the standard of tertiary education for the year 2021, to include provision of uninterrupted power supply across 42 campuses, facilitating e-learning programmes and provision of hostels to address accommodation deficit.

Dauda Illiya

Security

FG Warns Against Ethnic Coloration to Crimes

By Web News 889

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to avoid the temptation of giving ethnic coloration to criminal activities in the country.

Minister of the Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola gave the advice on Friday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 14, of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), led by its Commandant, Ayodele Adeleke.

The Minister observed that Nigerians must equate security with the global picture of a society that emphasis the dignity of man and human development.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who condemn crime said no ethnic group in Nigeria glorifies crime and criminality.

“One thing we must all resist is the tendency of seeing crime in relation to one ethnic group or another, a criminal is a criminal no matter the ethnic group he or she belongs to. No ethnic group in Nigeria glorifies crime and criminality, so let us all condemn the crime. Our morality itself makes crime an unpopular vocation,” The Minister said.

The Minister called on the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), as a security training institution to develop policy analysis that would ensure adequate reorientation of an average Nigerian to see crimes and criminality as they are.

The Commandant of the Institute, Ayodele Adeleke said that his team was in the Ministry to help the institution to come up with quality suggestions and SWOT analysis on how to provide good governance for Nigerians and West African sub-region, in a better and secured environment.

FRCN Abuja

Education

Reactions Trail Suspension Of ASUU Strike

By Web News 700

On March 23 when the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, began its industrial action, many students felt it was not going to last long but this was not the case as the strike lingered beyond earlier expectations.


Several meetings and discussions between the federal government and ASUU deadlocked, a situation that caused most students and parents serious distress.


Different protests and Social media campaigns were launched to pressure ASUU into ending the strike action.


After eight long months after, the industrial action has eventually been called off.
How did the students receive the news and what were their expectations?


A cross-section of university students in Ibadan gave different submissions.


Some parents who spoke with Radio Nigeria called on ASUU to ensure academic activities resume intensively in order to make up for lost time.


The parents also expressed worry that the length of the industrial action would impact negatively on the lives of the students.
They also implored the students to focus on their education.


An educationist, Dr Fasasi noted that calling off the strike was good news but urged school authorities to maintain a normal calendar for qualitative education.


He then urged the government to always honour its agreements with the union while advising the unions to be considerate in their demands.


Dr Fasasi also charged students be more dedicated and diligent in their academics.

Adedayo Adelowo

Politics

Breaking: FG Extends Deadline for NIN Update to 19th Jan, 9th Feb

By Web News 620


Federal government has extended the deadline for the provision of National Identification Number, NIN, by telecommunication service subscribers to 19th January and 9th February, 2021 respectively.

FG disclosed this in a statement titled: ‘Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation of USSD and Verification Fees’, signed by the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Umar Danbatta; and Director-General, National Identity Management Commission, Aliyu Aziz.

Part of the statement read: “The National Task Force on National Identification Number and SIM Registration met today, 21st December, 2020. “The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami with major stakeholders in the sector including Chairman – NCC, EVC-NCC, DG-NITDA, DG-NIMC, ECTS/ECSM-NCC, Chairman ALTON, CEOs of MTN, Airtel, Ntel, Glo, Smile, and 9Moble in attendance.

“Based on the endorsement of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the following resolutions were made: “Three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 19th January, 2021; and “Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 9th February, 2021.”

Vanguard

Transportation

Desist from indiscriminate parking along Lagos Ibadan expressway – Fashola

By Web News 1051

The Federal government has directed trucks drivers to desist from indiscriminate parking of vehicles along the Lagos – Ibadan expressway corridor.

The Minister of works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola gave the directive in Ogere, Ogun State at a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders on the Reconstruction and Expansion of Lagos Ibadan dual carriage ways.

The stakeholders meeting held at Ogere Remo axis of the expressway attracted key players in the transport sector, traditional rulers and community leaders, representatives of civil society groups and road traffic management agencies among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister of works and Housing Mr Babatunde Fashola explained that indiscriminate parking of trucks along the Lagos Ibadan expressway, particularly at Ogere axis of the highway was hindering the ongoing three hundred and eleven billion Naira Lagos – Ibadan road project.

While pointing out that parking on the highway was a violation of Federal highway act, Mr Fashola urged the Federal Road Safety Corp, to intensify efforts towards enforcing traffic compliance on federal highways.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun who appealed to the Federal government to give special consideration to federal roads in the state maintained that most of the roads were in deplorable condition due to the activities of heavy duty trucks passing through the roads.

Governor Abiodun explained that his administration was rehabilitating Ogere trailer park, pointing out that arrangements had been concluded to build a trailer park at Sagamu interchange with a view to decongesting the Lagos Ibadan expressway.

Governor Abiodun also promised that fire stations would be established at Isheri and Mowe areas of the state to respond to fire emergencies along the expressway.

In a remark, The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, urged the Federal government to give attention to Sagamu-Ogijo-Ikorodu road to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

IBolanle Adesida

Energy

Examining The Implementation of FG’s Mass Metering Policy in Oyo State

By Web News 1010

As part of measures to drive reforms in the power sector, the federal government introduced mass metering policy.

The thrust of the decision is to ensure electricity distribution companies, DISCOs, provide meters to all consumers in the country.

Radio Nigeria correspondent Olukemi Akintunde examines the implementation of the policy by the DISCOs in Oyo state.

In August this year, President Muhammadu Buhari gave marching orders to electricity operators to ensure that households across the federation were metered.

Investigations by Radio Nigeria revealed however that the implementation of the policy was yet kick off in Oyo State.

According to the Regional Communication Officer, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Mrs Regina Samuel-Adelokun, mass metering was yet to come into effect in Oyo State as the company had not received the meters for distribution.

Mrs Samuel-Adelokun who noted that the process had just begun nationwide, appealed to residents of the state to be patient, assuring that the entire distribution process would be consumer friendly.

The IBEDC Regional Communication Officer said the pace of the distribution process depended much on the federal government, which is the driver of the policy.

Mrs Regina added that there was at the moment no blueprint or communication on modalities as to whether consumers would pay for the meters or otherwise

A resident of Ibadan, Mr Olawoyin Ademola, who explained that he was at the IBEDC headquarters to ascertain if mass metering had taken off, said he was informed that the policy was yet to commence in Oyo State.

Mr Ademola added that he was also told that IBEDC payment portal was not opened when he sought to pay for the meter he registered for in March this year.

Commenting on the development, an economist, Mr Micheal Abegunde commended the federal government for initiating the mass metering policy, noting that it would help address the issue of estimated billing and leakages arising from unscrupulous connections.

Mr Abegunde therefore urged the government to expedite action on the distribution in Oyo State to residents.

Olukemi Akintunde

Security

#ENDSARS: Commuters in Ogun Urge Govt. to Promptly Address Demands

By Web News 716

A cross-section of road users affected by the activities of #ENDSARS protesters in Abeokuta wants the Federal Government to urgently address the grievances of the group. 

The commuters made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria as

ENDSARS protesters in their hundreds again paralyzed social and economic activities in the Ogun State capital when they converged on the popular NNPC axis along the major way linking the city to both the Federal and state workers secretariats and the Governor’s office. 

The demonstrators displayed placards indicating the agitation for total abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad accused of unlawful arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings, rather than rebranding it into the Special Weapons and Tactical Unit, SWAT. 

Many commuters, who were caught up in the traffic gridlock occasioned by the heavy presence the youths on the road, expressed concern that the protest had continued to linger. 

Some of the youths who denied the reports that they were being bankrolled to protest, maintained that they were exercising their rights to demand for an end to police brutality. 

One of the organisers and Nollywood actor, Mr Oyalowo Samuel said the protesters had resolved to continue with the protest until their yearnings were attended to.

Radio Nigeria observed that protesters, including some prominent entertainers, including a popular musician, Kiss Daniel were spreading out to occupy other major streets in the city and disrupting the free flow of traffic in the process. 

Adegoke

Environment

FG takes Proactive Measure against Open Defecation

By Web News 609

The Federal government says it will not relent in its aggressive fight against open defecation most especially at the grassroots.

The Minister of water resources, Mallam Sulieman Adamu made this known in Ado Ekiti during a day sensitization on open defecation free, organized for community mobilization officers of the National Orientation Agency.

Our correspondent Busuyi Ogidiolu has details

Security

Importance of Community Policing

By Web News 795

Recently, the Federal Government approved the sum of thirteen billion Naira for the take-off of community policing initiative across the country.

In this report Rasheedah Makinde examines the roles of community policing in curbing crimes and criminalities.

Rasheedah Makinde

Health

I have fulfilled my promise of eradicating polio in Nigeria – Buhari

By Web News 762

President Mohammadu Buhari says he has fulfilled his electioneering promise of making Nigeria polio-free before the expiration of his tenure.

The President stated this via his official twitter handle, while reacting to the declaration by the Africa Regional Certification Commission that Nigeria and the rest of Africa were now polio free.

‘I recall that shortly after assuming office in May 2015, I made a pledge to Nigerians that I would not bequeath a polio-endemic country to my successor’.

‘Today’s certification of our Wild Polio-Free status is in fulfillment of that pledge to not only Nigerians,but to all Africans’.

‘We must guard this achievement of the eradication of Wild Polio Virus in Africa jealously and ensure that we take all necessary steps to prevent a resurgence of this disease’.

‘I commend the decades of hard work and resilience of health workers and volunteers across Africa, and Ministers of Health and other stakeholders —political, traditional, religious and community leaders who provided the required support and leadership’.

‘These are truly the heroes and heroines of many battles that have made us triumphant in the war against polio’.

‘We must continue to build trust between Government institutions, leaders and citizens, so that we can unite as a people and confront the health and socio-economic challenges we face together’.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Agriculture

FG Launches Fertilizer Tree Planting in Jigawa

By Web News 1135

The Federal Government has launched fertilizer tree planting as an alternative to chemical application of fertilizer in farmlands.

The minister of Agriculture Alhaji Sabo Nanono who launched the programme in Jigawa state also cautioned farmers against cutting down of trees in the country.

Planting of the multi-purpose economic trees would address the issue of desertification and build resilience to climate change, he said.

“In Niger republic, no one is allowed to cut down a tree, but unfortunately in Nigeria, the story is different. People cut down trees at any time they wish and this has a negative effect on our environment.”

The minister said traditional institution must support the government in halting the desertification of the country, hence making our environment to adapt to climate change.

Governor Badaru Abubakar said his administration has so far produced ten million seedlings of different varieties of trees, however, the Gawo tree seedlings will subsequently be given priority because of its fertilizer content.

He further explained that in a hectare of farmland 10 to 15 number of Gawo tree also known as Alcacia albida will be sufficient to replace the chemical application of fertilizer.

“We would strengthen the law that prohibits the cutting down of trees in the state, to allow farmers to reap the benefits from economic trees.” The Governor added.

FRCN Abuja

Politics

FG to Construct 1 Million Houses across the Nation – Presidential Aide

By Web News 748

The federal government will construct one million units of low cost
houses for low income earners across the country between August this year and August 2023.

The senior special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Affairs, Mr Ajuri Ngelale made this known to Radio Nigeria, in Ilesa, Osun State.

Mr Ngelale explained that the housing scheme was part of the present
administration’s economic sustainability plan to provide jobs for indigenous contractors and ease accommodation problems in the country.

According to the presidential aide, a unit of the houses would go for five
million naira only, stressing that only low-income earning Nigerians whose
earning power could be verified through BVN will be eligible to access the
scheme.

Mr Ngelale assured that four hundred houses would be constructed in each of the 774 local government areas in the country, noting that standard materials would be used for the structures.

Gold FM

Economy

PLWD Appeals to FG Against Disengagement from N-Power

By Web News 2301 Post a comment

People Living with Disabilities, PLWDs benefiting from the N-Power programme have appealed to the Federal government not to disengage them from the scheme.

The affected persons are among the Batch A and B beneficiaries that the Federal government recently said would be disengage to give room for another set of beneficiaries.

They spoke with correspondent, Radio Nigeria in Osogbo, from where he filed in this report.

Adenitan Akionla

Yoruba

Ìjọba àpapọ̀ bẹ̀rẹ̀ ètò ẹ̀kọ́ni fún gbígba oyè àkọ́kọ́ fáwọn tówá lọ́gbà ẹ̀wọ̀n

By Web News 851

Ìjọba àpapọ̀ ti bẹ̀rẹ̀, ètò ẹ̀kọ́ni ìmọ̀ oyé àkọ́kọ́ láwọn ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n yíká orílẹ̀èdè yí fún àwọn tón singbà tó jẹ́ ẹ̀dẹ́gbẹ̀ta àti mọ́kàndínládota níye.

Alákoso fọ́rọ̀ abẹ́lé, ọ̀gbẹ́ni Rauf Aregbẹsọla ló sọ̀rọ̀ yí nílu Abuja lásìkò tón sísọ lójú àwọn ọkọ isẹ́ mọ́kàndín lọ́gọ́ta fún lílò àwọn ọgbà àtúnse.

Gẹ́gẹ́bí ọ̀gbẹ́ni Aregbẹsọla se ní ẹgbẹ̀rún kan àwọn ẹlẹ́wọ̀n yi ni wọ́n ti forúkọ sílẹ̀ fún ìdánwò àsejáde nílèwé gíga tónbọ̀.

Ó wá gbóríyìn fún bí àwọn òsìsẹ́ nínú ọgbà ẹ̀wọ̀n, fún bí wọ́n se ri dájú pé, wọ́n se  àmúlò tó yẹ láti ripé àrùn Covid-19 kò tànkélẹ̀ pẹ̀lú àtọ́kasí pé ìjọba ti gbé ìgbésẹ̀ láti mú àdínkù bá iye àwọn tó wà nínú ọgbà àtúnse yíká ilẹ̀yí tíwọ́n sì ti yọ̀nda àwọn tó fẹ̀ wọ ẹgbẹ̀rún mẹ̀rin níye.

Ọlọlade Afọnja

Education

COVID-19: FG Lists Conditions for Reopening of Schools

By Web News 814

The Federal Government on Tuesday while reacting to calls by some people and groups for schools across the country to be reopened listed some conditions that must be met by each school. It said, “All Institutions must have:

  1. Hand-washing facilities,
  2. Body temperature checks
  3. Body disinfectants at all entering points to their major facilities including the gates, hostels, classes, offices, etc.
  4. The whole premises of each institution must be decontaminated and
  5.  All efforts must be geared toward maintenance of the highest level of hygiene
  6. Ensure Social and Physical Distancing in class sizes and meeting spaces.


Culled from Vanguard

News Analysis

Increasing Investment in Health Systems to Combat Covid-19

By Web News 809

As countries across the globe continue to grapple with the ravaging impact of the novel Coronavirus or Covid-19, a big issue which has come to the fore is the need to increase investment in healthcare systems.

The nation has to reorder her priority by putting health in the first place.

This will not only be in the best interest of Nigeria, it will also put an end to medical tourism which prior to now gulped millions of naira that should be in the country’s coffers.

Furthermore, it will defeat the projection by some evil-minded persons that Nigeria would be worse hit by the Covid-19 pandemic than Italy, USA and China due to inadequate health infrastructure.

Health Systems across the world has become over-stretched and overwhelmed.

In fact, some of the largest hospitals in Europe have been calling for donations from the public.

Not too long ago, the United States Mission in Nigeria warned its citizens planning to be evacuated back home that hospitals were already overwhelmed due to Covid-19.

Even countries with the most robust health facilities were all finding it difficult.

A functional healthcare system is no doubt important to deliver qualitative health service at this trying time.

Over the years, successive administrations have embarked on various programs to improve the health sector but these schemes have not been effective in achieving their aims and objectives due to corruption, poor welfare packages, poor implementation, unstable economy, inhumane attitude of some health workers and inadequate funding.

This had resulted to lack of access especially by those at the lowest rung of the ladder.

Also, the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, though laudable has not been extended to all Nigerians.

Many of the vulnerable population are left at the mercy of private hospitals that charge exorbitantly or quacks who endanger their lives.

Sadly, the Primary Healthcare Centers, PHCs, which are expected to service those at the grassroots have become weakened due to lack of basic amenities, drugs and consumables.

At this juncture, it is important to note that revitalization of the PHCs across the country is necessary if the war against Covid-19 will be won.

Although, a World Health Organization, WHO, report showed that Nigeria has one of the largest stocks of human resources for Health in Africa, these number is too low compared with the population coupled with the fact that they are being lured to countries with better welfare packages and emoluments on a daily basis.

More so, inadequate personal protective equipment, PPE for health workers, ventilators and test kits for Covid-19 are beginning to generate concerns among Nigerians.

No wonder, a former Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who is the chair of GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance, said the outcry in virtually every country about lack of equipment and supplies to test and protect against Covid-19 would lead countries to re-examine their supply chain for critical Health and livelihood-related products.

To this end, Nigeria should look inwards for the provision of essential products locally as well as strengthening pharmaceutical companies and other manufacturers.

Greater investment is also needful in research for vaccines, equipment and other medical supplies.

Commendably, the presidency said the latest tranche of Abacha loot repatriated would be allocated to infrastructural development, the Health sector should be considered in this regard.

Furthermore, the agreement reached by heads of government in 2001 that a minimum of fifteen percent of the budget be ploughed into the Health sector should be revisited.

To prevent brain drain, upgrade of facilities and improved working condition for health workers would not be out of place.

A stitch in time saves nine, time is now, therefore, to consider massive investment in Health Systems to stem the spread of coronavirus and to build a lasting health infrastructure for the coming generation.

Anthonia Akanji

Economy

Fuel Pump Price Reduction, Filling Stations Yet to Comply

By Web News 775

Filling stations in Ibadan metropolis have not complied with the federal government’s directive to reduce the pump price of petroleum from one hundred and twenty-five naira to one hundred and twenty-three naira fifty kobo.

The new price which was announced last night was to commence today 1st of April.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation in Ibadan observed that most filling stations were still selling at one hundred and twenty-five naira.

Some motorists and commercial drivers who spoke with Radio Nigeria expressed displeasure that both major and independent marketers failed to comply with the new directive.

They, however, lauded the federal government for the initiative noting that the price might still come down.

A manager of one of the major marketers who did not want his name mentioned said they were waiting for the directive from their head office.

It would be recalled that on the eighteenth of last month, the federal government announced the reduction in Petroleum Motor Spirit, PMS, from one hundred and forty-five naira to one hundred and twenty-five naira for the month of March due to a fall in the price of oil in the international market.

Olukemi Akintunde

Health

FG, NGF Collaborate to Tackle Coronavirus

By Web News 807

The Federal Government says it will collaborate with Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, to set up functional test isolation centres in every state to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanere stated this after meeting with the 36 state governors during their monthly meeting in Abuja.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, and some agencies also made presentations at the meeting.

Dr Ehanere said he was at the secretariat of the NGF to update the governors on the pandemic of the coronavirus and the strategies that the federal government was making to curtail the spread of the virus in the country.

He explained that the governors agreed to work with the federal government and pledged the commitment of the ministry to always update Nigerians to avoid misinformation. 

“To get the story of how Coronavirus spread abroad and how it has come into Nigeria and what we have done so far. And they asked questions about our strategies, our approach and how it affects their states and our strategies and how they can have access to materials to be able to respond.

I did not need to make an effort to remind the governors on what they should do because they all offered to play a role which was very good. In fact they want to know the cost of building isolation centres, the cost of the equipment and the kits. And they want us to present them with them cost tomorrow. We are happy that there is such engagement by the governors.”

After an extensive discussion on the negative impact of coronavirus to the economy and fall in oil prices, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi said, the governors set up a committee to review and advice state governments on actions that were required to address the economic challenges in the country. 

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices in the Nigerian economy and the revenues of States governments, the forum constituted a sub-committee consisting of the Governors of Kaduna (Chair), Kebbi, Ebonyi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Edo and Jigawa to comprehensive review the trend and advice state governments on the set of actions required to address challenges in the economy”.

Following a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, Laoye Jaiyeola on the economic roundtable, a platform that was created to facilitate improved economic policies in the states, Governor Fayemi said governors adopted the policy to improve effective partnership that would promote good governance at the states.

The Governors also welcomed Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo to his first NGF meeting since his assumption of office. 

Governors also commiserate with the governor of Lagos State on the recent pipe explosion that claimed many lives. 

Nehemiah Anini