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Thursday, April 30, 2020

COVID-19 lockdown: NAFDAC gives guidance on donation, marketing breastmilk substitutes - NaijaAgroNet

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has given guidance on donations and marketing of BreastMilk Substitutes (BMS) for infants, reports NaijaAgroNet.

NAFDAC in a public statement available to 
NaijaAgroNet, said this guidance has become imperative in pursuant to provisions of the NAFDAC Act, CAP N1 LFN 2004 and the Marketing (BreastMilk Substitutes) ACT CAP M.5 LFN 2004 and the BMS regulations, in keeping with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS).

Hence, NAFDAC is providing clarifications regarding donations of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) in the context of lockdown and financial barriers occasioned by the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Companies that market foods for infants and young children (breastmilk substitutes), NAFDAC said, should not provide free products, samples or reduced-price foods for infants (below 6 months old) to families through health workers or health facilities, except as supplies distributed through government or officially sanctioned health programmes.
NaijaAgroNet gathered that the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) required that products distributed in such programmes should not display company brands.

“In this specific instance, the unbranded packaging is to focus on the need to support the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where necessary in terms of infant and young child feeding, rather than use the pandemic as a platform for brand promotion,” NAFDAC official said.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Schools open in Madagascar amidst local cure for COVID-19 - NaijaAgroNet

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Schools in Madagascar, today, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, resumed normal classes following consistent flattening of the curve on the ChineseVirus-19 also known Coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country and development of cure locally, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The local cure known as CVO or COVID Organic, 
NaijaAgroNet gathered was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research.

The Madagascar President, Mr. Andry Rajaolina presented the local remedy to the press on Monday, with a sip of the product live on Television, which 
NaijaAgroNet also gathered contained Artemisia, a plant produced on Big Island to fight curb malaria.

According to President Rajaolina, “All trials and tests have been conducted and its effectiveness in reducing the elimination of symptoms has been proven for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 in Madagascar.”

President Rajaolina was also quoted as saying during the public launch on Monday that the medicine cured two COVID-19 cases, as prelude to the proclamation.

In addition, 
NaijaAgroNet gathered that a Presidential decree was proclaimed on COVID-organics, making it forthwith, mandatory for children returning to school on Wednesday.

The COVID-Organics, he pointed out, will be distributed free of charge “to our most vulnerable compatriots and sold at very low prices to others. All profits will be donated to IMRA to finance scientific research,” the president wrote on Twitter…

“I’m convinced that, in fact history will prove us, but today there are already two cases that have been cured with the Covid-organics, but we’ll actually see what happens next.

“Covid Organics will be used in profilaxis, i.e. preventive, but clinical observations have shown a trend towards its effectiveness in curative, other clinical studies are currently underway,” he stressed at the launch.

The president has previously made claims about herbal remedies despite scientific opinion that there is currently no cure for COVID-19 and that any experimental formula should be rigorously tested to see if it is safe and effective.

As of April 28, 2020, Madagascar’s COVID-19 case statistically stood at 128 confirmed cases whereas over 70 recovered cases with no deaths.


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Pix: President Andry Rajaolina

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Nigerian university commences clinical trial of herb-based COVID-19 medicine - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:
The Federal University of Jigawa located in Dutse (FUD), the state capital has commenced the clinical trial of a herb-based COVID-19 medicine, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Confirming this in a statement issued by the university last Friday and sighted by NaijaAgroNet, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fatima Batul Mukhtar said they swung into action as soon as the pandemic broke in Nigeria and mandated the Directorate of Research and Development to come up with a home-grown solution to tackle the disease.

The Head of the research team, Dr. Salihu Ibrahim, was quoted as saying that the university has collaborated with traditional medical practitioners to identify and extract medicinal plants with a recorded history of use against severe fever, protracted cough, and acute pneumonia.

According to him, his team followed the time tested scientific steps of identifying, screening, and extracting the medicinal plant.

He also said the second step was the phytochemical screening and analysis of the medicinal plant where phytochemical activities were determined and analysed before the screening of the medicinal plants against microbial isolates.

He further said the evaluation of the toxicity of the medicine on experimental animals has been completed, stressing that evaluation of the acute toxicity safety profile for 28 days on experimental animals is in progress.

The head of the research team said the first clinical trials on healthy volunteers will commence on 14th May- 14th June 2020 while the clinical trial on patients with pneumonia will start on 14th June- 14th July 2020.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor


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COVID-19 palliative rice palava: Lagos commissioner lied says Northern chiefs - NaijaAgroNet

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The Arewa Council of Chiefs in Lagos have said the state's Commissioner of Waterfront, Architect Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, lied for allegedly claiming that the council had been given 'several tonnes' of rice, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The council, which said it has not received even a grain of rice from the Lagos State government, warned people to abstain from using its name to carry out fraudulent activities.

A press statement signed by the Galadiman of Lagos on behalf of the Arewa Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Aliyu Bambado, the body asked the person who announced the purported delivery of rice to prove who mandated him to approach the state government on behalf of the northerners.

He also said their attention has been drawn to a social media information credited to 4 individuals (who, as close friends of his) received several tons of bags of rice from the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront , Architect Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi purportedly on behalf of Northerners in Lagos.

"We wish to set the records as follows:

1. That the Lagos State Council of Chiefs or precisely office of Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos has never delegated or nominated anyone to receive palliatives on behalf of Northerners in Lagos.

2. That the Council of Chiefs and office of Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos has not seen even a single grain of rice purportedly from either the Commissioner for Waterfront or the Lagos State Government.

3. That the fellow who made the social media broadcast on the rice allocation needs to prove who mandated him to approach the Lagos State Government on behalf of Northerners, when the Lagos Council of Chiefs, to which the Sarkin Hausawa belongs was there as the legal and constitutionally recognized body of elders.

4. That anyone who is in doubt of the limits of the powers bestowed on the the Lagos State Council of Chiefs or the office of the Sarkin Hausawan Lagos should visit the Oba of Lagos to have himself educated

5. Any attempt to use the name and office of the Lagos State Council of Chiefs or the office of Sarkin Hausawa for extortion will not be tolerated.

6. That it is totally unacceptable for any person or group of persons to indulge in cutting corners or going through the backdoor to do underhand deals capable of ridiculing the image and respectability of the office of Sarkin Hausawa.

We therefore wish to issue stern warning to the Commissioner for Waterfront to be mindful of allowing his office to be used by shadowy groups of people, who have no legal or Constitutional recognition, as this would amount a collaboration to defraud the government. We hope all stakeholders will join hands to stop this abhorrent attitude.

We wish to reiterate that henceforth anyone found using the name of our respected traditional institution to take advantage of anything meant for public good will be faced with legal action.

We make bold to say that, at an appropriate time soon, we will roll out the new penalities for acts that are confirmed to be dubious by all standards.

Most importantly, if the Lagos State Government wishes to convey anything that has to do with the legitimate rights of the Northerners resident in the State ( just like this lockdown palliative), it should reach out to the Council of Chiefs through the only known Sarkin Hausawa. We say this because anything worth doing is worth doing well, and the palliative is not a privilege but a right.

Like we once pointed out, the authentic Chairman of Arewa Council of Chiefs, Lagos State is Alhaji Aminu Yaro Dogara and has his Deputies, who is also the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos - Alhaji (Dr) Mohammed Bambado; and Sarkin Hausawan Idi-Araba remains Alhaji Idris Haruna.

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Monday, April 27, 2020

CS-SUNN demands inclusion of nutrition in COVID-19 response - ITREALMS

NaijaAgroNet:
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has demanded for the inclusion of nutrition in the federal government response to the ChineseVirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19, reports NaijaAgronet.

Just recently the world has been faced with the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), now declared a world-wide emergency. As at 24th April 2020, the world has recorded 2,709,483 cases and 190,872 deaths. Nigeria, recorded its first case on 27th February 2020 and has since, seen a steady rise in number of confirmed cases. Today, Nigeria has a total of 981 cases with 31 deaths in more than 20 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential, not only to cause thousands of deaths as seen globally but, to also unleash morbidity and economic crisis, posing unprecedented challenges to food systems in Nigeria and elsewhere. This virus could invariably have lasting effects on people, their nutrition, healthcare, and food systems across the globe.

CS-SUNN commends the Federal Government, so far for coming up with preventive, containment and recovery measures since the outbreak of the virus in the country. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Presidential Task force on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health and all relevant bodies and agencies have, so far, worked out and are implementing a National Response Strategy to tackle the menace. This has seen Nigeria achieve some positive results in the containment of the virus; the successful treatment and recovery of 197 patients in the country.

With the country’s current childhood under-nutrition indicator put at 37% stunting, 7% wasting and 23% underweight (National Demographic and Health Survey, 2018) and about 2.6 million children under the age of five threatened by malnutrition (2018 Nigeria Nutrition Health Survey), CS-SUNN foresees an increase in these indicators during and after this COVID-19 Pandemic, if government does not beam its focus on continued fight against malnutrition. The alliance recalls the forecast by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)[1] before the COVID-19 outbreak that about 7 million Nigerians in 16 Northern States plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be in food and nutrition crisis between June and August 2020. CS-SUNN fears that affected persons might outnumber the FAO prediction at the end of the COVID-19 crisis.

Governments, businesses, civil society and international agencies need to take urgent and coordinated action to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic turning into a global food and humanitarian crisis. CS-SUNN advises that in the rush to stall the spread of COVID-19, Nigeria should consider the disastrous increases in malnutrition in both the immediate and long term. Communities, vulnerable groups especially women dealing with malnutrition and children suffering Severe Acute Malnutrition, are more likely to be affected because of the pandemic. Since malnutrition weakens the immune system, these populations are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.

CS-SUNN further notes that the spread of COVID-19, with attendant measures put in place by government to curb it, is now threatening many Nigerians already made vulnerable by food and nutrition insecurity, malnutrition and the effects of conflict and other disasters. There is a “hunger virus” that is slowly ravaging the most vulnerable groups in the country. Though Nigeria, like all other nations of the world, is navigating uncertain times, there is urgent need for governments, at all levels, to prioritize nutrition in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. The alliance restates that adequate nutrition is key to building immunity, protection against illness and infection, and supporting recovery from illnesses. Efforts to preserve and promote adequate nutrition, including Exclusive breastfeeding, must be part of COVID-19 prevention strategies to build the resilience of individuals and communities in Nigeria. Healthy and adequate diets are key for boosting immunity and preventing non-communicable diseases that are risk factors for higher COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Protecting the poor and most vulnerable from hunger and malnutrition will be necessary for COVID-19 response efforts to succeed in Nigeria.


PRACTICAL ACTIONS FOR KEEPING NUTRITION AT THE CENTER OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY EFFORTS IN NIGERIA:

·         Integration of Nutrition Specific and Nutrition Sensitive interventions in Nigeria’s COVID-19 response by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

·         The PTF employ a multi-stakeholder and multi-Sectoral approach towards combating the pandemic with focus on improving the nutritional status of Nigerians especially the vulnerable members of the society.

·         Implementation of Social protection measures for the poor and most marginalized including refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. The poor and most marginalized are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and must be supported to protect themselves from the virus and to stay resilient throughout the crisis and after.

·         Sustain the functioning of local food systems in Nigeria. The alliance calls on governments, at National and sub-national levels, to support small scale farmers, small and medium sized enterprises as well as local Civil Society Organizations to continue to produce and deliver affordable, adequate, safe and nutritious foods and to minimize the impact of lock-downs and quarantines on planting, harvesting, food processing and access to markets for suppliers and consumers.

·         Ensure adequate domestic funding for nutrition programmes and interventions as captured in the 2020 annual budgets at the national and sub-national levels. CS-SUNN commends state governments like; Lagos, Kano, Niger, Kaduna, and Nasarawa, who have made provision in the 2020 budget for nutrition, and ask that they release same on time. This is to ensure continuity in the fight against malnutrition and to mitigate the burden of malnutrition in the country. States run the risk of increased burden of malnutrition if they allow the emergency situation of COVID-19 stop them from funding and implementing nutrition programs and interventions in the country.

CS-SUNN enjoins Nigerians to continue to consume adequate diets to boost their immunity and support recovery of those infected by the virus. The alliance enjoins the general public to stay safe, avoid dispersing fake news on the outbreak and wash their hands frequently. The public should also maintain social distancing, practice respiratory hygiene when they sneeze or cough and seek medical care immediately, they come down with any of the symptoms of the virus. Nigerians should maintain and observe the restriction on movements directive by the government as this is key to prevent further spread of the virus.


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Sunday, April 26, 2020

COVID-19 bonfires: Effects on Lagosians - NaijaAgroNet

In the past weeks, Nigerians have been on lockdown and one of the local strategies to ward-off hoodlums resorted to burning of used tyres. REMMY NWEKE examines the effect on Lagosians amidst lack of security in the environment.
Not until recently the environmental hazards being faced by those at the Niger Delta region of this country, especially Bayelsa and Rivers States dawned on some of Lagosians as the lockdown over the ChineseVirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19 continues its ravage.

NaijaAgroNet gathered this was heightened by the reported unsigned letter from alleged “1m Boys” to Lagosians, which stated inter alia:

“Alert! Alert!! Alert!!!“We the undefeated“ONE MILLION BOYS“Are coming to visit your area very soon.“ So, make everybody prepare.“If you don’t comply, we will cut your hands”

Penultimate Easter Monday night was the same day the ‘eyes’ of some Lagosians became clear as they used to say in a local parlance on and over the issues of degradation when it comes to environmental hazards associated with the flames of any kind especially that of petroleum related like tyres, coupled with lack of adequate security.

Throughout the night was that of bonfires with used tyres. Initially some residents may not have cared much but on inquiry, it was learnt that some unknown group of criminals were said to have visited the neighborhoods of Ladipo at Shogunle, Mafoluku-Oshodi and even Ijesha-Tedo. But the effect did not manifest until the following morning when people woke up to behold black dust known as ‘soot’ where there is any atom of white changing colour.

Even after cleaning of such surfaces, in the next hour or two the black dust remains and by evening, the dust has not subsided because the debris are on the floor and once movement is expressed on the surface on the main road, the dust spreads.

Although by afternoon, some good Samaritans who understood the implications went out to sprinkle water to calm the dust, once Ikeja Electric restored public power supply and taps started running. As at the morning of the first day, a lot of residents were reported to have coughed out blood or clouts as first spittles.

As opposed to high-temperature incinerators, bonfires also tend to produce more carbon monoxide, which is harmful when breathed in and can form toxic ozone. As Milbourn puts it: "It almost doesn't matter what you burn but, instead, how you burn it."

“When you breathe in smoke, the particles could get deep into your respiratory system. You've likely experienced the results — stinging eyes, runny nose and coughing. ... But for those with underlying respiratory illnesses, inhaling smoke is dangerous,” a medical expert warned.

Health experts at Cleveland Clinics have posited that when anyone breathes in smoke, the particles could get deep into the respiratory system, thereby resulting in likely experiences such as stinging eyes, runny nose and coughing. ... But for those with underlying respiratory illnesses, inhaling smoke is dangerous, mostly in a large scale within any given society hence it becomes environmental hazard.

What is environmental hazard?

An environmental hazard, as elucidated by experts at Wikipedia and Omics on Environmental Hazards and Human Health; is a substance, a state or an event which has the potential to threaten the surrounding natural environment and or adversely affect people's health, including but not limited natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes, electromagnetic fields, floods, light pollution, noise pollution, vibration, x-rays etc. Noting that radioactivity is often associated with an exposure dependent risk of some cancers notably leukemia.

The hazards associated thereof have been further categorized into core four classes, namely physical, chemical, biological, and cultural. Physical hazards are physical processes that occur naturally in the environment, according to experts at study.com.

They also postulated that chemical hazards, for instance, are hazardous substances that could cause harm. While the Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, to name a few, that could cause adverse health impacts, whereas the cultural hazards have been defined by Chegg’s experts as certain behaviors or practices that expose people to various types of health hazards, and not limited to over-eating, excessive smoking or consumption of alcohol, use of drugs that are addictive, avoidance of exercise, and choice of hazardous occupations.


What is a substance?

A chemical substance is a form of matter having constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. Some references add that chemical substance cannot be separated into its constituent elements by physical separation methods, i.e., without breaking chemical bonds. This, Chemistry dictionary, defined further as the “real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence.”


What are tyres made of and hazards?

The materials of modern pneumatic tyres are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds. They consist of a tread and a body. The tread provides traction while the body provides containment for a quantity of compressed air, according to experts.

They also classified the three main effects of tyre burning on the environment as air, water, and soil pollution. The airborne pollution caused from the tyre burning kilns is significant, consequently, the black fumes also known as ‘soot’ contain heavy metals and other harmful pollutants that linger in the air and could lead from acute to chronic health hazards.

Often in every country that may have endorsed the United Nations Environmental Protection policies, its absolutely illegal to burn vehicular tyres among others, as stated recently by the Deputy Director at Environmental Protection Agency Ghana, which is the department of Ghana Petroleum, Mr Kojo Agbenor-Efunam.

Lagosians bemoan bonfires, fears more death:

Lagosians wake up after the second Presidential address on the ravaging ChineseVirus-19 to see most of their streets with bonfires flames still gushing in Ojodu, Oshodi, Shogunle, Isolo and some parts of Ogba, all in Lagos, showed that the bonfires were set to wade off hoodlums, particularly the 1m Boys.

On the last days of the first phase of the 14-day lockdown as directed by the President, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, hoodlums were reported attacking residents in Agege and environ, asking for food. Even as the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had disclosed that over 100 of such hoodlums including cultists identified as Awawa Boys were arrested and would be prosecuted according to the law.

Following the bonfires across the state, most residents were faced with increase in cough and clout spits as well as effects on their throats, just as health experts said that for those with underlying respiratory illnesses, inhaling smoke is dangerous.

Leave Lagos, says Odumosu:

In response to lamentations of Lagosians, the State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu warned armed robbers and cultists to leave the state or face the consequences of crime.

Odumosu who spoke through Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bala Elkana, said that two suspected armed robbers and 98 suspected cultists were arrested already in different parts of the state.

Equally, Elkanah said that the Command warned parents to advise their children to stay at home as the police were ready to deal with hoodlums of any kind in the state, warning that hoodlums should either leave the state or repent from their evil ways.

Like Bayelsans, Like Lagosians bonfire:

Above all, the outcome of every bonfire is what the Nigeria’s Niger Delta region has experienced for years, particularly the Bayelsans, whenever there are flames from petroleum products or better still crude oil processing. A section of America environmentalists under the aegis of the Centre for American Progress (CAP), posited that particle pollution, commonly referred to as “soot,” is one of the deadliest forms of air pollution, thus is essential for every national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopts the strictest rules possible to protect citizens from the dangers of breathing these particles.

Soot defined:

CAP which has leading policy experts, analysts, and senior fellows, including Mr. Olugbenga Ajilore, defined soot as the common term for a type of particle pollution called PM 2.5—particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller. They stressed that such fine particles, are even smaller than dust and mold particles, or approximately 1/30 of the size of a human hair. This encompassed a variety of pollutants, including chemicals, acids, metals, soils, and dust, which are suspended in the air after emission. Soot can come in solid, liquid, or gaseous (“aerosols”) states.

In addition, CAP team said soot is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, particularly coal, thus is emitted by a variety of sources, including burning coal for electricity or industrial fuel, manufacturing, oil refining, and motor vehicles.

Soot as a public health concern:

Experts at CAP maintained that soot poses tremendous harms to public health, particularly because of its size, even as particulate matter is so small that it could easily enter human lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing damage in a number of ways. While the Environmental Protection Agency of United State described the process of soot harming the human body as “Microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as acute bronchitis and aggravated asthma among children.”

Does Nigeria have EPA?

Yes, Nigeria do have. Historically, the Federal Government in1988 established the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) (now Federal Ministry of Environment with effect from September,1999) to protect, restore and preserve the nation’s ecosystem. FEPA has a wide range of functions to protect the environment, and primarily responsible for environmental licensing, enforcement of environmental law, environmental planning, education and guidance.

In Lagos, there is Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), unfortunately there was no education and or guidance over the implication or health hazards of Lagosians as may be associated to bonfires emitting from tyres.

Summary:

From all indications, Nigeria may have FEPA and Lagos’s LASEPA, but its obvious the country has no policy guidelines on soot and its associated environmental hazards.

One had expected that at least, LASEPA should have issued a press statement in order to educate and enlighten Lagosians as they tend to live out the Bayelsan forced style of life due to the increase in bonfires, especially with used tyres.

As at the time of filing this story, Vulcanisers who often display used tyres as symbol of location, have developed plan to always pack their displayed tyres inside for safe keeping, because it has since the evolution of ChineseVirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19 turned a scarce commodity.

Although some elites are engaging the residents turned over-night vigilante on the dangers inherent in any bonfires let alone with tyres.

For the state government its not enough to merely caution and condemn over the radio the bonfires, there should be a deliberate attempts to educate the populace, mostly Lagosians, especially on the health implications, namely premature death, heart attacks, and strokes, leukemia, besides acute bronchitis and aggravated asthma among children.

Though for Bayelsans, it may have come from economic crude oil, but for Lagosians, it’s out of security necessity. Therefore, its time to do all things possible to ensure that soot is reduced drastically if not eradicated, whilst it remains an avoidable health hazard that must be collectively battled. Not forgetting that the latest bonfires were elucidated by letters from robbery gang known as ‘1m Boys’ who have since abandoned night as the period of attacks to even unleash their attack and robberies on Lagosians during the day-time.

All hands must be on deck as number of emergency vigilante continues to rise. Lagosians must devoid of anything to escalate the COVID-19 related ailment by staying safe and practicing all health expert directives including putting on facemask when stepping out of homes.



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Friday, April 24, 2020

COVID-19: NLNG donates to Rivers State

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The Rivers State government recently got support from the management of the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) over the fight to contain and flatten the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, reports NaijaAgroNet.

NLNG also urged for resilience and adherence to all social distancing rules and upholding directives of health professionals.

NLNG remarked that it takes the health and safety of its stakeholders very seriously; adding that the measures it proactively put in place to prevent the spread of the disease was in line with its obligation to staff and social responsibility to stakeholders, host communities and Nigeria as a whole.

On the National level, the Company stated that it contributed to the over US$30 million financial support given to the Federal Government through the Oil and Gas Industry Collaborative initiative spearheaded by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to fight the virus.

NLNG stated further that it is working with relevant stakeholders to contain the spread of the virus in Rivers State and in its operational base, Bonny Island (currently with no confirmed case of infection), committing to some N1 billion in various interventions in the state.

The Company revealed that it has committed to the refurbishment of a building and set-up of a 10 bed Isolation/Holding Centre at the Bonny Zonal Hospital. In addition, NLNG has donated equipment and Personal Protective Equipment which include five suction machines, three single air conditioners for consulting rooms, five split air conditioners for wards and 10 patient monitors.

Other items donated for use on Bonny Island include one oxygen bank consisting of 5 bull nose cylinders, 10 drip stands, 10,000 one-fit N95 health care particulate respirator and surgical masks, 250,000 surgical masks, 50,000 nitrile gloves, 12,500 hooded coveralls with boots, 70 respirators, and wall mounted hand sanitizers. The Company added that it is also partnering with a committee set up by the Bonny Local Government Council to develop and implement a strategic plan to protect all those who live on, or visit the Island.

At the State level, NLNG is donating equipment and materials to upgrade specific facilities at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The Company also donated items to the Government which includes two transport vehicles for contact tracing, five ventilators, 30 patient monitors as well as over 100,000 surgical masks. Other items donated by the Company include 30,000 nitrile gloves, 5,000 hooded coveralls, 8,000 respirators, 200 goggles and 200 face masks. The Company also continues to support the Government through its membership of an advisory team constituted by the State Ministry of Health to guard against the spread of the disease.

To help palliate hardship resulting from the stay-at-home order in the State, NLNG donated food items to its host communities.

NLNG concluded by stating that its contribution to the fight against the pandemic is in line with its vision of “…helping to build a better Nigeria”.


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Pic: L-R: Head, Sustainable Development and Social Investment (NLNG) Iwokiri Aprioku; Manager Community Relations (NLNG), Godson Dienye; Rivers State Commissioner of Health, Professor Princewill Chike; Head, Government Relations Rivers (NLNG), Michael Igoni; GM Corporate Service (NLNG), Joseph Alagoa and Manager, Corporate Communications (NLNG), Sophia Horsfall, during the donation of two vehicles to Rivers State for the fight against COVID-19 in Port Harcourt...recently

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

InnerCity Mission for Children donates food items to Lagosians - NaijaAgroNet

A non-governmental organization, the InnerCity Mission for Children, has donated food items to the Lagos state government to assist citizens who are on four-week lockdown over the Coronavirus pandemic, reports NaijaAgroNet.

InnerCity Mission for Children, NaijaAgroNet gathered is an NGO under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, which is presently offering some interventions to ameliorate suffering of Lagosians on lockdown.

The organization will also help the government in the distribution of the food items, targeting vulnerable children, households, and communities to help them cushion the effects of the government’s stay-at-home directive by government to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Director of Innercity Mission for Children, Mrs. Omoh Alabi, who led the team to present the items to the state government was received by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal and the state’s commissioner for Wealth Creation Hon. (Mrs) Yetunde Arobieke at the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority office.

According to Mrs. Alabi, the organization decided to support the Lagos state government to cushion the effects of lockdown on Lagosians as the Coronavirus outbreak has affected all areas of human endeavor.

She further said the founder of the InnerCity Mission for Children, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome is committed to working with the government to ensure that efforts to combat the virus are not made in vain by those who may be driven to the streets as a result of hunger.

In her words, “We deem it necessary, as a faith-based organisation to lend our own support for the laudable efforts of the government to cushion the unsettling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on many families in Lagos State.

“As a caring organisation we realized that we cannot be indifferent to the plight of many challenged masses of the state. We are trying to stretch out a hand of kindness to those who ordinarily will not have anyone to care for them,” she stated.

“Our goal is to ensure that indigent children and families are safe and fed even as the world fights against Covid19. As we reach out to these needy with food supplies, it is our prayer that soon we will be able to put this behind us and our cities will return back to normal,” she added.

Receiving the relief materials on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, commended the Innercity Mission for Children for the kind gesture.

Two thousand families are to benefit from the 1st phase of the InnerCity Mission’s emergency food distribution as part of palliatives for the lockdown to prevent spread of the coronavirus. In the end, 20,000 families would have been supported in Lagos alone.

Speaking further, Mrs. Alabi said: “the 2000 families are from 27 inner city communities and 10 vulnerable orphanages in Lagos who have been adversely affected by the recent preventive measures of the lockdown.”

“As we reach out to these needy with food supplies, it is our prayer that soon we will be able to put this behind us and our cities will return back to normal,” she said.

“Our distribution has commenced in earnest in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture to deprived families in communities such as Majindu, Oworo, Makuko, Ajegunle, Iwaya, Haruna, Kosofe communities to mention a few.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Rose, a mother of three expressed her gratitude as she collected her food parcel.

She said: “I was not expecting food today because I didn’t know how to feed myself and my children, but I thank the Man of God, Pastor Chris and the InnerCity Mission for giving me food. Now I can feed my children.”

The InnerCity Mission for Children was birthed as a vision of the world-renowned Pastor and Philanthropist, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome DSc DD to take action to meet the needs of indigent children and families. In his words, “The challenge of the poor is not just about their needs; we are equally meeting our own needs. It is in your interest to help the poor. We have a divine responsibility to God, to the Church and the society to reach children in our inner cities.”

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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Pix: A cross section of beneficiaries from donations of Innercity Mission for Children at selected clusters in Lagos.

Renewable energy offers equitable recovery option - NaijaAgroNet

Advancing the renewables-based energy transformation is an opportunity to meet international climate goals while boosting economic growth, creating millions of jobs and improving human welfare by 2050, finds the first Global Renewables Outlook released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) today, reports NaijaAgroNet.

While a pathway to deeper decarbonisation requires total energy investment up to USD 130 trillion, the socio-economic gains of such an investment would be massive, the Outlook reveals. Transforming the energy system could boost cumulative global GDP gains above business-as-usual by USD 98 trillion between now and 2050. It would nearly quadruple renewable energy jobs to 42 million, expand employment in energy efficiency to 21 million and add 15 million in system flexibility.

IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “Governments are facing a difficult task of bringing the health emergency under control while introducing major stimulus and recovery measures. The crisis has exposed deeply embedded vulnerabilities of the current system. IRENA’s Outlook shows the ways to build more sustainable, equitable and resilient economies by aligning short-term recovery efforts with the medium-and long-term objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.”

“By accelerating renewables and making the energy transition an integral part of the wider recovery, governments can achieve multiple economic and social objectives in the pursuit of a resilient future that leaves nobody behind.”

The Global Renewables Outlook examines building blocks of an energy system along with investment strategies and policy frameworks needed to manage the transition. It explores ways to cut global CO2 emissions by at least 70 per cent by 2050. Furthermore, a new perspective on deeper decarbonisation shows a path towards net-zero and zero emissions. Building on five technology pillars, particularly green hydrogen and extended end-use electrification could help replace fossil-fuels and slash emissions in heavy industry and hard-to-decarbonise sectors.

Low-carbon investment would significantly pay off, the Outlook shows, with savings eight times more than costs when accounting for reduced health and environmental externalities. A climate-safe path would require cumulative energy investments of USD 110 trillion by 2050 but achieving full carbon neutrality would add another USD 20 trillion.

The Outlook also looked at energy and socio-economic transition paths in 10 regions worldwide. Despite varied paths, all regions are expected to see higher shares of renewable energy use, with Southeast Asia, Latin America, the European Union and Sub-Saharan Africa poised to reach 70-80 per cent shares in their total energy mixes by 2050. Similarly, electrification of end uses like heat and transport would rise everywhere, exceeding 50 per cent in East Asia, North America and much of Europe. All regions would also significantly increase their welfare and witness net job gains in the energy sector despite losses in fossil fuels. However, economy-wide, regional job gains are distributed unevenly. While regional GDP growth would show considerable variation, most regions could expect gains.

Raising regional and country-level ambitions will be crucial to meet interlinked energy and climate objectives and harvest socio-economic welfare. Stronger coordination on international, regional and domestic levels will be equally important, the Outlook concludes, with financial support being directed where needed including to the most vulnerable countries and communities. As partner of the Climate Investment Platform, launched to drive clean energy uptake and mobilise clean investment, IRENA will advance collaborative action targeted to help countries create enabling conditions and unlock renewable investment.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor


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Monday, April 20, 2020

UN provides vital supplies for FG’s COVID-19 response - ITREALMS

The United Nations today received delivery of vital health supplies to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria on a flight funded by APM Terminals, reports NaijaAgroNet.

The supplies, made up of 10,000 test kits, 15 oxygen concentrators, and various personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines, IEHK/PEP kits, and other vital health supplies, will support the Nigerian Government’s COVID-19 Response Plan and UNICEF’s work with children and families in Nigeria.

The supplies will also support the Government of Nigeria, through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in affected states across the country. The supplies are co-financed by the European Union (EU) and IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers.

Additional COVID-19 response supplies are expected in a UN joint flight to be delivered to Nigeria in the coming days.

The personal protection equipment (PPEs) will protect medical personnel and ancillary staff who are the first responders in the frontline, providing care and treatment to people affected by the virus. The test kits will enable healthcare workers to test those who suspect they may have the virus to verify their health status, so they can get treatment and protect their families and communities.

“We know that to limit the spread of the virus, it is important to test as many people as possible, especially those with recent travel history and those who came into contact with travelers. These test kits will support Nigeria’s drive to control the transmission of COVID-19 infections and support the Government’s ongoing strong efforts to protect the country from an escalating pandemic,” said Edward Kallon, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Nigeria.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria in late February, the UN has been supporting the Government of Nigeria to respond to the pandemic through risk communications and community engagement, infection prevention and control, epidemiology/surveillance and management of coronavirus cases.

Working with government and other partners, the UN is developing and disseminating messages, infographics, and audio-visual material informing the public about the risks of COVID-19 across the country, and how to protect oneself.

“Working closely together with the Government and other partners, including the private sector, is the surest way of preventing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the support of the EU and IHS in getting these vital supplies to strengthen the UN’s efforts in helping the Government of Nigeria to address the COVID-19 challenge,” said Edward Kallon.

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AfDB commits 100% to renewable energy projects for Africa - NaijaAgroNet


The African Development Bank Group has recommitted to supporting renewable energy projects by 100 per cent on the continent, reports NaijaAgroNet.

AfDB in a refutal over alleged plans to provide financial support to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project,
declared ‘renewable energy as the future” path for Africa. 

The group through its Acting Director of Communication and External Relations Department, Mrs. Nafissatou Diouf, said the bank is strongly committed to renewable energies, noting that for over a decade, the bank has played a leading role in crafting policies and delivering investments that promote sustainable development practices on the continent, including climate adaptation and resilience.

“The Bank is committed to facilitating the transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient development in African countries across all its operational priority areas,” she told 
NaijaAgroNet in a press statement.

AfDB maintained it did not have any plan to finance the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project, declaring that the group is for “100% renewable projects and sustainable, low-emission agriculture and infrastructure.”

The Bank, she equally said, has prioritized investment in renewables and has not invested in any coal project in the past decade as it sees renewable energy as the future.

“Since the launch of the Bank’s Strategy for the New Deal on Energy in 2016, up to 2019 renewable energy projects constitute about 85% percent on average of the Bank’s power generation investments,” she said,

Maintaining that the Bank is working closely with African countries to realize their renewable energy potential and has developed dedicated programmes and instruments to achieve this goal.


Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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Saturday, April 18, 2020

Covid-19: Renewable energy solutions'll provide fast response - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet:
Renewable energy solutions will provide fast response to the global ChineseVirus-17 also known as Coronavirus pandemic and build more resilient energy systems, reports NaijaAgroNet.

This follows an agreement between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to closely advance renewable energy across the continent to bolster Africa’s response to Covid-19.

The two organisations will focus on innovative solutions to drive the development of renewable energy including decentralised systems, and to increase access to energy across the continent.

The cooperation aims to bolster Africa’s response to the pandemic by, inter alia, improving the ability of rural health centres and communities to deal with the health challenge using renewable energy to power critical services such as medical equipment and water pumping for improving hygiene.

Africa is home to more than two thirds of the world’s least developed countries and 600 million people currently live without access to modern energy services. Paradoxically, Africa possesses vast renewable energy potential that could cover nearly a quarter of its energy needs through indigenous renewable energy by 2030. The deployment of renewables-based solutions is, therefore, central to the achievement of universal access and a key enabler for the attainment of the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 as well as achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. The two organisations will collaborate to make this possible.

During a virtual discussion, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union Commission and H.E. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA agreed that a concerted and coordinated response is essential to address the energy related response to COVID-19 and noted that renewable energy offers the most plausible and sustainable response, which will continue to uplift the quality of life for millions of Africans long after the pandemic.

H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that energy is critical for all spheres of life and is now proving to be a matter of survival. The African Union Commission has made major strides to advance energy development in Africa through various programmes and partnerships. It is now even more urgent to fast track energy access efforts on the continent”.

The Commissioner went on to say, “It is time to use Africa’s enormous renewable energy resources for the benefit of the African people in response to the coronavirus pandemic.” She called upon IRENA and AU to work together to mobilise international support, including the private sector, to provide electricity to health facilities and associated services for fighting the pandemic in Africa, especially the rural and peri-urban areas. “It is critical that the vulnerable in society, especially women and girls, are specifically targeted in these efforts”, she added.

On his part, the IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “Renewable energy can cost-effectively supply the critical power needed in Africa’s rural communities to supply health centres, facilitate the provision of clean water, support agriculture and facilitate other productive sectors. Such measures are critical to the continent’s ability to deal with the pandemic.”

“Our response to this crisis must also promote long-term sustainable development and support for the achievement of NDCs,” continued Mr. La Camera. “The deployment of renewables is therefore a foresighted strategy to ensure a resilient future, in which no one is left behind.”

The collaboration between the AU and IRENA complements ongoing AU programmes, which include the Africa Bioenergy Policy Framework and Guidelines; Renewable energy in African island states; Development of small hydropower potential in Africa; Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility; and the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) as well as the Strategy for integrated approach for provision of basic infrastructure in rural and remote areas of Africa. This is in addition to other African initiatives such as Desert to Power, Coalition for Sustainable Energy Access, and the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) – an Africa owned and led drive to scale up renewable energy – consolidating efforts from the international community to address the needs of African countries.

The AU and IRENA will also collaborate in the context of IRENA’s Clean Energy Corridors initiatives in East, West and Southern Africa focused on advancing the deployment of renewables through the creation of larger and more robust power markets encouraging cross-border trade of renewable power.

These commitments build on existing cooperation between the AU and IRENA to strengthen the enabling environment for low-carbon, climate-resilient renewable energy investment as the continent seeks to raise its renewable energy ambition.

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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Saturday, April 11, 2020

Expert lists numerous implication of lockdown to malnourished children – NaijaAgroNet

The Lagos State Coordinator of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Dr. Mrs Modupe Akinyinka, has said there are numerous implication of the current lockdown in the state for malnourished children, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Speaking to NaijaAgroNet exclusively, Dr. Akinyinka said that the implications of the lockdown for malnourished children are numerous, and gave some prescriptions on way out of the wood.

For those already on treatment, she told, NaijaAgroNet that “it may be interrupted as all attention is focused on curbing COVID-19 spread.”

Akinyinka who doubles as Lecturer and Consultant Community Health Physician, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) also said that if eventually malnourished children contract the Coronavirus or COVID-19 disease, “they will be less able to fight it and are more likely to die.”

Equally for those not on treatment, Dr. Akinyinka said, the situation could be even worse as “they may now be faced with starvation from reduced” with no income from parents and caregivers due to the lockdown.

“And are more prone to dying from the disease if they contract it,” she lamented.

On the way forward, Dr. Akinyinka advised parents and caregivers to ensure they take all the prescribed precautions including social distancing, frequent hand washing, not touching the face, as well as making certain they get food supplies that include different types of food that are usually not too expensive.

These, she outlined to include crayfish, beans, soya, eggs, fruits in season and vegetables in addition to “our staples like rice, yam, sweet potatoes, etc. And if they can afford it, meat and fish are excellent too.”

These, she highlighted should be purchased from nearby markets and the visit should be planned to reduce outings in order to stay home and safe from the pandemic.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

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Friday, April 10, 2020

COVID-19: MeCAM advises parents to keep children indoors - NaijaAgroNet

NaijaAgroNet
The Media Centre Against Child Malnutrition (MeCAM Nigeria) has urged parents and guardians to desist from any action capable of endangering their family members at this time of battle to curb Wahun-Chinese Virus also known as Coronovirus or COVID-19 in the country, especially malnourished children, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Malnourished children are those under 5 suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) largely caused by a significant imbalance between nutritional intake and individual needs, according to experts at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Nigeria currently has over 2 million children in this category.

MeCAM is a media advocacy group contributing to nation building and mitigation of hunger as well as malnutrition especially in children and mothers in line with SDG goal 2 among others, made this call on Thursday following evidences of lack of adherence to the lockdown order by the Federal Government.

A press statement signed by the National Coordinator of MeCAM, Mr. Remmy Nweke and Director of Outreach, Mrs. Julie Ekong the group said that the counsel became pertinent following outcome of investigations and monitoring by the group on adherences by adults and families since the commencement of COVID-19 lock down in Lagos State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Ogun State by the Federal Government over 10 days ago.

MeCAM noted with dismay that some adults and parents in the name of strolling for exercise, take walk with their children, without realizing the weight of danger they are putting such children to by mere exposure on the streets.

The group also gathered that in some instances, mothers have to back their children of less than five (5) years to the markets during the shopping windows of 10am through 2pm for open markets and 10am to 4pm for shopping malls in closed communities like estates, as allowed by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

Equally, the National Coordinator of MeCAM, noted that these little actions as it may seem are putting children in danger, particularly now that many families are yearning for palliatives and nutrition meals at the same time.

The effect of this, he said, is that more families are being exposed and for already malnourished children the situation spells double tragedy.

Nweke pointed out that once any child is affected, it’s no longer only that child that is sick as the mother from what we know would not afford to leave her child to just die without attempts which does not preclude extreme contacts, at this era of social distancing.

He noted the possibility of having more malnourished people in the country at the end of this scourge if families do not get cautious of these situations and on what they consume as food.

He urged Nigerians to ensure they eat right and follow simple nutritious plans for their families in line with available economic powers.

MeCAM, therefore, enjoined parents who really love their families, to stop exposing these children and stay indoors as well, while sticking to all guidelines by the authorities including frequent washing of hands with soap and application of hand sanitisers where washing of hands becomes difficult.

Further, MeCAM advised parents to assist their children at this time with school home works no matter their conditions and show love to children who may be suffering malnutrition as they need to place them on special meal like the Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).

Government, MeCAM said should make arrangement to ensure that malnourished children and mothers receive special attention at this time whenever palliatives are being distributed to our communities.

*Isaac Oyimah/Editor


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COVID-19 lockdown: HSRC to Govs 'Not yet time to unban public gatherings' - NaijaAgroNet

Our Dear Governors,

The Health Sector Reform Coalition receives with shock, concern and fear, the lifting of bans on some gatherings including Friday prayers and Easter services, by some states.

The lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and similar decision by some governors across the country was a welcome development.

It is important for containing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), avoiding the high number of deaths that might follow and the disastrous effects on the health system and economy, as we are seeing with countries like US, Italy, Spain, UK, amongst others.

HSRC with its membership of over 100 non-governmental actors, working to improve health care and development across every state in Nigeria, recognises and respects the importance of worship and religious celebrations to us Nigerians. We acknowledge and value the role of religious leaders and faith-based organizations in providing spiritual support through faith for their followers in a healthy and safe environment.

HSRC further appreciates the socio-economic difficulties being faced by our people over the lockdown across the country.

Unfortunately, options are limited for now in the best ways to fight the spread. Scientific evidence and experience from developed and developing countries reinforce that avoiding crowd, physical distancing, handwashing and respiratory hygiene are still the best ways to prevent the spread and associated deaths. With the high number of people living in poverty, high prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes (underlying diseases) and very weak health systems, it will be catastrophic if the virus spreads widely in Nigeria.

Data from the WHO and Johns Hopkins shows that 1.6 million people have tested positive and more than 95 thousand have died from COVID-19 between December 2019 to April 9, 2020. While majority of infections and deaths have been in developed countries, both infections and deaths are also rising in Africa. Cases in Nigeria have multiplied from one to 288 in six weeks with seven deaths. Number of states with established cases have risen from one to 17 within the same period.

Trends from other countries shows that without drastic measures such as maintaining lockdowns and distancing, the numbers can easily rise exponentially over a short time. Between February 27 and March 27, the US went from 54 to 100,522 cases while Italy went from 593 to 66,414 in one month!

Because our testing is grossly inadequate, the true numbers of cases in Nigeria may be hidden. It is highly likely that community spread is happening because up to 85% of the infected may be asymptomatic yet capable of transmitting the virus. Our containment is still in the nascent stage, this is not the time to relax our guard. The couple of weeks are very critical in containing an upsurge in the number of confirmed cases.

As the Health Sector Reform Coalition of Nigeria, we:

A. Implore our governors to cancel all plans or reverse the directives to lift the ban on religious and other gatherings until the NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health advise otherwise – No matter the pressure, this is not the time for populism.

B. Call on the federal government and state governments to increase the delivery of economic mitigation packages to households and individuals that are in need, to reduce the pressure on people to go out for their daily living.

C. Ask all Nigerians to PLEASE continue to listen to the advice of health experts represented by NCDC and WHO at this critical time. Nothing is more important than staying alive.

Furthermore, we need to remind ourselves of the following:

i. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) does not go to sleep at night, market days, Fridays or Sundays

ii. Infected people without any symptoms can still transmit the virus

iii. Over 2500 infections in France was linked to a single religious gathering while about 230 infections in South Korea were linked to a religious group where members continued gathering

iv. Crowd gathering should be avoided, and at all time maintain at least 2 m or 6 feet or two arm’s length of distance between people

v. Religious and faith institutions are encouraged to explore means of conducting faith activities remotely/virtually (as long as required) and provide psychosocial and mental health support and resilience

vi. Cloth face masks might help reduce the spread by those who are infected but does not fully protect healthy people from getting infected, so continue to practice hand washing, respiratory hygiene, physical distancing and crowd avoidance even when wearing a face mask

vii. Clean/disinfectant surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, to remove the virus

viii. Actively promote attitudes and behaviours to uphold the dignity and rights of all people, and counter all forms stigma and discrimination associated with the virus

ix. Even if you have good immunity, you can spread it to children, the elderly and other family members who are vulnerable and more likely to die from COVID-19

x. States that currently have zero recorded cases are still not safe and closing state borders is not enough.

As the custodian of power in the state, necessity is placed on the governors to make the right decision that will protect the citizens. This is the time to make that difficult sacrifice to protect our future. Our governors and other political leaders should be seen to be leading.

Nigerian, please stay at home and stay alive!!!

Signed: Dcn. Mike Egboh and Dr. Chizoba Wonodi
(HSRC COVID-19 Response Task Team Co-chairs)
April 10, 2020

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