Category: Uncategorized

GOVERNOR SIMON BAKO LALONG GRANTS MONDAY 4TH MAY 2020 AS LOCKDOWN-FREE DAY

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG GRANTS MONDAY 4TH MAY 2020 AS LOCKDOWN-FREE DAY.

Following appeals by a cross section of citizens of Plateau State and in the spirit of the 2020 May Day Celebrations, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has granted Monday 4th May as lockdown-free, to enable people conduct transactions which they could not carry out on Friday 1st May due to the public holiday marking Workers Day.

Consequently, citizens are to use the day to access services such as banking transactions which were closed because of the May Day public holiday.

However, they are enjoined to note that the curfew directed by the Federal Government will be in force from 8pm, Monday 4th May, while the total lockdown and restriction on intra-Local Government movements earlier announced by the Governor will resume on
Tuesday 5th May, 2020.

The Governor reiterates that earlier guidelines for social distancing, observation of hygiene and sanitation, inter-State border closure, as well as the use of face masks in public places among others remain in place.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st May 2020.

CHIEF RAYMOND DOKPESI SNR, AND 7 MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY TEST POSITIVE OF CORONAVIRUS

Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder of Daar communications, his daughter-in law, along with six members of his family, have tested positive for Coronavirus.
This is coming 3 days after his son and chairman of the board of the company, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr tested positive for the virus.
A test conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC on the Dokpesi family came out positive for eight members of the family
They have all been evacuated by the NCDC to the isolation centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada where his son is already receiving treatment
Reacting to the development, Dokpesi who spoke shortly after the arrival of the NCDC Ambulance, said he feels very well.
“I am of quite ok, i feel very well”, he said, an indication that his condition is still asymptotic
On Monday, his son, Raymond Jnr, tested positive for the virus and has been sent to the Isolation center in Abuja. Contact tracing immediately commenced with his family members including his father, High Chief Dokpesi and members of his household.
The test was later extended to senior management and members of staff who had been in close contact with the company’s index case.
The entire DAAR headquarters building sitting aloft the Kpaduma hills in Asokoro District Of Abuja have since been fumigated

PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTENDS TENURE OF NDDC INTERIM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTENDS TENURE OF NDDC INTERIM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the tenure of the Professor Keme Pondei-led Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from May 1 to December 31, 2020.

The extension is to cover the period of the forensic audit of the NDDC, earlier approved by the Federal Executive Council, under the chairmanship of the President.

In the same vein, President Buhari equally approved that the NDDC provides intervention support to complement efforts of the Federal and State governments against further spread of COVID-19 in the nine States of the Niger Delta region, in the sum of Six Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N6,250,000,000.00) only.

The materials and supplies are to be done through Emergency Procurement method as provided in Sections 42(b) (c) and 43 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM MEET, RESOLVE TO PURCHASE COVID-19 MOBILE TEST VANS AND STRENGTHEN BORDER CLOSURE

PRESS STATEMENT

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MEET, RESOLVE TO PURCHASE COVID-19 MOBILE TEST VANS AND TRENGTHEN BORDER CLOSURES

The Northern Governors Forum met on May 1st, 2020 to continue their discussions on tackling the Corona Virus Pandemic in the region.
The meeting which again held via teleconferencing was presided over by Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong.
The Forum reviewed some of the issues they earlier raised such as the request for more COVID-19 Testing Centres in the North which are grossly inadequate.
They acknowledged some improvement through the intervention of the Federal Government, but said it was still a far cry going by its population and increase in COVID-19 cases.
They therefore decided to purchase mobile Testing Vans which they believe will facilitate testing in the rural areas.
The Forum also expressed deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick intervention in Kano State because of the spike in the number of COVID-19 infections recently.
On the issue of inter-State border closure, the Northern Governors expressed serious concern that despite their efforts, the borders are still being compromised and more illegal routes are being created which is giving rise to more inter-State transfer of COVID-19. They also noted that some of the trucks transporting goods are also used in smuggling people across States in violation of movement regulations.
They therefore decided to close all their borders from 6pm to 7am to all trucks carrying goods so as to enable proper scrutiny and examination the following day, which is difficult to achieve in the night when most of the infractions happen.
They also agreed to increase the use of vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch, and traditional rulers in enforcing the border closures.
On the profiling and return of Almajiris to their States of origin, the Governors noted that the exercise has commenced and is going on well except for some few logistic challenges, which are being addressed, between Governors of originating and receiving States.
They also agreed that Almajiris sent from one State to another should be profiled, tested and accompanied by State officials and their Alaramas (teachers) to facilitate the process of settling in.
They were also briefed on the post-COVID-19 Economic Blueprint for Northern Region by Chairman of the Committee Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who said the document is being developed and will soon be presented to the Forum.
They also mandated the Governors of Kebbi, Katsina, Borno, and Plateau to engage the leadership of Security Agencies on the threat of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping on agriculture in the north as farmers are afraid to go their farms for fear of attacks.
The Northern Governors also commended the efforts of the Private Sector led Coalition Against Corona Virus (COCAVID) which has commenced the distribution of palliatives to States.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR.
Director of Press & Public Affairs
to the Governor of Plateau State
& Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
1st May 2020.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION:IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR CONTAINMENT OF COVID-19

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERTION
30th April, 2020

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES FOR CONTAINMENT OF COVID-19

Further to the pronouncement of Mr. President in the broadcast of Monday, 27th April,
2020, in which he directed the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to provide implementation guidelines on the new measures to control COVID-19 pandemic, the following are hereby issued for:

  • General Information to the Public;
  • Guidance to States and Security Agencies; and
  • Description of the types of activities allowed under Phase 1 (4th -17th May, 2020)

SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION ON NEW COVID-19 MEASURES

  1. Following improvements in the multisectoral response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    pandemic, the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided that there will be a phased and
    gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital
    Territory (FCT) effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
  2. The easing of the lockdown will be characterised by the following enforceable actions:
    • The mandatory use of non-medical face mask/covering for all persons while in public
    spaces. Latex hand gloves should not be worn except for specific medical purposes;
    • The mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitizers in all public places;
    • All interstate travel is prohibited except for essential travels & services, such as:
    transportation of agricultural products, petroleum products, relief items, goods,
    commodities related to the COVID-19 response and persons on essential duty;
    • Mass gathering of more than 20 people outside of a workplace is prohibited;
    • There will be controlled access to markets and locations of economic activities;
    • Mandatory temperature checks will be conducted in public spaces;
    • Social distancing of 2 metres must be maintained between people in workplaces and other public spaces;
    • Retention of the ban on all passenger flights;
    • Religious gatherings are still restricted; and
    • Mandatory supervised isolation of person(s) arriving from outside the country for at least 14 days.

General Rules and Regulations
• Anyone who presents a temperature of above 380C will be mandated to return home and call NCDC for evaluation;
• Anyone without a face mask/covering will be asked to return home and will be prosecuted;
• Anyone violating the curfew in a non-emergency situation will be prosecuted;
• Anyone attending a gathering of more than 20 people will be prosecuted;
• Institutions that fail to comply with these protocols and guidelines will be prosecuted; and
• Any member of the public who violates the ban on Inter-State movement as outlined in this guideline will be prosecuted.

SECTION II. PROTOCOLS FOR CONTAINMENT OF COVID-19
Activity Recommendations & Obligation of Operators

PHASE 1 4th -17th May 2020

Curfew Imposition of overnight curfew nationwide from 8pm to 6am

General movement
i. May go out for work, to buy necessary foods and for exercise
ii. Movement between LGAs (except metropolitan areas) is strongly discouraged unless for critical reasons such as healthcare and work
iii. Avoid unnecessary contact with people
iv. Mandatory use of face mask/coverings in public

Inter-state travel
(Across State borders)
All inter-state travel for supply chain & services allowed, such as: goods, agro-products with a limited capacity of accompanying personnel, petroleum products, relief items, supplies, construction supplies, registered courier services (DHL, FedEx, etc) and security services

Intra-state travel (public transport- buses, tricycles, taxis)
(Within State borders):
i. Ensure provision of hand sanitizers to all passengers
ii. Reduce occupancy to half for buses (maximum 50% of usual occupancy)
iii. Mandatory Use of face mask/coverings
iv. Mandatory temperature checks
v. Taxis to carry only 4 persons (driver and 3 persons)
vi. Tricycles to carry only 3 persons (driver and 2 persons)
vii. Daily motor park sanitation
viii. Travel should be between 6.00am and 6.00pm

Bus stop/motor park
i. Provide hand washing facilities
ii. Maintain social distancing
iii. Mandatory Use of face mask /coverings
iv. Mandatory temperature checks
v. Provide hand sanitizers and hand washing
vi. Should only open between 6.00am and 6.00pm

Agriculture & Rural development
i. Mandatory use of face masks and social distancing
ii. Persons above age of 65 years and those with underlying chronic illness e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure are advised to remain at home
iii. Trucks bearing agricultural and animal products to be allowed easy passage
iv. Companies involved in food processing can commence operation
v. Ensure provision of hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities

Construction sites (large and small), Public Works
i. Limit number to maintain social distancing
ii. Construction of critical roads to resume
iii. Waivers to be provided by State Govts to enable movement
iv. Mandatory use of face masks/coverings
v. Provide hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities
vi. Open between 6.00am and 6.00pm

Banks and other financial institutions
i. Ensure provision of hand sanitizer to all employees and customers
ii. Limit staff physically working in the office to between 30% to 50%
iii. Limit number of customers to allow social distancing
iv. Mandatory Use of face mask/coverings
v. Encourage online banking
vi. Mandatory temperature checks
vii. Open between 8.00am and 2.00pm

Manufacturing and Pharmaceutical industries, pharmacy shops
i. Ensure provision of sanitizer and hand washing facilities
ii. Limit staff working to between 30-50% to maintain social distancing
iii. Shift work is encouraged; pharmacy shops may remain open overnight
iv. Mandatory use of face masks/coverings

Government offices /other corporate offices and entities
i. Ensure provision of hand sanitizer to all employees and customers
ii. Limit staff physically working in the office to between 30% to 50%
iii. Government staff limited to essential workers and those from GL 14-17 on Monday/Wednesday/Fridays
iv. Limit number of customers to allow social distancing
v. Mandatory use of face masks/coverings
vi. Encourage work from home policy
vii. Mandatory temperature checks
viii. Offices to open between 8.00am and 2.00pm

Neighbourhood Markets
i. Ensure provision of sanitizer and hand washing facilities
ii. Control entry to reduce number to ensure social distancing
iii. Mandatory use of face masks/coverings
iv. Temperature checks
v. Local authorities to determine date and time for opening of the neighborhood markets not more than 3 times a week
vi. Warehouses to open on neighbourhood market days to serve shops
vii. Abattoirs to open three days a week
viii. Ensure strict sanitation compliance
ix. Time of opening 8.00a.m. – 3.00p.m.

Supermarkets
i. Ensure provision of sanitizer and hand washing facilities
ii. Limit number of customers to allow social distancing
iii. Mandatory use of face masks/coverings
iv. Ensure handwashing
v. Mandatory temperature checks
vi. Open 8.00a.m.-3.00p.m.

Restaurants
i. Not open to the public, encourage home delivery
ii. To remain closed to eat-in, until further evaluation
iii. Allow social distancing always
iv. Eateries to practice the takeaway system
v. Open 8.00a.m.-3.00p.m.

Clubs, Bars, Beer Parlors, Gardens, etc
i. To remain closed
ii. The use of recreational parks, communal sports, concerts, social parties, movie theatres are suspended until further notice

Academic institutions and Social engagements
i. All schools to remain closed till further evaluation
ii. Schools are encouraged to continue with e-learning and visual teaching

  1. State Governments and Security Agencies are enjoined to ensure effective and strict enforcement of these guidelines.
  2. The level of compliance with these guidelines will be reviewed in 2 weeks before additional guidelines for phase 2 is issued.

(Signed)
Boss Mustapha
Secretary to the Government of the Federation

LETEP DABANG SAYS DEATH OF SENATOR LONGJAN, PAINFUL AND PLATEAU STATE WILL MISS HIS WISE COUNSEL

LETEP DABANG SAYS DEATH OF SENATOR LONGJAN,PAINFUL.

WILL MISS HIS WISE COUNSEL.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, Hon Letep Dabang says the demise of Senator Representing Plateau South in the National Assembly and Former Deputy Governor Of Plateau State,Ignatius Longjan has brought pains to the All Progressive Congress,State,and Country at large.

In a statement in Jos reacting to the death,he said the pain is not for the Longjan family alone as the Late Senator was a father to all irrespective of differences and also served as mentor to many who have continuously learnt from his wealth of experience in sincere service to his father land.

Letep Dabang described the Late Longjan as a reflection of a true father who’s hands remained open to all who came in contact with him which reflected while he was in office as a Deputy Governor and subsequently Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The APC Chairman added that the Late Longjan’s life is a typical example of the true Plateau man who is so accommodating and loving to all that is why his followership spans across political, religious and ethnic divides.

Letep Dabang enjoined Plateau people to accept the unfortunate incident as an act of God and continue to pray for the family for God’s strength upon them.

He said the APC family will miss Late Senator Longjan and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

AMB CHRIS GIWA MOURNS THE PASSAGE TO ETERNAL GLORY OF ELDER STATEMAN, SENATOR IGNATIUS LONGJAN

Amb Chris Giwa mourns the passage to eternal glory of elder statesman, Senator Ignatius Longjan.

February 11, 2020.

Chairman of Giwa foundation, Amb Chris Giwa has expressed sadness on the demise of elder statesman and Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Distinguished Senator Ignatius Longjan.

Amb Giwa commiserated with the Pan nation, the people of Quan Pan LGA, and in particular, Plateau South Senatorial District which the deceased represents at the 9th National Assembly and the good people of Plateau State.

” The news of his death came to me as a shock. “He was a humble politician who distinguished himself meritoriously in service to our country as a career diplomat, Chief of Staff and Deputy Governor to Former Governor Jang, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His death is an irreparable loss, he will be missed by all. We are however consoled by the fact that he lived a life of service to the people; leaving behind indelible prints in the sands of time”. His legacies of good work will continue to live after him, Giwa said.

Amb Giwa prayed that God grants his family the fortitude to bear the loss, noting, “as Plateau mourns Senator Longjan’s passing, my condolences goes to the family, as I pray that God grants them the grace to overcome this loss.”