Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its ongoing strike.

 This is coming after the progress made by the government to meet some demands of the body which include provision of adequate personal protective equipment, recalling the disengaged resident doctors at the Jos University Teaching Hospital with a directive issued to the Chief Medical Director to immediately pay their
withheld salaries, and commitment by government to procure group life insurance for the health workers as well as a promise to intervene on the salary shortfalls for 2014-2016.

The body noted that the  decision to suspend the strike action was taken in order to give the federal and state government enough time to fulfill the outstanding demands following an appeal by the Speaker of  the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum and others.

The association calls on all its member to report to their various duty posts on monday 22nd of June, 2020.

Doctors Commence Nationwide Strike to Push Demands from FG

By Toyeebat Anifowose The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike action.

This is contained in a communique issued by the association after a virtual national executive council meeting.

The council resolved to exempt members attending to covid-19 patients at designated isolation centres for two weeks after which they will be co-opted to join the strike if the situation remains the same.

The association stated that the exemption is to acknowledge the intervention of the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman House Committee on Health and other stakeholders.

The association explained that the resolution to embark on the strike is predicated on numerous demands which the government has refused to meet up with.

Some of which include; the lack of adequate personal protective equipment for all healthcare workers, the universal implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act in all federal and state hospitals and ensuring equal pay among doctors within the same cadre.

The association also demands the immediate implementation of the revised Hazard Allowance and payment of the Covid-19 inducement allowance as agreed with by the government and healthcare workers three months ago.

The associated further solicits the provision of funding for Medical Residency Training in the 2021 Appropriation bill, the payment of all arrears owed members by the federal and state tertiary health institutions arising as a result of the increment in the national minimum wage.


According to the association, all salary cuts suffered by members particularly in Kaduna state and other states should be immediately stopped and the state governments should make a refund to the affected members.

The health workers appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to adress these issues as soon as possible by calling relevant agencies to order.

The association further appealed to members of the public to understand that the resolution is an effort to save the health sector which it described as almost dead.

No Congregational Prayers Across Eid Grounds in FCT - FCTA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has urged Muslims to observe the Eid-il-Fitr prayers at home with family members or alone in the case of an individual living alone. 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary FCTA Antony Ogunleye.

The statement explains that the directive is in line with the guidelines issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 which shuts down all worship centres in high risk states including the FCT.


The statement further explains that the directive is also against the backdrop of the statementissued by Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, regarding the suspension of the Eid Congregational prayers in towns and cities across the Federation.

The statement adds that the Administration is soliciting  support and understanding from all residents as efforts are being made to curtail and eventually win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

FCT Health Workers Threaten Strike Action Over Unpaid Entitlements

By Toyeebat Anifowose Health workers in the Federal Capital Territory have threatened to proceed on an indefinite strike from 1st of June if their salaries, allowances and other entitlements are not paid by the Federal Capital Territory  Administration on or before the 31st of May.

 The aggrieved health workers consist  specialist doctors across the 14 district hospitals within the FCT and the department of Public Health and Primary Healthcare Development Board.

The resolution is contained in a statement jointly signed by the chairman Medical  and Dental Consultants Association  of Nigeria (MDCAN), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and others.

The health workers say they have over-stretched their patience limit with the FCTA and might embark on the strike action to drive home their demands.

According to them, no progress has been made despite the several meetings held with FCTA officials who have promised to resolve the issues particularly regarding the payment of outstanding salaries and other entitlements of health workers in the FCT. By Toyeebat Anifowose

Over 150 Lockdown Violators Have Been Prosecuted: DRTS Boss

The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic  Services, Bodinga Wadata says the level of compliance to the COVID-19 lockdown directive in the Federal Capital Territory has improved as the mobile courts convict more violators.

Wadata noted that the trial involves pedestrians, motorists and motorcyclists caught violating the lockdown order.

According to him, some of the convicts were fined various sums while others had their vehicles impounded and sentenced to community service.

He stated that the idea of prosecuting violators was not aimed at punishing anyone but to discourage people from leaving their homes against medical advice to curtail the spread of COVID 19.

He appealed to residents to comply with the lockdown order to avoid arrest and prosecution.

The mobile courts commenced sittings on Thursday 16th April at three different locations across the city which include AYA, Dantata and Mpape.

FCTA Commences Community Search For COVID-19 Active Cases

By Toyeebat Anifowose The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced a community screening of persons with symptoms of Covid-19 infection.

In a press statement issued by the FCT Public Health Department, the Administration explained that the screening is to get these patients treated immediately.

The screening is also to break the transmission of COVID-19 in the territory.

The Administration has since started the community active case search in Mpape through sensitization and sample collection of residents with possible symptoms.

The screening will be expanded to other communities in AMAC, Gishiri, Utako and Mabushi throughout the week.

FCT, Lagos and Ogun State on Lockdown For Two More Weeks: President Muhammadu Buhari

By Toyeebat Anifowose President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an additional two weeks lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun state.

The President gave this directive while addressing Nigerians in a national broadcast.

The President explained that the extension is a necessary measure to combat the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The President stated that efforts will continue to be focused on Lagos state and the Federal Capital Territory which collectively account for 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.

According to him, the previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.

The President announced that the previous palliative measures will be sustained including an additional expansion of the current social register from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million in the next two weeks.

NCDC Confirms 17 New Cases of COVID-19

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed seventeen new cases of coronavirus in Nigeria.

As at 9:30 PM today, there are three hundred and five cases confirmed cases of the disease in the country.

Two new cases are in FCT, Eight in Lagos, three in Katsina, one in Niger, one in Kaduna, one in Anambra, and one in Ondo state.

There are fifty eight discharged cases with seven deaths.

The Federal Capital Territory currently has fifty six confirmed cases of the disease.

COVID-19: FCT Doctors Earn N50,000 As Daily Hazard Allowance

The Acting Secretary to the Federal Capital Territory Health and Human Services Secretariat Dr. Muhammad Kawu has disclosed that medical doctors in the frontline of managing coronavirus patients in the territory receive fifty thousand naira daily as hazard allowance.

Nurses, pharmacists and lab scientists earn thirty thousand naira while cleaners, ward heads and drivers receive twenty thousand naira on a daily basis.

Dr Kawu made this disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to him, the allowance has since been approved by the FCT Minister Muhammad Musa Bello.

Man Arrested Over Fake Exemption Pass

ByToyeebat Anifowose A man has been arrested for violating the lockdown directive while carrying a fake exemption pass for essential workers.

He was arrested by the Federal Capital Territory Administration Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19 along Airport Road, in Abuja.

Meanwhile, FCT Minister Muhammad Musa Bello says his administration will intensify efforts to ensure that residents comply with the lockdown directive by involving more security operatives like the Military which have already been drafted to ensure compliance of interstate movements.

Seven Patients Ready For Discharge; Recover From Covid19 In FCT

By Toyeebat Anifowose The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Muhammad Musa Bello has disclosed that seven patients are ready to be reunited with their families after their final results tested negative to the deadly covid19.

The Minister made this disclosure in a press statement issued on 7th of April, 2020.

According to the Minister, medical practitioners are on top of their games in ensuring the recovery and discharge of the remaining patients who have contracted the disease.

On the fight against Covid19, the Minister reiterated that his administration is fully committed to fighting the pandemic and would ensure that resources are made available for the effective containment of the virus.

Addressing the level of compliance to the lockdown in the territory, the minister appreciated residents for the high level of compliance they have exhibited so far.

He further appealed to residents to continue supporting the government in order to collectively combat the pandemic.

FCTA Issues New Directives: Markets To Open Thrice Weekly

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed that markets in the territory will now only operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 7:00am to 2:00pm as part of measures to curtail the spread of covid19.

The FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello issued this directive during a meeting with FCT Market Managers and officials from the FCT Police Command, led by the FCT Police Commissioner, Adamu Ciroma.

He also disclosed that only retailers will be allowed to operate within the markets as wholesale sellers will no longer be permitted to operate.

The Minister instructed the market managers and the FCT Police Command to ensure compliance with the directive by monitoring all entry and exit points of the various markets as well as activities of the traders.

He advised FCT residents to patronize markets within their neighbourhoods rather than going to the major markets in order to limit the spread of the virus between communities in the territory.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Clears Air About 5G in Nigeria

By Toyeebat Anifowose 

Against the backdrop of the public concern about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has clarified that no licence has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.

The Minister made this clarification in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on the 4th of April, 2020.

The Minister noted that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) which he presides over has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G.

He further explained that although a 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria, the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.

The Minister assured Nigerians that the current administration places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians and its desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the well-being of Nigerians.

He added that the government will take an informed decision about 5G after due consultation with experts and the public.

Nasarawa State Government Imposes 24 Hour Curfew on Karu Local Government Area

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has imposed a 24 hour curfew on  Karu Local Government Area of the state as part of measures to restrict movement into the Federal Capital Territory while curtailing the outbreak of covid19. 

 The imposition which will take effect on Thursday 2nd April, 2020, will also affect Lafia the State Capital from 6am to 8pm.

The government therefore urged residents to support its efforts in safeguarding  the health of its people.

COVID19: REPORT ANY CASE OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION, NHRC TELLS NIGERIANS

The  National Human Rights Commission has issued a directive to report law enforcement agents found violating human rights during the ongoing enforcement of covid 19 regulations.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Commission Tony Ojukwu in Abuja.

The Executive Secretary directed members of the public to make their reports through phone calls, text messages and videos to the relevant staff of the commission while ensuring that such reports include a clear description of the alleged violators, date and time of the violation and other specific details which can be used for easy identification of the violators.

The commission designated the following contact lines for Nigerians to lodge their complaints.

1.08037875427,

2. 08179371339,

3.08034354537,

4. 07033398657,

The Commission also enjoined all citizens affected by the lockdown to reach out to their various Commissioners of Police through the following phone lines.


 i) CP FCT:  08033027731

ii) CP Lagos: 08033438179 and

 iii) CP OGUN: 08033438900

Similarly, any complaints of violations involving the Military should be reported to the Commission for documentation and directed for redress to the Director Army Civil Military Affairs:08057750691.

President Buhari Orders Absolute Lockdown Of FCT, Lagos and Ogun State

By Toyeebat Anifowose 

President Muhammadu Buhari has placed a total ban on all movements in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states for an initial period of fourteen days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March, 2020.

 The President gave the directive while addressing Nigerians on the covid19 pandemic on the 29th of March, 2020.

 President Buhari also ordered the closure of all businesses and offices within the affected states.

The President explained that the period of containment will be used to ensure the treatment of confirmed cases of covid19 and also to trace and identify individuals who have come in contact with the confirmed cases, while restricting further spread to other states. 

 The President however exempted some essential service providers which include health care personnel, commercial establishments such as; food processing, distribution and retail companies, petroleum distribution and retail entities, power generation, transmission and distribution companies, private security companies, and workers in the telecommunications industry who can prove they are unable to work from home. 

 The President further stated that residents of satellite towns within Abuja and Lagos whose livelihoods will be affected by some of the restrictive measures will receive relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.

MINISTERS GIVE AWAY 50% OF MARCH SALARY TO SUPPORT FIGHT AGAINST COVID19

Nigeria's 43 Cabinet Ministers have donated 50% of their March 2020 salaries to support the Federal Government's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Office of The Minister of Information and Culture on Saturday in Abuja.

 Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, quotes the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, who coordinated the donation, as saying it was a gesture of solidarity and support for the Federal Government's efforts in tackling the disease.

In the statement, the Minister also commends President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

 

Recent data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC reveals that the country now has 81 confirmed cases of covid19 with the Federal Capital Territory recording 14 cases.

FCTA REVEALS NEW MEASURES TO CONTAIN SPREAD OF COVID19

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced new measures to contain the spread of  COVID 19 in the Territory.

 FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello made the announcements during a press briefing in Abuja.

The Minister explained that the measures were reviewed in collaboration with relevant security agencies who are in the forefront of enforcing the directives.

According to the Minister all restaurants in the territory have been directed to dish out their delicacies in disposable food packs, and sitting within enclosed restaurant facilities are henceforth discouraged.

The Minister also announced that businesses will henceforth operate between the hours of 6 am and 9pm, a directive which will take effect from Friday, 27th of March, 2020.

Another measure is the establishment of the FCT COVID 19 Situation Room which will ensure effective coordination of all activities geared towards containing COVID 19 in the FCT. The situation room will  be domiciled  in the FCT Call Centre.

Muhammad Bello further implored residents to reach out to the FCT Call Centre on the following numbers. 08099936312, 08099936313, 08099936314, 07080631500 and 112 which is the National Emergency number.

300 Bed Space Facility To Serve As Isolation Centre For Coronavirus Patients In The FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Muhammad Musa Bello has recently inspected a 300 bed space facility which will possibly serve as an isolation centre for coronavirus patients.

According to the minister, the five-storey building is equipped with adequate water and power supply to cater for covid19 patients should the need arise.

He noted that his administration will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant stakeholders to jointly deliberate on the way forward.
The building is located at the Idu area of the FCT. 

Senate Embarks On Two Week Recess To Curtail Spread Of Coronavirus

By Toyeebat Anifowose 

The 9th Senate has resolved to embark on a recess which will last for two weeks, as a measure to curtail the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria.

 The President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan stated this through his verified twitter handle. @DrAhmadLawan

He explained that the Red Chamber will be on hand to attend to any issue of national emergency which requires its attention irrespective of the recess.

The President also emphasised the need for citizens to adhere strictly to the recommendations of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

CORONAVIRUS: IOC AND JAPAN TO RESCHEDULE TOKYO OLYMPICS

By Toyeebat Anifowose 

The President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach  and the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe have agreed to a one year postponement of the Tokyo Olympic games due to the covid19 pandemic.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday.

The summer games which had been scheduled to commence on 24th July, 2020 will now hold in July 2021. 

The decision is coming after months of internal discussion and mounting pressure from nations and athletes across the world concerning holding the world's largest sporting                event in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak. 

 

CORONAVIRUS: FCTA Orders Members of Staff to Stay at Home

By Toyeebat Anifowose 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Muhammad Musa Bello has directed that members of staff from grade level 1 -12 are to stay at home from Tuesday 24th of March 2020 until further notice. 

The Minister gave the directive during a  media briefing in Abuja.

He explained that all workers from grade level 1-12 on essential duties such as water supply, fire service, security, medical services, environmental protection, emergency services and others are exempted from the "stay at home" policy.

Meanwhile, the administration has also banned all gatherings as part of the social distance measures to combat the spread of covid19. 

All markets and neighbourhood centers in the FCT are also to be shut down with the exception of those who sell essential commodities.

The administration further urged residents to strictly abide by the laid down rules and regulations.