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Coronavirus: Food insecurity is another looming disease facing the entire population, Group warns FG

Seun DUROJAIYE
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Coronavirus: Food insecurity is another looming disease facing the entire population, Group warns FG

THE National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and West African Institute for Trade and Agricultural Development (WAITAD) have called on the Federal Government to look into the food security implications that are gradually manifesting due to the effect of coronavirus, describing it as a looming disease facing the entire population.

The associations in a joint statement released and sighted by The ICIR noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has commanded extreme measures and restrictions in different parts of the world including Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Ken Ukaoha, the Secretariat President of the association.

However, Ukoha pointed out that the dwindling oil price has shown the unsustainability of Nigeria’s sole revenue and as such, it enjoined the Federal Government to effect measures that will activate diversification of the economy now.

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He advised that while the government was focused on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and investing time, money and energy into battling the deadly virus, it should consider empowering youths and more Nigerians to grow the agricultural sector, to curtail the imploding food insecurity that is being birthed by the lock down directive.

“We note with serious concern that while funding and governance attention have been deposited at the feet of the health sector, and perhaps rightly so, under the present emergency situation; however, food security and the livelihoods of the population which is another looming disease facing the entire population (and perhaps potentially deadlier in propensity) appears not being contemplated for urgency of strategic planning by the government at all levels.

“NANTS and WAITAD therefore appeal to the government to urgently awaken Nigerian economic managers including the President’s Economic Advisory Council to begin immediate considerations and thinking outside the box preparatory to addressing post Covid-19 economic environment, particularly vis-à-vis the future of food security before it comes too late,” the statement read in part.

In suggesting means of effecting a solution, the group called on the Nigerian military to end the raging and long drawn battle and finally decimate and completely erase insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and all other nagging security detractors in the country, describing it as a three-hydra demon that is frustrating the formation of the agricultural sector in the country.

It submitted that it is time the government provide means to support farmers and their national organisations to improve cultivation and harvest.

The group also urged the government to focus on ways of rejigging the economy by producing an economic blueprint that seeks to address the short, medium and long term economic development plan and the unfortunate realities currently facing the nation courtesy of Covid-19 and other related trade, revenue and macroeconomic shortfalls.

Meanwhile, The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that some African countries could see a peak in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks, calling that testing should be urgently increased in the region.

As at the time of filing this report, Nigeria, has recorded 318 cases, with 10 deaths.

Stop forceful COVID-19 tests, inhumane actions against our nationals, African envoys in China demand in protest letter

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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Stop forceful COVID-19 tests, inhumane actions against our nationals, African envoys in China demand in protest letter

THE African Group of Ambassadors in Beijing are calling for an immediate halt to what it described as forceful testing, quarantine among other inhumane treatments meted at African nationals who are resident in China.

The group particularly made reference to viral videos in Guangdong Province, which showed how Africans were discriminated against, forced out of their homes, hotels and denied access to basic amenities.

In a protest letter shared with Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Human Rights Council, Chairperson, African Union Commission, and other relevant bodies, the ambassadors reminded the Chinese authorities of outstanding relationship with the African nations, especially as to helping China secure permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, aside collaborative effort on the recent Covid-19 disease, yet the human rights violation.

As a result, Mahamat met with Mr. Liu Yuxi, the Chinese Ambassador to the AU to express his concern and need to urgently address the situation.

“We would also want to bring to your attention the possible backlash in our home countries of this obvious human rights violation,” the African envoys’ letter read.

“It is therefore worrisome, following this excellent cooperation and mutual friendship that, the African Group of Ambassadors observes with consternation, the discrimination and stigmatization of Africans whereby they are made to forcefully, and in a very crude manner to undergo epidemic investigation and Nucleic Acid Test, fourteen (14) days quarantine even if they had not travelled outside their jurisdictions, not come into contact with infected persons, not had close contact or showing any symptoms of the COVID-19.”

It could be recalled that Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives had summoned the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria over the same viral video which revealed seizure of Nigerian passports from the Nigerian citizens among other concerns.

During the meeting, the Chinese envoy in Nigeria claimed to be ignorant of the development but promised to contact the home office to verify the allegation.

However, the group of African envoys in China urged the Chinese government to apply similar treatment it would accord to its citizens to Africans in the Chinese territory.

“The Group of African Ambassadors in Beijing immediately demands the cessation of forceful testing, quarantine and other inhuman treatments meted out to Africans in Guangdong Province in particular and the whole of China and also demands that Africans are treated the same as Chinese and other nationals in the fight against COVID-19.”

Other notable concerns expressed by the African ambassadors include:

  • African nationals ejected including Togolese, Nigerians, and Benenois from their hotels in the middle of the night only because they are Africans;
  • A group of African students studying in Sun-Yat Sen University in Guangzhou were made to undergo the Nucleic Acid Test, in spite of the fact that they had no travel history within the stated period.
  • Selective testing of African students while their non-African colleagues are left out.
  • There were cases of African men married to Chinese ladies and they were demanded to take the COVID-19 test and their Chinese families left out. In some cases the men were pulled out of their families and quarantined in hotels alone.
  • Forced evictions of Africans from their various apartments and thrown into the streets even those with infant children.
  • Seizure of passports of African nationals in violation of international practices and conventions
  • Persistent harassment and humiliation of African nationals by subjecting them to unwarranted medical examinations after testing negative for the COVID-19, and forced into quarantine, irrespective of their negative status;
  • Threats of revocation of visas, arrest, detention and deportation of African legal migrants for no cogent reason which infringes on their human rights.

“From the foregoing the impression is being created as though the spread of the virus is caused by Africans contrary to the fact that, in China and indeed globally, Africans are the least exposed to Covid-19 or is there any other reason for which Africans are being targeted other than Covid- 19 that we are unaware of?” it stated.

However, the coalition renewed commitment with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and the International Department of the Communist Party of China.

Environmentalist seeks probe into cause of dead fishes on Bayelsa shoreline

Editorial
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Environmentalist seeks probe into cause of dead fishes on Bayelsa shoreline

A RENOWN Environmentalist Rev Nnimmo Bassey has urged governments and oil industry regulators to investigate the cause of dead fishes littering the Atlantic coastline in Delta and Bayelsa.

Bassey who made the call in a reaction to reports of massive death of fish by coastline residents noted that the development portends danger capable of wiping off fish species and depletion of the biodiversity of the Niger Delta.

Bassey who holds a National Honours Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for Environmental Activism spoke in Yenagoa on Saturday.

He observed that the littering of the coastline for more than three weeks may be an indication of increased toxicity of the coastline adding that consuming the dead fishes may pose a public health danger.

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“We have been listening to hear exactly what triggered the death of so much fish that washed onshore.

“By this time NOSDRA should have made a definitive statement especially since there are oil platforms not too far off that coast.

“ While we wait to hear from those who should know, this is a serious health issue.

“Ministries of Health and Environment at the state and national level should be concerned about the health impact on the communities and the wider region of people, who consume the obviously poisoned fish.

“Some stories we hear are that some toxic wastes may have been dumped into the sea by oil company operators.

“If that is found to be true, such a company should be held responsible for endangering the health of the people and for ecological damage and destruction of the people’s livelihood.

“This matter should not be swept under the carpet or locked away because we are focusing attention on the coronavirus pandemic.

“The dead fish are smoking guns of a serious crime,” Bassey said.

Residents along Foropa, Sangana axis of the Atlantic coastline in Bayelsa had reported sighting dead fishes littering the shoreline, since the middle of March.

Some of the residents said the occurrence was noticed since March 15 and had yet to abate fueling fears of pollution of the country’s territorial waters by toxic substances.

A forum of Community Development Committees (CDC), hosts to Chevron oilfields in Bayelsa had appealed to the federal and state government to check the impact of suspected toxic pollution across the Atlantic coastline.

They said that the pollution was a threat to the predominantly fishing settlement and caused hardship to the host communities.

The forum led by its Chairman Chief Captain Patrick Ekubo and Secretary Mr. Biraladei Brisibe Wuka, said the call became imperative as the oil firms operating in the area had shown no concern.

Wuka said the strange increased toxicity of the Atlantic ocean is causing concerns for their health.

They urged the oil industry regulators to trace the source of the pollution while calling on NOSDRA to immediately constitute a Joint Investigation Team to ascertain the cause of the toxic pollution that has endangered their lives.

The communities, Koluama, Ekeni, Ezetu, Foropa Fishtown and Sangana in Brass and Southern Ijaw LGAs of Bayelsa urged NOSDRA to wrap up the probe within 21 days or risk a total shutdown of oil facilities in the area.

However, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) which operates oilfield near the communities in a response to requests for reaction said that there were no leaks from its facilities in the area.

Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager – Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited denied any links with the alleged pollution with the operations of its oil firm.

“CNL and Star Deep confirm that there has not been any chemical release from any of our facilities,” Chevron stated.

Mr. Idris Musa, Director-General, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) said the spill agency will commence an investigation as soon as the lockdown for the COVID-19 is lifted.

Five years after, less than half of poor Nigerian households benefit from FG’s cash transfer

Damilola OJETUNDE
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Five years after, less than half of poor Nigerian households benefit from FG’s cash transfer

THE National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) has confirmed to The ICIR  that about 1,126,211 poor and vulnerable households are currently benefiting from the Federal Government’s conditional cash transfer.

This is less than half of the total number of households captured in the national social register.

Henry Ayede, spokesperson of the NCTO confirmed this to our reporter in a phone chat with him.

The program started 2015 with 14 states and has expanded to accommodate more states five years on.

The Federal Government allocated N500 billion in the 2016 budget for the implementation of its social welfare agenda. The government also budgeted the same amount for social programmes in the 2017 budget.

Data of the beneficiaries exclusively obtained by The ICIR revealed that of the 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, North West region tops with the highest number of households benefiting from the cash transfer with a number of 561,758 households. Ogun State is yet to benefit from the program.

Others are North Central- 321,434, North East- 109,442, South South- 67,696, South West- 37,904, and South East- 27,977 households.

Top five states with the highest number of beneficiaries are Katsina- 133,227, Zamfara- 130,764, Jigawa- 99,044, Kano- 84,148, and Plateau- 78,430.

State distribution of beneficiaries of cash transfer

The ICIR in 2018 investigated how the poor Nigerians were deprived of the federal government’s cash transfer.

The report also revealed that as of May 2018, exactly 503,005 poor and vulnerable households were captured in the social register in 20 states while only 297,973 received the financial assistance. As it stands now, the figure of the poor and vulnerable households on the social register has grown to 2,644,495 representing about 425.7 percent increase, while the beneficiaries of the CCT have grown by 278 percent.

Following criticisms from the public on how the Federal Government was able to compile the list of the most vulnerable Nigerians who get the N20,000 cash transfer to cushion the economic effect of the coronavirus disease, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that N20,000 be paid to each vulnerable household through the social investment scheme to cushion the economic impact of the lock down arising from the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

Ayede confirmed to The ICIR that beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer are drawn from the National Social Register (NSR) based on the clearly defined criteria, noting that not all individuals and households in the register would benefit from the cash transfer.

The NSR is a pool of vulnerable and poor households captured by the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) through community-based targeting.

The NASSCO had on Friday, April 10, released the number of all households and individuals on the register, showing that 2.64 million and 11 million households and individuals respectively have been captured on the register from 35 states and the FCT excluding Ogun State.

It is to be noted that not all current households are beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer.

In another phone interview with Joe Abuku, spokesperson of NASSCO to ascertain the data obtained by The ICIR, he said, “plus or minus, the figure of those benefiting from the CCT will be around 1.1 million”

However, in a report by the Guardian newspaper, Iorwa Apera, National Coordinator of the NASSCO was quoted to have said the cash transfer is paying one million poor and vulnerable households.

“At the moment, the cash transfer is paying one million poor and vulnerable households. We plan to rapidly increase this number to two million in the next payment round in May,” Apera disclosed.

Has ex-Police Inspector Olalekan Ogunyemi charged with killing Kolade Johnson been released?

Seun DUROJAIYE
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Has ex-Police Inspector Olalekan Ogunyemi charged with killing Kolade Johnson been released?

A RECENT post shared on Twitter by a lady identified as ije12002, claiming that ex-Police Inspector Olalekan Ogunyemi charged with killing Kolade Johnson has been released, is raising dust in the Twittersphere, as many commentators question the value of justice in Nigeria.

In the post, the Twitter user announced that Ogunyemi has been released from prison and currently marked his 50th birthday in style.

“Late Kolade Johnson’s Killer Olalekan Ogunyemi aka Omo Eko Regains Freedom, Marks 50th Birthday, while the families of late Kolade Johnson are still mourning. Here are some of the outfits he rocked on his 50th birthday few days ago,” the post read.

The post has garnered over 2,000 retweets and over 800 likes. But the claim is false

The ICIR reached out to ije12002 but all messages sent to via Twitter direct message was left unanswered.

At the time of filing this report, messages sent to the Head of Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit, Markus Ishaku Basiran, were yet to be responded to.

But, according to Citizen Gavel, a civic tech organization aimed at improving the pace of justice delivery, that has been monitoring the case, Ogunyemi has been in prison since the case was last heard and adjourned on March 19.

It was gathered that the court is to reseat on April 16, to determine the fate of Ogunyemi, who remains in Ikoyi prison and has not been given a bail option.

45-year-old Ogunyemi served in the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Lagos State Police Command before he was discharged from his duties.

He was remanded in prison after being charged for the murder of 36-year-old Kolade Johnson at Onipetesi Estate, Idi-Mangoro, Lagos, on March 31 2019.

During a court sitting in April 2019, the prosecutor, Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that Ogunyemi used his AK-47 rifle to shoot dead Johnson, while the deceased was watching a football match.

African countries could hit coronavirus peak soon— WHO warns

Editorial
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African countries could hit coronavirus peak soon— WHO warns

THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) has said that some African countries could see a peak in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks, calling that testing should be urgently increased in the region.

“During the last four days we can see that the numbers have already doubled,” Michel Yao, the WHO Africa programme Manager for Emergency Response, said at a recent teleconference.

“If the trend continues, and also learning from what happened in China and in Europe, some countries may face a huge peak very soon,” he said, adding that it could arrive in the coming weeks, but without naming countries.

The numbers of recorded coronavirus infections in Africa have been relatively low so far – with nearly 11,000 cases and 562 deaths, according to a Reuters tally based on government statements and WHO data.

As at the time of filing this report, Nigeria, has recorded 318 cases, with 10 deaths.

Matshidiso Moeti,  the WHO’s Africa Head, said there is an “urgent need” to expand testing capacity beyond capital cities in Africa as the virus spreads through countries.

As at March, Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),  said that over 2,000 persons have been tested and the agency was carrying out contact tracing of 6,000 people.

“Without help and action now, poor countries and vulnerable communities could suffer enormous devastation,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General told diplomats in Geneva.

“The infection numbers in Africa are relatively small now, but they are growing fast,” he said.

He noted the havoc wrought even in wealthy nations in the 100 days since China first informed the WHO of cases of a “pneumonia of unknown cause” in the city of Wuhan.

Although Africa accounts for a fraction of global cases of the disease, its countries are feeling the economic impact.

In a report published on Thursday, the World Bank said the outbreak is expected to push sub-Saharan Africa into recession in 2020 for the first time in 25 years.

The bank’s Africa’s Pulse report said the region’s economy will contract 2.1 percent to 5.1 percent from growth of 2.4 percent last year, and coronavirus will cost sub-Saharan Africa $37bn to $79bn in output losses this year because of trade and value chain disruption, among other factors.

SOURCE: REUTERS NEWS AGENCY

COVID-19: Cross River governor, Ayade orders civil servants to resume work

Lukman ABOLADE
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COVID-19: Cross River governor, Ayade orders civil servants to resume work

BEN Ayade, Governor of Cross River State has ordered all civil servants from grade level 10 and above in the state to resume work on Tuesday, April 14 amid coronavirus crisis in Nigeria.

Ayade’s directive to civil servants in the state was contained in a press statement signed by Christian Ita, his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity on Saturday evening.

According to the statement, all returning civil servants would receive nose masks from the state COVID-19 Response Task Force through their permanent secretaries respectively.

Ayade said all land, air and water borders to the state are to remain closed for another two weeks, adding that in case of emergency or evacuation by air, a certification by the national headquarters of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) would be required.

“All nose masks to be used in the state must be locally made, with the place of origin clearly marked, the sale of masks made by the Cross River State Garment Factory is prohibited. Masks are to be distributed free of charge,” the governor was quoted as said in the statement.

He further noted that the ‘no mask, no movement’ policy in Cross River is still in full force warning that no resident is allowed in public places such as markets, shopping malls, sports arena, banks etc without the use of appropriate nose mask while ban on mass gatherings like place of worships, weddings, burials etc remains intact.

Ayade noted that defaulters of the directive shall be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Cross River State Epidemic and Pandemic Law 2020.

Stay home, wash your hands, save lives – Buhari begs Nigerians

Seun DUROJAIYE
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Stay home, wash your hands, save lives – Buhari begs Nigerians

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Nigerians to stay at home, wash their hands and save lives as they observe the lockdown directive effected on Monday, March 30, to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

As the final days of the initial 14-day lockdown winds to a close, President Buhari in a statement, shared on his official Twitter handle, informed Nigerians on the necessity of the stay-at-home directive, which he urged all to comply with till further notice.

“No elected government could ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than what we ask of you today.

“But we must ask you – once more – to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives,” the statement read in part.

The president also highlighted that stimulus packages are being arranged for those most in need and small cash payment will continue to be provided to those who suffer most in the country.

“For those who suffer most egregiously, the Government has announced multiple measures to assist: 70,000 tonnes of grain is being released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution to those in most need; distribution of small cash payments is also being made, and will continue to be made by the Federal Government, in the States and Local Government Areas,” the statement read.

The president further asked citizens to endure the frustration that this time may bring as COVID-19 has no known cure or vaccine.

Currently, Nigeria has recorded 305 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Aftermath of Lockdown: Robbers invade Lagos communities

Abeeb ALAWIYE
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Aftermath of Lockdown: Robbers invade Lagos communities

SEVERAL communities in Lagos State are now living in fear due to recent robbery attacks after the lockdown.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), said it has received reports of about three cases of robberies in different neighbourhoods in the state.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, said in a release that cases have been reported in Ipaja area and another in Alagbado area of Lagos.

This happened as the 14-day lockdown order issued by President Muhammadu Buhari to curb the spread of COVID-19 enters day 12 in the state.

“In one case, a relative of a resident called requesting that we call the attention of the Lagos State Police Command to the incident. A call to the Lagos State Police PRO and the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was promptly responded to and the crime was foiled,” Nwanguma said.

RULAAC commended the Lagos State Police Command and in particular, the RRS ably led by DCP Dissu for prompt response to distress calls.

He said, “We reiterate our position that while the lockdown across states in Nigeria is a necessary measure and sacrifice to contain the further spread of the ravaging Corona Virus pandemic, it is crucial that government ensures that the palliatives (relief materials and cash support) it has earmarked to cushion the effects on the poor and vulnerable actually reach the intended targets without being diverted and pocketed by unscrupulous politicians, as they usually do.

“Without palliatives, the lockdown will inevitably result to hardships occasioned by loss of incomes and hunger among the poorest and vulnerable groups which make up the majority of the populations. And deprivation will push some of the victims into crimes especially armed robbery in neighbourhoods, as we are already witnessing.

“Unless the root causes of crime, especially at this challenging time, are addressed, which include lack and hunger, we are going to see a spike in the spate of violent crimes by people who have been pushed to the wall and desperate for survival. This will also put enormous pressure on the lean and overstretched resources of the Police and ultimately challenge their response capability and effectiveness.

“Failures by the Police have often been blamed on the Police instead of political leadership which has perennially neglected the Police and failed to adequately fund, equip and motivate them for optimal performance.

“Governments at state and federal levels need to be sensitive to the imperatives and demands of the times and ensure that social protections and palliatives are made available to the poorest and most vulnerable who are prone to crimes when subjected to deprivation. Equally important is the need for government to be sensitive of the need to support the Police with special funds, equipment and allowances to meet the additional challenges and demands of the times.

“Police officers in the front lines of enforcing public compliance with new directives arising from the lockdown as well as providing security for the people at this critical period need protection, additional support and motivation.”

 

Another Covid-19 patient dies in Lagos private hospital due to complications

Abeeb ALAWIYE
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Another Covid-19 patient dies in Lagos private hospital due to complications

AKIN Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health on Saturday disclosed that another Covid-19 patient has died in a Lagos private hospital due to complications.

Abayomi, while giving an update on coronavirus in the state in a series of tweet through his verified Twitter handle made the announcement.

This brings the total number of coronavirus deaths in the state to four.

“Eight new cases of COVID-19 infections on April 10, 2020. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Lagos State to 166,” he wrote on his Twitter handle.

“Three of the confirmed cases have been transferred to Ogun State which is their place of residence,”  he added.

The Commissioner noted that additional seven COVID-19 patients, who have fully recovered, have been discharged after testing negative twice.

“The total number of COVID-19 patients discharged in Lagos State is now 46,”  he said.

“We are, however, saddened by the death of another patient from COVID-19-related complications in a private hospital in Lagos.”

Abayomi however, urged the people to keep obeying social distancing rules to stay safe.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), announced 17new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria on Friday, where eight of it was from Lagos and thereby bringing the total cases in the country to 305.

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