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President Buhari Urges Nigerians To Comply With Wearing Nose Mask
The Presidency is worried by reports of non-compliance with just signed Executive Order that makes mask wearing and observation of social distancing in the public mandatory, appealing to Nigerians to give their maximum cooperation for success of the policy.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had introduced the order with the best of intentions and not with any motive to punish citizens.
In a statement seen by Grassroots.ng, the Presidency appeals to State Governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders to play active roles in the sensitization and enforcement of the Executive Order.
”To achieve this, COVID-19 task forces and committees should persuade members of the public to cooperate with the government in achieving compliance and avoid crude methods that may create resistance and resentment, thereby defeating the primary goal of the Executive Order.”
The Buhari administration is most reluctant to lockdown the country and continues to emphasize the non-pharmaceutical measures and the only way to avert lockdowns is to observe these measures as put in place by the Presidential Task Force.
Nigerians have come a long way from the dreaded lockdown and the administration is unhappy about any prospects of bringing it back as many citizens will not have food on the table without venturing out on a day- to-day business.
Nigerians are required to wear masks, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, and keep safe distance with anybody not in your household, hoping that this will help check spread of COVID-19.
Though vaccine availability is within reach, the propensity of the public for noncompliance weakens the fight against the virus.
Nigerians must ignore baseless conspiracy theories that seek to deny the reality of the pandemic by complying with the order to wear masks.
We have a duty to protect ourselves and others in this difficult global health crisis; no one has immunity against this pandemic. Ignoring health warnings and refusing to comply with safety measures does more harm than good.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a major threat to public health and wearing of masks, social distancing in public places and the basic hygiene are necessary measures that have to be taken to safeguard the well-being of our citizens.
Nigerians must always have it in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to the health of the population but it is equally so to the national economy, and to every aspect of our everyday life.
Protecting public health is one of the sacred duties of any responsible government and the administration will not abdicate that responsibility.
News
APRA Decries Terror Attack in Burkina Faso
… Spread of mpox in DRC and the frightening flooding in Sudan
The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has condemned the recent terror attack in the Burkinabe town of Barsalogho in the Sanmatenga Province of the Republic, which has killed so many people and injured scores of persons.
In a statement on Friday, signed by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, secretary-general, APRA, the body said it is greatly concerned about the increasing terror attacks in Burkina Faso and in other parts of Africa.
“The umbrella body of practitioners and professionals of public relations in Africa hereby calls for the cessation of all forms of attacks, especially on unarmed people. We call for dialogue as a more civil approach to resolving conflicts instead of violent attacks leading to destruction and catastrophic outcomes that leave the continent more devastated.
“We are gravely disturbed by this recent attack in Burkina Faso, coming on the heels of the death of over 500 persons due to mpox scourge caused by the monkeypox virus ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, the hotbed of the health crisis; and the distressing floods caused by the collapse of the Arba’ at Dam in the east of the Republic of Sudan, destroying or impacting about 70 communities and affecting telecommunication infrastructure and other utilities. These and many emergent humanitarian crises in Africa have been overwhelming enough for a great but challenged continent. Therefore, entrenched terror attacks can only worsen efforts at restoring the glory of the continent.
“As a body of communication managers, APRA iterates its call for increased, sincere and responsible conversation and concrete actions among state actors and other stakeholders in Africa to address these and future challenges, many of which are heralded by warning signs. Therefore, APRA calls on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to resume strengthening collaboration with the government and people of DRC because mpox is yet to be defeated as an existential global health issue.
APRA stands in solidarity with the Governments and people of Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Sudan. We commiserate with those who have lost family members and friends. We also wish those injured and displaced speedy recovery.
News
NNPC Launches Vision First Programme in Ilaje Community, Lagos
… Over 1,000 Individuals Receive Free Eye-care Services
The NNPC Ltd has flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.
The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions. The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services. The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.
The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.
In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.
“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.
The outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.
The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
News
Bashir Hadeija: More Revelations, Panic as Fingered Elements Embark on Attack of High Profile Government Officials
By: Staff Writer
The sponsors of malicious allegations and attacks on the Minister of Defense, Dr Bello Matawalle, the Director General of DSS, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the IG of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other top government officials, are on it again.
Commenting on the matter, Habib Ahmed, a Public Analyst, believes they are circulating spurious write up through an unknown and faceless group to attack top government functionaries, “this is orchestrated by the arrest of one Bashir Hadeija who they collaborate with and also use him to propagate false and nefarious information.
“This Bashir Hadeija uses all sorts of deceitful ways including name dropping to manipulate the public.
Since the arrest of Bashir Hadeija and the revelations he is making, certain individuals are jittery because investigation is closing in on them.
“Zamfara State Governor, former NSA , Defence minister and others who are sponsoring Bashir Hadeija have embarked on campaign of calumny against Dr Matawalle, IGP, NSA , DG DSS and other credible top government officials.
“Dr Matawalle does not have need to smear the image of any one as he is busy with efforts to enhance national security.
“Bashir Hadeija and his cohorts who have been found with Gold with the inscription of former late Libyan leader whose street value is unimaginable. Bashir Hadeija is an international crook who has been caught up by wrath of the law is capable of subversive activities.
“Arrest of Bashir Hadeija has triggered more reactions and thank God that Bashir Hadeija mentioned the names of Zamfara Governor, Ali Gusau, Badaru and as a result of this, they have started attacks on Matawalle, Nuhu Ribadu, DG DSS and IGP but this should not deter them in ensuring that justice is done.
“The anticipated attacks from the named accomplices of Bashir Hadeija against high profile Nigerians should be ignored. A person who stole Gold from Libya can say anything to anybody. The public should ignore them”, Habib Ahmed, said.