PRESS STATEMENT

4th April, 2020

The National Association Of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, (NANNM), Plateau State Council wishes to appreciate her members and the effort of Plateau State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in curbing the menace of COVID-19 in the state. As a professional body, we will not relent in the discharge of our duties. This hope is hinged on the noticeable sacrifice of Nurses while keeping to their professional calling by offering themselves at all times in the ongoing fight against the menace of COVID-19, bearing in mind that the Year 2020 is dubbed as “The Year of Nurses and Midwife” by WHO in staunch recorgnition of our key roles, presence and notable efforts towards the goals and successes achieved for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The priority of NANNM, Plateau State Council at this critical period remains the same, which is the safety, health and well-being of it’s members and the general public. While we appreciate the Government for all it is doing, we however noticed with dismay the following.

1. The task Force set up by Government did not take cognizance of the role of Nurses in combating the scourge of COVID -19. Perhaps, that is the reason the leadership of Nurses in the state is not included
2. We are aware of the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE), in our hospitals and Isolation Centers. Consequently, we have directed our members not to attend to any patient with a suspected case of COVID-19 without PPE. “No PPE, DON’T RISK YOURSELF”. Government should in earnest provide all appropriate safety devices to all the designated facilities including casualty departments where cases first report, for the overall safety of Nurses, health Professionals and citizens of the state.
3. The health sector should be given a special consideration in terms of recruiting Nurses at this critical moment. Government should direct all relevant agencies to release the employment letters of the interviews conducted by the state Government recently, as health facilities around the State are seriously understaffed with our members manifesting different signs of occupational related diseases. The embargo placed on employment should exempt Nurses from the Federal, State, and Local Government Health Institutions.
4. Government should ensure proper training of workers, especially those working in Isolation Centers.
5. Accommodation should be provided to all health workers working in Isolation Centers to enbale them self-isolate themselves till the fight against COVID-19 is over.

In view of the foregoing, members are advised to work hand-in-hand with other health workers in the combat of this disease and adhere to the following.

a. Control Ward traffic by limiting the number of visitors to the hospitals.

b. Implement isolation and Barrier Nursing technique appropriately.

c. Report any suspected case of COVID-19.

d. Educate people and the community on methods to prevent COVID-19.

e. Respond positively to this National Emergency by having high index of suspicion for all patients with respiratory symptoms.

We call on the media and Civil Society Organizations to help in the spread of preventive messages at all levels as all hands need to be on Deck if we most succeed.

We also call on Government at all levels to use this opportunity to develop the health sector as it is clear, that the sector needs serious intervention.

On its part, NANNM shall continue to work with Government and the good people of Plateau State to ensure the health of our citizens is guaranteed.

I urge all Nurses in the state to take extreme care and sacrifice more during this period by adhering to all precautionary measures recommended by NCDC and WHO to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and stay safe.

NB. NO PPE, DON’T RISK YOURSELF.

Signed……………………

COMRADE BRISKILA DABIT
NANNM CHAIRMAN
PLATEAU STATE COUNCIL
CC.
NANNM JUTH UNIT
NANNM PSSH UNIT
NANNM HMB UNITS
NANNM UHS UNIT
NANNM, LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Covid-19 Updates: Twenty (20) new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria; 11 in Lagos, 3 in the FCT, 3 in Edo, 2 in Osun & 1 in Ondo

Two new deaths have been recorded in Lagos and Edo State

As at 10:30 pm 3rd April there are 210 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria.

Source: NCDC

PRESS RELEASE

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR APPRECIATES CONTRIBUTIONS TO COVID-19 FUND

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Chairman of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee has expressed gratitude to corporate organisations and individuals within the State who have responded to his call for donations to the COVID-19 ENDOWMENT FUND established by the State Government.
Governor Lalong who was represented at the presentation of various donations by Secretary to Government of the State and Coordinating Secretary of the Taskforce Prof. Danladi Abok Atu said the State is grateful to all those who have heeded to the call for assistance.
Among organisations which have contributed materials and food items include Grand Cereals which donated 10 tonnes of fortified flour, 100 cartons of 2.75 litre vegetable oil, and 400 crates of eggs sourced from local poultry farmers. The donations were presented by the Managing Director of the Company.

Another donation was made by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Plateau State Chapter who presented 6 cartons of face masks and 3 cartons of hand gloves to the Government. The Association also informed the government that the National Veterinary Research Institute has trained manpower and equipment that can be utilized for testing Corona Virus. What is needed according to them is the purchase of reagents and few accessories to make the facilities functional.

There were further donations by the Zuma Steel Company whose company representatives delivered hand sanitizers and face masks as part of their contribution to the Government efforts to tackle the disease.

Another organisation that made donation was the Nasco Group of Companies who delivered 500 cartons of hand sanitizers and washing soap to the State Government. General Manager Administration, Alhaji Shehu Nyalun said apart from the donations, the company will also directly make donations to members of the Public within its domain.

Prof. Danladi Atu who received all the donations on behalf of Governor Simon Lalong said the Government was elated that these organisations have responded positively. He said the items will be distributed for use in responding to the disease.

It would be recalled that the political appointees in the State including the Governor agreed to a 50% cut in their allowances as their contribution to the fight against corona virus.

The Government recently announced that it has established the Plateau State Covid-19 Support Fund. The Account is operated by the UBA which has donated 28.5 million naira. For other corporate
organisations and well spirited individuals who may wish to contribute, the
Account Number is: 1022751747.

Dan Manjang
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Plateau State
3rd March 2020.

As the World continues to come up with ways to prevent the spread and contain the Coronavirus pandemic, a notable Philanthropist Barr. Umar Mantu, Ph.D through his Foundation “The Manumar Foundation” has concluded plans to distribute items to be used to further prevent the spread of the virus in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas. This comes after a sensitisation exercise by the foundation last week.

Items to be distributed include Green/Respiratory Face Masks, Powder Free Blue Nitrile Hand gloves, Thermometers and Hand Sanitizers.

Dr. Umar Mantu described COVID-19 as a global threat and emergency calling on government and the people to take urgent and aggressive action that will stem the scourge.

Dr. Umar called on government at all levels to continuously strike a balance between protecting health, minimizing economic and social disruption, and avoiding human rights abuse of any kind.

He said the Country should be prepared and ready to combat the pandemic.

He therefore called for early detection, protection and treatment of all confirmed cases.

He said finding, isolating, testing and treating every case and tracing every contact becomes very critical to reduce rate of transmission.

Dr. Umar said with over 700,000 active cases and over 50,000 deaths recorded globally, with Nigeria having 174 confirmed cases with 2 deaths recorded, the public should take all safety, preventive and precautionary measures seriously considering how contagious the virus is.

He said while the pandemic has no known cure, it is his sincere prayer that it will not affect anyone of us or our loved ones; and that global health authority will quickly find a cure and produce a vaccine for the disease that has claimed many lives and shutdown the global socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

Dr. Umar urged the people to adhere strictly to all measures and restrictions being announced by government and its relevant agencies which he said are for public health and safety.

“Please note that in these uncertain times, there may well be some information disseminated through social media and word of mouth that is not based on fact; therefore I urge us to err on the side of caution and be wise in order to safeguard and protect ourselves.”

“Please note that the most efficient way of avoiding this contagion is by washing your hands with water and soap for up to 20 seconds, several times a day.”

“Please also practice social distancing and do not attend gatherings with more than 5-10 people, keeping at least a 2 metre distance between yourself and others.”

“It is also advised that you maintain a healthy diet in order to build up your immune systems.”

“Also, If for any reasons we notice symptoms such as high temperature, new and continuous coughs (that are unresponsive to antibiotics), loss of taste and smell consistently, please seek the necessary medical attention by contacting (NCDC/Plateau state ministry of health or your nearest medical centre)”

“This unprecedented virus has most definitely made an indelible mark on earth, forcing us to immediately refrain from things that we normally do, showing us what is truly invaluable; and that is good health in order to live life.”

“It is with this that I ask you to join me in prayer for each other, the health workers, authorities and any person helping fight this virus amongst other ailments and afflictions of life, be it health, prosperity, conflict etc that this too shall pass, through the grace and mercy of The Almighty. We pray He strengthens us, builds resilience, and inspire compassion within us all, in order to overcome any trials that come our way.”

“Always remember this virus doesn’t spread on it’s own, people spread it. Stay at home and keep safe.”

“God bless us all and our dear country” he concluded.

Hon Barji Bitrus distributes 1,200 bags of rice to various religious bodies in Plateau


Philanthropist and aspirant for the position of House of Representatives in the 2019 General election, Hon. David Barji Bitrus on Tuesday distributed 1,200 bags of rice to various religious bodies in Plateau State for onward distribution to members to help soften the pressure families are going through because of the Corona pandemic

Our correspondent reports that Hon. Barji who contested the APC primaries for Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam said, he was moved to give the support because he is aware of the hardship families are experiencing as a result of the pandemic. “Many people are facing threat from the Corona virus and a bigger threat from hunger due to the partial shutdown of the economy of the state. The Corona pandemic has opened opportunity to show our humanity by supporting one another”.

He acknowledged the contribution of the State Government particularly the Governor who has been on ground making sure the state is prepared for any eventuality that may arise as a result of the pandemic which is ravaging some States with more than 100 cases registered already.

He also appreciated the support of a true friend of Plateau, Engr. T.S Tein Jack-Rick who contributed in acquiring the relief materials. He encouraged other well meaning Plateau indigene to augment the Government’s effort by providing sucur to the less privileged who are hit already.

Highlight was the sharing of the rice to the representative of various religious groups with a plea that it gets to those who really need it.

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR
PLATEAU STATE.
P.M.B. 2069, Little Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State
http://www.plateaustategov.org

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT HIS EXCELLENCY, PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG AND CHAIRMAN OF THE PLATEAU STATE COVID-19 EMERGENCY TASK FORCE RESPONSE COMMITTEE, HAS DIRECTED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 6AM, THURSDAY 2ND APRIL 2020, ALL BORDER ENTRY POINTS INTO PLATEAU STATE WILL BE CLOSED.

CONSEQUENTLY, THERE WILL BE NO EXIT OR ENTRANCE INTO THE STATE.
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE STATE GOVERNMENT INTENSIFY ITS EFFORTS AT FIGHTING THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE AND PREVENTING POSSIBLE OUTBREAK IN THE STATE.

BY THIS NOTICE, ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TAKE NOTE AND ADHERE STRICTLY TO THIS DIRECTIVE AS SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO ENSURE COMPLAINCE.

THIS DECISION IS IN THE GENERAL INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
AGAIN, WITH EFFECT FROM 6AM, THURSDAY 2ND APRIL 2020, ALL BORDER ENTRY POINTS INTO PLATEAU STATE WILL BE CLOSED.

LET US THINK PLATEAU AND ACT PLATEAU!

SIGNED:
HON. DAN MANJANG
COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION, PLATEAU STATE.
1ST APRIL 2020.

The Federal Government has announced another petrol price reduction amidst the rise of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Our correspondent reports that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Executive Secretary, Mr Abdulkadir Saidu, disclosed reduction of the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N123.50 per litre in a statement in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday night
March 31,2020

According to him ,PPPRA,in line with the government approval for monthly review of premium motor spirit (PMS) pump price of N123.50 per litre.

The guiding price which becomes effective 1st April,2020 shall apply at all retail outlets nationwide for the month of April 2020

PPPRA and other relevant regulatory agencies shall continue to monitor compliance to extant regulations for a sustainable downstream petroleum sector.Members of the public and all oil marketing companies are to be guided accordingly “,he said.

Following the recent redeployments within the Nigeria Army, the Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven gets new commander

According to the statement “Maj Gen ACC Agundu from Special Task Force (STF) Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos is redeployed to Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja as Senior Research Fellow…”

The Statement went further to point out that “…Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu Maj Gen CC Okonkwo is now redeployed to STF Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos and appointed Commander…”

Full redeployments include the posting and appointment of Maj Gen ACC Agundu from Special Task Force (STF) Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos to Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja as Senior Research Fellow, Major General HI Bature from Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Defence Liaison Office National Assembly Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen UM Mohammed from Nigerian Army Property Limited (NAPL) to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu/Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees NAPL.

The erstwhile Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu Maj Gen CC Okonkwo now redeployed to STF Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos and appointed Commander, Maj Gen F Yahaya from Headquarters 1 Division Kaduna to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) Maiduguri and appointed Commander, while Maj Gen OG Adeniyi is redeployed from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to NARC as Senior Research Fellow, Maj Gen S Idris from Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu- Yobe State redeployed to DHQ Abuja and appointed Director Liaison.

Others affected include – Maj General AA Adesope from Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management to NAPL and appointed Group Managing Director, Maj Gen MG Ali from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State as Commander while the erstwhile Chief of Civil-Military Affairs AHQ Abuja Maj Gen US Mohammed has been redeployed to 1 Division Kaduna and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Similarly, Brig Gen HI Daniel from the Defunct Army Special Forces Command Maiduguri to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna and appointed Director Army Training Support, Brig Gen BE Onyeuko is to remain in DHQ Abuja as Acting Director Defence Media Operation, Brig Gen NM Jega from Training and Doctrine Command Minna to Infantry Corps Centre Jaji and appointed Chief of Staff, Brig Gen LA Araba from Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty Abuja now redeployed to Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu, Yobe State as Ag Commander, Brig Gen VO Ita from DHQ, Abuja to Headquarters 402 Special Forces Brigade Azare and appointed Commander while Brig Gen JAL Jimoh from Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno to Headquarters 31 Brigade Minna and appointed Commander and Brig Gen GTO Ajetunmobi has been redeployed from 31 Brigade Minna to Nigeria Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty, Abuja as Executive Director Operation.

Others are – Brig Gen LG Lepdung from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji to DHQ Abuja and appointed Deputy Director Procurement (Logistics), Brig Gen MO Ihanuwaze to remain in Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management as Acting Director, Brig Gen EC Obi – Osang from the defunct Headquarters 707 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi to Headquarters 401 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi as Commander while Brig Gen GM Mutkut is redeployed from the Defunct Nigerian Army Amphibious Command OPLD Baga to Headquarters 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga and appointed Commander and Brig Gen JR Lar from Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia to Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno as Commander.

Also, Colonel DJ Abdullahi from the defunct Headquarters Nigerian Army Special Forces’ Command Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces’ Command Doma Nasarawa State and appointed Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel EC Emere from Nigerian Army Archives to Nigerian Military School Zaria as Deputy Commandant and Col MO Agi is to remain in Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps Bauchi as Acting Chief of Staff among others.

In the rekindle spirit of professionalism, the Nigerian Army has released the postings and appointments of some affected senior officers.

The posting which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai is a routine/normal exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

The major highlight of the posting includes – the posting and appointment of Maj Gen ACC Agundu from Special Task Force (STF) Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos to Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja as Senior Research Fellow, Major General HI Bature from Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Defence Liaison Office National Assembly Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen UM Mohammed from Nigerian Army Property Limited (NAPL) to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu/Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees NAPL, while the erstwhile Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu Maj Gen CC Okonkwo now redeployed to STF Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos and appointed Commander, Maj Gen F Yahaya from Headquarters 1 Division Kaduna to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) Maiduguri and appointed Commander, while Maj Gen OG Adeniyi is redeployed from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to NARC as Senior Research Fellow, Maj Gen S Idris from Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu- Yobe State redeployed to DHQ Abuja and appointed Director Liaison.

Others affected include – Maj General AA Adesope from Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management to NAPL and appointed Group Managing Director, Maj Gen MG Ali from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State as Commander while the erstwhile Chief of Civil-Military Affairs AHQ Abuja Maj Gen US Mohammed has been redeployed to 1 Division Kaduna and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Similarly, Brig Gen HI Daniel from the Defunct Army Special Forces Command Maiduguri to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna and appointed Director Army Training Support, Brig Gen BE Onyeuko is to remain in DHQ Abuja as Acting Director Defence Media Operation, Brig Gen NM Jega from Training and Doctrine Command Minna to Infantry Corps Centre Jaji and appointed Chief of Staff, Brig Gen LA Araba from Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty Abuja now redeployed to Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu, Yobe State as Ag Commander, Brig Gen VO Ita from DHQ, Abuja to Headquarters 402 Special Forces Brigade Azare and appointed Commander while Brig Gen JAL Jimoh from Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno to Headquarters 31 Brigade Minna and appointed Commander and Brig Gen GTO Ajetunmobi has been redeployed from 31 Brigade Minna to Nigeria Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty, Abuja as Executive Director Operation.

Others are – Brig Gen LG Lepdung from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji to DHQ Abuja and appointed Deputy Director Procurement (Logistics), Brig Gen MO Ihanuwaze to remain in Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management as Acting Director, Brig Gen EC Obi – Osang from the defunct Headquarters 707 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi to Headquarters 401 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi as Commander while Brig Gen GM Mutkut is redeployed from the Defunct Nigerian Army Amphibious Command OPLD Baga to Headquarters 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga and appointed Commander and Brig Gen JR Lar from Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia to Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno as Commander.

Also, Colonel DJ Abdullahi from the defunct Headquarters Nigerian Army Special Forces’ Command Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces’ Command Doma Nasarawa State and appointed Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel EC Emere from Nigerian Army Archives to Nigerian Military School Zaria as Deputy Commandant and Col MO Agi is to remain in Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps Bauchi as Acting Chief of Staff among others.

All the postings and appointments take effect from the 1st of April 2020.

While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
31 March 2020