PRESS STATEMENT

PLATEAU RECORDS FIRST COVID-19 CASE AS GOVERNOR LALONG CALLS FOR CALM.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday 23rd April 2020 released its daily COVID-19 Case Update which confirmed the first index case in Plateau State.
According to the Commissioner of Health Dr. Ninkong Lar Ndam, the COVID-19 test was conducted on one suspected person that came into Jos from Kano on 17th April 2020 and has been on quarantine since arrival .
Upon exhibiting symptoms, nasal and oropharyngeal swab was taken and sent to NVRI Vom Laboratory for COVID-19 testing.
Sadly, the result which was released on Thursday, 23rd April 2020 returned positive thereby making the patient the State index case.
The patient has since been isolated and is stable and good medical condition.
The State Surveillance Team has immediately commenced contact tracing to investigate the case further and institute other Public Health measures to curb the spread of the disease in the State.
Governor Simon Lalong has implored the public not to panic, but to continue to imbibe good personal and respiratory hygiene, social distancing and avoid crowded places as well as stay at home.
He has equally called on the citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious case while assisting the Government to enforce the border closure directive which is one of the key steps adopted in curbing the disease.

Dr. Ninkong Lar Ndam
Commissioner for Health, Plateau State.
23rd April 2020

Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman House Committee on Navy will on Sunday 26th April, 2020 distribute 3000 bags of 25kg rice as well as 800 bags of maize and millet as palliative to his constituents to cushion the harsh economic reality his constituents are faced with, owing to crippling economic activities occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

This package also covers the lawmaker’s Ramadan handouts to Muslims in his constituency, as the Ramadan fast commences tomorrow.

The lawmaker will equally present an undisclosed cash donation to the state covid-19 committee as his contribution to help contain the spread of the disease in Plateau state.

Due to government directive prohibiting large gathering of people, the symbolic distribution is slated to take place at the lawmaker’s residence in Dengi on Sunday 26th April, 2020 by 10am, for onward distribution to various local government areas and electoral wards in the constituency.

Signed:
GAGDI MEDIA TEAM (GMT)

ECOWAS LEADERS APPOINT PRESIDENT BUHARI CHAMPION OF COVID -19 RESPONSE

Presidents of West African countries under the aegis of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government have appointed President Muhammadu Buhari Champion of the COVID-19 response.

The appointment took place Thursday at the Extraordinary ECOWAS Summit on COVID-19 which was held via teleconferencing under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger.

During the teleconference, President Buhari called on fellow ECOWAS leaders to look beyond the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic and tap into various opportunities that it presents for the betterment of lives in Member States:

“In every challenging situation such as the current one, there are also opportunities. Our region must therefore seek to find those opportunities provided by this gloomy global outlook for its benefit by embarking on the implementation of such critical policies, which before now, will be difficult to accept”

While calling on his colleagues to intensify collaboration in order to save the region from “this deadly pandemic through sharing our experiences and best practices,” President Buhari outlined some measures taken by his government in response to the pandemic. These include:

a. The reduction of interest rates on all applicable Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) interventions from 9 to 5 percent and introduction of a one- year moratorium on CBN intervention facilities;

b. The inauguration of Presidential Task Force to coordinate national efforts to combat the spread of the virus and ensure efficiency and effectiveness in line with the Nigerian Action Plan on Health Security;

c. The provision of relief materials including medical and food supplies as well as conditional cash transfers of N20, 000 each for poor and vulnerable households and ;

d. The establishment of more isolation centers and testing facilities to contain the spread of the virus.

The Nigerian leader also said that unprecedented economic uncertainties, including severe fiscal and foreign exchange constraints, amid a slowdown in global economic growth that most nations are grappling with, have made it imperative for “our sub-region to refocus on accelerating the implementation of our popular vision of ‘ECOWAS of the people’ by adopting dynamic regional policies aimed at providing relief to our citizens.”

“Despite declining revenues, government continues to spend massively on the containment of the virus, medical care for those infected and minimizing impact of the crisis on the poor and vulnerable. This situation puts severe pressure on our finances by increasing our expenditures amid dwindling revenues. This invariably has led to a restructuring and reduction of our budget,” he added.

President Buhari used the occasion to rally other leaders to embrace agriculture, technology and innovation in order to emerge stronger.

“It is imperative that while addressing short term challenges, we should also explore opportunities to promote strong and dynamic agricultural policies that will guarantee food security for our people, creating jobs and reducing poverty in the region. We must innovate and use technology to boost the digital economy and do things differently, but better,” he said.

The Nigerian President affirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with other member states as they battle the virus:

“At a time of global uncertainty such as this, caused by the devastating impact of the COVID-19, let me convey Nigeria’s solidarity with all the Member States as we collectively battle to defeat the pandemic. I am greatly saddened by loss of numerous lives and extend my heartfelt condolences to families of those who have lost loved ones throughout the region. I also wish infected victims speedy and full recovery.”

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the well-being and safety of the people in the sub-region and restated support for any initiatives that would curb the spread of the pandemic arising from the Summit.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 23, 2020

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, AT THE END OF 14 DAYS QUARANTINE PERIOD OVER COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HELD ON 23RD APRIL 2020.
1.      My beloved citizens of Plateau State, I address you once again in continuation of our efforts to fight the Corona Virus Pandemic, which remains a major challenge to our health and livelihood.
2.      Let me begin by appreciating you for the cooperation, loyalty and patriotism you have demonstrated at this difficult time when we are continuing the fight against an invisible but real enemy commonly referred to as COVID-19.
3.      Without your support and collaboration, Government would not have been able to address this challenge adequately. The journey is still far and we cannot be discouraged.
4.      You will recall that on Wednesday 15th April 2020, I addressed you on several issues including the extension of the total lockdown  which began on 9th April to 23rd of April with the aim of curtailing the outbreak and spread of the disease in the State.
5.      However, we gave a window from 11pm, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, for the total lockdown to be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes.
6.      During that broadcast, I directed further strengthening of our borders to ensure compliance with Government directive on closure of all entry and exit routes to our State.
7.      To ensure that the challenges of violations and compromise were checked, I directed the installation of CCTV cameras as well as discreet monitoring. This has helped us to monitor happenings around the official borders and identify the loopholes, which we are finding solutions for.
8.      While I commend officers and men of various security organisations, Vigilante Services and Neighbourhood Watch Groups for doing their best to secure our borders at this critical time, the challenge of illegal routes and compromises persists.
9.       This is a major challenge that we shall continue to tackle especially with the cooperation of other States as canvassed by the Nigerian Governors Forum.
10.   Nevertheless, we have continued to arrest and try violators of the lockdown order in Mobile Courts while quarantining those who come in from other States. From the commencement of the second phase of the lockdown, we have arrested, tried and convicted 769 violators. This brings to a total of 1,607 convictions so far.
11.   We have also continued our surveillance, contact tracing and investigation of suspected cases. As of today, we have investigated 231 cases and quarantined 221 people who came in from States with COVID-19 cases in our facilities in Heipang and Mangu. Thirty three (33) others have been discharged from self-isolation.
12.   Of all the investigated cases, none has been confirmed positive, and we are currently awaiting seven more results.  We have equally activated isolation centres in Shendam and Pankshin as we continue to build our capacity to handle this challenge.
13.    Again, we have continued to learn more lessons on how best to respond to this global emergency and ensure that we reduce the possibility of an outbreak of COVID-19 in our State while preparing for any eventuality.
14.   As the total lockdown elapses by midnight today 23rd April 2020, Government has adopted the following decisions:
i.                  The total lockdown will be relaxed from Midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to 12th Midnight of Sunday 26th April 2020 to enable people again re-stock their homes. Thereafter, the total lockdown will resume on Monday 27th April 2020. However, Details of the next phase of the lockdown will be issued in due course.
ii.                By implication, the earlier restrictions remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. In addition, all illegal street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited.
The illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs remain banned. Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed, while restaurants are advised to prepare take aways for their customers to avoid crowding.
iii.               For those selling items other than food, water and pharmaceuticals, Government will allow them opportunity to sell their goods to customers on demand. Therefore, their shops shall remain locked but they can display their phone numbers for customers to contact them where they can open to deliver the items and lock back immediately. No such shop will be allowed to remain open.
iv.               Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations.
v.                Commercial Vehicle Operators (Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) are to abide by restriction on the number of passenger to carry, which have been spelled out as 1, 4 and 6 respectively. Let me again express dismay on the consistent non-compliant attitude of Keke Napep Operators who most often carry double the stipulated number of passengers. This contradicts the ideals of social distancing and other sanitation guidelines. Henceforth, Government will not hesitate to place total ban on their operations if the lawlessness continues.  
vi.               Places of worship are to strictly adhere to the 50 persons provision, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene regulations. The ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals remain in force.
vii.              Farmers, particularly in the rural areas are exempted from the restrictions, as they are required to go to their farms within their villages now that the rains have started.
However, they are to observe all guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. Similarly, those selling fertilizers, insecticides, seeds and other farm essentials are to operate.
viii.             In addition to the exemption of essential workers earlier announced, producers of food such as bread, water and beverages are also exempted.
ix.               The mobile courts are to remain in place to try violators of Government directives.
x.                Considering the grave danger that Almajiri children are exposed to as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I am directing the immediate profiling and return of all Almajiris from Plateau State to their respective States of origin to join their families and guardians. Accordingly, I have set up a Committee for the immediate profiling and return of Almajiris to be headed by Brig. General Salihu Inusa (rtd).
xi.               This action is in tandem with the resolution of the Northern Governors Forum, which agreed to act in unison to protect these vulnerable children and further reduce the chances for the spread of the disease.
xii.              Citizens are strongly advised to use Face Masks as often as possible especially where they are in contact with others in order to cut down chances of infection and transmission of COVID-19. People above 65 years are also advised to strongly avoid unnecessary movements as they are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.
xiii.             Hotels are to adhere strictly to the documentation and reporting of guests and their destinations. I will be obtaining daily reports on this.
15.   Fellow Compatriots, Government is aware of the hardship being faced by our citizens particularly the vulnerable and weak. The palliative Committee headed by the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden will commence distribution to those who are truly in need by Saturday 25th April 2020.
16.   For civil servants and pensioners, our administration will continue to honour its pledge to pay salaries and pensions as and when due. I have therefore directed the Commissioner of Finance to ensure that in the next few days, people start getting their alerts for April emoluments.
17.    In order to ensure our economic future, I have equally directed the State Economic Advisory Council headed by Chief Ezekiel Gomos, to brainstorm and come up with practical and comprehensive strategies on the sustainability and continuation of the State Economy during and after COVID-19.
18.   The responsibility of curbing COVID-19 is for all of us and as such, citizens must be highly vigilant and report any suspected case or arrivals from outside the State to relevant authorities for prompt action.
 
 
 
 
19.   Let me reiterate that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and there is absolutely no reason for stigmatization and discrimination. From statistics available, the survival rate is higher than that of many diseases that are common to us.
20.   Instead of stigmatizing people who are not even confirmed to have the disease, let us encourage testing which is one way of identifying cases and reducing community transmission. With the NVRI Testing Centre operational, let us take advantage to safeguard our State.
21.   Let me now thank all corporate organisations and individuals who have continued to contribute in kind and in cash to the Plateau State COVID-19 Endowment Fund. The Government and people of Plateau State are indeed grateful.
22.   I call on all citizens especially religious, traditional, political and community leaders to continue to sensitise their people towards adherence to all guidelines in preventing this disease. Our best chance of defeating COVID-19 still remains PREVENTION.
23.   Finally, I charge all Local Government Chairmen and their Managements to continue with the good work they have done so far in securing their borders, sensitizing their people and ensuring compliance to Government directives.
24.   God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless Plateau State.
25.   Thank you
Rt. Hon. (Dr). Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive Governor, Plateau State & Chairman,
Northern Governors Forum.
23rd April 2020.
 
 

The Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong will deliver a broadcast to the State from 3pm today 23rd April 2020 on the Corona Virus Pandemic. All radio, television and other media organisations are enjoined to hook up to the services of Plateau Radio Television Corporation for the broadcast.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd April 2020

With the optimal level of compliance achieved within the two weeks total lockdown in Plateau State (with 4 Days restocking break), I write to commend the citizens for the impressive compliance with the lockdown order by government.

Mr. Governor Sir, after monitoring compliance with the lockdown you imposed which to me is the best hard decision you took considering that many States in the Northern part of the Country are yet to do so despite the glaring devastating public health threat of COVID-19, permit me to say our Border Entry Points are our major problem as they are still porous to some level and people still come into the State from high risk COVID-19 areas.
I want to commend the State Government for installing CCTV Cameras at major border entry points and have seen the workability of the system, but permit me to say there are vehicular movements during night time.

There are instances where passengers are smuggled into the State in ambulances, trailers conveying foodstuffs which are exempted from the lockdown order and other essential service personnel vehicles.
Some passengers do spend a day or two at entry points and are later buy their ways into the State. This is not a good omen.

I also noticed high profile persons who may have travelling history to other Countries/States with confirmed case and are not in anyway on any assignment allowed access at some entry/ checkpoints.

May I appeal to the State government to put in place more proactive measures to address the situation raised above.

I am pleading for the lifting of the total lockdown but the sustenance of other measures already in place to mitigate spread of the virus even as the citizen await the imminent and inevitable national lockdown that maybe imposed.

If not for those who circumvent checkpoints and contravened the lockdown thereby having uncontrolled access into the State, one could conclude there is no confirmed case in the State considering that anyone who was positive before the lockdown could had manifested symptoms.

The State Government should ensure the provision of palliatives to the vulnerable before the potential national lockdown.

Finally, I want to make a passionate appeal that men/women of the security outfits (especially the NPF, NSCDC, VGN, Neighbourhood Watch and Anti-Sara Suka-which i noticed are doing a great job in parts of Jos North) enforcing compliance be properly taken care of in terms of their welfare.

Welfare attention should also be accorded to front line health workers, Journalists, Bloggers & other social media Influencers whose immense contributions toward the fight against COVID-19 are visible and felt immensely.

I wish to call on the general public to adhere strictly to all preventive measures advised by health experts (such as NCDC, Health Ministry & WHO) and government directives aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

There is no doubt the Coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected economic, social, cultural, religious and political activities, but I am optimistic that we will emerge stronger, better and greater as a State and Nation.

God bless Plateau State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Cmr. Friday Bako is a Concerned Citizen, Blogger & Social Media Influencer

The Plateau State government has quarantined at least travellers in two of its observation centres in the state for violating the lockdown order.

The state Commissioner for Health, Lar Ndam, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Pankshin.

Mr Ndam decried the attitudes of some indigenes staying in other states who were insisting on returning to the Plateau despite the government’s lockdown order aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
“We have 49 of the defaulters in Godiya Resort Observation Centre at Heipang In Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area and 545 others at our newly opened observation centre at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Jakatai in Mangu Local Government Area.
“Our worry is that even as we speak, more are still coming into the state; which is a very worrisome development that calls for stringent measures to curtail the spread of the deadly disease into the Plateau.
“As you know, God is faithful to us for not allowing any index case on the Plateau, which is our joy and why we have to keep the state free of the virus,’’ the commissioner said.

He said that reports from Sam Mbok, the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area’s Enforcement, Response and Monitoring Team, showed that 12 of the returnees were taken to the NYSC camp Observation Centre on April 21.

“Out of the 12 defaulters, five came from Kano, one from Lagos, five from Abia and another one from Niger states.

“Out of the 12 persons, five of them were discovered to be running high temperature and were separated from the rest and taken to the COVID-19 Testing Centre at NVRI, Vom, for test,” he said.
He said that four of the defaulters were arrested at Mangu town on Tuesday evening and were also taken to the NYSC Orientation Camp Observation Centre where they were quarantined.

Mr Ndam, however, called on the security operatives and government officials to strictly mount surveillance at all boundaries of the state with others to fish out defaulters to save the state from the dreaded virus.
According to him, traditional rulers and the general public are implored to report any person coming to their midst from another state to government officials and security agencies.

© NAN