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Kwara Locksdown Offa to Contain COVID-19

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From Alfred Babs, Ilorin.

Kwara state government has ordered a total lockdown of the ancient town of Offa in the Offa local government area of the state.


Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday evening, the state deputy governor, who is also the Chairman, Technical Committee on COVID-19 in the state, Mr.

Kayode Alabi, said that the development was aimed at containing community transmission of the virus.


It is recalled that a suspected coronavirus patient reportedly died in the UITH last Thursday, while his wife also tested positive, just as another person had tested positive to the virus.


He said that the total lockdown of the town would be effective from Wednesday, April 8, 2020 adding that the traditional ruler of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye 11 had been briefed on the government decision.

 The text of the statement reads:”Following the confirmation of two cases of COVID-19 in Offa, the government is compelled to effect a total shutdown of the ancient town to contain community transmission and save people’s lives. This shutdown will become effective at 6pm local time on Wednesday April 8th. This directive is pursuant to the Kwara State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020.  

“The shutdown means total restriction on every vehicular movement into or from Offa. The exceptions to this directive are those contained in the recent address of Mr President which granted access to vehicles transporting foodstuffs, poultry and pharmaceutical products.

“Any other movement, private or commercial is hereby banned for the next 14 days or until such a time the government is satisfied that our people are no longer at risk of mass infections arising from the two cases that have been traced to the town.  Any violators are liable to punishments outlined in the Kwara State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020.

“Various security agencies, including the police and the Nigerian Navy, have been drafted to enforce this directive while His Royal Highness the Olofa of Offa has been fully briefed. We urge our people to please bear with us in this tough period. The human community is certain to come out of this pandemic stronger and better.

“The government calls for timely report of any suspicious case of COVID-19. Anyone with travel history to frontline states, the America or European countries and others in the last three weeks should please contact the Kwara State Technical Committee for relevant advisory.  Arrangements have been made to distribute palliatives to the poorest of the poor to assist them in this trying time.

“This will happen before the week runs out. The categories of the people to receive the palliatives are strictly the aged, the physically challenged, widows/widowers, poor artisans, and any other needy group that the ward-based committee on palliatives deem qualified for the food stuffs. This committees comprise traditional rulers, religious leaders and local Community Based Organisations whose duty is to monitor the exercise.

“We want to clarify that this palliative cannot go round. It is targeted strictly at the poorest of the poor in the belief that they are the most affected at this time.  We pray for all of those infected to get well soon. We assure them of getting the best care possible. Rest assured that you have committed no crime. To all our healthcare specialists, we are grateful to you. We cannot thank you enough. Kwara people are grateful to you and would always have your back now and always. 

“Finally, Kwarans, this  is no time to panic. Please stay calm. The Government will do everything to keep you safe. But we also need you to play your own role. Stay at home. Keep social distancing. Avoid crowd.

“Prioritise personal hygiene. And please do not spread unverified news. Claims that one of the two suspected COVID-19 cases has died is FALSE. They both remain stable and asymptomatic at this time.”

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Police Apprehend Suspect over Alleged Human Trafficking in C’ River 

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The Police Command in Cross River has apprehended one Victor Eyop, 35, for alleged trafficking of girls from Nigeria to Libya.

CP Gyogon Grimah, Cross River Commissioner of Police, confirmed this on Monday at a news conference in Calabar.

Grimah explained that on Nov. 9, one Mr Chidi Samuel, in Calabar, reported a case of human trafficking against the suspect.

He said that on that date, Samuel claimed that the suspect and his wife, Mrs Esther Eyop, allegedly recruited Ms Deborah Nyong, 25.

“They also recruited two others, Ms Anita Lawrence, 25, and Ms Mabel Tom, 16, for human trafficking to Libya after they were tested for the Human Immune Virus (HIV) and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs).

“After the test, the suspect took them to his house and the next day gave them a substance they were to mix in their bath water for cleansing before embarking on the journey.

“On Nov. 12, the suspect and his wife drove the girls to Bogobiri Street in Calabar, where they booked tickets and transported them to Kaduna with arrangements with one Hajiya (names unknown) to receive the girls in Kaduna,” he said.

The commissioner noted that while in Kaduna, a taxi driver was sent to pick up the girls and further transported them to Katsina. However, along the road to Katsina, the vehicle developed a fault.

Grimah said it was at this point that the victims realised that they were being trafficked, started contacting people for help and the complainant, Samuel, sent money to them through a Point of Sale (POS) operator along the road.

He said, with that money, they boarded a taxi back to Kaduna and found their way back to Calabar on Nov. 15.

Grimah said that court prosecution would begin the moment the investigation was concluded.

On his part, the suspect claimed that he did not know that what he did was an offense noting that he was only assisting people to travel out.

“I am not a travel agent, but my sister is in Libya, it is through her that the girls are being taken to Libya.

“The girls were aware of the plan from inception that they would be taken to Katsina and from where ‘Hajiya’ would direct them on how to get to Libya,” he narrated. (NAN)

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Adhering to Fiscal Discipline will Check Inflation- Economists

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An economist, Prof. Bright Eregha, has urged the federal and state governments to adhere to fiscal discipline and support import substitution to combat rising inflation.

Eregha, who lectures at the Economics Department, Pan Atlantic University, expressed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Monday.

He said that over the past year, the allocation of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to various subnational governments had surged significantly due to economic reforms implemented by the government.

Eregha said that this increase in allocations had raised the money supply within the economy.

According to him, this can also lead to a rise in the current inflation rate if these funds are not channeled into productive sectors.

He stressed the necessity for the governments to invest in mechanised agriculture as a solution to the prevailing food insecurity.

“An increased budgetary allocation to mechanise our agriculture is essential to boost food production, irrespective of whether it is harvest season or not,” he stated.

Eregha argued that such investments would aid the country in achieving self-sufficiency in food production and help mitigate the food-induced inflation currently being experienced.

Also, Prof. Tunde Adeoye, Senior Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Lagos, advocated  import substitution to curb the inflation rate.

He stated, “The government should adopt macroeconomic policies that will encourage indigenous companies to commence the production of some imported items locally and be patronised by our people.

“This will strengthen our local capacity and reduce our volume of imports over time, which is exerting too much pressure on our foreign exchange,” he explained.

According to Adeoye, the surge in inflation rate is more of a structural challenge within the general economy.

He said, “The situation has gone beyond the apex bank’s belief that raising interest rates alone will check the inflation rate.

“Our increase in inflation is more of an economic dislocation which is worsened by the government’s current economic reforms.”

He further emphasised the need for the government to be more innovative in addressing the security headwinds that negate food output in the country.

“The government addressing the herders-farmers disputes over the years in food belt states might ameliorate the situation,” Adeoye said.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 34.6 per cent in November, up from 33.8 per cent in October.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released on Dec.16, highlights a 0.72 per cent rise in inflation within a month.

The NBS reported a significant year-on-year increase of 6.4 per cent, compared to the 28.2 per cent inflation rate recorded in November 2023.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation rose by 2.638 per cent in November, a marginal drop of 0.002 percentage points from October’s 2.64 per cent. (NAN)

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Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and made available to journalists in Abuja.

.The statement reads in parts, “We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church.
”This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member.
We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”Many people arrived early, hoping to receive palliatives that would help them during tough times. What was meant to be a day of support turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy impact on all of us and reminding us how fragile life can be.”This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. “In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern shown in response to this incident highlights our shared humanity.”Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where we can gather in safety and peace, sharing in the abundance of food and support that we can provide for one another as a nation.”May those who have passed find eternal rest, and may God comfort all who are grieving”.

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