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Lalong Relaxes Plateau Lockdown by Five Days

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos


Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has relaxed the one week COVID-19 lockdown by five days beginning from 11.00PM of Thursday April 15, 2020 to Sunday Midnight April 19, 2020 for citizens of the state to restock their homes with food among other needs that can take them for another one week lockdown.


He said the state has investigated 99 cases and has currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease out of which 23 persons isolated none has so far shown any symptoms.


Lalong stated this during a state broadcast on the end of a one week lockdown held at the old government house Rayfield in Jos the Plateau State capital.


He disclosed that over 1242 violators were arrested and made to pay fined by the COVID-19 Mobile Court established in the state out of which 195 were sentence to community services by clearning drainages under the monitoring of personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service.


The Governor said farmers, particularly those in the rural areas are exempted from the restrictions, as they are required to go to their farms now that the rains have started but must however, observe all guidelines for social distancing and hygiene.


The five days relaxation goes with  the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown where all markets remained closed except those selling “food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas.”


He stressed that “all illegal street trading, street hawking, 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 away for their customers to avoid crowding.


“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. 


“Vehicles (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. 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 remains in force.”


For the Governor, despite all the challenges and pains he can confidently say that the lockdown has been a huge success. “As at today, we have investigated 99 cases and currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease. Of the 23 persons isolated, none has so far shown any symptoms.

“I am happy to announce that the Testing Centre for Plateau State earlier envisaged has finally come to fruition, as the Bio-Safety Level 3 Grade 1 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, has been equipped and certified by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to begin outright test for COVID-19,” adding that the lab has the capacity of carrying out 1000 test at once.


He also disclosed that Government has constituted a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden and directed to immediately commence the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable and weak amongst citizens of the state.

He, however, warned “let me clarify that these palliatives, which will in due course also be complemented by the Federal Government, are strictly for the needy. Already, about sixty one thousand, six hundred and sixteen (61,616) beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme under the N-Power, Poorest of the Poor and School Feeding Programme have been receiving their stipends based on President Buhari’s directive.


“These are not people that should be looking forward to any other palliatives because they are already being taken care of. Similarly, workers who are receiving salaries as and when due should not expect to partake from the palliatives, let us consider the truly vulnerable ones at this period.


Lalong commended the media for their reportage and awareness created on the menace of COVID-19 in the state as well as law enforcement agencies such as “the Police, Department of State Services, the Army, Civil Defence, Immigration, Customs, NDLEA, and the Correctional Services, Members of the Vigilante Services, Neighbourhood Watch Groups, Community Associations, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Political Leaders as well as Leaders of thought for their commitment towards the emergency.  

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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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Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

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The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).

Gov. Hyacihth Alia, who presented the new product to the public in Makurdi, said the product was a significant step toward economic rejuvenation, industrialisation, and sustainable development of the state.

Alia stated that the product has further expressed the state’s readiness to harness her resources, build and revive dormant industries, and foster local economic growth.

The governor said the brewery would create a sustainable value chain, turning agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum, millet, and maize into high-value products.

He said the beer was an economic strategy to boost state internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs for the youth, address unemployment, and foster economic stability.

Alia said that through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, was revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.

“Having seen the economic potentials of the brewery industry on our local farmers and the economy of the state, we floated Food Basket Brewery that will produce quality beverages that can compete on national and global stages.

“The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a game-changer for the agricultural and economic landscape of Benue State.

“The brewery’s operations will directly impact the lives of our farmers, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and overall economic development of the state.” he said

The governor stated that through the BIPC, the state has initiated various projects aimed at revitalising existing industries and establishing new ones.

He said though there were other beer beverages in the country, the Benue brand remained the best in the market.

Alia urged the people to drink beer responsibly.

The governor commended the Managing Director (MD/CEO) BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, along with the management and entire staff of the company, for their relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment to bringing change to the state.

The BIPC Managing Director (M-D/CEO), Asemakaha, said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 per cent.

Asemakaha said that the target of the company was to create 10,000 jobs by 2025, adding that they have already created 411 direct jobs within one year.

“Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents more than just a new product. It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit.

“As we unveil this premium beer today, we do so with the knowledge that it will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our dear state in several critical ways,” he said.

The M-D disclosed that the Food Basket Brewery would not only produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer but also an array of other assorted brands that would cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

He said Zeva Premium Lager Beer was more than just a drink; it was a celebration of the Benue spirit—a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.

The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by the governor. (NAN)

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NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) to promote a food safety culture in Nigeria.

This collaboration was announced in a statement issued by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

He said the event took place in Lagos on Friday, where NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof.

Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented by Mrs Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN).

The statement quoted Adeyeye, highlighting that the collaboration stemmed from an end-of-year stakeholders’ dialogue session with NAFDAC.

She said the session provided an opportunity for both parties to have open discussions on strategic objectives.

Adeyeye noted that the FSAN dialogue had become a key part of NAFDAC’s calendar, marking its third consecutive annual edition.

She said the session aimed to share insights and tackle challenges related to ensuring the safety and quality of food supplied to Nigerians.

The NAFDAC Director-General emphasised that the event underscored the vital role of AFBTE in protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust.

“It also served as a platform for discussing important food safety concerns and sharing information on new regulatory processes for food manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.”

Adeyeye pointed out the far-reaching impact of unsafe food, which not only affected public health but could also harm economies and trade.

She stressed the importance of the food sector in adopting robust food safety standards, innovative solutions, and a food safety culture.

“NAFDAC, alongside AFBTE, is committed to guiding the industry towards voluntary compliance with regulatory requirements.

“This meeting is an opportunity to discuss how we can improve our services and better support you. What worked well in 2024? What didn’t, and how can we improve?”

She also mentioned that NAFDAC had received several applications from manufacturers requesting changes to product formulations, and the agency would work to verify these necessary changes.

The statement also quoted Mr Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the Technical Committee of AFBTE, who commended NAFDAC for facilitating the meeting, which provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to collaborate on progress for the upcoming year.

He noted that AFBTE members had become more strategic in their thinking and encouraged them to speak openly about issues they encounter. (NAN)

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