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Customs jittery over N2trn revenue target due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.

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Customs jittery over N2trn revenue target due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Col. Hameed Ali (rtd)

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]gencies in Nigeria’s maritime sector are jittery over possible drop in their yearly revenue due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus.

The deadly Coronavirus, which has crippled business activities in China and killed thousands of people worldwide is likely to have negative effect on the Nigeria Customs Service’s N2 trillion 2020 revenue target.

Other government revenue generating agencies would also not be spared.

Sources at the Lagos ports said the level of imports arriving Nigerian port had  dipped significantly, as 60 per cent importation into Nigerian ports are from China, even as several vessels and thousands of Nigerian-bound cargoes have been trapped in China.

However, Benin Republic has shut its border as a result of more cases of Coronavirus recorded in Nigeria, a development which has left many travelers stranded at the Seme border.

An importer, Geff Okereke, said the few vessels that were still calling on the nation’s seaports were the ones that have left before the outbreak of the virus, saying in the next two months, cargo traffic at the ports will disappear completely.

He said over $300 million worth of electronics, hardware goods belonging to some Nigerians at Alaba market and computer village were trapped in China.

“Currently, vessels with laden goods do not come regularly to Nigerian ports due to the Coronavirus outbreak in China. There is presently drastic reduction in movement of cargoes into Nigerian ports.

“Given the decline in the volume of import and export cargoes, there would be corresponding drop in government revenue as Federal Government agencies such as Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other agencies that generate revenue from authorising these cargoes, would also lose out significantly.”

National President, Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, said the situation would have serious impact on the nation’s ports revenue.

He said in the next two months, there is going to be a drastic drop in revenue. He advised the Nigeria Customs and other government generating revenue agencies to stop looking at revenue for now and focus on security and how people can be safe in view of what is happening globally.

“When you see countries closing and shutting down, you must understand what is happening. It means nobody can go into that country and most of those countries are countries that actually have their import.

“Fifty or 60 per cent import come through China to Nigeria. As at now, that means nobody can go into China. We have consignments coming from Italy and many other countries and many of these countries have lockdown which means nobody can access them for now.”

He said the countries were trying to see how they can quarantine their system for their countries to be safe from epidemic.

“A country like Italy is closing down and America is trying to close its border. Even Benin Republic shut their border and people travelling from Nigeria are stranded  and many other countries have closed down.

“No country is talking about revenue today but security. Customs should forget about revenue for now. I’m surprised that they are still using an old system. It is 1947 old system. There is no seminar you go today, they will talk about revenue, what they talk about is security. I think Customs should try to modernise. If your country is not secured, your revenue is useless.”

Atiku’s son tests positive for Coronavirus

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Atiku’s son tests positive for Coronavirus

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his son tested positive for the deadly Coronavirus.

Atiku, on his verified twitter page, late Sunday night disclosed that his son had tested positive for the virus. He said the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, had been duly informed.

Atiku added that his son, whose name he did not disclose, had been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management.

He called on Nigerians to pray for his son’s quick recovery.

“My son has tested positive to the #coronavirus. Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control has been duly informed, and he has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management.

“I will appreciate it if you have him in your prayers. Stay safe, coronavirus is real,” he tweeted.

Atiku had earlier in the day said he joined millions of other Nigerians to celebrate the health workers for their courageous work at this challenging time, and  urged all Nigerians to remain strong while” we fight the scourge of this #COVIDー19 to the end.”

 

The Return of Peoples’ Chairman in Oshimili South LGA

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The Return of Peoples’ Chairman in Oshimili South LGA
Ogbueshi Dada Okonji
PDP Chairman Oshimili South

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n this report, Ike Abiagom writes that the second term victory of Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, is a result of service delivery,The much expected Oshimili South PDP Congress election in Delta State has come and gone with Ogbueshi Okonji, emerging victorious.
With this victory, Ogbueshi Okonji is expected to serve another term ,Ogbueshi Okonji was returned unopposed through a motion moved by the member representing the Oshimili south Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Shedrack Rapu and seconded by former Speaker of the State Legislature, Honourable Peter Onwusanya.
For the first time in the political history of Oshimili South Local Government Area, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday returned its Chairman, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, for another term His much talked about second term election may have come and gone, it is not without some hiccups. His victory, expectedly, was as a result of hard work and dedication to a laid down political strategy.

Accordingly, and as observed by many political watchers, Ogbueshi Okonji’s overwhelming victory never came as a surprise. This is because the People chairman has done everything possible to ensure he emerge victorious.

There were many factors that counted for the chairman’s re-election. As soon as he got the mandates of the people for
his first term, he never played politics with good governance. The Ogbueshi Okonji has also ran all-inclusive government by making sure that virtually all interest groups in the local government were accommodated in term of political appointments and awards of contracts. This has made it possible for less acrimony and bitterness in the local government Area.

The said the victory is a win for all Oshimili South, noting that Ogbueshi Okonji’s re-election, is like the reemergence
of a phoenix, held no surprise because the turnout of large support base is testament of his sterling leadership
qualities and efforts.
Ogbueshi Okonji has proved himself invaluable in every material particular to his Local government, his supporters as
well as onlookers, hence no victory is too great for his efforts. I do believe that the development strides and
empowerment disposition in his first term are but a litmus test, as the people of Oshimili South will sure get ten times
over the package with his re-emergence.”

“The gold fish, like the saying goes, has no hiding place. It is the good things a person placed in a leadership
position, and his non-stylized form of governance that speak for him, and makes him win the heart of many, friends and
foes inclusive; not the ethnically- biased mind attached to a leader’s style of governance. Ogbueshi Okonji through his
quality governance has continued to be showered with accolades by those who truly appreciate what principle of true
leadership entails; the dynamic, focused and detribalized leadership found in Ogbueshi Okonji is doing in the LGA.
People say he is about the most cherished and appreciated. This is what the congress have proven in the local
government.”

Ogbueshi Okonji remain a hero, considering the fact that the commendations that has been very out-pouring on him cut
across the local government and beyond, and not just from one district that is being favoured to the detriment of
others. Many prominent Deltans, and non-Deltans, the high and low, have been pouring encomiums on the peoples’ chairman to the envy of those leaders that were privileged to be in leadership positions in the LGA but never performed, Ogbueshi Okonji
sterling leadership qualities are second to none.

The  Image Maker of Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network,Ike Abiagom who spoke exclusively to newsmen on the victory of Ogbueshi Okonji, further lent weight to the genuine happiness and expression of purpose Deltans have been pouring on Ogbueshi Okonji’s good leadership qualities, saying: “I think he is one party chairman with highest number of encomiums
so far in the Delta State if we have a way of carrying out the statistics.”

A highly-elated youth leader sincerely acknowledged the good work the PDP Chairman’s has been doing across the state,
saying he has delivered the dividends of democracy not only through empowerment of the masses, but also through personal
good will.

He noted that Ogbueshi Okonji has brought great pride to Delta State through his quality leadership which he said is
daily being positively commented on by those with fore-sight, and through his heart-warming activities, has been able to
carve a perfect niche for himself by being one of the most distinguished party chairman in the Delta State today having
performed exceptionally well.

He described Ogbueshi Okonji as a good manager of people and resources which explained why he is steadily making rapid
incursion into more progressive governance and being seen as a template by others in leadership positions that were
being sluggish in their approach to things to start buckling up.

Ogbueshi Okonji overwhelming victory at the congress was a testament of his all inclusive leadership style coupled with
his doggedness to see that things are done right. But like some political analysts asserted, it is hoped that he will
sustain the pace and act in manners that will justify the confidence reposed on him.
“As they say; “one good turn deserves another”, is the story that played out at Oshimili South Arcade arena where the
PDP Congress took place. For a young man that did marvelously well in his first tenure, giving him another opportunity
to serve the Party is highly commendable. The people will surely support his administration.Carry go people’s chairman.

Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation Empowers 100 Youths in Ibusa through Skills Acquisition Training Programme

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Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation Empowers 100 Youths in Ibusa through Skills Acquisition Training Programme
Mrs Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi, President/ founder,Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation(GOOF)

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]bout 100 youths from Ibusa town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have graduated from various skills acquisition programme organised by Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation (www.goofoundation.org) as a way of transforming society and providing employment opportunities for the youths.

The skills acquisition programme, which cut across a wide range of vocational skills such as Bag making , cake, Wig Making and make-over, marked the successful completion of the second batch trainees.The programme marks another level of Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation’s intervention as it is targeted at providing vocational skills to the teeming youth population in Ibusa.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mrs Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi, President/ founder,Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi  Foundation(GOOF) said the initiative was a demonstration of Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation’s commitment toward
capacity-building and youth empowerment in Delta State.

Onyekachi said the programme was another level of her foundation’s intervention targeted at providing vocational skills to the teeming youths population in Ibusa. She said the programme was also aimed at making youths from Ibusa employable.

She said the 100 youths from Ibusa community in Delta State graduated from various skills acquisition programmes put together by Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation as a way of transforming society and providing employment opportunities for the youths.Accoding to her,Technical education and Skill Acquisition is a cardinal programme of Gloria Okonkwo  Onyekachi Foundation because we believe that until we get our targeted 5,000 youths to acquire the requisite technical and vocational skills, we are not building a future for the youths.She urged the graduands to be more focused and diligent in whatever they do and serve as frontier to others.

Empowered Cake makers

“With the tools given to you today, you can be good ambassadors of this great community and our foundation. So many graduates outside are still searching for jobs, but yours is different because you have been trained.

Chief Charles Okonkwo &
Bishop Chiendu James

“We are going to give you our maximum support to ensure you are self- employed in our operations, as our communities remains our priority. These skills given to you today, can take you to various places and attract better opportunity if
managed effectively,” she said.

Mrs Onyekachi advised the graduands to commit themselves to continuous learning and development as the business environment changes frequently, and promised to assist them to succeed.She expressed optimism that the Ibusa communities will experience a turnaround in their fortunes very soon.

Also at the event, Chief Charles Okonkwo, Chairman,Lifeguard Limited lauded the Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation for the initiative, and urged the newly graduated youths to be good ambassadors to the state and their community.

Empowered Bag makers

“We will ensure that all of you that graduated today, will be self employed tomorrow because we believe that what you learnt will be useful for the development of Ibusa. I urge you all to be good examples to others and always demonstrate better character and integrity in what you do,” Chief Okonkwo said.

Another speaker, Bishop Chiendu James,The General Overseer , End Time Reconciliation Ministry, said that the Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation was desirous of reducing youths unemployment through youths empowerment and job creation stressing that “this is why the foundation have embarked on Skills Acquisition sensitization in our various quarters
across the town in curbing criminality and creating entrepreneurs” adding “He will continue to support skills acquisition programme of this foundation to reduce unemployment.He applauded the founder for the sensitisation programme and reiterated the commitment of her foundation in the reduction of unemployment rate in the town, while urging the students to look beyond their certificate.

The Coordinator of the program Hon.Austin Nnabuife lauded Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation for pioneering the skills vocational training for the youths in the Ibusa.

Hon. Nnabuife said the programme which started a week ago,had today recorded tremendous success among the 100 graduands. The programme has transformed the students to do better and also improved their standards of creativity on the jobs leant.He encouraged the youths to fully utilise the skills they acquired. He commended Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation for its unwavering support to community development initiatives in the state and emphasised the need for the youth to work hard.

The Publisher of Newsbreeze Magazine, Comrade Ike Abiagom who was one of the Coordinator of last year program noted that the World at the moment is no longer in the era of certificate but ‘Sabificate” and having a skills will showcase you to the
world and also save you from financial slavery. He also noted that the objectives of the entrepreneurship awareness programme was to sensitise students on the need to acquire skills while in school, adding that it was also meant to grow a new generation of Entrepreneurs from among students even before graduation.

We are appealing to the foundation to continue this empowerment because the biggest economic challenge in Nigeria today is youth unemployment. Unfortunately, our current educational system has adverse effects on the mentality of the graduates that we produce; they have a job seeker’s mentality. It is my conviction that Skill Acquisition holds the key to solving our unemployment problem. Skill Acquisition offer highly technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education to enable graduate youths function as wealth creators and job creators, in addition to giving them employability skills.  One of the students, Isioma Abauh said the programme was laudable, adding that it came at the right time. According to
her, most youths in the Ibusa do not have meaningful livelihood, while urging Gloria Okonkwo Onyekachi Foundation to
continue the good work.
Another student, Obi Esther said the programme had created opportunities for most of the youths. She added that this could make them independent in the community.

By: Ike Abiagom

PTML Customs Allegedly Using Fraudulent Data Base On Imported Vehicles

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PTML Customs Allegedly Using Fraudulent Data Base On Imported Vehicles
Col. Hameed Ali (rtd)

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]embers of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at PTML Chapter in Lagos have accused the Nigeria Customs Service attached to the terminal of using a fraudulent document in issuing value payable on imported vehicles.

Recall that some aggrieved clearing agents were seen in a viral video recently, molesting the Customs Area Controller,  Compt Festus Okun, chanting “thief” and accusing him of issuing outrageous valuation on imported cars all in the bid to meet up the command’s 2020 revenue target.
To this end, the Chairman of ANLCA PTML Chapter,  Elder Oluwole Obey yesterday convened a town hall meeting  in order to resolve the professional conflict between the Customs and the agents.
The clearing agents however took turns to purge out their minds about the many alleged atrocities being committed by the Customs command, all in the name of meeting up their 2020 revenue target.
One of them, Aniezechukwu Uchechukwu who is special adviser to the chapter chairman on maritime affairs alleged that
PTML Customs command were  distorting values of imported cargoes in order to suit the government.
 “We want to believe that the valuation being issued by PTML Customs are too exorbitant and it has no basis. The data base with which Customs Customs issue their valuation is fraudulent,  I have with me a document from the World Customs Organisation which is a Customs guide to valuation which Nigeria Customs is signatory to, the document says that the essence of valuation is on transactional value”
“I can provide so many receipt of cars which are different from what Customs are giving us,  recently we did an autobiography here and we presented the receipt of purchase of $70,000 vehicle,  but Customs issued us 125,000 value, we can present the receipt anywhere”
“The Customs Service document is a total fraud, the Customs officers cannot continue giving us values from under their cupboard, the guideline for valuation says their must be an interaction between the importer and the agents and the Customs service before valuation is given”
“Nigeria Customs Service are distorting values of imported cargoes in order to suit the government that wants revenue from them. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are also aware that Customs is misusing the data base and distorting values”
 “If the Customs does not stop this act, we have enough legal instrument to stop their activities, the days of going to fight Customs is over, we are going to use our legal instruments” he said
 Aniezechukwu further alleged that many charges that are not known to law are being collected by the terminal operators; PTML and Grimaldi Shipping.
He said the charges ranged from the payment of access card every year, to the exorbitant shipping charges,  container deposit charges, non starting charges among others. He reiterated that these charges are not known to any law in  Nigeria. He urged authorities of Grimaldi Shipping to take heed before the agents are pushed to the wall
Another agent, Okechukwu Remigeus alleged that PTML Customs Command has become a testing ground for all unfriendly policies of the Customs Service.
“PTML Customs command has become a testing ground for all forms of unfriendly Customs policies, whatever is discussed in Abuja in the morning,  by afternoon they have already started implementation at PTML without any circular,  without information or any process”
“By the time you resume at the office, you would have seen a different thing altogether. Why is it that Grimaldi Terminal has become a testing ground when there are other terminals before us?” he said
Responding, the Customs Area Controller,  Mr Festus Okun who was represented by Deputy Comptroller  enforcement, DC Ogbonna, explained that customs block cargoes from exiting the terminal when there are suspicions of forgery.
He said alerts come on cargoes when the value paid on consignment is not correct.
“If you are supposed to pay N2Million on a cargo and you paid N1million, definitely you will get an alert”
“Forgery is not good, it is bad for the economy, and everything we are doing is to protect the Nigerian economy”
Speaking earlier,  Chairman of PTML chapter of ANLCA, Elder Oluwole Obey said it would be extremely difficult not to have friction and professional conflict at interval when dealing with a Customs service that is being monitored daily online from the headquarters with a predetermined and outrageous financial targets.
He however said that the association is always seeking ways to resolve conflict between agents and Customs and that this is the major essence of the periodic stakeholders meetings.
Elder Obey cautioned his members that every professional conflict are meant to be analysed and resolved, he appealed to his members to be calm and patient.

[BREAKING] Coronavirus: FG orders closure of varsities, schools nationwide

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[BREAKING] Coronavirus: FG orders closure of varsities, schools nationwide

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ederal Government has directed the Heads of Federal Institutions and Principals of the 104 Unity Colleges across the country to close down the institutions as a result of the spread of coronavirus.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu gave the directive through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement was issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Ben Bem Goong.

The permanent secretary noted that the decision to close down the schools was to protect and safeguard the lives of students/pupils from the deadly coronavirus.

Echono said: ”We have directed all higher institutions to close this weekend. Unity Schools that have completed their exams are to close immediately.

“Others are to hurry and close the latest on 26th March.”

The permanent secretary said the ministry would monitor development as total closure might be ordered at any moment.

He admonished all the Principals of the Unity Colleges to fast track the on-going second term examinations and close shop until further notice.

The statement reads: “In the meantime, the Minister said the management of all the Unity Colleges should immediately activate the necessary emergency procedures and processes such as the provision of alcohol based sanitizers, and hand washing facilities among others, adding that students should strictly adhere to the principles and best practices of good hygiene.

“Adamu Adamu directed the principals to immediately report any suspicious case to the nearest health authorities, emphasising that nothing should be taken for granted at this delicate time of the global pandemic.”

NIMASA: Ochei’s Appointment Well-Deserved – Okowa

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NIMASA: Ochei’s Appointment Well-Deserved – Okowa

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Mr Victor Ochei on his appointment as Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Ochei, a former Speaker of Delta House of Assembly, was recently inaugurated into the NIMASA board following the re-organisation in the agency’s top hierarchy.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said that Ochei’s appointment was well-deserved and urged him to use his good office to attract development to Delta.

He particularly charged him to look the way of Warri Port and other sea ports in Delta, which had been roundly neglected and therefore, very inactive and ensure that they were revived, adding that the executive director should also make the protracting issue of dredging of the approach to Warri Port his utmost concern.

Okowa remarked that Ochei, an engineer, lawyer, former lawmaker and businessman, was ably qualified for the position considering his years of service to the state and country.

He said “as a Speaker, Ochei was brilliant, vibrant and exceptional as he carried his office with finesse and contributed immensely to the development of infrastructure at the State Assembly complex.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, we thank President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing our illustrious son, Engr. Victor Ochei, as Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services in Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“At the House of Assembly, Ochei related very well with his colleagues and I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience garnered over the years to turn things around in NIMASA.ALSO READ:  Delta 2023: Ijaw Youths Charge Governor Okowa To Stand By His Word

“I therefore urge him to remain a good ambassador of Delta as he is expected to use his good office to attract further development to our people.”

US approves Chloroquine for treatment of Coronavirus

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US approves Chloroquine for treatment of Coronavirus

[dropcap]U[/dropcap]nited States President, Donald Trump said the country has approved the use of Chloroquine for the treatment of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

AFP quoted Trump as saying that the US had approved its use on Thursday.

“We’re going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately, and that’s where the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been so great,” Trump told reporters.

“They’ve gone through the approval process — it’s been approved. They took it down from many, many months to immediate. So we’re going to be able to make that drug available by prescription,” he said.

Covid-19: UK, US export coronavirus to Nigeria, six-week old baby positive

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Covid-19: UK, US export coronavirus to Nigeria, six-week old baby positive
Federal Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire addresses the media on the new cases

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria is increasingly exposed to the deadly coronavirus. That is the stark reality that confronted Nigerians on Wednesday as government responded with a massive travel ban on 13 countries, including the USA and United Kingdom and suspended visas on arrival policy.

Five new cases of coronavirus just confirmed in Nigeria by the Federal Ministry of Health were imported from the USA and United Kingdom, increasing the cases in Nigeria from three registered in Lagos to eight nationally.

Three of the confirmed cases, two of them Nigerians, a mother and her six-week old baby arrived from the US. Another two cases, all Nigerians arrived from the UK.

Government did not indicate where the cases were found.

“A detailed travel history of each case is being compiled & contact tracing has begun

“Our National Emergency Operations Centre is supporting response in the states

“The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health is conducting risk assessment to initiate other relevant measures”, said a tweet by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control.

“We urge Nigerians to remain calm as public health response activities are intensified across the country”, NCDC said.

The first index case of the virus is an Italian from Milan.

Hence, the Federal Government announced entry restriction for travellers from the US, Italy and the UK.

Other countries affected are China, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, Netherlands and Switzerland.

These are all countries with over 1,000 cases domestically.

“The Federal Government is temporarily suspending all visas issued to nationals from these countries. Nigerians arriving from these countries will be subjected to supervised isolation for 14 days.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is also advising all Nigerians to avoid travel to these countries.

“These restrictions will come into effect from Friday 20 March 2020 for 4 weeks subject to review”, said Boss Mustapha, secretary to the Government of the Federation, who also chairs the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

Coronavirus: Lagos bans religious gathering of over 50 people

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Coronavirus: Lagos bans religious gathering of over 50 people
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, with religious leaders, briefing newsmen after the meeting

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos State Government on Wednesday banned all religious gathering of over 50 people within the state in a bid to curtail the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

The decision was arrived at after a meeting of the Lagos State Government with religious bodies in the state. The religious bodies include the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and Muslim leaders.

Reading a communique after the meeting held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Government Secretariat, in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi said the meeting agreed that all large religious gathering of over 50 people should be suspended with immediately.

He said the suspension would last for four weeks, with necessary review carried out if need be.

Elegushi added that a committee had been set up to monitor the enforcement of the suspension to ensure that both Muslims and Christians in the state abide by the decision. The 15-member committee comprises representatives of Muslims and Christians in the State.

Elegushi also said the meeting agreed that the state government should embark on massive sensitisation of people at the grassroots on the need to embrace proper hygiene. He added that the meeting agreed that all health workers in the state should up their games in the battle against Coronavirus.

Elegushi stated that it was agreed that the Federal Government should shutdown borders, especially land borders to checkmate the influx of foreigners into Lagos in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

The commissioner said the state government would immediately embarked on massive sensitisation of residents to be more aware of the danger posed by Coronavirus.

Elegushi appealed to Lagosians to desist from handshaking and to always wash their hands with soap and water or made use of sanitisers.

Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla said the action of the state government was commendable, urging all Muslim leaders to abide by the decision and to also make personal hygiene a priority.

Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola said the nation was at a critical point, stressing that since the outbreak of Coronavirus, Christians had been praying.

“We are at a critical moment in Nigeria, since we heard this, we have been praying. We have listened carefully to one another, particularly the government. The responsibility of every government is to protect the lives of the people.

“We must be proactive and take preventive measures. It is no longer the issue of religion but survival. We are going to accelerate the education of our people. We must listen to the instruction of the government and take the instruction seriously. We agree with the action of the government,” he said.

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