BIG STORY

Presidency Threatens Another Lockdown Over Non-Use Of Facemasks

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2021

The Presidency yesterday threatened another lockdown of the country if Nigerians fail to comply with the compulsory wearing of face masks while in public places.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement titled: “Nigerians should comply with mandatory mask-wearing to avert another lockdown,” expressed concern over the non-compliance with the recently signed Executive Order, which makes mask-wearing and observation of social distancing in the public mandatory.

It stressed that the federal government was hesitant to lock down the country again but continues to emphasize the non-pharmaceutical measures, adding that the only way to avert lockdowns is to observe these measures as put in place by the Presidential Task Force.

According to it, “Nigerians have come a long way from the dreaded lockdown and the administration is unhappy about any prospects of bringing it back as many citizens will not have food on the table without venturing out on a day-to-day business.

“Nigerians are required to wear masks, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, and keep a safe distance with anybody not in your household, hoping that this will help check the spread of COVID-19.

“Though vaccine availability is within reach, the propensity of the public for noncompliance weakens the fight against the virus.”

“Nigerians must ignore baseless conspiracy theories that seek to deny the reality of the pandemic by complying with the order to wear masks.”
It said Nigerians have a duty to protect themselves and others during the difficult global health crisis, adding that no one has immunity against this pandemic and that ignoring health warnings and refusing to comply with safety measures would do more harm than good.

The presidency, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to give their maximum cooperation for the success of the policy, saying the president introduced the order with the best of intentions and not with any motive to punish citizens.

It also urged state governments, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to play active roles in the sensitization and enforcement of the Executive Order.

“To achieve this, COVID-19 task forces and committees should persuade members of the public to cooperate with the government in achieving compliance and avoid crude methods that may create resistance and resentment, thereby defeating the primary goal of the Executive Order.”

According to the presidency, “The COVID-19 pandemic is a major threat to public health and wearing of masks, social distancing in public places and the basic hygiene are necessary measures that have to be taken to safeguard the well-being of our citizens.

“Nigerians must always have it in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to the health of the population but it is equally so to the national economy, and to every aspect of our everyday life.

“Protecting public health is one of the sacred duties of any responsible government and the administration will not abdicate that responsibility.”

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Related Topics:bigstory COVID-19 Lockdown presidency

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Earmarks N827bn For Education Infrastructure In 2025 Budget

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2024

PorscheClassy News

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced that the Federal Government has disbursed a total of N34bn in loans to students studying at tertiary institutions across the country through the “Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

The President made this statement on Wednesday while presenting the N49.7tn 2025 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly. He also highlighted that the government has allocated N826bn for infrastructure development in the education sector for the 2025 fiscal year.

He stated, “Our administration has so far disbursed N34bn to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

“In the 2025 budget, we have made provision for N826.90bn for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education and the nine new higher educational institutions.”

He continued, “We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated N402bn for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 budget and another N282.65bn for the Basic Health Care Fund.”

“Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians.”

“This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.”

Post Views: 22

BIG STORY

President Tinubu Targets N1,500 Per Dollar Rate In 2025 Budget Goals

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2024

PorscheClassy News

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, stated that the Federal Government aims to stabilise the exchange rate at N1,500 to the dollar to ensure the smooth implementation of the 2025 budget.

This marks a reduction of about N200 from the current rate of N1,700 to a dollar.

President Tinubu made this known while presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the 11th National Assembly in Abuja.

“The budget projects that inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately N1,700 per dollar to N1,500. The base crude oil production assumption is set at 2.06 million barrels per day”, he said.

“The projections are based on the following observations: reducing the importation of petroleum products, increasing exports of refined petroleum”. He added.

Post Views: 22

BIG STORY

JUST IN: 32 Reportedly Die In Ibadan Children Programme Stampede

Published

4 hours ago

December 18, 2024

PorscheClassy News

At least 32 people have tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, resulting in the deaths of 32 people, mostly children, with some others sustaining injuries.

He mentioned that the state government promptly deployed a rapid response team to the site following the incident.

The commissioner confirmed that the victims have been transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment.

While thanking the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for quickly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade emphasized that the state government will do everything possible to support the victims of the stampede during this difficult time.

He noted that the sate government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organisation of the private end of the year children funfair.

Oyelade emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The commissioner urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification:

Patnas Hospital, Basorun
Western Hospital, Basorun
Ringroad State Hospital
Molly Specialist Hospital
University College Hospital (UCH)

“Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims,” he added.

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