As part of measures to curtail the spread of Coronavirus in the country, the federal government yesterday told state governments to ban Sallah festivities scheduled for Friday next week.
The secretary to the government of the federation, Boss Mustapha, who announced federal government’s position during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, noted that while Sallah festivities come with a lot of mass gatherings, Nigerians must not forget that Coronavirus guidelines were still in place.
He said, “We also have cause to begin to advise Nigerians on the upcoming Eid-el Kabir Festival. This naturally comes with lots of mass gatherings but we must not forget that the guidelines are still in existence and the virus is very potent.
“We urge all state governments to ensure that guidelines are adhered to and the citizens should not indulge in activities that would allow for the spread of the virus and lives are endangered.
We are encouraged by state governments that have announced ban on Sallah festivities and hope it will be upheld and replicated by other states. The national coordinator will also amplify on these issues”.
Mustapha further hinted that going forward, the task force may resort to virtual briefings to minimise risk of contracting the virus.
“As we progress however, the PTF might consider restructuring the mode of delivering some of its activities, relying more on technology, to minimise the risks associated with avoidable physical contacts,” he added.
LEADERSHIP reported yesterday that the Kano State government had placed a ban on public celebrations of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Sultan Declares July 31 Eid-el-Kabir
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III yesterday declared Friday July 31, 2021 as the date for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Accordingly, he asked district heads and religious leaders to lead Eid prayers in Juma’at Mosques instead of Eid grounds.
Eid-el-kabir, which literally means “feast of sacrifice”, is an Islamic festival involving the killing of rams to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Ismail, before a lamb was later used for the sacrifice.
In a statement he issued yesterday, Abubakar called on Muslim faithful to pray for peace, progress and development in the country.
Nigeria Will Take Advantage Of Pandemic To Effect Changes – Osinbajo
As the federal government kick starts the implementation of the National Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday that Nigeria will take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to effect significant changes in the critical sectors of the country’s economy.
welcomed the move by the international community to support the successful execution of programmes encapsulated in the NESP.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, the Vice President stated this at a virtual meeting yesterday with representatives of the international community from the United States (US), the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), agencies of the United Nations, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, a member of the Economic Sustainability Committee was also in attendance.
Osinbajo who applauded the commitment of the international community to support Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic also noted that the country will take advantage of the crisis to effect significant changes in the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He said, “I thank you for your generous comments about the Economic Sustainability Plan. We intend to implement that as closely as possible. We hope that when we get to some of the more technical aspects and full implementation, we will then be able to work with you and see in what areas you will be in the position to assist.
“We also look at the pandemic and post-pandemic period as a time when we can make some useful changes. We really are working towards ensuring that we take full advantage of the crisis. There is no question at all as to our determination to ensure that we are able to quickly surmount the challenges”.
The vice president also restated the government’s condolences on the recent killing of five aid workers on Wednesday in Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.
Earlier in his remarks, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations System in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon who led the delegation said Nigeria’s response to the pandemic is well planned and articulated.
Kallon noted that interactions between with the Federal government and stakeholders would aid a smooth implementation of the plan.
NCDC Ranks Kano High In Massive Testing Capacity
The director-general of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has said that Kano State is at the front burner of massive testing of COVID-19 cases when compared to other states across the country.
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