Covid-19 Updates

Engineer Sule inspects food items donated by COCAVID

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”14″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has inspected various food items donated by a civil society group, Coalition of Civil Society Against COVID-19 (COCAVID), with a view to ensuring that such food items are kept in safe, clean environment.

This, according to Engineer Sule who inspected the food items stored at the Lafia municipal store houses, on Wednesday, said was in order to avoid possible contamination.

While expressing satisfaction with the condition of the stored food items, which comprises of rice, sugar, semovita, noodles, among others, the Governor explained that so far, 34 four trucks out of the 40 donated by COCAVID have arrived the state, with the remaining six trucks being awaited.

Engineer Sule disclosed that arrangement is underway to distribute the food items across the state, to cushion the hardship brought about by the measures put in place by government to contain and control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nasarawa receives five trucks of food items as Federal Government palliatives

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”10″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe today received delegation from Federal Ministry Of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development who are on a working visit to present Official document on palliatives as part of Federal Government intervention to Nasarawa State Government on the fight against Covid-19.

The delegation was led by Laurat Ajima Elayo the Director Legal Services of the Ministry who represented the Minister, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq Umar.

The Nasarawa State Government has been presented with five trucks of food items as palliatives from the Federal Government.

The food items, which comprises of three trucks of rice, one truck each of tin tomatoes and groundout oil, are meant to be distributed to vulnerable persons across the state, in order to cushion the hardship brought about by restrictions put in place to curb further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hon. Imran Usman Jibrin, Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Service and Focal Person NSIP Nasarawa State, who led a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development, officially handed over the palliatives to the Nasarawa State Government, on Monday.

The SSA gave a breakdown of the food items as, 1800 bags of rice, 2500 cartons of tomapep and 600 kegs of groundout oil, stressing that the palliatives are to be distributed to the poor, vulnerable and people living with disabilities.

Receiving the palliatives on behalf of the state government, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, thanked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Faruq for the gesture, promising to distribute the items to the targetted beneficiaries.

Dr. Akabe also appreciated the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments, in facing one of the deadliest challenges confronting the world at the moment, reiterating the support of the state government in the fight against COVID-19.

The delegation from the Federal Government was led by Mrs Laurat Ajima Elayo, Director Legal Service of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, who represented the Minister.

NASARAWA ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL DONATES #5MILLION AND 5000 FACE MASKS TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT

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Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State has applauded the contributions of the Nasarawa Investment and Economic Council in selling the state and attracting investors for the economic development of the state.

The Governor stated this when he received in audience a delegation of the council who were on a courtesy call to Government House Lafia on Friday.

He said since inauguration of the council, it has promoted the state and kept the government on its toes with the kind of advice and guidance it gives towards the actualization of an economically viable Nasarawa State.

Governor Sule said “For the council that has continued to sale Nasarawa State globally, make Nasarawa what it is today to now come down and make additional sacrifices in cash and in materials touches me and means Alot to me”

He further appreciated the Chairman and members of the Council for their contributions to the economic development of the state despite the challenges occasioned the the coronavirus pandemic.

While reiterating that the contributions of the council towards the fight against the COVID-19 scourge is indeed motivating and touching, Governor Abdullahi Sule added that the government is proud of Dr Faisal Shu’aib and other indigenes of the state who have been acting as good ambassadors of the state nationally and internationally.

The Governor called on other citizens of the state to contribute their qouta towards taking the state to greater heights as he pledge to continue to enlighten the people on what the council has been doing for the state.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency who is also a member of the State Economic Advisory Council, Dr Faisal Shu’aib maintained that the they will remain a great pillar of this administration.

Dr Faisal Shu’aib said they will continue to provide advice towards the development of the state as the council is amazed at the transformation of the state by the Abdullahi A. Sule led administration in Nasarawa State.

He applauded the vision of Governor Abdullahi Sule in his commitment in ensuring a strong and sustainable economic base for the state by enhancing the state’s revenue base.

“We are in solidarity with your visionary leadership for the people of Nasarawa State, we are here working with you providing advice on economic matters and we have began to see some of the good things that you have envisioned for Nasarawa State” Dr Faisal stressed.

Dr Faisal continued “As we said in one of our meetings, we are proud to be part of this amazing journey you are embarking on and we are assure that the people of Nasarawa State will at the end of your governance see how you have transformed the socio-economic development of the state”.

On the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Faisal said Governor Sule’s fight against the scourge is holistic and worthy of applause as stated by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

“We are also mindful of how you have taken rapid steps to make sure that this outbreak is contained and we are happy that Nasarawa is not one of those states that has wide spread transmission of the disease. Again this is because of the leadership you have provided” Faisal added.

He continued by saying “We also know that you are still preparing for the response and you are not only responding but also preparing at the same time and it’s because of what we have seen at the PTF that we recognize that Nasarawa State is one of the states that has provided very strong leadership in the fight against the pandemic”.

Faisal then announced the donation of 5.4 million naira and 5000 locally produced face masks as the State Investment and Economic Advisory Council’s contributions to the fight against coronavirus in the state.

Nasarawa lifts ban on markets, commercial motorcycles …..Curfew now from 10pm to 6am 4th June, 2020.

Having met to review measures put in place to contain and control further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nasarawa State Government has lifted the ban ordering the closure of markets, as well as activities of commercial motorcycles.

This was disclosed shortly after an expanded stakeholders meeting which held at the Government House, on Thursday.

Addressing journalists on the resolutions arrived at during the meeting, State Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, said having critically reviewed the situation, Government has decided to relax some of the restrictions earlier placed.

Pharmacist Yahaya stated that the state government has adopted all the recent proclamations made by the Federal Government, particularly the review of the curfew from 10pm to 6pm.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the state is in receipt of 30 trucks of palliatives given by the Federal Government, aimed at cushioning effects of restrictions put in place to contain the virus.

Places of worships, including Mosques and Churches will remain open but that worshipers must observe laid down regulations aimed at curbing further spread of the pandemic.

With this proclamation, markets are expected to open, with the resumption of activities by commercial motorcyclists.

Speaking also, State Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe, however cautioned residents on the need to observe necessary protocols established in order to curb further spread of the pandemic.

He emphasized that the security agents are on hand to deal with violators of government proclamations still in force.

Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to maintain social distancing, wash their hands and use face masks while the go about their business.

PALLIATIVE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE NASARAWA STATE INTERNAL REVENUE TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON TAXPAYERS 4TH JUNE, 2020.

Sequel to the outbreak of corona virus and its attendant effect on businesses and the economy as a whole, the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service (NSIRS) hereby announce the following palliative measures for its esteem taxpayers with a view to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on individual and business income alike.

Extended Period for filling PAYE and self-assessment returns

Dateline for filing of employee’s return by employers under the PAYE scheme was extended from 31 t January 2020 to 30th June 2020, while dateline for declaration of income by individuals under self-assessment is extended to 31St August 2020.

Waiver of penalty and interest on debts l aid in full on or before 30th June 2020

Penalty and interest is hereby waived for taxpayers with outstanding liability who pay in full on or before 30th June 2020

Provision for installmental payment

All debts that become due, including assessment that become final and conclusive in 2020 could be paid install mentally within the Fiscal year.

Our esteemed taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of these palliative measures and declare their income, file in their returns and/or pay their outstanding liabilities in full.

For further enquiries, please contact the Office of the Executive Chairman Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service Lafia.

Ahmad Yakubu Muhammad

Executive Chairman

COVID-19 EXPANDED MEETING 4th, June 2020

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SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA TO RECEIVE COVID-19 EQUIPMENT

The Chief Medical Directstaff were screened before getting access to the facilities which is part of the measures to control the spread of the virus.

He strongly emphasised that non-essential staff are directed to stay at home following Nasarawa state government directives, adding that the management had provided protective kits to essential staff who are still coming to work.

The CMD urged the general public in the state to continue staying at home, wash hands with soap and running water frequently, avoid crowded places, maintain social distance and follow the instructions from various government agencies.

You would recall that governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State had on Thursday while updating newsmen on government measures to control the spread of the virus, said it would soon take delivery of medical equipment.

ENGINEER SULE APPEALS TO SECURITY AGENTS TO ENFORCE INTERSTATE LOCKDOWN…

With three citizens of the state returning from high risk areas testing positive to coronavirus, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has appealed to security agents in the country, to ensure they enforce the interstate lockdown.

Engineer Sule made the appeal on Thursday at the Government House, while briefing the press on the activities of his administration to control and contain further spread of the pandemic.

The two new positive cases are females that returned recently to the state from Lagos but were quarantined.

The Governor pointed out that no matter what decisions and steps the state government took, towards protecting the citizens of the state against COVID-19, it still rest with the security agents to enforce such decisions.

Engineer Sule equally appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with government by identifying and reporting returnees from high risk areas, who may have beaten all the checkpoints to return to the state, so they can be isolated.

He said this has become necessary in order for the government to protect the rest of the state from further infection.

Updating the people of the state on the pandemic, Engineer Sule expressed concern that the state has yet again recorded two more positive cases, making a total of three COVID-19 positive cases.

The Governor disclosed that 40 returnees were quarantined at the state owned Isa Mustapha Polytechnic Lafia, having returned home from identified high risk areas.

He added that during the process of quarantining the returnees, government has to ensure samples of the returnees were tested, following which 12 samples were taken, out of which 2 returned positive.

Engineer Sule said the two new positive cases have since been moved from the quarantine centre back to isolation centre at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, where the index case is under isolation.

He explained that the remaining 38 people, out of which 10 already tested negative, will remain quarantined while government monitors them, adding that already 11 other contacts traced to the index case, have also been isolated at the DASH, their samples taken, with the results being awaited.

“I want to use the opportunity once more, to appeal to the people of Nasarawa State to understand the dangers of this pandemic and to cooperate with government when it comes to isolating those returning from high risk states,” the Governor stated.

While showing appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for enforcing the interstate lockdown, Engineer Sule, used the opportunity to express further appreciation to traditional rulers in the state, who have been up and doing, when it comes to the identifying these returnees, as well as the various stakeholders who have worked in one way or the other.

He equally commended the media, that have continued to spread the decisions taken by government and the steps that his administration are taking to protect the state.

The Governor further disclosed that he had earlier met with members of the officials of NURTW, tricycle and motorcycle associations, where he sought their cooperation and understanding towards measures being put in place by government to combat the further spread of coronavirus.

Engineer Sule then called on various stakeholders in the state to join hands with the government in order to deliver a COVID-19 free state.

COVID-19: Nasarawa traces 74 contacts linked to late lawmaker

Nasarawa State Government said it has traced 74 contacts directly linked with the late Hon. Adamu Suleiman Ibrahim (Nasarawa Central, APC), who died from complications related to coronavirus.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this in an opening remarks during an expanded meeting to review measures put in place to control and contain the further spread of COVID-19, at the Government House, on Tuesday.

Engineer Sule revealed that urgent steps were taken to track and identify all those who had direct contact with the deceased, especially from his hometown of Nasarawa, including his immediate family members and all those that participated in the lawmaker’s burial rites.

According to the Governor, the number of the contacts traced however does not include those of his colleagues or associates at the state assembly, but that work is still ongoing to trace additional contacts who may have links to the 74 direct contacts.

“Our team is currently in Nasarawa taking samples of all the members of his family. The 74 contacts are all in Nasarawa and has nothing to do with the contacts he had at the assembly,” he stated.

He explained further that out of that number, samples from 10, who are considered high risk, were taken for test.

Engineer Sule added that the House of Assembly has been fumigated as preventive measure.

He stated that Keffi has been added to high risk areas because of the number of positive cases isolated at the FMC Keffi, stressing that the decision was also taken to designate Keffi high risk area because health workers may have come in contact with the deceased.

Updating stakeholders at the meeting, Engineer Sule said the state has recorded 12 positive cases, from the previous 11, following the report of another positive case of an NCDC driver working in Abuja but residing in Ado.

He gave a break down of the cases as follows: Lafia, 2, Obi, 4, Keffi, 4 and Karu 1.

Engineer Sule expressed satisfaction that all the precautionary gears ordered by the state government have arrived Lafia, the state capital. These include, 50, 000 imported face masks, 50, 000 face masks bought locally from the NYSC, additional 30, 000 face masks donated by the Kenyang Mining Company, 6000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), as well as four monitors donated by Access Bank.

Commenting on the state’s isolation and holding centres, the Governor said so far, there are 10 separate rooms where the infected patients are receiving treatment, with additional 100-bed capacity isolation centre fully equipped.

He added that at the Shabu isolation centre, 96 beds have been fixed and ready for use, while at the FMC Keffi, there is a 10-bed isolation centre for the infected.

On the holding centres, where returnees are being quarantined, Engineer Sule disclosed further that the NYSC Camp in Keffi is currently being turned in a holding centre, just like the Isa Mustapha Awai Polytechnic, which can hold 100 persons.

He added that a section of the College of Education Akwanga will also be turned into a holding centre for 60 persons, with the Akwanga General Hospital has an isolation centre for 8. Also, in Karu, there is a 25-bed isolation centre.

The Governor also used the opportunity to clear the air regarding the over 100 Almajirai returned to Taraba State, adding that the Taraba State Government has intervened and accepted the returning Almajirai.

“I want to use this opportunity to show great appreciation to the Governor and his Deputy, for accepting the over 100 Almajiri in Taraba,” he stated.

The Governor equally used the opportunity to show appreciation to traditional rulers in the state, members of the state executive council, who have worked so hard to ensure that the Almajiri were evacuated, with so far 788 of such returned to their states of origin.

Engineer Sule further announced that the palliatives from the Federal Government, comprising of rice, potatoes and vegetable oil have arrived the state, just as he reaffirmed that the 40 trucks earlier donated by COCAVID will arrive the state next week, delayed mostly due to difficulties loading the food items.

“Since the Chairmen are here, we will also discuss during this meeting about the distribution, so that people who are facing some measure of hardships, will begin to receive these food items, because this is the moment they will require these foods” the Governor stated.

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COVID-19: NASARAWA IN AGGRESSIVE CONTACT TRACING OF COVID-19 VICTIMS

The Nasarawa State government said its aggressively tracing contacts of the lawmaker who died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Abdullahi A. Sule stated this during the expanded COVID-19 meeting held at Government House Lafia on Tuesday.

He maintained
that the meeting was targeted at reviewing the restrictions and situations in the state as it concerns government proclamations and the COVID-19 position in the state.

Governor Sule who said as at yesterday had eleven cases with one death added that a new positive case has surfaced in Ado, Karu Local Government.

The Governor continued “the victim delivers samples for NCDC and in the process contacted the pandemic as his test result was released and found to be positive bringing our total number of confirmed cases to twelve”.

“Seven of the cases are in Lafia while four of the active cases are in Federal Medical Centre Keffi where they are receiving treatment”. Governor further stated.

While speaking on the contacts of the deceased lawmaker, Governor Sule said so far seventy four people has ahd contact with the deceased in Nasarawa alone apart from the members of the state assembly and other contacts in the house of assembly.

He added that samples of the high risk contacts of the deceased have so far been taken and the family members are part of the samples taken for testing.

“Nasarawa State House Assembly has been fully fumigated” said the Governor.
On palliatives, Governor Sule said materials awaited which include 50,000 imported face masks, 30,000 face masks from Kenyang Mining Company, four trucks of food items from the federal government have all arrived in the state.

“Another set of 50,000 face masks ordered from the NYSC in the, 40 trucks of CACOVID food palliatives are on the way” the Governor stressed.

The state has also taken delivery of 6,000 Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs).

On the issue of isolation centres in the state, the state has provided ten separate rooms and another 100 bed capacity in Dash while at Shabu the Government has a 200 bed capacity isolation Centre and both are fully active as the federal medical center Keffi has a 10 bed capacity isolation Centre where the there are about four active cases receiving treatment.

“The state polytechnic and NYSC camp in Keffi are all set to be holding centres while College Of Education Akwanga is to serve as holding and isolation centres. Another center is established in Mararaba area of Karu” said Governor Sule.

Meanwhile, Almajiris from Bauchi have arrived the state and the process of reuniting them with their families have began with observation of the Children.

“All the close to 1000 Almajiris repatriated to 5 states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Taraba and Plateau and they have all been received in their various states” The Governor further maintained.