By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, says the Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja expressway will soon be concluded and delivered for use.

Aliyu, who said this during the inspection of the dualisation of Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja road section 1 on Saturday in Abuja, noted that theconstruction had reached over 95 per cent completion.

According to Aliyu, President Muhammadu Buhari at the inception of his administration in 2015, had mandated that all inherited projects be completed and delivered before new ones are embarked upon.

He said the Abuja-Lokoja road was awarded by the previous administration in 2006 at the cost of N11.2billion, but was not completed.

Aliyu explained that President Buhari, mandated that all projects that were on ground must be finished since government was a continuum.

This project for which we are here today is an 84km road contract, 42km on the two carriage way each.

It was reviewed in 2018 and the cost increased based on the time value of money to N29billion, so work the has been going on and has reached over 95 per cent completion.

As you are all aware the programme for 2020 budget is to sort out the projects that has reached 80 to 90 per cent completion, push them and deliver them. So, this is part of the ones that has reached this percentage.

We are here to agree on certain grey areas that are making this road not to be completed at the time stipulated, because we expected them to have completed it in May this year, but we are now in June.

We are here with the contractors, they have complained on certain things, the honourable minister my senior colleague, mandated that I come here with other directors and interface and see first-hand, what is going on with the project, he said.

Speaking on his assessment of the road, Aliyu gave a pass mark on the work done so far and expressed optimism that the project would be delivered as soon as all the grey areas on the project were resolved.

Also speaking at the inspection site, Mr Nasiru Dantata, Executive Director, Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, handlers of the project, stated that the challenge that had hindered the completion of the project was the necessary upgrade needed for the perfect delivery of the road.

According to him, such necessary input is the inclusion of a service lane in the pick park within the Gwagwalada metropolis, that will cater for the motorists that were going in and out of the park.

Our company and the ministry have identified that the area needs a service lane to cater for motorists that are going in and out of the park.

Therefore, the necessary approvals that are needed to get that done is what delayed the work.

It is going to be an easy work once it is approved. So, this area is the only missing link, only one stretch in Gwagwalada that is remaining. Once we do that we have small things to tidy up and handover the job, he explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inspection of the road commenced from Zuba where the minister inspected some outstanding works on the project, through to Kuje interchange at Gwagwalada, Giri interchange to Airport Junction.

The Abuja-Lokoja expressway is one of the major Federal Government highway infrastructure projects being executed by the current administration, to facilitate socio-economic development and prosperity of the citizenry.

Aliyu was accompanied to the inspection, by Mrs Habiba Buhari, Federal Controller of Works FCT, Mr Jimoh Adekunle, Director, Highway Projects, North Central and Mr Yemi Oguntumhre, Director Construction and Rehabilitation, FMWH among others.

Source: NAN News

UK PM Boris Johnson

The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.

As of Saturday morning, 303,110 people have tested positive for the disease in Britain, a daily increase of 1,295, according to the department.

As of Saturday morning, there have been 7,714,201 tests of the novel coronavirus in the country, with 230,550 tests on Friday, said the department.

The coronavirus alert level across Britain was lowered from four to three on Friday after a steady decrease in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Level four means the virus is in general circulation while the transmission is high or rising exponentially.

Level three means the virus is in general circulation and there could be a gradual relaxation of restrictions, according to the department. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III

By Muhammad Nasir Bello

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has directed the Muslim Ummah to look out for the new moon of Dhul-Qadah 1441 AH from Sunday, June 21.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dhul-Qadah is the 11th month in the Islamic Calendar which comes before the 12th month of Dhul-Hijja, when Muslim Ummah perform annual Hajj.

Abubakar made the call in a statement on Saturday signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, June 21, 2020, which is equivalent to 29th day of Shawwal 1441 AH, shall be the day to look out for the new moon of Dhul-Qadah 1441 AH.

Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking out for the new moon and to report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan, he said.

The Sultan prayed for Allah to help all Muslim Ummah in the discharge of their religious duties. (

Source: NAN News

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government is committed to improving healthcare infrastructure, economy, creating jobs among others despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic globally.

He said that the government would not relent in creating more jobs for millions of Nigerians in different sectors, supporting small businesses, local production and manufacturing, as well as extending the social safety net.

Osinbajos spokesman, Laolou Akande, in a statement in Abuja said the vice president participated as a guest panelist in the Emmanuel Chapels Economic Sustainability Beyond COVID-19 webinar on Friday.

According to Osinbajo, improving healthcare infrastructure remains a major objective of the administration.

He said that with the introduction of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund the kind of provision made for healthcare had increased significantly, especially in the period of a global pandemic.

Out of the N500 billion initial stimulus fund that is factored into the current budget, N126billion of it is going into healthcare.

We have all noted how states have risen up to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and how resuscitated healthcare facilities, new isolation centres, new Intensive Care Units(ICUs) are coming up.

The number of testing centres has also increased. We are hopeful that well be able to sustain that momentum.

The vice president said that one of the ways the administration was supporting small businesses was by reducing Company Income Tax.

On power, Osinbajo said that one of the proposals of the Economic Sustainability Plan was the adoption of renewable energy, especially solar, and working with the private sector to install mini grids and solar home systems across the country.

He said that as part of Federal governments plan to tackle unemployment, one of the proposals by the Economic Sustainability Committee, was to build 300,000 homes across the country within 12-months time frame.

Osinbajo added that small and medium scale local businesses and young professionals within the construction industry would benefit immensely from the policy.

This is also an opportunity for us to develop the local industry, especially the construction industry.

That is exactly the plan in developing the housing programme, because we thought it would generate the jobs that are required now, aside from the fact that we have a housing deficit.

The second point is that we intend to use local materials, locally produced, as much as is possible in construction.

It is also a fantastic opportunity for the private sector to bring in equipment and set up factories that could be used to manufacture some of these things.

It would be a massive game changer if we are able to deliver it in the way that we planned, he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari, had on June 11, received the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) report entitled Bouncing Back: The Nigerian Economic Sustainability Plan.

Source: NAN News

The results of 10 samples are being awaited as the laboratory commenced testing for the COVID-19 disease.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, made this known on Saturday in Ado Ekiti at a media briefing by the State Task Force on Coronavirus.

She said 26 patients had been discharged while two patients were being treated as at Friday afternoon.

The commissioner added that the two patients were in stable condition.

Speaking on Gender Based Violence in the state, Yaya-Kolade urged all residents to stand up against the menace.

According to her, the wife of the Governir, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, has commenced advocacy to curb sexual assault in the society.

She said a Sexual Assault Resource Centre, the first in the country, would be inaugurated in the state on Monday.

Yaya-Kolade said the resource centre would pay the medical bills of victims and also give them vocational training.

The Coordinator of the taskforce, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, warned traders against converting roads and streets into markets as a result of the closure of markets.

He also warned residents to comply with the directive on wearing of facemasks in public.

The Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua, urged residents to abide by all the rules and protocols on COVID-19.

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with UN Women has begun the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable women and girls in 16 states across the six geo-political zones and FCT.

The launch which held in Ushafa Village, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, marked the beginning of the distribution of palliatives from a 100,000 dollars donation by UN Women to the Women Affairs Ministry in April.

A statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the UN Women said that the palliative targeted only vulnerable women and girls in the beneficial states.

The statement quoted Ms Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, as saying that 3,060 households will benefit from the distribution.

Lamptey listedstates to benefit from the first phase of the distribution to include Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos States and FCT

Through the palliative distribution spearheaded by the Ministry of Womens Affairs and state Ministries of Womens Affairs, we aim to provide at least 3,060 households across 16 states and the FCT with relief assistance.

The relief assistance includes food and hygienic materials to mitigate the immediate effects of COVID-19 and increase the dignity and well-being of women and girls.

We are confident that this model for affirmative procurement and women-led coordination will be a model for best practice to ensure women and girls are not left behind during crisis situations.

Womens leadership is key to helping us get through this pandemic and key to helping us recover economically, Lamptey said.

On her part, the Women Affairs Minister, Dame Pauline Tallen,expressed gratitude to the two ministers of FCT for the proactive measures taken to respond to the economic implications of the COVID-19 crisis.

The difference between what we hope to achieve is to specifically address the plight of widows, women living with HIV/AIDS, women with disabilities, elderly women and female-headed households during this pandemic, she said.

Drawing attention to the state of emergency declared against rape by state governors recently, the minister called on traditional and community leaders, men and boys to join the crusade by declaring zero tolerance toward rape and other forms of gender-based violence.

She also underscored the importance of refraining from victim blaming and shaming when addressing the issue of sexual and gender-based violence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution would be implemented by the ministry of women affairs in collaboration with UN Women, state Ministries of Women Affairs and selected women civil society organisations in each selected state.

The intervention is aimed at providing relief assistance, contributing to strengthening resilience and the coping capacity of some of the most affected households, including vulnerable female-headed households, poor women with disabilities, and those affected by conflict situations in parts of the country.

Source: NAN News

By Cecilia Ologungba

European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) have received and handed over urgently needed essential medical supplies to the Nigerian Government to fight COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The UN stated this in a statement jointly issued by EU on Saturday in Abuja.

The EU and UN received delivery of vital supplies to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The shipment, along with others coming soon, are procured through the One UN COVID-19 Basket Fund with a significant contribution from the EU and will be valued at more than 22 million dollars.

The current shipment includes, among other items, 545 oxygen concentrators, more than 100,000 test kits, infrared digital no-touch thermometers and numerous Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Others are laboratory supplies and emergency health kits that will boost the Nigerian Governments efforts on COVID-19 response and care for those affected by the Coronavirus, it stated.

According to the statement, the medical supplies will enhance efforts of the frontline responders providing care and treatment to people affected by the virus.

It will also increase testing capacity and early detection of those affected by the virus, and support the management of COVID-19 cases.

The supplies were handed over to the Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and officially presented to the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

The items were presented to PTF at an event attended by high-level delegates from the EU, Ministry of Health and UN, it said.

The statement quoted Mr Edward Kallon, the UNs Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordination in Nigeria, as saying that the arrival of the medical supplies will be a boost to the governments efforts.

It will be a boost to governments efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the virus.

These vital supplies co-funded by the EU will help us to both protect healthcare workers and ensure people are tested and treated as quickly as possible to save lives, it said.

The EU has contributed EUR 50 million through the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 response, which served as One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders could channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the PTF on COVID-19 response.

The statement also quoted Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, as saying that the gesture signified a vital step in the response to the pandemic.

The alliance between Team Europe, the PTF and the UN has proven very strong; this is partnership in practice when it matters the most.

Addressing the health crisis in Nigeria and getting the economic wheels turning again are key priorities for the EU, all the while, making sure that we protect the most vulnerable, it further stated.

The growing COVID-19 crisis threatened to disproportionately impact communities not only as a health crisis in the short term, but as a devastating social and economic crisis over the months and years to come.

The One UN COVID-19 response is working closely with the Nigerian government in its pandemic response efforts through sharing crucial information with communities on how to protect themselves, infection prevention and control, epidemiology/surveillance and management of COVID-19 cases.

The fund will also support income-generating opportunities for people whose livelihoods are most at risk through cash transfers and help restore supply chains disrupted by the pandemic.

We must all work together to contain the pandemic in Nigeria it is only through close joint efforts that we can keep Nigerians healthy and ensure good care for those affected.

We will beat this virus in Nigeria and the support we are receiving from partners such as the EU, UN and others brings us even closer to this ultimate goal, said Mr Boss Mustapha, Chairman, PTF on COVID-19.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Aminu Masari, of Katsina State.

Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State says his administration drilled 2,000 boreholes to tackle what he called recurring water shortage in the state.

Masari disclosed this on Saturday when he inspected the Ajiwa Water Works meant to supply water to the Katsina metropolis.

The governor said that the water project when completed would ensure that the perennial water shortage in the Katsina metropolis would be a thing of the past.

Masari charged the contractor handling the project to complete it on schedule.

He also urged the contractor to execute the project according to specification for it to stand the test of time.

He said that his administration would always embark on projects with direct effects on the lives of the people of the state.

The governor appealed to the people of the state to give him necessary support and cooperation to enable him to provide the dividends of democracy to them.

Source: NAN News

According to a statement from MIE, the restart of air transport will have, as a priority, the preventive and protective rules of health safety as recommended in the guidelines drafted by the international civil aviation organisations and public health institute.

The decision to resume regular international flights was taken in accordance with the statement of the European Commission, which on June 1 recommended the lifting of travel restrictions for Western Balkan countries, including Albania as of July 1, said MIE.

The ministry underlined that starting from June 22, airlines operating from and to TIA must take the necessary measures to enable the reservation of flights.

Airline companies will be responsible for informing passengers of possible restrictions on departures from TIA to the intended destination airport, as well as on all requirements, health care and safety rules at the destination airports.

Albanian Civil Aviation Authority will monitor the implementation of all measures and the procedures to be followed by airlines.

TIA is about to resume its regular activity following a nearly three-month closure due to the coronavirus outbreak in Albania.

The government has lifted the majority of lockdown measures imposed since March 9 in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

On Saturday, health authorities reported 53 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total confirmed number in the country to 1,891, with 1,126 recoveries and 43 fatalities. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Friday said Nigeria was still at risk of Polio epidemic as the country await to be formally certified polio free in August.

Dr Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the Agency, stated this at a Zoom meeting to celebrate the new status with some donor partners and stakeholders in Abuja.

Shuaib, however, assured Nigerians that all actions, particularly vaccination would be intensified to avert a resurgence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African Regional Commission for Certification of Polio Eradication (ARCC), an organ of World Health Organisation (WHO), accepted Nigerias Wild Polio Virus Free Documentation after 30 years, on June 18.

Shuaib said though, the certification meant that there was no wild polio virus anywhere in Nigeria, it did not mean the work was over.

According to him, the virus can still be imported from other endemic countries.

As a matter of fact, even, the earlier the work starts, because we have to maintain this status.

This means we have to continue to give our kids the vaccination that they need against the virus, and all the other vaccine preventable diseases.

We should not forget that we still have Afghanistan and Pakistan that are endemic for wild polio viruses, which means there is still a potential that this viruses may be imported into Nigeria.

We live in a global village, you can see how COVID-19 spread so fast from China, by the same token, we could have wild polio virus spread from these two endemic countries, he said.

Shuaib said though donor partners would withdraw funding, Nigeria have enough to sustain ongoing vaccination across the country, including hard to reach communities.

He said government was gradually taking responsibility for health.

The executive director said: The country will continue to make sure that we put in place all of the strategies.

We will continue to look everywhere to make sure that there is no child anywhere in Nigeria that will be paralysed from the wild polio virus.

Shauib said that the National Assembly had committed enough resources to make sure that the agency has enough stock of all the vaccine needed and the operations needed to convey the vaccines to remote areas.

He said that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) had also been signed into law and would be released in a few weeks for funding to be partitioned for vaccines.

Its an amazing opportunity that we have to make sure that we do not see a resurgence of the wild polio virus, an opportunity to make sure we protect all our kids from vaccine preventable diseases.

With the support we are getting from state governors and traditional institutions, I think we are in a better place than were we are a few years ago.

There is a steady increase in coverage.

In 2015, we had 40 per cent routine immunisation but, in 2018, it increased to 57 per cent, we are at 67 per cent now, he said.

The executive secretary said that the certification would take place from Aug. 24 to Aug. 28, when a formal certificate would be awarded to the President.

He said the skills garnered from the polio eradication programme were being deployed to eradicate the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

Earlier, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, said the declaration of Nigeria as polio free did not mean the work had finished as the country was being threatened by COVID-19.

Ehanire said that all stakeholders involved in the eradication of polio would not rest until Coronavirus was defeated.

We face a new enemy. There is the Coronavirus out there.

After we defeated the polio virus, there is no time for rest.

NPHCDA will also be in the battle to ensure that Nigeria is kept safe from another virus threatening the world, Ehanire said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News