Tag: COVID-19

FG releases N45.3bn Covid-19 economic recovery stimulus to States, FCT

Aminu Imam

The Federal Government has approved the release of N45.3 billion as reimbursement to States and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) for implementing the Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG CARES) Programme. The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, AbdulKarim Obaje, disclosed this in a statement by the spokesperson for NG-CARES, Suleiman Odapu, yesterday, in Abuja. NG-CARES Programme is a Federal Government’s initiative, supported by the World Bank and implemented in all 36 States and FCT. Obaje explained that the funds disbursed on Thursday, were based on results each state and…

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Covid-19: FG lifts midnight curfew, removes crowd restrictions at weddings, events and others

Aminu Imam

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on Covid-19, has, in a new revision of Nigeria’s response to the pandemic, made major changes to some of the earlier introduced measures in view of the declining number of cases. This is coming a few days after the FG introduced a new international travel guideline for passengers and airlines. In an issued statement, dated April 2, the Committee explained that the review became necessary due to the declining number of cases in the country, reduced risk of importation of new…

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Covid-19: FG reviews guidelines for international travel

Aminu Imam

The Federal Government has begun a review of the Covid-19 travel advisory and public health safety measures. The action, it was learnt, followed the concerns being raised by travellers over exorbitant fees paid for Covid-19 tests at Nigeria airports and alleged extortion and other unwholesome practices. According to an issued statement by the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC) yesterday, the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19 is expected to announce an updated travel advisory soon. The Federal Government mandates passengers who present negative PCR test results before boarding aircraft travelling…

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Millions locked down as China wrestles worst virus outbreak in 2 years

Aminu Imam

China yesterday placed all 17 million residents in one of its biggest cities under lockdown, as virus cases doubled nationwide to nearly 3,400 and anxiety mounted over the resilience of its ‘zero-Covid’ approach in the face of the worst outbreak in two years. The southern tech-hub of Shenzhen told all residents to stay at home as the city struggles to eradicate an Omicron flare-up linked to neighbouring virus-ravaged Hong Kong. The lockdown and a suspension of public transport will last until March 20, a city government notice said, adding that…

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Saudi Arabia lifts all Covid-related restrictions

Aminu Imam

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that it was lifting all coronavirus-related restrictions, effective immediately at the recommendation of health authorities. In an issued statement at the weekend, the Interior Ministry highlighted the Kingdom’s success in combating the pandemic, crediting it to the unlimited support accorded by the leadership and the successful vaccination campaign. Restrictions will be lifted at all mosques throughout the Kingdom, ending all social distancing measures. People will still be required to wear face masks. Social distancing measures will also be lifted at all public spaces…

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CBN N50bn Covid-19 loan: Nigerians react to NIRSAL’s call for repayment

Aminu Imam

…400,000 people benefit from scheme The management of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank has requested for the payback of Covid-19 loans secured by many entrepreneurs across Nigeria through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, (CBN) Targeted Credit Facility, (TCF). This call was made by the financial institution recently, via its Twitter handle. Nigerians on the platform have been having a complex discussion about the repayment of NIRSAL loans with some admitting that they do not have the means to pay back the loans. Following NIRSAL’s tweet request for the repayment of the loans,…

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Omicron: FG asks Saudi Arabia to remove travel restriction

Aminu Imam

The Federal Government has called on the Saudi Authority to as a matter of urgency review the travel restrictions placed on Nigerians over the outbreak of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, made the call when he met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Faisal bin Ebraheem Al-Ghamdi, in Abuja. He said the purpose of the visit was to discuss the recent restrictions placed on Nigerians intending to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the outbreak of the Omicron…

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Clamour for Collaborations, Partnerships top Outcome of Nigeria’s COVID-19 Summit

Aminu Imam

Mohammed Dahiru Lawal The recently concluded Nigeria COVID-19 Summit has called for increased collaboration, cooperation and partnerships among key stakeholders in order to revamp disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria’s health sector. In a Communique released Wednesday by the organizing committee, the summit also called on Government to strengthen collaboration between the national and sub-national entities to allow for improved partnership on Primary health care delivery and vaccination uptake in the country. “Nigeria should galvanise the support of African countries in the collaborative process to end COVID-19…

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Covid-19: Over 1m people tested positive around the world on Wednesday

Aminu Imam

…As Pope scraps New Year’s Nativity visit Over one million people tested positive for Covid-19 around the world on Wednesday, a new record. Many health officials believe the number to be much higher, with many people testing positive using at-home kits which may not be recorded in the official count. Meanwhile, Pope Francis has cancelled his traditional New Year’s Eve visit to the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square over concerns of spreading Coronavirus among the gathered crowds, the Vatican said yesterday. The pontiff is normally met by well-wishers when…

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Premier League hit by record 103 COVID-19 positive cases

Ishaku Yohanna

The Premier League has revealed that a record 103 players and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus in the period from December 20 to 26. That surpassed  the total a week earlier, when the English top-flight hit a new high since testing began in 2020 with 90 positive cases. So far in December, 15 Premier League games have been called off, while the three divisions below the top tier have been decimated by postponements. Liverpool’s game against Leeds, Watford’s trip to Wolves and Burnley against Everton, all on Boxing…

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