Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Zimbabwe limits all public gatherings surge COVID-19 cases

Africa

-

December 2, 2020

The Zimbabwean government has limited the number of people permitted at any public gathering to 100 to avoid confusion and violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

The government had specified different numbers for various types of public gatherings as a way to control the spread of the pandemic.

But addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the different numbers were causing confusion and violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Accordingly, henceforth, the number of people permitted at any gathering is restricted to 100, irrespective of what the gathering is being convened for,” she said.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had imposed a limit of 100 people or less for church gatherings and 50 people or less at funerals but this was later relaxed as the rate of new infections declined around September.

Mutsvangwa said in view of the need to promote the tourism sector, closing hours for restaurants have been extended from the current 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and for the operators to continue strictly observing COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

“Cabinet takes this opportunity to call upon all citizens to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protective and preventive guidelines in order to arrest the surge in confirmed cases,” Mutsvangwa said.

As of Monday, Zimbabwe had recorded 10,034 COVID-19 cases, 8,489 recoveries and 277 deaths.

Meanwhile, the country reopened a number of its busiest land borders on Tuesday to private motorists and pedestrians under a phased reopening of ports of entry and exit.

Hauwa Mustapha

Minister calls for dignity in reportage of people with disability

Health

Aisha John-Mark

-

December 2, 2020

0

By Rahila Lassa, Abuja

The Nigerian Government has urged the Media to disseminate issues that affect Persons with Disabilities to the members of the society with dignity.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, made the call at a media briefing ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Abuja, Nigeria.

She said, the role of the media is key to influencing and encouraging inclusiveness of the Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of the society.

“We will continue to count on your robust collaboration towards achieving our common goal,” She said

The Minister also commended the resilience and determination of the Persons with Disabilities in different fields of endeavor and their contribution to nation building.

According to her, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that persons living with disabilities have access to education, employment, social protection, health and other essential services.

“I urge us all to be sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities and the protection of their rights by supporting the provision of an enabling environment that will promote the realization of their potentials, to enable them live fulfilled lives and make meaningful contributions to societal growth and development,” the Minister reiterated.

Farouq noted that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders and partners to achieve its aims and objectives on issues of disabilities in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Director Humanitarian Affairs in the Ministry, Alhaji Goni Grema said the day was intended to prompt member States and other disability stakeholders to focus on issues relating to total inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is celebrated on 3rd of every December is, Building Back better: Toward a disability- Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable post covid-19 world.

R/Madrid faces UCL exit after defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk

Sports

Aisha John-Mark

-

December 2, 2020

0

Second half goals from Dentinho and Manor Solomon secured a 2-0 win for Shakhtar Donetsk over Real Madrid in Group B of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The defeat leaves Madrid’s fate in reaching the knockout stages out of their hands heading into the final round of matches.

The 13-times European Cup winners went behind in the 57th minute when substitute Dentinho capitalised on a lapse in concentration from defender Raphael Varane to score.

Second half goals from Dentinho and Manor Solomon secured a 2-0 win for Shakhtar Donetsk over Real Madrid in Group B of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The defeat leaves Madrid’s fate in reaching the knockout stages out of their hands heading into the final round of matches.

The 13-times European Cup winners went behind in the 57th minute when substitute Dentinho capitalised on a lapse in concentration from defender Raphael Varane to score.

Israeli forward Solomon then wrapped up the home side’s shock win over the Spanish champions in the 82nd with a solo run on the counter and finish into the bottom corner.

Dentinho came on in the first half to replace striker Junior Moraes, who was injured after being hauled down by Varane in a bid to prevent the forward racing towards goal unchallenged.

Shakhtar, who beat Madrid 3-2 away in October, are second in Group B on seven points, level with Zinedine Zidane’s Real side but ahead due to their superior head-to-head record.

In the other early fixture, Salzburg defeated Lokomotiv Moscow 3-1 in Russia.

Borno killings: Reps advocate state of emergency

Nnenna Okoronkwo

-

December 2, 2020

0

Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for a state of emergency in the North East following the recent killings in Borno State.

The Reps also resolved to invite President Muhammadu Buhari over the deteriorating security situation in the country especially in the North East.

This followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance on the urgent need to investigate and condemn the needless killing of over 40 farmers in Borno State by suspected Boko haram insurgents.

Members were unanimous that the killing of the innocent farmers underscored the need for state of emergency on security across the country.

Presenting the motion on behalf of the fifteen other lawmakers from across the country, Alhaji Ahmad Santomi from Borno State described the incidence as heartless and brutal calling for urgent measures to deal with the insurgents.

“Our people are in two different extreme conditions, in one hand if they stayed at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other hand if they go out to their farmlands they are at risk of getting killed by the insurgents.

Worried by the inability by the military and other security forces to avert the continuous wanton killing of Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and terrorists in the North East and across the country.” Satomi argued.

Mr. Toby Okechukwu from Enugu State while contributing, proposed an amendment to the prayers of the motion that the House Committees on Army and Defense should ascertain the Defense Industry Corporation of Nigeria, DICON “on the preparedness of the organization to manufacture arms and ammunition for the Nigerian army and investigate and ascertain the state of the arms that should have been imported long ago.”

Soon after, Ahmad Jaha also a member from Borno State raised a point of order, citing that one of the prayers of the motion “To Invite the President to address the lawmakers over the insecurity” was removed.

Mr. Jaha explained that Sponsor and Co-Sponsors of the motion have agreed on the motion and that the particular prayer should not have removed.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila while relating and understanding the emotions of Mr. Jaha and other members, called for understanding as the channel of explaining security issues is confidential.

The Speaker also explained that “the prayer for the motion on the need to declare a state of emergency on security issues should suffice for the yearnings of all parties and ensure all far-reaching measures are achieved.”

The Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and Shehu Koko from Kebbi State pleaded for understanding among members so that the government will discharge its duties of providing for the security and wellness of citizens.

On Saturday, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked and killed forty three rice farmers in Zabamari, few kilometers away from Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria.

Nnenna.O

KADMAM calls for monitoring of Covid-19 equipment in health facilities

Health

Aisha John-Mark

-

December 2, 2020

0

By Asma’u Halilu, Kaduna

The Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism, KADMAM has called for proper monitoring mechanism to be put in place to ensure effective distribution and utilization of Personal Protective Equipment PPE against covid-19 in all facilities across Kaduna State.

The call was contained in KADMAM’s Rapid Assessment Response Report from July to September 2020 which was availed to newsmen in Kaduna.

The report recommended the need for the provision of sufficient Personal Protective Equipment to the health facilities as some of those facilities are receiving gloves and masks in pieces.

KADMAM also lamented shortfall in the provision of PPEs to Primary Health Centres in Kaduna State.

The organization noted that, almost 50 percent of the health facilities have inadequate PPEs while 30 percent of the PHCs virtually have none at all.

“The Primary Health Centres being the first line of support in communities are relatively informed on Covid-19 health protocol. However, there is shortfall in provision with PPEs.”

On Primary Health Care centres rebuilt by the Kaduna State government, the assessment indicated the need for immediate facility upgrade to provide sufficient space for smooth operations, pointing out that most of the offices are used for multiple functions simultaneously.

Reporting on the security architecture of the health centres, the assessment pointed that, 30 percent of the PHCs that have Security personnel complain of inconsistency and poor capacity to protect the facilities against vandals.

While commenting on Secondary and Tertiary health facilities in the State, KADMAM observed that most of them are ready but however noted that, the Isolation centres have recorded only a few covid-19 critical cases to test its capabilities.

It further assessed that while most of the testing facilities cannot collect covid-19 samples, those with the capacity have a near 100 percent result in comparison to other facilities in terms of samples collected.

“Only one facility was reported to have non-functional laboratory as at the time of this survey”.

According to KADMAM, Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn, PERL and the new Lafiya Project collaborated to support KADMAM as well as the Media, Civil Society Organizations and relevant stakeholders to monitor 30 Secondary and 66 Primary Health Care facilities to ascertain the level of impact financially and resource-wise in response to Covid-19 in Kaduna State.

Vice-President Osinbajo Commissions Infectious Diseases and Research Centre

Health

Aisha John-Mark

-

December 2, 2020

0

Amina Mohammed, Lafia

Nigeria’s Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has paid a one day working visit to Nasarawa State where he commissioned the State Infectious Diseases, Diagnosis and Research Centre, Lafia.

The centre which is first of its kind in West Africa was described by the Vice-President as a land mark achievement that needs to be celebrated which is why he is in the state to personally commission what he called “phenomenal achievement of the world standard.”

Stressing that, there are only, but three of such centres in the country, while “with the completion of Nasarawa centre it has brought the number to four”.

Professor Osinbajo commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for having the zeal of continuity in governance.

Governor Abdullahi Sule said the state Infectious Disease, Diagnosis and Research Centre which was assessed and proved by National Centre For Disease Control NCDC as one of the best diagnostic Centre in Nigeria is to conduct clinical trials on local vaccines, among other things

“I need to state that, before now, the diagnosis of several infectious diseases, such as lassa fever, yellow fever, measles, cerebrospinal meningitis, as well as the current Covid-19 pandemic, were conducted outside the State. However, with the establishment of the Centre and its full operation, the perennial diagnosis and managing challenges of infectious diseases previously experienced will become a thing of the past and treatments of such ailments will be greatly enhanced”. Governor Sule noted.

While commending his predecessor for initiating the project Governor Sule said he is committed to completing projects started by past governments that will have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya, said: “Before the completion of the Diagnosis Center in the state, specimens were taken to very far Centers where it takes days before the results were brought back to the state. Adding that, the completion of the Center has brought relief to both government and the people of the state.”

He praised the efforts of the Governor Sule, for ensuring the speedy completion and equipping of the center, which he described as, “the best both in the country and Africa”.

The Vice President also launched a Job Fair on Employability and Entrepreneurship for Youths of Nasarawa State and Commissioned Nasarawa Lottery Hotel just as he paid a condolence visit to the house of late APC state chairman, Philip Shekwo.

https://twitter.com/akandeoj/status/1333779410969714692

South Africa takes over UN Security Council presidency

Africa

Hauwa Mustapha

-

December 2, 2020

0

South Africa has assumed the rotating monthly presidency of the United Nations Security Council.

During the month, South Africa will focus on strengthening the cooperation between African Union (AU) and United Nations. Emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly in the form of drawing greater attention to “preventative diplomacy mechanisms,” Jerry Matjila, permanent representative of South Africa to the UN and president of the Security Council for the month of December, told journalists during a hybrid press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York.

This is South Africa’s second presidency during its two-year (2019-2020) elected term on the council.

December will also be the country’s final month on the council during its current term.

In December, there will be a ministerial-level debate on “Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Security Sector Governance and Reform,” said Matjila, adding that the country is organizing a high-level open videoconferences debate on cooperation between the UN and AU peace and security architectures.

As its third signature event, South Africa has chosen to have a briefing on “the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law, focusing on strengthening the cooperation between the Security Council and the International Court of Justice.”

In relation to other African issues, an adoption is anticipated to renew the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a briefing and consultations ahead of the renewal.

There are meetings related to Sudan and South Sudan as well.

On South Sudan, there will be a briefing and consultations on the activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, as well as a briefing by the chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee.

On Iran, the council is scheduled to receive the secretary-general’s report on the implementation of Resolution 2231, which in 2015 endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Matjila, there will also be regular meetings on Syria, Yemen and the situation in the Middle East, a quarterly meeting on Afghanistan and the semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

The council will also be watching developments in Ethiopia, Western Sahara and Nagorno-Karabakh, said the ambassador.

Hauwa Mustapha

Kwara govt reaffirms support for HIV response in the state

Emmanuel Ukoh

-

December 1, 2020

0

The Kwara State Government has vowed not to relent in its efforts to protect and improve the healthcare of its people.

The state Deputy Governor and Chairman, Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, Mr Kayode Alabi made this known on Tuesday as the state joined the world to celebrate 2020 World AIDS day in his Office.

Mr Alabi said the Kwara State Government had continued the sustainability of HIV intervention gains by supporting the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency despite the emergence of COVID-19 and declining financial resources.

He added that despite the setback suffered in the fight against HIV/AIDS due to Covid-19, the State in partnership with the implementing partners have devised newer strategies and approaches at ensuring people living with HIV get the required care.

He lauded international donors’ support through the implementing partners for making the State achieve low prevalence, according to Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey 2018 report.

The Project Manager, Kwara State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Saleem Alabi, said the State had been using the health and the non-health sectoral approach in curbing the spread of HIV in the State.

He added that Covid-19 had limited the access of people living with HIV(PLHIV) to antiretroviral drugs in hospitals, especially during the lockdown.

Dr Alabi said the state government and partners subsequently decided to provide PLHIVs with medicines that could last for months.

Present at the event were Mr Owolabi Razak, Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment, Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Razak, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Abubakar Ayinla, Implementing Partners and other stakeholders.

By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin

Early voting opens in Ghana’s election

Africa

Emmanuel Ukoh

-

December 1, 2020

0

Early polls have opened for essential workers in Ghana ahead of national elections on Monday.

The Electoral Commission says more than 100 security personnel, journalists and staff of the electoral commission who will be busy on election day are expected to vote.

President Nana Akufo-Addo is facing re-election challenge from former President John Mahama in what is expected to be a tight contest.

Covid-19 protocols, including wearing of masks and washing of hands are being strictly enforced at the designated polling centres in all 275 constituencies.

Voters will be turned away for not wearing masks.

BBC/Olawunmi Sadiq

Yuletide: Oyo government cautions residents against Covid-19

Nigeria

Emmanuel Ukoh

-

December 1, 2020

0

The Government of Oyo State on Tuesday, warned residents to continue to strictly observe the COVID-19 safety protocols, as it declared that the virus is still very much around.

An advisory by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), of the State, warned that COVID-19 “is still very much around with us”, adding that residents of the State must strictly adhere to safety protocols, even during the Yuletide.

The advisory indicated that Oyo residents should, at the period, follow the direction of the state-sponsored advocacy on COVID-19, #Own Your Action, noting that responsible living and strict adherence to the guidelines would help the State to curtail the spread of the disease during the festive period.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the advisory by the EOC equally commended residents of the State for the efforts made so far in complying with the COVID-19 prevention measures in the State.

The statement reads, “The state government salutes the resilience and fortitude with which members of the public have carried themselves in spite of all the challenges faced in the year 2020. We believe as the year comes to an end, and another year is on the horizon, the hopes and aspirations of the citizens of the State will be actualised.”

“With this, it is expected that as responsible citizens of our dear State, we will continue to comply with the COVID-19 prevention measures in public places, especially offices, shopping malls and outlets, schools, recreation centres and any location outside the homes,”.

The statement warned that in light of the end of year activities and forthcoming festivities, visitors and residents of the State would have to be responsible in organising social events, noting that all events must be organised in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

It implored visitors and residents of the State to be wise and responsible in attending and organising social events, in compliance with the State COVID-19 advisories, as the reality of end of year social activities, which involves traveling into and within the State, would soon commence with the festivities.
The statement read, “Religious and community leaders, organisers of end of year programmes, including children parties and concerts, as well as owners of recreational facilities, are to remember that the pandemic is ongoing, and to ensure the orderly conduct of their activities to prevent widespread infections in the State.”

The government promised to continue to work assiduously to deliver on its promises to the citizens, noting, however, that residents should “share the joy and not the virus” at the period, while wishing all residents happy celebrations.

By Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE