The Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has announced the activation of mobile courts to try all violators of the directive on the cessation of movement across the capital city.
A statement today, April 15, by the spokesman of the FCT Administration, Anthony Ogunleye, said that decision was taken after the FCT coronavirus security committee, headed by the minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, discovered that many people, especially in satellite towns, were violating the lockdown procedures.
The statement said that while the level of compliance has been satisfactory at the Federal Capital City (FCC) over the first few days of the lockdown, the same cannot be said about the satellite towns located at the various area councils where residents there have largely ignored the lockdown directive.
It said that over the past few days, adherence to the lockdown directives at the City Center has also deteriorated, adding that residents have used the excuse of going to the markets to flout the lockdown directives and traders selling non-essential food commodities have also used this window to open their shops in clear violation of the directives not to do so;
“Despite the directives that residents should patronize neighborhood shops and markets within their districts and not move from one district to the other to buy their essential items in order to minimize movement of people and vehicles across the city, this has largely been flouted as well.
The statement directed that in the new dispensation, market operational days are henceforth reduced to two days in a week namely Wednesdays and Saturdays only;
It advised residents to patronize only neighborhood markets as movement from one district to the other now constitutes a violation of the lockdown.
The statement said that commercial motorcyclists have been banned from operating anywhere in Kubwa and Dutse Alhaji during the lockdown;
“The FCTA will step up sensitization efforts especially in the rural communities and enjoins Area Council, Chairmen, traditional rulers and community leaders to actively engage in sensitizing the populace on the dangers of COVID -19;
“The FCT Administration remains deeply committed to ensuring that the COVID-19 pandemic remains controlled in the FCT and seeks the cooperation of all residents in curtailing its spread especially into our rural and suburban communities.”
Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has said that 90 percent of the noise about coronavirus in Nigeria is politically and economically motivated.
According to him, the reported spread of coronavirus in Nigeria is full of lies and an avenue for political office holders and corrupt officials to embezzle and steal the nation’s resources.
The governor, in a video posted last month on his verified Facebook page, while denying rumours that he tested positive to the virus said: “I can assure you, 90 percent noise about COVID-19 is political and economic financial material thing.
“There are a lot of lies, politics about COVID-19, I will not play with that. I will not play with my people’s life or pretend and steal money because of this so-called . Please, stay safe.
“Please stay at home and stay safe. I got NO Covid. It’s fake news. People of Kogi State, I love you all. Don’t mind the political aspect of COVID-19, maximum of 21 days, COVID-19 will disappear.
“Don’t panic, if you have catarrh (fluid), take hot water with garlic, ginger, lemon, lime and steam yourself, you will be good.
“I’m good, strong, hale and hearty. If COVID-19 comes to Kogi State, you have a governor who will combat and defeat the idiot.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed joy over the discharge from hospital’s intensive care unit, of the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, after being infected by coronavirus.
In a letter dated April 14, 2020 to Mr. Johnson, President Buhari said that he received “with great relief, the news of your discharge from hospital after being successfully treated for Covid-19.”
Nigerian leader expressed delight at the Prime Minister’s recovery, adding: “we all join you in appreciating the wonderful staff at both the hospital and the NHS who worked round the clock to look after you and those afflicted by Covid-19.”
President Buhari wished the Prime Minister “full recovery and good health in the coming days.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, wearing a protective face mask, talks with health workers as he visits a medical center in Pantin near Paris as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in France, April 7, 2020. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool
No fewer than 762 people died within four weeks of lockdown in France as a result of the novel coronavirus. The number of deaths in hospital is reported at 10,129 and those in nursing homes are 5,600 as of today, April 14, bringing the total to 15,729 deaths since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
A total of 103,573 cases of infection have been reported to date as well. The numbers were reported by Jerome Salomon, France’s director general of health, in a daily press briefing.
The total number of patients in intensive care is 6,730, a drop of 91 patients as at yesterday, April 13 whereas there are 71,903 patients in the hospital still receiving treatment.
The number of those who have recovered fully from the coronavirus stands at 28,805.
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation yesterday evening to announce an extension of the lockdown the country has been in since March 17. The new deadline, originally set for Wednesday, April 15, is now May 11.
Despite moving in the right direction, the virus is far from being conquered and the confinement must remain.
“The epidemic is starting to slow down, the results are there,” the executive said.
Despite the disappointment of three and a half more weeks of isolation, Macron remains his country’s biggest cheerleader.
“Thanks to your efforts, every day we have made progress.”
Worldwide, there are nearly 1.95 million cases of coronavirus with over 122,500 reported deaths. Nearly 468,000 people have recovered from the coronavirus as well since the start of record-keeping for the outbreak, according to data compiled by U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.
Despite the severity of the virus, most people experience mild symptoms and recover in due time.
Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje has announced the lockdown of the state seven days beginning from Thursday April as coronavirus case rose to four as at today, April 14.
The governor, who made the announcement after a meeting with various stakeholders in the state and the state security council today, said: “from Thursday 16th April by 10pm Kano is locked down for the benefit of all in the state.
“All markets are closed and all public gatherings are banned. The lockdown is for 7 days. We then wait and see what will come up. We are hoping that Allah will see us through” Ganduje stated.
The state ministry of health on its verified Twitter handle today, confirmed that coronavirus cases in Kano had risen to four.
The novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) is ravaging the earth as economic and social restriction continues with no end in sight. As of April 14, Covid-19 has infected over 1.9 million persons and killed almost 200,000 globally. In Nigeria, the confirmed cases are still fairly low – but on the rise. 323 cases and 10 deaths has been reported as of the aforementioned date.
For one thing, Covid-19 has proven to us that the world is a global village and we are one single family. When Nigerians heard about a virus outbreak in China late last year, many never thought it would reach the country, not to speak of eliciting lockdown.
The grand upside and downside of life is its mystery; our inability to know what course our life will take. Some of those who died of Covid-19 never owned a passport. Many have never visited the airport. Others have been denied visas repeatedly. By implication, they never saw abroad, but died of a foreign disease. Thus, one must be thankful for live, and obey the Covid-19 preventive measures, particularly on social distancing and hygiene. After obedience comes survival.
Successive failed governments have groomed Nigerians to always endure difficulty, but the upshot of the Covid-19 lockdown is breaking the resilient masses. In truth, Nigerians must brace up for the tough days ahead as things will get much worse before it get better. Here are tips on how to survive during the lockdown.
Avoid Waste
These are very abnormal times. Hence, some of our normal expenses are no longer normal, they are, in the meantime, a waste of resources. Don’t spend on direct calls when you can communicate via WhatsApp. It’s understandable if you detest WhatsApp because ‘reconnecting’ disrupts your conversation. But then, it is better than nothing or spending high on calls at this time. Manage WhatsApp calls, at least, for now. Those who eschew WhatsApp call out of pride must humble themselves before brokenness humbles them. People in advanced nations make WhatsApp calls without rating themselves poor – and people don’t consider them poor.
Cut your costs. Buy less fuel and go for cheaper digital satellite television subscription. It’s irrational to pay high for Supersport when all tournaments have been suspended. Don’t bother to renew your subscription, if you are broke and can’t provide yourself constant electricity. Feed yourself instead. You may rely on the internet for news and entertainment. Multi-using your data for calls, news reading and entertainment is wise. Avoiding watching long videos to make your data last. Entertain yourself with non-internet powered radio, if your phone has the function.
On food, plan your meal wisely and eat cautiously. Don’t fry eggs with sardine. Fry only egg and use the sardine for other meals. Don’t waste food. Put only what you can finish on the plate. Don’t take much, but eat some, and waste the rest. Refrigerate your leftover and consume it at the earliest possible time or give the needy. It is irresponsible to waste food, especially now that people are starving.
Avoid alcohol and smoking or reduce your intake. Smoking damages the lungs, which makes people die fast, when they contract Covid-19.
Endeavor to Share
Don’t keep all you have to yourself and family, thinking the pandemic will last forever. No, it won’t. It’s unkind to hide bags of rice at home when other people are famishing. Don’t chop-belle-full while your neighbors sleep on empty stomach. Share with them.
Share the kindness you receive from your superiors – to your inferiors. Let the largesse trickle-down. For instance, if someone gift you 20,000 Naira (N), don’t pocket the money and turn a blind eye to the penurious souls around you. Ensure you bless others too. Dash someone in need N2,000. Bless another person N1,000. Gift another poor individual N500. Let the money trickle-down. The N20,000 won’t be yours, if your benefactor is also an ‘aka gum.’
Sharing of food and funds is basically for the poor. Exchange of knowledge and ideas is for the rich and average class. Now is the time to share your business, investment and project ideas with those who might help. Your target mentors and experts will almost certainly hear you out now. Book a voice or video call appointment. Ask them to share their knowledge and experience with you. This will save you from sinking before you fly. Don’t be unwelcoming if you are a success. Share knowledge and give out helpful contacts to the newbies and promising.
Please Ask
Don’t stay lacking without asking those who can help. Some well-off people will never help, until you ask. Your friends and relations may not think about you, or rather conclude you’re doing fine, if you don’t put forward a request. Some of them who wish to help may be held back by your likely rejection. Others may be scared of your offensive reaction, thinking you may conclude they offered to help because they rate you poor. Don’t be shy to ask, if you are in need. Everyone knows we are in a difficult time. People will honor your request, especially if you’ve not been milking them before now.
Ask out of need, not out of greed. It’s foolish to hide your food and go about exploiting others. It’s wicked to pocket your money and help others exhaust theirs. Ask only when you’re in need – for just what you need.
Help Right
I have a friend who never gives. He will never help, even if you’re dying. Another is terrible on oversight and good at turning a blind eye. Conversely, he won’t let you rest when he has a problem. Am not alone. Everyone has such receive-and-never-give person(s) in their life. Disregard them this season. Focus on those who truly need your generosity to survive. Except you are one, ignore helping friends who spend most of their funds partying and womanizing. Allow them to suffer; that will transform them to start saving for the rainy days and live responsibly.
Family Care
Make sure you check up on your family members regularly. Ask about their welfare. Don’t neglect them, even if you are in conflict. They need your support, especially if you are wealthy. Give them hope, if you have no money. Let them feel loved. Frustration is making many think suicide, but they’re keeping on because they don’t want to hurt their nearest and dearest.
Dine-in and Eat Healthy
Don’t eat out during this lockdown. It’s risky to patronize restaurants, sharing spoons and plates. Doing so increases your chance of contracting Coronavirus. It’s sensible to do takeaway, but advisable to save cost by cooking at home. I recall my grandma always preach home catering to save cost. She often condemns eating at a sitting with “owo ikoko obe” – meaning “money that can prepare a pot of soup.” Embrace her viewpoint: Don’t use the money that can prepare a pot of soup – which will feed you for days – to eat at a sitting during this lockdown.
Stay away from all outdoor foods, including snacks. Shun egg-roll, meat pie, suya, and other foods that suffer frequent touch. Avoid Agege bread for the industrial packed ones. Try to consume balance diet and citrus fruits or vitamin C to boost your immune system.
Eat for survival, not pleasure. A lot of people eat anything; everything; anyhow; anytime. They lack food manners and discipline. Now is not the time for careless eating. Eat when necessary, and responsibly to avoid obesity.
Be Considerate
Whether you’re a girlfriend, fiancée, wife, or side chick, do not bill men unreasonably this season. Don’t insist on having your hair done when there’s no occasion to rock. For the men, ensure your family needs are met before passing money to your side chicks. They are most likely not taxing you only, but many other men. They will be fine without you, but your mother may just not be. Remember her and those who stood by you during hard times. Man or woman, be considerate if you want your relationship and marriage to outlive the Coronavirus.
Employ Customer Loyalty Reward Tactics
Getting foodstuffs to buy despite holding cash has become difficult, but you have a lifeline. Call your patronages – the store owners, traders and market women you patronize regularly – to reserve foodstuffs for you. They will oblige because you are their loyal customer. It’s the likes of you that has kept them in business and they need your patronage to stay on after the pandemic. Making early request prevents you from lacking. Put those you’ve always patronized on duty and you’ll never run out of stock. Try it. It works.
Desist from Greed
Don’t buy all the goods because you have the funds to. Buy some and leave the rest for others. Don’t join the have-nots to fight for the despicable food government is sharing, if you are better off. Think of the incredibly poor. Except you are at the bottom of the ladder, leave the food for those poorer than you.
Advocate for Government Support
Support the call on government to provide better palliatives. Successive Nigerian governments don’t act till there’s public outcry and the Buhari administration is worse off. Don’t play ‘I don’t care’ because you’re comfortable. Those who need the palliatives need your voice. Moreover, everyone stands to benefit, if government award far-reaching palliatives such as free electricity, tax waiver, rent payment deferment, internet and satellite TV subscription price slash, etc.
Contribute Your Skills
Use your high in demand skills to assist your community or make money. Start sowing face mask if you are a tailor. If you’ve switched to another enterprise, now is the time to dust your machine and start sewing. Distribute the face masks to the community or sell at a reasonable price. You will thank me after counting how much you’ve made when the pandemic is over.
Don’t just sit idle when your skill is in high demand. If you are a pharmaceutical scientist, produce large quantities of hand sanitizers for the community or teach people how to do so. Volunteer your service, if you are a retired nurse/doctor. Don’t turn a blind eye because of your unpaid pensions and gratuity. Don’t think about the leadership failures and how badly Nigeria has treated you. Think about humanity.
Be Up-to-date
Listen to news daily. Keep up with the most recent updates on Covid-19 preventive measures and healthy living. Be aware of the latest information. Use the social media, but fact check every information before sharing. Don’t purvey fake news; it ruins faster than virus.
Be Vigilant
You must take up the responsibility of personal and communal protection by being vigilant. Monitor your environment and promptly report any suspected cases of Covid-19 to avoid community spread. Reporting such cases doesn’t make you an intruder or bad blood. No one is at loss if you err, but everyone stands to gain if you are right. In addition, set up a vigilante group or join existing ones to protect your community against attack and robbery.
Get Busy
Polish your skills and read informative papers. This will make you come out of the lockdown a better, well informed person. Also, use the movement restriction opportunity to retrospect. Examine yourself critically; there’s always something to change, stop or improve on. The best time to figure out those things and create a better you is now. Seize the moment!
End Note
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”― Leon C. Megginson
Omoshola Deji, a political and public affairs analyst, wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has made it clear that the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE bombed Boko Haram targets at Shokotoko Village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State and not civilians a some media reports indicated.
A statement today, April 14, by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said that the air strikes conducted on the night of 9 April and early hours of 10 April 2020, was based on credible intelligence reports, obtained from land forces and other security agencies as well as reliable, vetted informants, which confirmed that the target location was occupied solely by Boko Haram Terrorists.
The statement said that as it is customary, the attack helicopter that executed the mission was accompanied by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft to ensure proper targeting for avoidance of collateral damage.
It stressed that Nigerian Air Force pilots, by training and in line with extant Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for the operation, do not attack any location if it is observed that non-combatants, especially women and children, are present.
“In such cases, the pilots would rather return to Base with their munitions unexpended. Consequently, on the strength of the foregoing, the location was considered a legitimate target.
“Nevertheless, to allay public concerns occasioned by the aforementioned media reports, an investigation is being carried out and subsequent actions will be taken in line with extant regulations and best practices, while remaining accountable to the Nigerian people.
“We wish to reassure the general public that the AFN, in keeping with its professional responsibility, will continue to work assiduously to rid the North East of all terrorist elements with a view to facilitating a return to normalcy that would enable Nigerians in the area pursue their legitimate aspirations.”
Something must definitely be wrong with Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) if they would, as they did yesterday, dismiss the important national broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari as “disappointing,” a speech for which the European Union, through their Ambassador to Nigeria, congratulated the President, describing it as ‘‘a very powerful address to the nation last night.”
But by no means is this the first shocker for Nigerians from a party that sees itself as the alternative government.
The PDP has opposed every single decision taken in the interest of national security by the Buhari administration.
The week before, they celebrated a foreign leader who they invited to come and tutor President Muhammadu Buhari, an army General and a successful war commander, on how to fight Boko Haram terrorists.
This is a leader who has transformed the armed forces in the last five years and brought them to a respectable standing among nations.
They questioned the bravery of our soldiers and spread false rumors that their preferred foreign leader had routed out insurgents on the Nigerian soil “and freed Nigerian territories and soldiers held captive by terrorists in northern part of Borno State.”
PDP’s corruption and ineptitude allowed Boko Haram to occupy 18 local governments to be captured and millions to relocate. Nigerians have not forgotten and are waiting for them in 2023.
For a political party that led Nigeria for 16 years pursuing wrong policies and strategies that destroyed not only the armed forces but have destroyed the nation and its economy, there won’t be much from them to shock the citizens when they say that they see nothing good in the enormously successful war that the Buhari administration has waged against the Covid-19 global pandemic.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres have at different times praised Nigeria and commended its anti-Covid war as worthy of emulation.
This is on account of the fact that from the moment of its importation into the country, the government has done a lot of work to strengthen the health sector to stem the spread and defeat the virus.
Government has succeeded in uniting the whole country- its religious and community leaders; business leaders and employee unions; students and civil society and a large number of political parties- with perhaps only the PDP yet to decide to joins a massive and an unprecedented coalition of Nigerians-saying we are all in this together-fighting to defeat the coronavirus.
Of significant interest in this circumstance is the leadership that the governing All Progressives Congress, APC has shown through an ongoing public enlightenment campaign on the rules of hygiene beaming from radio and TV station in many parts of the country.
The PDP won’t do any of these. No, to do this will be disruptive of their campaign of disorganization. They would rather attack the President as he attacks terrorists and coronavirus. They don’t realize that the times have changed and the country has changed. Their leaders continue to show an abysmal lack of understanding of the sentiments of the people.
When they voted in his government in 2015, some said it was because Nigerians wanted to see the back of the PDP.
In voting massively for his second and final term, Nigerian people backed his return for the work that he is doing on all parameters, promoting the welfare of the people and providing modern infrastructure.
The decisions so far announced by the President in dealing with coronavirus will benefit the whole country- leaders and followers, farmers and consumers, manufacturers, producers and traders, youngsters and the elderly, Muslim, Christian and non-believers-all sections of society. The PDP should make the choice of reconnecting with the people by joining this coalition and stopping the unnecessary distractions; recognizing the efforts of the people led by the government or simply shut their mouth if they have nothing important to say.
The nation is more important than politics.
Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to allow Nigerians enjoy free electricity to make them more comfortable staying at home in this coronavirus period.
“You know I am very passionate about electricity for our people. Interestingly I brought it up today and we discussed that with the President and hopefully in a matter of days he will meet with the stakeholders on electricity.”
The speaker, who spoke to newsmen today, April 14 at the presidential villa in Abuja, said: “I impressed on him (President Buhari) my position, the DISCOs have their issues, no question about it but at this point in time we need to put that aside and think of the Nigerian people.
“The President listened very attentively and I think hopefully whatever the issues are we will be able to resolve them at least for these two months and then long-term, how electricity will not be an issue but what is imperative right now, is when you ask people to remain at home, you must make that home a little bit comfortable for them.”
The leadership of the National Assembly has raised eyebrow on the management of the money individuals and corporate bodies donated for the fight against coronavirus, suggesting proper coordination.
Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who spoke to newsmen today, April 14, shortly after an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, along with the speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said: “the various donations that we are receiving should go into a single account and should have a fund management committee that would be in charge of releases. Accountability and transparency require that we have that separation.”
While commending Nigerians and corporate bodies that have made the donations, the Senate President insisted that there should be more coordination as far as the management of the funds donated is concerned.
He however commended the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for working hard to address the challenge confronting the nation.
“I believe the Presidential Task Force is doing a very good job, they have been very proactive and they deserve our commendation.”
The Senate President also called for a review of the way the social investment programme of government is being implemented, so as to reach more Nigerians, especially the category of people the programme was meant for.
“We also believe that it is time to reform the way and manner we implement the social investment programme, This is a very important programme that is meant to help poor and vulnerable Nigerians and we believe that having implemented it for four years or more, we should be reviewing to evaluate the efficacy efficiency with which we have been implementing the programme.
“I believe that we also need to legislate on how to fight poverty in Nigeria because this is one issue that has been there for quite some time and therefore there is need for us to have a very clear and well spelt out processes and procedures on how to tackle poverty.
“There should be very little or no room for discretion so that we have a programme that will be very transparent and should go deep down to those who really deserve to have the support and should be such an equitable and fair programme as far the geographical spread across the country is concerned.”
The Senate President said the National Assembly is on standby to reconvene and thrash the issue of the N500 billion stimulus package on cushioning the effects of COVID-19 proposed by government, when presented to it.
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The Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has announced the activation of mobile courts to try all violators of the directive on the cessation of movement across the capital city.
Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje has announced the lockdown of the state seven days beginning from Thursday April as coronavirus case rose to four as at today, April 14.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has made it clear that the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE bombed Boko Haram targets at Shokotoko Village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State and not civilians a some media reports indicated.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to allow Nigerians enjoy free electricity to make them more comfortable staying at home in this coronavirus period.
The leadership of the National Assembly has raised eyebrow on the management of the money individuals and corporate bodies donated for the fight against coronavirus, suggesting proper coordination.
Covid-19: How To Survive The Hardships Of Lockdown, By Omoshola Deji
For one thing, Covid-19 has proven to us that the world is a global village and we are one single family. When Nigerians heard about a virus outbreak in China late last year, many never thought it would reach the country, not to speak of eliciting lockdown.
The grand upside and downside of life is its mystery; our inability to know what course our life will take. Some of those who died of Covid-19 never owned a passport. Many have never visited the airport. Others have been denied visas repeatedly. By implication, they never saw abroad, but died of a foreign disease. Thus, one must be thankful for live, and obey the Covid-19 preventive measures, particularly on social distancing and hygiene. After obedience comes survival.
Successive failed governments have groomed Nigerians to always endure difficulty, but the upshot of the Covid-19 lockdown is breaking the resilient masses. In truth, Nigerians must brace up for the tough days ahead as things will get much worse before it get better. Here are tips on how to survive during the lockdown.
Avoid Waste
These are very abnormal times. Hence, some of our normal expenses are no longer normal, they are, in the meantime, a waste of resources. Don’t spend on direct calls when you can communicate via WhatsApp. It’s understandable if you detest WhatsApp because ‘reconnecting’ disrupts your conversation. But then, it is better than nothing or spending high on calls at this time. Manage WhatsApp calls, at least, for now. Those who eschew WhatsApp call out of pride must humble themselves before brokenness humbles them. People in advanced nations make WhatsApp calls without rating themselves poor – and people don’t consider them poor.
Cut your costs. Buy less fuel and go for cheaper digital satellite television subscription. It’s irrational to pay high for Supersport when all tournaments have been suspended. Don’t bother to renew your subscription, if you are broke and can’t provide yourself constant electricity. Feed yourself instead. You may rely on the internet for news and entertainment. Multi-using your data for calls, news reading and entertainment is wise. Avoiding watching long videos to make your data last. Entertain yourself with non-internet powered radio, if your phone has the function.
On food, plan your meal wisely and eat cautiously. Don’t fry eggs with sardine. Fry only egg and use the sardine for other meals. Don’t waste food. Put only what you can finish on the plate. Don’t take much, but eat some, and waste the rest. Refrigerate your leftover and consume it at the earliest possible time or give the needy. It is irresponsible to waste food, especially now that people are starving.
Avoid alcohol and smoking or reduce your intake. Smoking damages the lungs, which makes people die fast, when they contract Covid-19.
Endeavor to Share
Don’t keep all you have to yourself and family, thinking the pandemic will last forever. No, it won’t. It’s unkind to hide bags of rice at home when other people are famishing. Don’t chop-belle-full while your neighbors sleep on empty stomach. Share with them.
Share the kindness you receive from your superiors – to your inferiors. Let the largesse trickle-down. For instance, if someone gift you 20,000 Naira (N), don’t pocket the money and turn a blind eye to the penurious souls around you. Ensure you bless others too. Dash someone in need N2,000. Bless another person N1,000. Gift another poor individual N500. Let the money trickle-down. The N20,000 won’t be yours, if your benefactor is also an ‘aka gum.’
Sharing of food and funds is basically for the poor. Exchange of knowledge and ideas is for the rich and average class. Now is the time to share your business, investment and project ideas with those who might help. Your target mentors and experts will almost certainly hear you out now. Book a voice or video call appointment. Ask them to share their knowledge and experience with you. This will save you from sinking before you fly. Don’t be unwelcoming if you are a success. Share knowledge and give out helpful contacts to the newbies and promising.
Please Ask
Don’t stay lacking without asking those who can help. Some well-off people will never help, until you ask. Your friends and relations may not think about you, or rather conclude you’re doing fine, if you don’t put forward a request. Some of them who wish to help may be held back by your likely rejection. Others may be scared of your offensive reaction, thinking you may conclude they offered to help because they rate you poor. Don’t be shy to ask, if you are in need. Everyone knows we are in a difficult time. People will honor your request, especially if you’ve not been milking them before now.
Ask out of need, not out of greed. It’s foolish to hide your food and go about exploiting others. It’s wicked to pocket your money and help others exhaust theirs. Ask only when you’re in need – for just what you need.
Help Right
I have a friend who never gives. He will never help, even if you’re dying. Another is terrible on oversight and good at turning a blind eye. Conversely, he won’t let you rest when he has a problem. Am not alone. Everyone has such receive-and-never-give person(s) in their life. Disregard them this season. Focus on those who truly need your generosity to survive. Except you are one, ignore helping friends who spend most of their funds partying and womanizing. Allow them to suffer; that will transform them to start saving for the rainy days and live responsibly.
Family Care
Make sure you check up on your family members regularly. Ask about their welfare. Don’t neglect them, even if you are in conflict. They need your support, especially if you are wealthy. Give them hope, if you have no money. Let them feel loved. Frustration is making many think suicide, but they’re keeping on because they don’t want to hurt their nearest and dearest.
Dine-in and Eat Healthy
Don’t eat out during this lockdown. It’s risky to patronize restaurants, sharing spoons and plates. Doing so increases your chance of contracting Coronavirus. It’s sensible to do takeaway, but advisable to save cost by cooking at home. I recall my grandma always preach home catering to save cost. She often condemns eating at a sitting with “owo ikoko obe” – meaning “money that can prepare a pot of soup.” Embrace her viewpoint: Don’t use the money that can prepare a pot of soup – which will feed you for days – to eat at a sitting during this lockdown.
Stay away from all outdoor foods, including snacks. Shun egg-roll, meat pie, suya, and other foods that suffer frequent touch. Avoid Agege bread for the industrial packed ones. Try to consume balance diet and citrus fruits or vitamin C to boost your immune system.
Eat for survival, not pleasure. A lot of people eat anything; everything; anyhow; anytime. They lack food manners and discipline. Now is not the time for careless eating. Eat when necessary, and responsibly to avoid obesity.
Be Considerate
Whether you’re a girlfriend, fiancée, wife, or side chick, do not bill men unreasonably this season. Don’t insist on having your hair done when there’s no occasion to rock. For the men, ensure your family needs are met before passing money to your side chicks. They are most likely not taxing you only, but many other men. They will be fine without you, but your mother may just not be. Remember her and those who stood by you during hard times. Man or woman, be considerate if you want your relationship and marriage to outlive the Coronavirus.
Employ Customer Loyalty Reward Tactics
Getting foodstuffs to buy despite holding cash has become difficult, but you have a lifeline. Call your patronages – the store owners, traders and market women you patronize regularly – to reserve foodstuffs for you. They will oblige because you are their loyal customer. It’s the likes of you that has kept them in business and they need your patronage to stay on after the pandemic. Making early request prevents you from lacking. Put those you’ve always patronized on duty and you’ll never run out of stock. Try it. It works.
Desist from Greed
Don’t buy all the goods because you have the funds to. Buy some and leave the rest for others. Don’t join the have-nots to fight for the despicable food government is sharing, if you are better off. Think of the incredibly poor. Except you are at the bottom of the ladder, leave the food for those poorer than you.
Advocate for Government Support
Support the call on government to provide better palliatives. Successive Nigerian governments don’t act till there’s public outcry and the Buhari administration is worse off. Don’t play ‘I don’t care’ because you’re comfortable. Those who need the palliatives need your voice. Moreover, everyone stands to benefit, if government award far-reaching palliatives such as free electricity, tax waiver, rent payment deferment, internet and satellite TV subscription price slash, etc.
Contribute Your Skills
Use your high in demand skills to assist your community or make money. Start sowing face mask if you are a tailor. If you’ve switched to another enterprise, now is the time to dust your machine and start sewing. Distribute the face masks to the community or sell at a reasonable price. You will thank me after counting how much you’ve made when the pandemic is over.
Don’t just sit idle when your skill is in high demand. If you are a pharmaceutical scientist, produce large quantities of hand sanitizers for the community or teach people how to do so. Volunteer your service, if you are a retired nurse/doctor. Don’t turn a blind eye because of your unpaid pensions and gratuity. Don’t think about the leadership failures and how badly Nigeria has treated you. Think about humanity.
Be Up-to-date
Listen to news daily. Keep up with the most recent updates on Covid-19 preventive measures and healthy living. Be aware of the latest information. Use the social media, but fact check every information before sharing. Don’t purvey fake news; it ruins faster than virus.
Be Vigilant
You must take up the responsibility of personal and communal protection by being vigilant. Monitor your environment and promptly report any suspected cases of Covid-19 to avoid community spread. Reporting such cases doesn’t make you an intruder or bad blood. No one is at loss if you err, but everyone stands to gain if you are right. In addition, set up a vigilante group or join existing ones to protect your community against attack and robbery.
Get Busy
Polish your skills and read informative papers. This will make you come out of the lockdown a better, well informed person. Also, use the movement restriction opportunity to retrospect. Examine yourself critically; there’s always something to change, stop or improve on. The best time to figure out those things and create a better you is now. Seize the moment!
End Note
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”― Leon C. Megginson