Nigeria’s Banks Resolve To Rule Out Profit Motive In Favour Of Coronavirus Battle

March 21, 2020

Nigeria’s Banks have resolved at a bankers’ Committee meeting today, March 21, to rule out profit motive as the world stands in unison to battle Coronavirus.
A communique emanating from the meeting, copy of which was made available to Greengage Reporters, the Bankers’Committee, comprising mainly of Chief Executivev Officers of Nigerian banks, said that the meeting dealt with the impact of COVID-19 on the banking system in particular and the economy in general.
“The Committee discussed the significant health and economic crisis caused by the novel Corona virus (COVID-19) which has resulted in escalating worldwide infections, deaths, disruptions in global supply chains, travel restrictions and turmoil in the international financial markets. It further noted the policy responses across governments and central banks around the world including the CBN
“It was resolved that the CBN and banking industry will collaborate at this critical moment – with one coherent strategy to provide confidence to the customers, counter parties, the public and most importantly, put Nigeria first.
The industry has learnt lessons from previous crisis including the 2008 global financial crisis and the oil price slump of 2016, which will be applicable and position the industry to better deal with this crisis.
“The industry resolved that profit will not be the primary motive at this time. Rather, preserving confidence, financial stability and support for the economy will be the overriding objectives.
“Engagements will be held with correspondent banks, trade creditors, trading partners regarding existing LC and trade commitments. The industry is committed to resolving these commitments in a comprehensive and orderly way. There will be transparent and open communication with all counterparties
“In view of the significant disruption of the global supply chains, the bankers committee advises Nigerians and companies to begin prioritizing their import needs and focus more on sourcing raw materials and inputs locally.
“The bankers committee noted the success of the CBN’s 43 items policy and encouraged it to strengthen it and other measures targeted at export promotion and/or import substitution to position Nigeria as a key global producer and build a self-sufficient economy.
“The Committee further discussed the financial system’s implementation and operationalization of the policy measures earlier announced by the CBN including:
Additional moratorium of 1 year on CBN intervention facilities
Interest rate reduction on intervention facilities from 9% to 5%
Creation of N50 billion targeted credit facility for affected households & SMEs.
Granting Regulatory forbearance to banks to restructure terms of facilities in affected sectors, Strengthening the LOR policy, which is encouraging significant extra lending from banks.
Improving FX supply to the CBN by directing all oil companies (international and domestic) and all related companies (oil service) to sell FX to CBN and no longer NNPC.
Activation of the N1.5 trillion lnfraCo Project for building critical infrastructure;
N1.0 Trillion to healthcare loans to pharmaceutical companies, healthcare practitioners intending to expand/build capacity;
N1 trillion in loans to boost local manufacturing and production across critical sectors:
“The combination of these measures amounts to over N3.5 trillion in stimulus to the Nigerian economy to ameliorate the pains arising from the COVID-19 health.
“Given that this crisis is first and foremost a public health crisis, we are paying particular attention to our health industry. As aforementioned, global supply chains have been disrupted including dominant drug supply channels from China and India. In fact, many countries have or are planning to ban export of drugs and medical supplies from their countries. Clearly, we have no choice but to produce these items locally.
“Thus the Committee has identified a few key local pharmaceutical companies who shall be granted Naira and FX funding facilities to support procurement of raw materials and equipment required to exponentially increase local drug production in Nigeria. These include but are not limited to Emzor, Fidson, GSK, May & Baker, Unique Pharma, Swiss Pharma, Neimeth, Sagar, Orange Drugs, Dana Pharma, etc.”

Gov Fayemi Shuts Down Ekiti Over Coronavirus

Editorial staff

March 21, 2020

Governor of state of Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has shut down the state and directed civil servants to be working from home in view of the raging Coronavirus pandemic.
The governor also banned gatherings above 20 people and directed all schools from primary to tertiary level be closed indefinitely.
In a broadcast, the governor said civil servants from level 12 below should stay and work from home, except those on essential duty.
According to him, the steps were necessary to check further spread of the virus in the interest of the citizens.
“All non-essential services in private and public sectors are encouraged to work from home from Monday 23rd March 2020.
“These includes civil and public servants from level 12 officers and below; except essential services like health workers, caregivers, social welfare officers, fire service officers, emergency response officers, media professionals, and security/ watchmen in public institutions.

How Nigerian Journalists Exploit International Sympathy Whenever They Dish Out Fake News – Garba Shehu

Editorial staff

March 21, 2020

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu has painted a picture of Nigerian journalists running to seek international sympathy whenever they dish out fake and hate news and are being made to face the consequences.

“Nigerian journalists have learnt to exploit international sympathy in such situations, crying media harassment and death of press freedom, instead of owning up to their errors of judgement and facing punishment from the judiciary.

Garba Shehu, in a paper presentation entitled Media and Democracy: Challenges of Journalism, at the 2020 Annual Lecture of the Abuja Branch of the Barewa Old Boys Association today, March 21, insisted that the media should be held accountable for misinformation capable of causing devastating consequences on the nation, economy and individuals.

He daid that any attempt to hold the media accountable or punish libelous publication in Nigeria should not be automatically regarded as an attack on journalism and press freedom.

The presidential spokesman also called for better remuneration of journalists in the country, warning that poor and backlog of unpaid salaries expose media practitioners to corruption.

Shehu, who spoke in his capacity as a journalist and media practitioner, with over three decades of experience in the profession, described social media as a powerful tool for people-oriented governance.

He said that social media has made the role of the traditional media ”complex”, even as he cautioned that ‘‘media recklessness’’ can cause devastating consequences on the polity.

”The social media is like a rogue elephant that seems out of control. But despite this notorious image, social media are powerful platforms.

”They enable politicians and activists to engage directly with the people. Besides, groups that are marginalized by the traditional media use the social media to get their voices heard.”

He gave several anecdotes of how journalists in the country had deceived the unsuspecting public with false narratives passing as truth.

The spokesman cited the recent report of a national daily that Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church was denied visa by the U.S Embassy and how another national daily falsely feasted on how a former minister of FCT collapsed and was flown abroad for treatment after seeing a tortoise on his office seat.

The presidential spokesman also used the opportunity to weigh-in substantially on the social media bill before the National Assembly.

”At the recent public hearing by the National Assembly on the draft, private member’s bill on social media, more than 100 activist groups presented a demand that there should be no law.

”This is in spite of a public opinion survey conducted by NOIPolls revealing that new media (social media, blogs, etc.) is a major breeding ground for fake news in the country as indicated by 67 per cent of Nigerians.

”Nigerian journalists have learnt to exploit international sympathy in such situations, crying media harassment and death of press freedom, instead of owning up to their errors of judgement and facing punishment from the judiciary.

”There is hardly a week without my getting a call from Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) asking some of the silliest questions about a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in a faraway local government asking to see a journalist over a published report.

”Or questions about a former journalist, a presidential candidate in his conduct as a politician making all sorts of suggestions that he cannot be questioned by the law because he practiced as a journalist in the past.

”To cut a long story short, the difficulty of the government in a democracy like Nigeria is how to strike a balance between press freedom, and a sometimes corrupt and dangerously reckless media.”

On press freedom, Shehu declared that since the return to democracy in 1999 the Nigerian media enjoyed greater freedom than they had under military rule.

”Freedom, like power, is however, subject to abuse. For the media to contribute to the success of democracy, they must inform the people accurately.

”They must reflect on the diversity of society while playing the role of information dissemination. Media practitioners shouldn’t be religious and ethnic crusaders, supporting one side against another, thereby escalating tensions and conflicts in society.

”The pursuit of political agenda can fundamentally compromise the role of the media in deepening democracy.”

On remuneration of journalists, Garba Shehu, who was once President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors said: “we have media workers who are poorly paid, when and how they are paid.

”It is said that certain media organizations in the country had the practice of telling newly-recruited reporters to not expect salaries, that the official ID card was their meal ticket.

”Late MKO Abiola used to say that you must pay your journalists well otherwise someone will pay them and they will work for him.

”It then follows that journalists poorly paid or not paid at all are paid by news sources to print and not to print.

”It is hard to think of an unpaid journalist, hungry that can be steadfast in standing by their ethics. An Arab proverb says a hungry man can fight the king.”

BREAKING: Coronavirus Enters Abuja, 3 Cases Being Handled In Gwagwalada

Greenbarge Reporters

March 21, 2020

The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed ten new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria with three in
the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and seven in Lagos State.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 22.
The ministry said that the 10 new cases are Nigerian nationals; nine) of them have travel
history to the Canada, France, Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom. They returned to the country in the past one week.

It said that the 10th case is a
close contact of a previously confirmed case.
According to the ministry, the three cases in the FCT are being treated at the University of Abuja
Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada while the seven new cases in Lagos are being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.
“All 10 (ten) new cases have mild to moderate symptoms and are currently receiving treatment.
“As of the 21st of March 2020, 22 (twenty-two) cases have been confirmed, 2 (two) cases have been discharged and there has been no
death from COVID-19 in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to working with states to provide optimal care for all confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.
Contact tracing is ongoing to identify all persons who have been in contact with the new confirmed cases.

“The Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health has heightened screening at all air, land and sea points of entry into Nigeria and adapted the protocols to reflect the
travel guidance issued by the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus (COVID-19).”

Details later…

Champion Newspaper Staff Protest Unpaid 54 Months Salaries

Editorial staff

March 20, 2020

Former staff of Champion Newspapers are protesting over unpaid 54 months salary arrears. The protest, led by the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), took place today, March 20 at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of 2020 Champion Newspapers Excellence Awards.

The protest against the management of the Newspapers was led by the Council Chairman, Dr. Quasim Akinreti as well as the National Trustee of the Union, Sylva Okereke.

It was gathered that as the protest was going on, the management of Champion Newspapers threatened to arrest the Council chairman and his team of protesters, who were unperturbed over the threats by the police and management of the hotel.

The protesters claimed that the Publisher of the Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the Managing Director of the Company, Mrs. Nwadiuto Ihekanwa have been considered to be very insensitive to the plights of the past and present staff of the company, as over 25 staff have so far died due to non-payment of over four years salaries.

It was gathered that despite selling the property of Champion Newspapers to Promasidor company for N2.5 billion, the management refused to pay the over N100 million owed the staff.

Protesters were seen carrying placards with inscriptions, “No Pay, no award! Madam, You’re Wicked!! You have enslaved our members!!!”

Others read in part, “Champion management you’re heartless! Pay us our money” and “Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu enslaved our members.”

It would be recalled that the 2020 Champion Newspapers Excellence Award was expected to attract at least two governors, including Governors Ayade and Ugwuanyi.

Other recipients include, the CEO Airpeace, the GMD of Zenith Bank, Seplat and Globacom among others.

Nigeria’s Drug Control Body Begins Chloroquine As Clinical Trial For Coronavirus

Editorial staff

March 20, 2020

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the production of Chloroquine for clinical trials in tackling Coronavirus

Director-General of the agency, Mojisola Adeyeye, who made this known today, March 20 at the NAFDAC headquarters in Lagos, explained that NAFDAC is not approving Chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 but for clinical trials to find treatment for the virus.
“In the case of Chloroquine, it has been demonstrated in the literature and with clinical research which is still ongoing, that Chloroquine is superior to the Placebo.
“NAFDAC is not approving Chloroquine as a product that has can be used for Coronavirus because there is no submission to us for registration but because it is under clinical trials, NAFDAC approves medicines meant for clinical trials.
“Therefore the medicine is being approved just for the clinical trials.”
She called on experts and researchers that are interested in doing a clinical trial on Chloroquine to approach approved outlets, adding that a drug company has been given an approval to produce chloroquine in batches
“Right now, we have asked one company to make a batch of Chloroquine for the purpose of clinical trial.”
The NAFDAC boss cautioned Nigerians against using Chloroquine as anti-malaria.
“Nobody should use chloroquine as anti-malaria because of the resistance that has been proven to develop in the past after the use of chloroquine in the population.”

Coronavirus: FCT Restricts Religious,Public Gathering

Editorial staff

March 20, 2020

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has restricted religious and other form of gathering as a way of stemming the Coronavirus in Abuja.

A statement today, March 20 by the Senior Special Assistant to minister Muhammad Musa Bello on media and strategic communications, Abubakar Sani said that one of the restrictions is that congregations at places of worship are restricted to a maximum of 50 persons at any given time.
“This measure also applies to social gatherings at event centers, football viewing centers and night clubs, amongst others.”
He said that the essence of the restriction is to make the tracking of suspected cases, if any, easier for the health authorities, appealing to the residents not to engage in panic buying and always seek for information about the disease from the FCT Public Health Department and other agencies of government
The statement said that the decisions were taken at a meeting the minister held with religious leaders across the Territory.
The meeting was held based on the advice and guidance of public health authorities, the Presidential Task Force for the Control of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19), as well as the outcomes of the National Economic Council meeting, held on Thursday, 19th of March.

We Want To Take Over Accommodation Arrangement In Makkah From States – Hajj Commission Boss

Editorial staff

March 20, 2020

Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),’Zikrullahi Kunle Hassan has sought the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to take over accommodation arrangement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for Nigerian pilgrims from the states.

“With your kind approval this year, we are working to take full charge of Makkan accommodation because hitherto, the states have been in charge. The idea is that when we take full charge, we will be able to reduce further the cost and to do this, we need to engage the accommodation agents and owners in a possible two to three-year lease with a view to having a reduction in price.”
Zikrullahi made this request today, March 20 when he led the new management of Commission to the presidential villa, Abuja to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the preparation for the 2020 hajj operations.
Zikrullah Kunle Hassan told the President of the efforts of the commission to make life better for Nigerians on pilgrimage, saying that the Saudi government had given some concessions to Nigerians, especially in the way of accommodation and tents.
He assured the President of even better deals next year when his Board fully takes over negotiations.
NAHCON boss appealed to the President to constitute the Board of Trustees of the Hajj Savings Scheme to make it easier for pilgrims to perform their religious obligation.
He said that he is currently in discussions with the Federal Ministry of Health on the Covid-19 pandemic as the Commission aligns itself with government positions in tackling the scourge.
This was even as President Buhari emphasized the need for the Commission to work to guarantee the safety and security of the pilgrims at all times.
“I am pleased that you are working with the Ministry of Health on protecting our citizens from Covid-19 virus.”
“You must work to guarantee the safety and security of our pilgrims. As a government, this is now a key priority for us. I therefore enjoin you to ensure that adequate medical provisions and other welfare requirements are afforded our pilgrims,” he added.
The President commmended the new management for reducing hajj fares by about 15 per cent.
“I am pleased to hear of the progress you have made thus far, especially in reducing Hajj fares by up to 15 per cent. I am also impressed that you are still working to further bring down the cost next year.
“This is commendable now, especially with the recent global events that have impacted on the economy. Such savings will be timely and most welcome to the pilgrims as well as to Nigeria’s economy.”
President Buhari cautioned them against sacrificing quality for safety and comfort of pilgrims.
“However, as you assess and reduce these costs, you must ensure that quality service and comfort are provided for our pilgrims as these are the core mandates of your Commission and must remain your primary goal.”

UniAbuja Suspends 24 Students For Alleged Cultism

Editorial staff

March 20, 2020

The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has approved the indefinite suspension of 24 students of the University for their alleged Involvement in cultism.

It would be recalled that the Police on 15th March 2020 arrested 46 students suspected to be cult members, following a tip-off from the University Safety Office in close collaboration with the community vigilantes, while they were planning to conduct initiation in Gwako village along Gwagwalada Road, Abuja.
A statement by the spokesman of the institution, Dr. Habib Gallon said that the students were the the first batch to be suspended by the University Management.
The statement said that out of the 24 suspended students, who cut across various faculties, including Science, Arts, Social Science, seven were in 400 leve, 10 in 300 level, six in 200 level and one is what is referred to as “spill-over student.”
The statement said that the affected students have been directed by the University authority to handover all property in their possession and vacate the hostels immediately.
The Vice Chancellor, who relied on the University Law clearly spelt out to the students during their orientation exercise, and for which a matriculation oath was taken, has also directed that the students be made to appear before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
“The University Management wishes to reiterate that it has zero tolerance for cultism and other related misconduct in the University, and is determined to, after due diligence, punish any staff or student who violates the university rules and regulations.
“The University community is urged to be vigilant at all times and accordingly report any suspicious activities within the university that could undermine the safety and peaceful co-existence of its members.
“The University administration assures students and staff of the University, of its maximum protection, and that measures have been put in place to arrest any other suspect to serve as deterrent to others.”