This Is Difficult Phase Of World History That Will Soon End And Pass, King Salman Assures Saudians

March 20, 2020

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinnah, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has said that the coronavirus pandemic has signified the most difficult phase of the world and is sure that it will soon end and pass.

In a special address to the citizens and residents of the Kingdom, King Salman said: “we are living through a difficult phase of the world’s history. However, we are completely certain that this phase will end and pass.”

The King who gave assurance that the Kingdom will continue to take all precautionary measures in combating this corona pandemic, said: “at the outset, I pray to God to protect citizens and expatriates from the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic that has hit the world.

King Salman who underscored the need for full cooperation of the people for the government to achieve success in stemming the spread of corona, said that despite its harsh and bitter difficulties, there is the belief in God’s words: (Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease, Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease).

“This crisis will become a piece of history that proves man’s defiance in the face of this hardship humankind is experiencing.

“Your nation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to take all precautionary measures to confront this pandemic and limit its effects. We depend on the aid of God Almighty, then on deploying our full capabilities, supported by your strong determination to face adversities with the steadfastness of believers at the forefront.
“The strength, steadfastness, determination that you have demonstrated during the clear negotiating of this difficult phase, and your full cooperation with relevant government agencies, are the most important contributing factors and pillars of the success of the state’s efforts, which has prioritized safeguarding health and made it the state’s top concern.
“Therefore, rest assured that we are very keen on providing the necessary medication, food, and living necessities for citizens and residents of this blessed land.
“All government sectors, led by the Ministry of Health, are doing all they can and taking all necessary measures to ensure the health of the nation’s citizens and residents.
“We express our gratitude to all the government entities for their devotion and dedication, and in that context, we would like to express our distinct recognition to the efforts of our health sector professionals who are dedicating great efforts to preserve and protect the lives of our citizens and residents, devoting their lives to overcome this critical stage.
“We reaffirm that continuing this sincere and hard work at such a difficult time can’t be achieved but with solidarity and collaboration, and by building on our positive spirits, further enhancing our individual and collective awareness, and strictly adhering to the instructions and guidelines provided to overcome this pandemic.
“You are well acquainted with my honesty in addressing public matters. That is why I started by saying that we are going through a difficult phase, as part of what the whole world is going through.
“I will tell you as well that the coming phase will be more difficult on a global level to confront the rapid spread of this pandemic.
“At the same time, I know that we will overcome hardships by believing in God, trusting His will, doing the deeds we have to do, and exerting and devoting all our efforts to protect the health and safety of humans and provide all the necessities required to ensure they lead decent lives, relying on your determination, the strength of your resolve, and your heightened sense of collective responsibility, may God preserve us and grant us all the best.
“May God protect our country and the rest of the world, and protect humanity as a whole against all adversities.”

Presidency Describes Call On Buhari To Broadcast On Coronavirus As Populism, Cheap Politics

Editorial staff

March 19, 2020

Nigeria presidency has frowned at those, especially in the National Assembly, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to make a broadcast to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic, saying that such call is populism and cheap politics.

In a statement today, March 19, senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said: “populist advocacies such as the one accusing the President of “complacency” simply because he has not made a television address by ranking members of our respected parliament are cheap and sensational. These are not the times for populism and cheap politics.”

Garba Shehu said that every other country around the world is now dealing with the unexpected and unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that the Buhari administration has taken some steps to mitigate the effects on the Nigerian people.

“To prevent the spread of cases imported into Nigeria, the President has already ordered the restrictions of travel from 13 countries, each with more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Government has also suspended visas issued to nationals of these countries. The restriction will take effect from March 20 and will remain until further notice. While Nigeria delights in welcoming the world, the safety and protection of our citizens and land must take priority.

“The various agencies of government including Media owned by the government have embarked on vigorous campaigns promoting hygiene measures. There are, currently, very stringent regimes of checks at the points of air and sea entry into the country. The effort Nigeria is making as is well known, has already received the commendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“The Presidency wishes to assure Nigerians that government is on top of the situation. There is no cause for panic. So far measures put in place are working efficiently. What this country is doing has been recommended as a template.

“The President trusts the relevant Ministers in his cabinet and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are providing him with constant updates and professional counsel. These officials have a track record of competence.

“The President instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to reduce the pump price of fuel. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a crash in the global price of crude oil, and the President decided that every Nigerian should benefit from this. Subsequently, the NNPC announced a 20 naira deduction, and the pump price of fuel has now been reduced from 145 naira per litre to 125 naira per litre.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday announced a credit relief of N1.1Trillion Naira to businesses affected by the pandemic. The Bank has also established a facility for household, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and announced a reduction of interest rates for loans from 9% to 5%.

“We do not want to create panic. But we will continue to update the Nigerian public with relevant information. We plead with every Nigerian to cooperate with the government in the fight against Covid-19 and obey all instructions from the NCDC. We have a high level Presidential Coordination Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This body should be allowed to carry out its duties.

“We also plead with Nigerians not to see this most peculiar of times as one to be politicised or seen as an opportunity to regurgitate grudges against the government or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). North, South, East, and West – all Nigerians must unite to fight this plague, irrespective of religious or ideological affiliation.

“President Buhari thanks all those at the forefront of the fight against the deadly disease.”

Islam Supports All Measures Taken To Contain Coronavirus – Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs

Editorial staff

March 19, 2020

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, has thrown its support to the governments across the world over measures that have been taken to contain COVID-19 pandemic globally.

The Islamic body, which noted that coronavirus has turned out to be the most virulent that the world has had to deal with in recent times, stressed that Islam, both the Holy Quran and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad are in tandem with such measured.

It warned therefore, against trivializing, oversimplifying or politicising the issue.

The body, in a statement today, March 19, detailed the position of the Holy books thus:

As it is known to all, Islam is not just a religion in the narrow sense of the word. It is a comprehensive and complete way of life. It has provided guidance to humanity in all aspects of our life.The Prophet (s.a.w.) had given us universal guidance on how to behave and conduct ourselves in a pandemic situation like the one in which the world has found itself today. He says in a Hadith reported by Imam al-Bukhari on the authority of AbdurRahman ibn Auf that, “whenever you hear of epidemic do not travel to the affected place, and those already in the place should not travel out to other (unaffected) places”. It is pertinent to point out that if countries in the world today had complied with this teaching of the Prophet (s.a.w) the disease would not have quickly and easily spreaded to other parts of the world like wild fire. However, it is clear that measures taken at quarantining infected persons, prohibiting indiscriminate crowding and banning travels are all in line with the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an: “God does not intend to inflict hardship on you” (Qur’an 5:6); “Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you” (Qur’an 2:185); “And guard against the mischief that will not only bring punishment to the wrong-doers among you” (Qur’an 8:25); And regarding our duty to take responsible action while at the same time trusting in Allah, the Prophet (SAW) once said to a man who asked if he could let loose his camel and put his trust in Allah?: “Tie her (your camel) and then trust in Allah” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi, no.2517).

Similarly, it is well-known that one of the higher objectives of Islamic Law (maqasid al-Shari’ah) is the “preservation of life” (hifz al-nafs) as well as the promotion of the common good and public benefit (Jalb al-Masalih) and the prevention of harm or evil (dar’ al-mafasid); and in line with Islamic legal maxims (qawa’id al-shariyyah) – such as “Harm must be eliminated” (Al-dararu yuzal); “prevention of evil takes priority over the attraction of benefit” (Dar’ al-mafasid awla min jalb al-masalih), and “harm is eliminated to the extent that is possible” (Al-dararu yudfa‘u bi-qadr al-imkaan) – it becomes obligatory for all segments of the country, including religious and traditional bodies, to cooperate with the government and appropriate agencies to combat this disease, prevent further transmission, and control the virus with Allah’s help.

Hence, the NSCIA wishes to advise all Muslim organizations, Mosque committees, Imams, scholars, Da’awah activists and the general Muslim Ummah and indeed, the entire citizens of our dear Country as follows:

It is strongly advised that all segments of the society, including religious bodies adhere strictly to all public health directives and regulations provided by the competent authorized agencies such as Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – available on ncdc.gov.ng – and the Federal and State Ministries of Health regarding COVID-19. This is in line with the Qura’nic injunction, “O You who believe, obey Allah and the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (Qur’an 4:59). It is also in line with the injunction of Allah in Chapter 16, verse 43 that says: “…..So ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know”.

It is important for everyone to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. Such precautions include frequent handwashing with soap, limiting physical contact by giving verbal salutations instead of shaking hands and hugging, observing proper hygiene when coughing or sneezing, etc. Imams, preachers, and organizations should sensitize their members about these precautionary steps. It should be noted that these measures are all almost exactly similar to the ones that were taken when such kind of pandemic took place during the reign of Caliph Umar (r.a.) in the 18th year after Hijra which caused the death of several companions of the Prophet (s.a.w). That was ta’uun amwaas (the Amwaas epidemic).

It is important for all parties to cooperate with appropriate agencies working to limit the spread of the disease and to eradicate it. The command of Allah is for the faithful to “cooperate in doing goodness and piety, and not help one another in sin and transgression” (Qur’an 5:2). Thus, there should be no circulation of rumours, false and misleading information; and only official statements from appropriate agencies should be relied upon.

In the event of confirmed emergence of the infection in several figures, regarding the congregational prayers, in such affected places, including the Friday prayers, funeral prayers, tarawih prayers and Eid prayers; people with compromised immunity such as the elderly, children, those with underlying health conditions amongst others should observe their prayers in their homes or wherever they are, and pray Zuhr in place of the Friday (Jum’ah) prayers.

Regarding the Hajj and Umrah, it is obligatory to adhere to all directives issued by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are geared towards ensuring the well-being and safety of all; and are made in consultation with relevant knowledgeable stakeholders for common good.

We urge mosques and Islamic centres to strongly discourage members from attending any mosque activities even if they are only experiencing mild symptoms. The symptoms include respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. It is obligatory (wajib) for you to keep away and self-isolate if you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus in order to prevent the virus from spreading. Preventing harm, especially to the lives of others, takes precedence over the benefits of attending mosque activities. Self-isolation, quarantine and social distancing are all integral parts of prevention of harm (dar’ul mafasid) in these critical times.

It is very likely that governments and appropriate agencies would start putting social distancing measures in place very soon, depending on the severity of the situation. This could mean that major public gatherings are closed. This will inevitably have a significant impact on the Muslim community, specifically our mosques, schools, study groups, madrasas and Islamic centres, especially with Ramadan just a few weeks away, and we fervently pray to Allah in His Glorious Names and Attributes not to allow the pandemic to last that long. In the event of such restrictions, we emphatically urge all Muslims to comply fully with such measures that are in the public interest of all.

Should it become necessary to suspend congregational prayers in the mosques, the Prophetic example in this regard is for the caller to prayer (Mu’adhdhin) to announce during the Call to Prayer (adhan): “Pray in your dwellings! Pray in your dwellings!” This measure again can be based on analogy that can be drawn from the Hadith in which the Prophet (s.a.w.) prohibits those who eat onion or garlic from attending congregation to avoid harming others with the odour of their mouths. It is obviously more necessary to prevent infection that may lead to death than mere harm with smell.

Business owners and traders should be urged to fear Allah and avoid hoarding essential products, creating artificial scarcity or unnecessary inflation of prices. Similarly, the populace should be considerate in their purchases and avoid reckless and extravagant purchases that prevent others from accessing essential commodities. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful…” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no.1924)

Indeed, these are trying times for the Ummah, the country, and the world in general; hence we urge everyone to return to Allah in repentance and supplication, asking Him to lift this illness from all people, remove all tribulations from our lands, and grant us all safety and security. It is instructive to note that pandemics like this are sometimes as a result of the inequities, vices and evil deeds we commit. Allah says in the Qur’an chapter 42, verse 30 that, “Whatever misfortune befalls you is a consequence of your own deeds. But much of it He forgives”. And He also says in chapter 30, “Evil has become rife on the land and at sea because of men’s deeds; this in order that He may cause them to have a taste of some of their deeds; perhaps they will turn back (from evil)”. Let us remember that all these measures being taken are necessary because we have been obliged to take humanly possible preventive measures and precautions, but ultimately absolute prevention and cure are both from Allah and we must therefore ultimately put our trust in Him . He says in the Qur’an, chapter 6, verse 17, “Should Allah touch you with affliction, there is none to remove it but He; and should He touch you with good, He has the power to do everything”.

All praise is due to Allah The Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and benedictions be upon Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).

Signed

Professor Salisu Shehu

Deputy Secretary General.

Coronavirus: Nigeria Shuts Down Universities, Other Schools

Editorial staff

March 19, 2020

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools nationwide over the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the country, as part of measures to contain the spread.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, confirmed this in Abuja today, March 19.

When sent an inquiry through a text message, Echono simply replied, “Confirmed.”

Details later…

Source: The Punch.

Coronavirus: All Schools, Shopping Malls, Big Business Outlets Shut In Abuja

Editorial staff

March 19, 2020

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has shut down all schools in Abuja.

Also shut down are shopping malls and big business outlets that have no sanitizers and other safety measures against coronavirus.

A statement from the authority said that the closure of schools is with effect from tomorrow, 20th March, 2020.

It said that social and religious activities have also been restricted.

“Shopping malls and other large business premises without sanitizers and other safety measures are to be shut down immediately.”

Coronavirus: Nigeria’s First Lady Shuts Her Office, Quarantines Her Daughter Just Arriving From UK

Greenbarge Reporters

March 19, 2020

The Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has announced the closure of her office and self-imposed stay-at-home by her daughter that returned from the UK today, March 19.

In a statement today, Aisha Buhari said: “I have shut down my office for two weeks with immediate effect while essential staff can work from home as a result of some Staff who recently returned from the UK.”

She said that earlier today, her daughter (whose name she did not mention), returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19.

“Based on the advice of the Hon. Minister Of Health , Presidential Task force on COVID – 19 and that of NCDC, She is on Self Isolation, not because she displayed any symptoms of the Covid-19.”

Aisha Buhari called on all parents to do the same if possible as prevention is better than cure .

She commended the North Western Governors, including Niger and Kwara on preventive measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 at their security meeting yesterday in Kaduna.

“Let’s keep following the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, which encourages maintaining social distancing, high hygiene culture through regular washing of hands with soaps and sanitizers.

“Let’s adopt preventive measures and ensure the safety of our families and that of General public.

“We will overcome the Covid-19 pandemic if we all take the necessary precautions at the same time !

“God bless you all.”

Coronavirus: Pastor Adeboye Cancels Church Services, Senate Stops Public Hearing, 4 More Victims Uncovered

Editorial staff

March 19, 2020

Coronavirus panic is spreading across Nigeria as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye cancelled church services, beginning from this Sunday even as the Senate stopped all public hearings, just as four more people have been confirmed positive to the virus.

Pastor Adeboye’s announcement of the cancellation of church services was passed to Pastors of the Church by the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Admin and Personnel, Pastor J.F. Odesola.

A memo issued today, March 19, dated March 18, 2020, said that the programme scheduled for Sunday, March 22, which has now been cancelled is with the theme: “Emerge.”

The memo explained that any Parish that has less than 50 members could go ahead with the service in the auditorium, but anyone with more than 50 should split into home fellowships for the purpose.

It said any parish that has the facility to run more than one service can do so, adding that officials of the church can be sent to such centres outside the church for statistics purposes.

It then advised members to hook onto Dove Television for live broadcasts from Pastor Adeboye.

The internal memo said: “Kindly be informed that this arrangement shall be in operation for the next few weeks, based on the position of the government.”

Also the Senate resolved today, March 19, to stop all public hearings and excursions to its building till further notice over the outbreak of Coronavirus.

The Senate decision came 24 hours after the House of Representatives resolved to ban visitors from the its building over the same issue.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan announced the stoppage of public hearings and closure of the Senate Gallery to visitors after a closed door session, which lasted for over one hour.

“Senate resolves to suspend all public hearings till further notice as a result of the Coronavirus and the Senate gallery will remain closed to the public till further notice, including excursions from schools and other organisations, from Tuesday, 24th March, 2020.”

Meanwhile, Lagos state government today, March 19, announced four new cases of coronavirus codenamed Covid-19 bringing the total number of positive cases in Nigeria to 12.

The commissioner for health, Prof Akin Abayomi, made the announcement at a press briefing in Lagos, saying that the four tests turned positive out of the 19 suspected cases and contacts of the five cases announced on Wednesday.

The ministry is currently tracking over 1,300 people suspected to be infected.

“What we have is a combination of imported cases and local transmission,” Prof Abayomi said.

Coronavirus Threatens 25 Million Jobs, ILO Fears; Advocates Coordinated Policy Response

Editorial staff

March 18, 2020

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has expressed fear that the economic and labour crisis created by the Coronavirus pandemic could increase global unemployment by almost 25 million, even as it advocated what it called “internationally coordinated policy response” to address the challenge.

In a statement today, Mach 18 after a new assessment, ILO said that similar measure was taken in the global financial crisis of 2008/9, adding that with such measure: “the impact on global unemployment could be significantly lower.
The Labour body called for urgent, large-scale and coordinated measures across three pillars: protecting workers in the workplace, stimulating the economy and employment, and supporting jobs and incomes.
These measures, it said, include extending social protection, supporting employment retention (i.e. short-time work, paid leave, other subsidies), and financial and tax relief, including for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

“In addition, the note proposes fiscal and monetary policy measures, and lending and financial support for specific economic sectors.
“Based on different scenarios for the impact of COVID-19 on global GDP growth, the ILO estimates indicate a rise in global unemployment of between 5.3 million (“low” scenario) and 24.7 million (“high” scenario) from a base level of 188 million in 2019. By comparison, the 2008-9 global financial crisis increased global unemployment by 22 million.
“Underemployment is also expected to increase on a large scale, as the economic consequences of the virus outbreak translate into reductions in working hours and wages. Self-employment in developing countries, which often serves to cushion the impact of changes, may not do so this time because of restrictions on the movement of people (e.g. service providers) and goods.
“Falls in employment also mean large income losses for workers. The study estimates these as being between USD 860 billion and USD 3.4 trillion by the end of 2020. This will translate into falls in consumption of goods and services, in turn affecting the prospects for businesses and economies.
“Working poverty is expected to increase significantly too, as “the strain on incomes resulting from the decline in economic activity will devastate workers close to or below the poverty line”. The ILO estimates that between 8.8 and 35 million additional people will be in working poverty worldwide, compared to the original estimate for 2020 (which projected a decline of 14 million worldwide).
“This is no longer only a global health crisis, it is also a major labour market and economic crisis that is having a huge impact on people,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder. “In 2008, the world presented a united front to address the consequences of the global financial crisis, and the worst was averted. We need that kind of leadership and resolve now.”

Fall In Oil Price: Nigeria Makes Budget Cut Of 20% On Capital Expenditure, Others

Editorial staff

March 18, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the ministry of finance to cut down the capital expenditure budgeted by 20 percent across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The President also approved a 25 percent cut on all government owned enterprises, including the ones that are in the 2020 national budget and the ones that are not included in the budget.

The minister of Finance, Budget and National planning, Hajiya Zainab Shamsunna Ahmed, who briefed news men today, March 18, shortly after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Buhari, said that by this measure, “we expect that the operating surpluses that will accrue to the federation will increase because when their operational expenditure reduces, the operating surpluses that they remit to the treasury will also increase significantly.”

She said that the other policy matters that have been discussed for implementation is for the administration to stop recruitment, except for essential services, such as security and health services and to also restore and comply by the Civil Service Retirement Regulations.

“We have been asked also to review the modalities for the implementation of the social investment programme and finally to review the non-essential tax waivers that we are implementing right now to cut down on our tax expenditure so that we can realize more revenue.

“These measures mean that we are going to re-engage with the National Assembly and we will be doing that shortly, may be from today or tomorrow, to revise the EMTEF as well as to revise the 2020 Budget.”

Zainab Ahmed said that the ministries had earlier presented the fourth quarter GDP report to the Council, adding that as at 2019 Q4, the GDP was 2.55% and full year was 2.27%, but that since then, because of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a run on the crude oil price, “we had to step back and make an assessment of the impact of this pandemic as well as the impact of the crude oil price decline on the Nigerian economy.

“We have: myself, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the CBN Governor, have had cause to brief this group twice on the assignment that was given to us by His Excellency the President.

“I’m pleased to report that just yesterday, His Excellency has approved a number of measures for us to implement. These measures include the introduction of PMS price modulation mechanism. “The reason being that at the low crude oil price of $30 to $32 per barrel, there’s no under-recovery. The under-recovery is right now zero. In fact, we are at an over-recovery stage, meaning the PMS price will be reduced to reflect the reduced price of the crude oil in the international market.

“Mr. President also approved that we should cut down on the size of the federally funded upstream projects of the petroleum sector. The reason being that we want to be able to get more revenue, by less reduction from NNPC. The reduction of the crude oil price from the $57 per barrel that we budgeted to $30 means that we are going to get so much less revenue, almost 45% less than we planned and because of that, we have to amend a lot of projections in the budget as well as in EMTEF to reflect our current realities.

“The President also agreed that we should do a scenario to reflect what the actual position will be with a $30 crude oil price, that is we were to anticipate what will be the worst case scenario and we have worked on that scenario and this scenario necessitates that quite a number of expenditures needed to be cut down, even as we review how we can enhance revenues that are not directly affected by the crude oil price decline.

“So we are looking at enhancing production to make sure that at the minimum the 2.18 million barrels that is in the budget as production volume is realised and NNPC has directives to that effect.

“We also need to adjust Customs revenue, which has been budgeted for at N1.5 trillion, but we are adjusting it downwards because we anticipate that trade volumes will reduce and once trade volumes reduce, Customs revenue will be significantly impacted as a result.

“We also have approvals to reduce the projected revenue from privatisation proceeds by as much as 50% because, again, with the slow down in economic activities, we are anticipating that the sale of independent power plants might not be fully realized as planned for in the budget.”

Why Abuja Students Are Excelling, Board Chairman Hints

Editorial staff

March 18, 2020

Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Secondary Education Board (SEB), Alhaji Yahaya Musa Muhammad, has said that students in the capital city have lately been excelling in their academic works because the Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello has provided the enabling environment.

Speaking today, March 18 at a reception for winners of the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA 2020), Yahaya Musa said: “if you go to most of our schools, you will see series of renovations, expansions, rehabilitation of laboratories, renovation of hostels and construction of new blocks of classroom.

“So, the enabling environment is being created to ensure that the students have conducive learning environment which is giving us the result we are seeing today”.

The 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award was organized by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

Master Aimofumhe Eshiobomhe Sigmus, who won second place, represented FCT at the National Final competition of 774 YONSPA 2020 held in Abuja between 1^st and 3^rd of March, 2020. He is a student of the FCT School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada.

In a brief ceremony witnessed by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu and other top officials in the Education Secretariat, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello commended the student and teachers of the school for doing the FCT proud.

He said the cash gift was a token for Master Sigmus to express the appreciation of the FCTA for a wonderful outing.

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