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COVID-19: Things May Get Worse, FG Warns Nigerians
The Federal Government says it is hoping for the best in its efforts to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, said this at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday.
The minister said the government was prepared for the worst, and warned Nigerians to prepare for any prolonged hardship.
According to him, “The truth is that things may yet get worse than it is now, hence the need for all hands to be on deck.”
He said tougher decisions might yet be on the way to contain the disease, “but whatever decision is taken will be in the best interest of Nigerians.
“We want to appeal to Nigerians to continue to support the efforts of the government at all levels to defeat this Coronavirus.”
The minister said; “those who will not cooperate by submitting to the authorities, as required, the government will use all lawful means at its disposal to trace and bring them in.
“Having now shut our gateway airports, the biggest assignment for us is contact tracing to find all those who may have come into contact with those who have the disease.”
However, President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled the meeting of the heads of state of the Chad Basin Commission scheduled for next week, as a safety measure to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday.
“The government, at the highest level, is already leading by example. Mr President has cut down the number of courtesy visits. Mr. President is not shaking hands. One of the president’s daughters is in self-isolation.
“Visitors to the State House get their hands sanitised and their temperature taken at several points before reaching the executive council chambers,” the minister said.
He said the Federal Government was aware that some political and religious leaders had either denied the existence of Coronavirus or defied the directives to avoid a large gathering.
He said leaders of all hues must show great responsibility at this time, by avoiding putting the lives of not just their followers but also those of the general public in danger.
“For those who would continue to willfully flout the directives aimed at checking the spread of this disease, the long arm of the law will soon catch them.”
It was gathered that many religious institutions and public places adhered to the directives to limit public gatherings, last weekend, but a sizable number ignored such directives.
In Lagos, many night clubs remained open on Saturday despite the directive of the state government, ditto for Ibadan in Oyo and Abeokuta in Ogun states.
In Ogun, while many churches were closed and resulted to online services, the Covenant Church headed by David Oyedepo held its physical service attended by thousands of people on Sunday.
Nigeria recorded its first death from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, yesterday, after the country confirmed five new cases.
Nigeria has a total of 36 confirmed cases including one death.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has said it will deploy the military and police to enforce social distancing as part of efforts to limit the spread of the novel Coronavirus disease.
The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday.
The minister deplored some religious leaders’ decision to flout directives to avoid large gatherings.
Some mosques and churches opened for prayers and service on Friday and Sunday, respectively against the government’s directive.
The minister said: “The Federal Government is aware that some political and religious leaders have either denied the existence of Coronavirus or have defied the directives to avoid a large gathering.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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