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COVID-19: Buhari Approves Release Of 70,000MT Of Grains
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of 70,000 metric tons of grains to Nigerians to help alleviate the harsh effects of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, who announced this, yesterday, also announced the adoption of a document of implementation guide and protocols for the COVID-19 lockdown policy.
Mustapha, who revealed that the initial reports on public compliance to restriction order where applicable, also announced that President Buhari had granted partial exemption for operators of the upstream subsector of the nation’s oil and gas sector and operations at the Port Harcourt and other ports in Rivers State.
Explaining the presidential approval for the release of grains to Nigerians, Mustapha said it was part of plans to ensure some level of comfort for people across the country, especially in areas where the restriction order is strictest, adding that the first tranche would go to Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states.
“The President has approved the released 70,000 metric tons of grains from the National Strategic Reserve, for distribution to the poor, the vulnerable and those whose livelihoods will be affected by the lockdown.
“The first tranche of about 6,000 metric tons will go to Lagos, Ogun and the FCT, while the remaining will go to other frontline states in the fight against COVID-19.
“In the continuing effort to ensure very minimal disruption of upstream oil and gas exploration and operation in Nigeria, Mr President has approved limited operations exemptions for operating companies, services and logistics companies in the Nigerian upstream sector.
“They will ensure regular gas supplies to power turbines that supply domestic electricity,” he said.
On the level of compliance to the restriction order by the President, Mustapha said the PTF had been impressed by the reports received so far, noting though that there were still some reports indicating that security operatives were having challenges, especially in states where governors had introduced their own set of measures.
“We have received situation reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Inter-State traffic across the country as at Tuesday, 31st March, 2020. Indications are that there was a reasonable level of compliance with the Presidential directive which has led to great reduction of traffic on major highways. We have however received reports of challenges arising from the enforcement of the Presidential directives by security agents generally and in states where governors have also imposed their own measures.
“As we continue to dialogue to remove the bottlenecks, I am pleased to inform you that the PTF has developed an Implementation Guide and Protocols for the COVID-19 Lockdown Policy. This document will be widely circulated to all security agencies and will be discussed with sub-national entities for the purpose of building synergy in the fight against the virus.
“In the course of this briefing, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps will bring you details of the nationwide traffic situation while the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 will provide the details on the guidelines and protocols for the lockdown.
“I, however, assure you that these guidelines and protocols will be published in the national dailies and broadcast on the news networks”.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol