Opinion
On this forum, about a fortnight ago, I posed a poignant question: Where are the millionaires and billionaires on the war against the COVID-19 pandemic? It is wonderful that today many individuals, NGOs and civil society groups, in their own special way, are stepping to the plate as stated in the above thread—i.e. the Taskforce report on the coronavirus. We hope that churches in the country will do more to help—especially members of their congregation. Even so, most of us salute the above actors for their yeoman's job!
When the current leader, President Mohammadu Buhari was first elected, I wrote an open letter to him on this forum. In that letter, I suggested that he should directly appeal to and challenge all Nigerians, regardless of political parties, to rally behind his administration to tackle the development project in the country. This was the case because in my judgement there was no way his administration could singlehandedly pursue the development agenda in the country. In other words, my letter suggested that his regime should avoid the maxim that the time has come for the "APC to chop just as the PDP chopped" while in power. I also suggested that his administration should challenge Nigerians (and other Africans) with expertise in all disciplines to return home to assist in the task of nation-building—a strategy which was superbly applied by China in her development formula.
In my view, this is a singular, notable, and extraordinary moment for the president to challenge the country—all political parties, nationalities, civil society organizations, religious groups, ASUU, etc. to rally behind the "flag" to defeat this pandemic and move the country forward developmentally!
In conclusion, I pray that the outcome of this pandemic will unite the country in ways that we have not seen in the past for the common purpose of developing a country abundantly blessed with natural resources and human capital.
Ike Udogu
We just ended another meeting of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Today marked the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Taskforce National Pandemic Response Centre. I think it is important to let us know that the country is about to witness turbulent times induced by the pandemic coronavirus. We may soon be hard hit. The reason for this is that, we, I mean the Nigerian Government, delayed in taking proactive action at the onset.
However, I can assure us that the government is serious about taking necessary steps to curtail the level of casualties. Well coordinated measures are about to be put in place from a broad, diverse spectrum. All the necessary Working Groups have been inaugurated today. International bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, CDC, World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the private sector, civil society groups are partnering the Taskforce, providing technical and financial assistance and support. Donations are quite streaming in. From Global Fund we got $33m, another $3.3m came from another body I cannot give the name immediately. Max Air donated $200,000, the Chinese firm, Huawei, doled out #100m. There are a number of other handsome donations. We have been holding these meetings with some foreign experts. In the next few days, more concrete action will become manifest. All relevant institutions are being mobilized for action to tackle the scourge. The taskforce is also galvanizing the State Governments to ensure their is effective collaboration and cooperation.
More importantly, the purpose of this message is to give us the privileged information that a complete lockdown of the country is imminent. *Soon, very soon, perhaps, this weekend, this will take effect and may last for at least 14 days.* Therefore, I advise us to immediately make adequate arrangements for our families. Thank you and may God Almighty help Nigeria and Nigerians in these trying moments. Remain blessed.
*Dr Aliyu. Chairman Presidential Task Force on Covid 19*
Sent from my iPhone
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