Kano gets reprieve
As the federal authorities eased the lockdown in Kano State to stem the spread of COVID-19, the SGF said that the PTF would also engage in massive information and education campaigns; deepening of collaborative efforts with the community leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions; continuous mobilisation of state governments to take up greater role in the implementation of the guidelines and advisories provided by the PTF.
“Continued provision of support by the NCDC to states through guidelines to shape decision-making in responding to high burden LGAs and wards; and easing the total lockdown of Kano State and introduction of phase one of the eased lockdown,” he said.
He recalled that when the PTF briefed the nation on Monday, May 18, they informed that Mr. President had approved amongst others, the extension of phase one of the eased lockdown so that the observed gaps in the expected impact of the national response could be closed and the gains consolidated.
He said that the action was based on the guidelines developed and published by the PTF, working in collaboration with sub-national entities and key stakeholders.
According to him, despite partnerships, injection of resources and collaboration, the COVID-19 has continued to ravage the world in many ways and has also continued to spread and claim casualties.
He noted that the global epicentre of the pandemic has shifted from China to Europe, then to the United States of America and is now showing significant impact in South and Central America.
He said, “This shift to South America with virtually similar climatic and demographic similarities with Africa, is a cause for concern when we consider the fact that earlier projections pointed to Africa as likely to be the worst hit continent, by the pandemic.
Mustapha also said that from the economic development, security and social cohesiveness perspectives, the PTF also worked closely with the Economic Sustainability Committee under the chairmanship of the vice president; the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) promoting the development of stimulus packages for different categories of SMEs, farmers, businesses among others.
Daily Trust reports that shortly after lifting the lockdown, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje also ordered for the opening of all the markets in Kano State on the days of the relaxation of the lockdown which are Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 6am to 6pm.
This means the lockdown is only relaxed and not completely lifted. A statement by Salihu Tanko Yakasai, the Special Adviser Media to the governor said, “However, the state government is appealing to people to ensure that they wear face masks and wash their hands, they should respect all the protocols laid down my experts.”
Yakasai also said Ganduje would summon an emergency meeting with market leaders.