PRESS RELEASE: GOVERNOR BAGUDU MEETS TASK FORCE COMMITTE ON COVID-19, FINE-TUNE STRATEGIES.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State this Tuesday 21/4/2020, held an interactive session with members of the state task force on Covid-19 to reappraise the efficiency and effectiveness of the proactive measures put in place as preventive strategies against spread of the corona virus to the state.

The Governor met the Task Force Committe members headed by its Chairman, Jafar Mohammed (Clean) at the Kebbi Medical Center, Kalgo. The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe Dabai, the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar mni, Government officials, Security, the organised labour and the Media practitioners led by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yahaya Sarki, also participated in the meeting.

After listening to the Chairman of the Task Force about the activities carried out so far, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu sought for input from other members of the committee on challenges on ground and the way forward.

Members of the Task Force actively engaged in the deliberations. Some of the members who spoke include, Dr. Abubakar Koko, CMD of Kebbi Medical Centre Kalgo, Dr. Aminu Haliru Bunza, Permanent Secretary/CMD Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Garba Hamisu Zuru Permanent Secretary Information. The discussion centered on the gains achieved, challenges, obstacles and the way forward for greater improvement.

Alhaji Garba Hamisu Zuru made an observation on the increasing number of people pouring into Kebbi state from other states, ostensibly indigenes of the state. He made it known that at a particular time, twenty five vehicles were sighted carrying returnees back to the state.

He also observed the need to regulate Yauri Fish Market in view of the manner people were trooping in there including those from neighbouring countries in boats to buy fish.

Dr. Aminu Bunza, in his contribution, advocated synergy with neighbouring Sokoto state in controlling inter-state border crossing.

Dr. Abubakar Koko suggested that all persons coming into the state be subjected to data capturing and health status.

Responding, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended the task force for living up to expectation, saying that the government would concretize its operation for desired results.

He also commended the Federal Government under President Muhammad Buhari, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security services, media, labour unions, driver’s union and vehicle owners, women and youth groups for their cooperation to the administration in checking the spread of corona virus to Kebbi state.

The governor announced that the Federal Government has allocated three truck-load of food items to the state, comprising 2,262 bags of 50kg rice, oil and sugar.

He also announced that, the Minister for Humanitarian Services, Sa’adiyya Umar would visit Kebbi state to disburse the conditional cash transfer to vulnerable persons on behalf of the federal government.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu revealed that for now there would be no lockdown in the state, people would be allowed freedom of movement for their day to day activities, but must observe all precautionary measures against covid-19 pandemic.

He also opined that meetings with Islamic religious leaders have been ongoing to look into the possibility of sponsorship of Ramadan Tafsir on radio and television, conducted by Ulama in recognition of suspension of such congregational Tafsir and Tarawih prayers in mosques, nationwide this Ramadan arising from the advent of Corona-virus.

The governor also directed the Task Force to engage the media on regular basis so as to avail the public more information on Covid-19 and intensify live programs in television and radio.

Earlier, the chairman of the task force, the commissioner for Health, Honorable Ja’afaru Muhammad briefed the governor about activities being carried out by the committee including sensitization campaign of the public on personal hygiene, social distancing and environmental cleanliness as preventive precautionary measures against corona virus.

He also talked about distribution of liquid had wash, sanitizers, face masks and hand gloves to the public, training of health personnel, appointment of surveillance health officers in all 21 local government areas, advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders and screening of persons coming into the state at entry points.

Other measures he mentioned included supervision and monitoring of border areas through regular visits.

Before departure of the governor, he was taken round the hospital and inspected the intensive care unit, ICU and isolation centre at the Kebbi State Medical Centre, Kalgo, venue of the interactive session.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
23/4/2020.