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Buhari joins Xi to call for global collaboration in fight against COIVID-19
By Samuel Itsede
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja urged the international community to support collaborations and initiatives aimed at sharing knowledge from research and science to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The president made the call at a virtual Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against the COVID-19 co-hosted by the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The summit was co-hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping; South African President and AU Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa as well as Senegal President and co-chair of FOCAC Macky Sall.
The Nigerian leader told the summit that Nigeria would support and join any joint and collective action plan at regional and global levels to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and its fallout.
”As we face a common pervasive and invisible enemy, it is important that we all remain united to save our shared humanity because this virus knows no borders.
”The fight against a global pandemic that continues to take so many lives, threaten livelihoods and challenging the very fabric of societies, requires enhanced cooperation and worldwide solidarity.
”I seize this opportunity to reiterate the need for this Summit to put humanity at the centre of our vision for common prosperity.
”We must learn lessons and share knowledge from research, as we develop more creative, responsive and humane health systems, improve crisis management protocols and support each other in the battle against COVID-19,’’ he said.
The President commended the Chinese government, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the World Health Organization for the respective actions and measures to help developing and middle-income countries in Africa to tackle the pandemic.
On the UN, the President praised the Secretary-General, for launching COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for low and middle-income countries to tackle the health emergency, address social and economic consequences of the crisis and, strengthen the recovery efforts of most vulnerable countries.
The leadership of the global health body, WHO, was commended for its advice that enabled Nigeria to take measures and enlighten its people on steps to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.
Similarly, President Buhari acknowledged that Chinese support had tremendously strengthened Nigeria’s effort in combating COVID-19.
According to him, President Xi’s strong support has further demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and enhanced the bond of partnership that already exists among FOCAC Member-States.
President Buhari also provided an update on what his administration had done since the tragedy of the global pandemic hit the country.
He said: ‘`From the outset of the pandemic, we in Nigeria instituted strong surveillance and infection prevention as well as control measures and made provisions to strengthen our testing capacities.
”Several well-equipped treatment and isolation centres were set up across the country to increase bed capacity.
”In the spirit of international collaboration, medical experts in Nigeria participated by video link in learning and experience-sharing exercises organized by experts from various countries, including China.”
The President said the Nigerian Government had trained several thousand healthcare workers, provided Personal Protective Equipment to ensure the safety of frontline workers, and offered incentives for their motivation.
On restrictions in movements occasioned by the need to contain the spread of the disease, Buhari said the Federal Government created the enabling environment for farmers to safely plant and harvest during this rainy season in order to ensure that food security was not compromised.
”In addition, we took steps for prompt transportation of agricultural products and food items from rural production areas to the consumers and to industrial processing zones.
”We have also developed practical policies to protect lives and livelihoods at the same time and to ensure our economy continues to function as we maintain an aggressive response to the pandemic,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chinese President said the summit was convened to discuss a joint response to COVID-19 and renew fraternity with Africa.
He said the world must mobilise resources and do whatever it takes to protect lives, adding that China would do whatever it can to support procurement of supplies, sending medical experts, and in other diverse ways.
While noting that China and Africa account for nearly one-third of the global population, President Xi pledged to step up support for Africa.
He revealed that China would provide two billion dollars over two years to support the work of WHO in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.(NAN)
June 17, 2020
China to cancel debt of African countries says Xi
By Samuel Itsede
Chinese President, Xi Jinping has announced plans to cancel the debt of African countries as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chinese president made this pledge Wednesday during an extraordinary China-Africa Summit on solidarity against COVUD-19.
The summit which was jointly proposed by China; South Africa, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU); and Senegal, co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held through video conference. Participating were African leaders, members of AU assembly. The Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of the World Health Organization acting as special guests.
President Xi in his keynote address noted that China remains committed to enhancing China-Africa cooperation and was willing to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on African countries, through proactive measures that include debt cancellation and enhancing Africa’s disease response capability.
On debt cancellation, President Xi said China will cancel the debt of “relevant African countries in the form of interest-free government loans that are due to mature by the end of 2020”.
The gesture he said would be carried out through the FOCAC framework and would be extended to African countries hardest hit by the coronavirus and under heavy financial stress.
President Xi also assured that China will direct its financial institutions and work with other G20 nations on the suspension of debt payment by African countries.
“China will work with the global community to give them greater support, by such means as further extending the period of debt suspension, to help them tide over the current difficulty. We encourage Chinese financial institutions to respond to the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and to hold friendly consultations with African countries according to market principles to work out arrangements for commercial loans with sovereign guarantees.” He said.
Speaking on the continent’s state of preparedness for disease control, Xi stated that China would work with African countries to work ahead of schedule and speed up the completion of the Africa CDC headquarters this year. “China will work with Africa to fully deliver the health care initiative adopted at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and speed up the construction of China-Africa Friendship Hospitals and the cooperation between paired-up Chinese and African hospitals”. He said.
He also assured that once the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine were completed in China, African countries will be among the first to benefit.
He pledged China’s determination to continue to deepen its relationship with African countries in the face of COVID-19.
“Let me reaffirm China’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with Africa. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China shall never waver in its determination to pursue greater solidarity and cooperation with Africa”.
Xi also pledged to help Africa achieve sustainable development within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area and to enhance connectivity and strengthen industrial and supply chains. “China will explore broader cooperation with Africa in such new business forms as digital economy, smart city, clean energy, and 5G to boost Africa’s development and revitalization”.
The Chinese leader also called for the sustenance of multilateralism and global solidarity in the face of COVID-19 noting that “solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon”. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to work with Africa to uphold the UN-centered global governance system and support WHO in making a greater contribution to the global COVID-19 response. “We oppose politicization and stigmatization of COVID-19, and we oppose racial discrimination and ideological bias. We stand firm for equity and justice in the world”. He said.
June 17, 2020
Edo State Assembly complex shut down for 14 days
The Edo State House of Assembly has been shut down for 14 days for fumigation of the complex.
In a statement, Acting Director, Administration and Supplies, Stephen U. Guobadia, on behalf of the Clerk of the House, said the leadership of the State Assembly directed all management staff to remain at home for 14 days until after the exercise.
He said, ”I’m directed to inform all staff of Edo State House of Assembly that the Leadership of the House has instructed that all Management Staff remain at home for 14 days from Tuesday, 16th June, 2020.
”This is as a result of the fumigation exercise to be carried out in the Assembly Complex at three (3) different times”
‘All Management Staff are advised to leave their phones open in case of further information’.
June 17, 2020
BREAKING: Popular radio presenter, Dan Foster is dead
Popular radio presenter, Daniel ‘Dan’ Foster is dead.
A source told Daybreak that the American passed away after battling with complications linked with COVID-19.
Foster arrived in Nigeria in 2000 and quickly became a favourite when he joined Cool FM in Lagos.
Popularly known as The Big Dawg, he also worked with Inspiration FM and City FM.
As at the time of his death, Foster was with Classic FM.
Some of his former and current colleagues have taken to Twitter to express their sadness.
“Man, rest in peace, Dan. From growing up listening to you to being your co-host on a morning show for a while. Thank you Dan, for teaching, mentoring, inspiring and guiding me. For always fighting for me when you could. The Big Dog forever,” Kemi Smallz wrote.
Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, simply known as Dotun tweeted: “Oh Dan Foster… you gave me the strength to do this and even more. This is really painful.”
June 17, 2020
BREAKING: Two children die as building collapses in Lagos
Two yet-to-be-identified children lost their lives on Wednesday after being trapped beneath the rubble of a storey-building which collapsed in the Gafari Balogun area of Ogudu, Lagos State.
Confirming the incident, the Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the building collapsed due to mudslide resulting from a downpour.
He stated that the victims were children, adding that their corpses had been recovered.
He said, “The LASEMA Response Team received a distress call at 12.40 pm about the collapse of a one-storey building at the Gafari Balogun Street in Ogudu.
“On arrival at the scene, the agency’s responders observed that the building collapsed as a result of a mudslide at the rear of the building which was caused by heavy rainfall.
“The agents were informed that two children, one male, and one female were trapped and immediately commenced a search and rescue operation. Unfortunately, they were found dead and their remains had been transported to the mortuary.
“Integrity testing will be carried out on the remainder of the building which has now been cordoned off.”
June 17, 2020
BREAKING: Thunderstorm kills three FRSC officers in Ogun
Thunderstorm on Wednesday killed three officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps attached to the Ogun State Sector Command.
The officials were allegedly struck to death at their office located at the Old Ilese Tollgate in the Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred around 10am today when the affected FRSC officials were planning for the early morning parade.
It was gathered that there were over 10 officials at the scene of the incident when the thunderstorm struck.
When contacted, the Command’s Public Education Officer, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident.
She said, “So, we were informed. But, my sector commander has just gone there to find out what really happened.
“I cannot give any report until when he comes back to give us details of what really happened.”
June 17, 2020
Unite against the epidemic and overcome the difficulties – XI
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping
Dear President Ramaphosa,
Dear President Sale,
Dear Heads of State and Government,
Dear Mr. Faki, Chairman of the African Union Commission,
Dear Mr. Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Dear Mr. Tan Desai, Director General of the World Health Organization,
　　At an important moment in the global fight against the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic, we held this China-Africa special summit. We met with new and old friends through video to discuss the plan for the fight against the epidemic and the brotherhood between China and Africa. Thank you President Ramaphosa and President Sale for joining me in sponsoring this meeting, and thank you colleagues for attending the meeting. I also extend my sincere regards to the leaders of African countries who have not attended the meeting!
　　The sudden outbreak of this epidemic has severely impacted countries around the world and claimed the precious lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Here, I propose to express our condolences to the relatives who have died in the epidemic.
　　——In the face of the epidemic, China and Africa have withstood severe tests. After arduous efforts, the Chinese people paid a huge price to control the domestic epidemic, but they still faced rebound pressure. The governments and people of all countries in Africa are in full swing, and the African Union has made full efforts to coordinate and take effective measures to effectively alleviate the epidemic. The results have not come easily.
　　- In the face of the epidemic, China and Africa support each other and fight side by side. At the most difficult time for China to fight against the epidemic, Africa has sent precious support, and we bear in mind. After the outbreak of the African epidemic, China took the lead in supporting it and stood firmly with the African people.
　　- Facing the epidemic situation, China and Africa have become more united, and friendship and mutual trust have been consolidated. I would like to reiterate that China cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Africa. No matter how the international situation changes, China’s determination to strengthen China-Africa solidarity and cooperation will never be shaken.
　　Colleagues!
　　At present, the epidemic is still spreading around the world. Both China and Africa are faced with the arduous task of fighting the epidemic, stabilizing the economy and protecting people’s livelihood. We must uphold the people first, life first, pool resources, unite and cooperate, do our best to protect people’s lives and health, and minimize the negative impact of the epidemic.
　　First, we must unswervingly fight the epidemic. China will continue to support Africa’s anti-epidemic activities, fully implement the measures I announced at the opening ceremony of the World Health Assembly, continue to provide material assistance to African countries, send medical expert groups, and assist African parties to purchase anti-epidemic materials in China. China will start construction of the headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control in advance of this year, and work with the African side to implement the “Health and Health Action” within the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, accelerate the construction of China-Africa friendly hospitals and cooperation with China-Africa counterpart hospitals, and jointly build China-Africa health. community. The Chinese side promises that after the new crown vaccine is developed and put into use, it is willing to take the lead in benefiting African countries.
　　Second, we must unswervingly promote China-Africa cooperation. In order to overcome the impact of the epidemic, we must strengthen the cooperation in building the “Belt and Road”, accelerate the implementation of the outcome of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and focus our cooperation on health, rehabilitation and production, and improvement of people’s livelihood.
　　Under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, China will forgive the interest-free loan debts of relevant African countries due to China by the end of 2020. China is willing to work with the international community to increase its support for African countries with particularly severe epidemics and severe pressures, including further extension of the debt relief period to help them overcome current difficulties. China encourages relevant financial institutions in China to consult with the G20 Debt Relief Initiative and conduct friendly consultations with African countries on commercial sovereign loan arrangements in accordance with market principles. China will work with the G20 members to implement the G20 debt relief initiative, and calls on the G20 to further extend the debt relief period for relevant countries, including African countries, based on the implementation of the current debt relief initiative.
　　China hopes that the international community, especially developed countries and multilateral financial institutions, will take stronger action on the debt relief issue in Africa. China is willing to cooperate with the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other partners in aid to Africa against the epidemic on the basis of respecting the will of Africa.
　　Promoting Africa to achieve sustainable development is the long-term way. China supports the construction of the free trade zone on the African continent, supports Africa in strengthening connectivity and ensuring the supply chain of the industrial chain, and is willing to work with the African side to jointly expand cooperation in new formats such as the digital economy, smart cities, clean energy, and 5G to promote the development and revitalization of Africa.
　　Third, we must firmly practice multilateralism. Unity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons to fight the epidemic. China is willing to work with Africa to maintain the global governance system with the United Nations at its core and support WHO to make greater contributions to the global fight against epidemics. We are opposed to politicizing the epidemic and labeling the virus, opposing racial discrimination and ideological prejudice, and firmly defending international fairness and justice.
　　Fourth, we must unswervingly promote China-Africa friendship. The world today is undergoing major changes not seen in a century. Faced with new opportunities and challenges, China and Africa need more cooperation than ever before. I would like to maintain close contact with colleagues, strengthen friendship and mutual trust, support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, jointly safeguard the fundamental interests of China and Africa, and promote the high-level development of China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
　　Colleagues!
　　At the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we unanimously decided to build a closer community of destiny between China and Africa. Today we convene a special summit for unity against epidemic disease, that is, to implement the commitments of the Beijing summit with practical actions, and also to contribute to international cooperation against epidemic disease. I believe that mankind will eventually overcome the epidemic, and the people of China and Africa will eventually live a better life.
　　Thank you.
Courtesy
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, June 17th, by wire (Beijing, June 17, 2020)
June 17, 2020
BREAKING: Hilliard Eta takes over as APC acting National Chairman, appoints Uzodinma, sacks Giadom
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice-Chairman, South-South, Prince Hilliard Eta, has taken over as the ruling party’s Acting National Chairman.
There has been confusion in the party following the Appeal Court decision that upheld the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the party’s National Chairman on Tuesday.
Eta takes over as the Acting National Chairman and appointed Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma as the Edo Primary Election Chairman.
The Eta-led National Working Committee also declared as vacant the office of the Deputy National Secretary of the party, which was occupied by Chief Victor Giadom.
Recall that Giadom earlier today declared himself the Acting Chairman of the party.
Details later…
June 17, 2020
[BREAKING] Killings: Katsina gov, IGP, DSS DG in closed-door meeting
The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, the Director-General, Department of State Services, Magashi Bichi, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Mungono, and the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba, arrived at the Katsina Government House on Wednesday and are currently in a closed-door meeting with Governor Aminu Masari.
Government House Katsina sources said the meeting is in connection with current security challenges in the state.
Details later…
June 17, 2020
Lagos state pays N1.16bn accrued pension to 368 retirees
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of N1.157 billion for the payment of Accrued Pension Rights to 368 public service retirees for the month of May.
Mr Babalola Obilana, Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), said this in a statement made available to Daybreak on Wednesday in Lagos.
Obilana appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to ensuring that retirees got paid their terminal entitlements as and when due.
He said that to ensure the safety of all beneficiaries, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, all bond certificates for the month of May had been released to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA).
According to him, the PFA’s will invite beneficiaries in tens for the exit meeting and grant access to their Redemption Savings Account (RSA), for the computation of their lump sum and monthly pension.
The Director-General who assumed office few weeks ago assured the retirees that he would sustain and improve on the accomplishments of his predecessor.
Obilana assured retirees that had yet to collect their bond certificates that they would soon be paid, as payments were being structured based on date of exit and also grade level.
He also advised retirees to be careful on how they would invest their money, so that they could live a stress-free life in old age.
The Director-General urged the retirees to always make use of the commission’s electronic platforms to send their correspondents.
“Scan and send all your documents to the agency through the e-mail address: info@laspec.gov.ng or morenike.makinde@laspec.gov.ng
“For enquiries, retirees can also check their retirement bond certificates readiness at LASPEC portal which is, laspecportal.com.ng,” he said.
June 17, 2020