Yanju Uwala
– Announces two weeks total lockdown in Kano State
President Muhammadu Buhari, has extended the lockdown in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Ogun States effective from Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 at 9am.
He, further added that there will be nationwide overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am, effective from Monday, May 4th, 2020, while selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm.
Buhari, while making this announcement during a nationwide broadcast, on Monday evening, stated that he had consulted widely before making the decision.
“In line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.”
He commended Nigerians for the level of endurance shown throughout the four weeks that the lockdown has lasted, advising them to adhere to the guidelines of the presidential task force on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation,” he said.
“As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as a result of this pandemic.
“The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.
“Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory. 7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths” he said.
Also, the President has announced the total lockdown of Kano State for two weeks.
He, also enjoined all Nigerians to always comply with the regulations of the NCDC.
“I also implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
“These include regular hand washing, social physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings remain paramount” he said.
