5^th of June 2020

Coalition of Civil Societies launched a campaign to push for systemic change on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Nigeria. In response to the protest, Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD mobilized 20 women in the communities to join the protest.

The Protest was held at the force headquarters in the nation’s capital to challenge the legislators on what was being done to protect women and girls and to end rape and other violence against women. The demonstrators comprise of mainly women and numbering more than 200. A petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police.

The aim of the peaceful protest is to demand for domestication of Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and Childs Rights Act in all states of the federation

Establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC) should be implemented in every States.

Criminalization and prompt state led prosecution of GBV cases within, regardless of requests or interference by the victims’ family

The demonstration held many banners and demanded that those responsible for the attack and murder of SGBV victims should be prosecuted and brought to justice.

At the end of the protest, Actionaid and CITAD team sensitized the community women on the rise of SGBV and the preventive measures to put in place in case of any eventualities.

Climate change is increasingly becoming a serious challenge to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. Various manifestations of its impact are evident which include increase in drought, scarcity of food instigated by irregularities of rainfall and over flooding.

The tree planting exercise was initiated by Actionaid Nigeria in collaboration with CITAD to address the problems of climate change in the globe.

Agriculture and Food Processing Unit of Actionaid Nigeria initiated said it aim at sensitizing the public on the importance of trees in our environment and also to discourage indiscriminate falling of trees due to its attendant consequences,

The beneficiaries of the projects are communities in FCT in four Area Councils, Bwari, AMAC, Kwali and Kuje Area Council.The benefiting communities are Tungan Ashere, Passepa, Kilankwa, Jiwa Tsoho, Dakwa, Gwalada and Kayache. The beneficiaries of the tree were children with their parents as guardian. The children also gave a pet name to each tree for easy identification.

Four hundred and five (405) trees were shared among the communities; the variety of trees shared includes Oranges, Mangoes, Guava, Palm trees, SourSop and cashew trees.

 

 

Now that Covid – 19 changed the registers we use daily to some limited words; isolation, PPEs, face mask and ventilators among others, Covid – 19 is continually becoming a daily routine on news headlines, bill boards, all media platforms and the prime prior concern of all the countries across the globe. Government of all nations, philanthropies and nongovernmental organizations stood firm in in developing strategies that will curb the spread of the pandemic looking at the adverse negative effects this deadly pandemic has on the world economy and the general livelihood of the people.

It is to this end that our organization, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) which has ICT as its core mandate comes up with series of initiatives mostly ICT – related in its bid to support all other relevant stakeholders in the fight against Covid – 19. One of these initiatives is a twitter chat series that comes twice every week.

This week we hosted Dr. Abdulrahman Bello, Medical Officer, Maitama District Hospital who discussed on – Responding to Health Impact of Covid – 19: How will Covid – 19 Transform the Nigerian Health System Delivery. In the course of his conversation, he discussed in depth the deltas and plus of the government response in the fight against Covid – 19.

Questions and contributions were entertained as well.

Below is the copy of the chat as appeared on twitter timeline.

 

Dr Abdurrahman Bello (@thablu2th), how would you describe the response to #COVID19

Pandemic by different actors?

How effective or otherwise has the response been so far particularly from the healthcare delivery perspective?

 

2. Good afternoon! The response has been coordinated well. Noticed an increase in level of response from our Healthcare agencies and personnel in terms of awareness, diagnosis and prevention methods.

 

3. Good afternoon! The response has been coordinated well. Noticed an increase in level of response from our healthcare agencies and personnel in terms of awareness, diagnosis and prevention methods.

 

4. Which of the prevention method do think is good for the people living the rural area, so that when you to them we sensitize them.

 

5. Simple basic hand washing technique. Water, sanitation and hygiene. It goes a long way as a preventive strategy. Use of face masks and reporting any suspected case to any nearby health facility

 

6. Disposable (non-medical) mask, kn95 mask, N95 mask. We can do business from high price to high price and accept customization. There is no limit to the quantity, because we are factories.

What should be the future plans by government and private sectors to provide adequate health facilities to curb the spread of COVID 19 and any diseases that may pop up?

 

8. Develop a framework where all aspects of healthcare provision will key in especially access to PHC as it is closer to the populace. Healthcare financing is the key also in terms of budgetary provisions

 

9. What were some lapses initially observed in Nigeria’s response to the pandemic?

 

10. Closure of borders and ban on gathering in public spaces was not done immediately.

 

11. Dr what are the impacts of Covid19 to health sector particularly in Nigeria?

 

12. Well,the COVID19 situatn has exposed some of our vulnerabilities.

At the same time,Govt has stepped us in various ways to help the situation. Interventions by the CBN to improve the sector with 100billion Naira health care fund at low interest rates.

 

13. And do you think the money injected by CBN is enough and will be used for the purpose it has been released?

 

14. As a start, it’s enough. Main important issue is people to come up and request for loans dedicated for such purpose. It’s an intervention fund created by the CBN.

 

15. But the issue is why there be interest on the loans when other countries are helping their citizens and SMEs with

capital (free) in order to get them back to their feet we are here giving loan with 5% interest @cenbank

 

16. That should be an angle to explore. Interest free loans provided by Govt to start up healthcare industry.

These factors I think depends on the strength of the economy

 

17. @ICTAdvocates: @thablu2th, In your own opinion what are the strategies to put in place to reduce infection of health workers with COVID

 

18. Provision of readily available protective equipment. Provision of standard face masks which are scarce.

Development of management algorithms in terms of seeing a patient and referral system

Invitation to Participate in Online Training for Youth Leaders on Organizing Community Responses to COVID-19

In continuation of its educative programs on Covid19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) held a twitter chat on the 2^nd of June, 2020. The guest was Dr. Abdullahi Lawal Kazaure who is a Medical Doctor, he discussed on the impact of COVID-19 Global Pandemic, the Management and Control of other deadly diseases: Steps other Health Care Facilities can take to prevent and control the spread of COVID 19 from unidentifiable patients to other patients via health care providers. Doctor Kazaure made it clear that the Pandemic is real and highly infectious and contagious.

 

Explaining the situation, Doctor Kazaure said “looking at how critical the situation is, government are now easing the lockdown which there is need to put all preventive measures in place”. He emphasized on the need for government to ramp up the health care systems and enforce policies which will further limit the spread of the virus.

In the course of the discussion, he made some recommendation to government and health workers. Stating that there is need for government to provide functional Health care system, essential humanitarian materials and maintain water sanitation facilities at strategic locations. Also. Medical Professionals should pay attention to other deadly diseases and they should ensure to make diagnosis before administering medications.

He further went ahead to advise citizens to build their immune systems and always ensure all the preventive measures are taken into consideration.

 

Engagement:

 

Doctor @AKazaure what do you think we need to know about this pandemic; its consequences and danger associated with it as some states and even the FG started easing lockdown in their states? First and foremost we have to believe this pandemic is real, and very highly infectious and transmissible, It affects all people of all age groups and ethnicity, and even tho the mortality rates are lower than other pandemics recorded, it is still a danger Well Governments with easing lockdown is a measure for the country to move forward, because all over the world countries are easing and putting measures for their respective nations. This doesn’t mean it has been defeated, it is now the government’s responsibility to put in and enforce measures for prevention of the spread of this disease and also arming the health care system to be ready for the surge of this outbreak It is also our own responsibility to protect ourselves using measures such as social distancing, hand washing, and face masks while we continue our daily activities

 

But don’t you think this will set us back in this fight, because I have seen many articles by health experts saying that the time to reopen the country is not yet done? What is your take on this? Well this is important really, I believe this is not the right time for us to ease the lockdown, because the fight for this is far from over, but still from the government point of view they are thinking of their citizen livelihood So it is the duty of the Government to ramp up our health care systems and also enforce policies and guidelines which can further limit the spread of the virus, the vaccine is still in research and treatment is still vague, I believe a surge in amount of cases is still waiting

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the most crucial global health calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that the humankind faced since the 2nd World War

 

Doctor what steps do you think health facilities can take to ensure that Covid19 has not interfere with treatment of other deadly diseases in the country? Well it is the responsibility of Every doctor and every health official to have a high level of suspicion for every disease out, it is our responsibility not to only concentrate on Covid 19 but also keep an eye on other diseases, Health facilities should produce isolation rooms for patients, provide personal protective equipments, face masks, gloves, hand sanitizers to every health care professionals, provide lectures and screening procedures for patients, Liaisons with the appropriate agencies for prompt sample taking, patient transport,

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the most crucial global health calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that the humankind faced since the 2nd World War

 

The COVID -19 outbreak has already disrupted the global economy, and the demand for hospital care is exceeding the capacity of many nations’ health care systems

 

But we must not forget that other diseases of Public health importance are still out there such as Ebola, Lassa fever, Measles, Cholera, Cerebral Meningitis

 

These diseases you have mentioned, how do you think they can be controlled amidst this pandemic, don’t you think the over stressed of health facilities by the covid19 pandemic will lead to health facilities to neglect this diseases?

 

These diseases have to be still be in our minds, not only should we concentrate on Covid 19 but the other infectious diseases, Public enlightenment should continue on these other diseases, Health care facilities and professionals should not also forget to keep in their minds that this is not the only infectious disease we are having problem with, they should always have a broad mind in making diagnosis, and differentials, Even tho our health caste system is not optimum it is our duty to do our best from every perspective starting from the individual to the highest tier of the government Just yesterday there was a new wave of Ebola virus in DRC in which 4 patients died, there fore we most not relent in our active search for other diseases of public importance

 

Functioning health infrastructure is scarce, and the capacity to refer patients is extremely limited. With so many people already vulnerable to outbreaks of disease, essential humanitarian assistance must be maintained; water and sanitation facilities

 

Doctor (@AKazaure), what information do you have for people that are above the age of 60, patient with BP, Diabetes, pregnant women and other people with health problems that will make them more vulnerable to Covid19? In addition to them, the children, these are the immunocompromised patients, and have a higher rate of mortality when infected, these patient should absolutely follow the preventive measures and avoid public spaces, continue taking their medications, take on immune supplements Such as Vitamin C , fruits, leave a healthy life and not sedentary lifestyle, avoid smoke, and always be in touch with their respective specialists. Because they are the most vulnerable

 

In general, Doctor (@AKazaure), do you think our health facilities are capable of providing us with all the necessary support we need ? I have to say all healthcare professionals are trying their best to give you the support we can but we have a below par system, equipments are not enough for both the professionals and the patients, we are understaffed, our hospitals are not enough for the country And access to healthcare is not available to every individual to the community, for the rural communities health care is expensive to them, We don’t have enough doctors, nurses , technicians , but in general the available ones are trying their best to support

 

As the chat is ending in just 2 minutes, what general recommendations can you give based on the topic discussed

 

As the chat is ending in just 2 minutes, what general recommendations can you give based on the topic discussed? Individuals should follow the guidelines WHO have provided, Health care professionals should be proactive in recognizing and management of Not only Covid 19 but other diseases of public importance, and government to support all of us It is our duty as an Individual to protect ourselves and the duty of the Government to protect us, let us not be ignorant and try to help out each other to fight this war

 

We will be stopping shortly, we are wondering if you have more recommendations you want to share here, Dr. @AKazaure? All in General I want us to believe this pandemic is real, but it is not a death sentence when you are diagnosed, we should try as much as possible to exercise social distancing, wear our face masks, disinfectants should be used and pray for a cure or vaccine should be out soon It is also a wake up call for the government to improve our healthcare systems, because even the countries with the best health care systems were overpowered, and encourage more healthcare professionals.

 

Date: 22 May, 2020.

 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development as part of its contribution to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the country  organized a Twitter chat on Friday to enlighten the general public about Covid-19 pandemic; safety measures, government and citizens’ efforts, giving recommendations to government and ensure citizens needs are being cater for during the lockdown.

 

This week the Centre hosted Pharm Khalid Garba Muhammad, a Lecturer with Department of Pharmaceutical Technology BUK, and Guest Lecturer at University of Charleston, USA as Discussant. On today’s chat Mr. Khalid discussed on the “Impact of COVID-19 on Health Sector: Nigerian Perspective. The discussant emphasized on health policies that enhance human security and role of the community in the prevention and transmission of this deadly virus. He said, in Nigeria COVID-19 Pandemic has exposed the strengths and weaknesses of Health systems.

 

While discussing the topic, the guest lamented how many countries are still struggling to curtail the spread “He advised that NCDC needs to step up their testing capacity. Khalid further urges Federal government to focus and strengthen the health systems through capacity building and improved health infrastructure. He also advised that Nigerian government policy on COVID-19 should include community pharmacist in testing and referring patients with COVID-19 through appropriate capacity building and special training for pharmacists.

 

OBSERVATION:

 

The discussion was educative as the guest discussed the impact of COVID 19 on health Sector and how health policies enhance human security.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

CITAD should continue organizing programs like this so that public would be informed and enlightened about issues that matter to them.

 

ENGAGEMENT

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Health systems across the globe are overwhelmed because of the novel nature of the COVID-19. Therefore, the need for novel diagnostics, treatment (vaccine and new therapeutics), and special training for healthcare personnel.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Health Systems includes all actors, institutions, and resources that undertake health actions. Health actions are all actions whose primary intent is to improve health.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Health Systems performance can be assessed by: 1. Outcomes/goals: Health coverage, Responsiveness (dignity, confidentiality, prompt attention, amenities), Fairness in financial contribution.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

2. Inputs to the system (functions): Financing (revenue collection, pooling, and purchasing), Resource generation (human resources, facilities, and equipment, knowledge), and Stewardship.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the strengths and weaknesses of Health Systems in different countries across the globe. In spite of the novel nature of the disease with no definitive treatment or vaccine available yet, many countries are able to contain the spread of the virus…

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Through proactive social measures, and many have shown resilience in their Health System by treating active cases through drug repositioning and supportive treatments.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

However, many countries are still struggling to contain the spread, and even to treat active cases especially in the developing countries with fragile Health Systems. In Nigeria, apart from the COVID-19 burden and uncertainties…

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

In Nigeria, apart from the COVID-19 burden and uncertainties, there is increased risk of unattended NCDs patients and other none COVID-19 related diseases due to the following factors:

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Obscondment of some healthcare staff due to lack of sufficient personal protective equipment (during the onset of cases) 2. Psychological impact on healthcare staff and lack of sufficient healthcare workforce

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

3. Some patients refused to visit the hospital due to fear of contracting the disease in the hospital.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Thanks to the excellent work of the NCDC Director, he has been doing amazing work out there, and the entire NCDC staff. However, there are rising cases of the virus in many places, perhaps the sudden deaths recorded in Kano and other parts of the country can be attributed to:

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Poor surveillance of the infected cases 2. Lack of coordination and proper monitoring at the isolation centers 3. Poor public awareness about the COVID-19 and dangers associated with it. 4. Public disbelief about COVID-19.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

It is rather laughable and lamentable seeing some state government in Nigeria advertising seeking healthcare professional volunteers during this pandemic. We have thousands of fresh healthcare professional graduates searching for jobs…

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

And the space that needs their services across the country is not saturated. Why would someone risk his/her life volunteering? Let the government employ them, please (personal opinion).

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Thanks to the excellent work of the NCDC Director, he has been doing amazing work out there, and the entire NCDC staff. However, there are rising cases of the virus in many places, perhaps the sudden deaths recorded in Kano and other parts of the country can be attributed to:

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Poor surveillance of the infected cases 2. Lack of coordination and proper monitoring at the isolation centers 3. Poor public awareness about the COVID-19 and dangers associated with it. 4. Public disbelief about COVID-19.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

It is rather laughable and lamentable seeing some state government in Nigeria advertising seeking healthcare professional volunteers during this pandemic. We have thousands of fresh healthcare professional graduates searching for jobs…

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

And the space that needs their services across the country is not saturated. Why would someone risk his/her life volunteering? Let the government employ them, please (personal opinion).

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

As of yesterday 21 May 2020, NCDC recorded a total of 7016 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, with the only ¼ recovered, and 211 deaths so far.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

In Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people, a total of 41,907 tests have been conducted by the NCDC to date, while South Africa for instance with a population of approximately 60 million, a total of 525,433 tests have been conducted.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

So, I think, the NCDC needs to step up their testing capacity. I am sure Nigeria has the resources and the capability to do so. Because the faster you test, the faster to track active cases and initiate treatment interventions.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

On the final notes: 1. Improved Health System capacity and concerted efforted between the Federal and State government are necessary for fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

2. The COVID-19 has taught us that NO medical trips for elites including government officials now, so the need to focus and strengthen our own Health System through capacity building and improved health infrastructure for all Nigerians.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

3. The Federal and State government must be careful in easing the ongoing lockdown, because, according to international best practices, you ease the lockdown and social restrictions only when cases are winding down, not when the cases are rising.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

4. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to the entire world that pharmacists are indispensable in any healthcare system. i.e., many communities have turned to the pharmacists for their basic healthcare needs.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Moreover, the entire world is now waiting for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics from pharmaceutical companies that are largely controlled by pharmacists.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

5. Nigerian government policy on COVID-19 should include community pharmacists in testing and referring patients with COVID-19 through appropriate capacity building and special training for the pharmacists.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

Thanks to the excellent work of the NCDC Director, he has been doing amazing work out there, and the entire NCDC staff. However, there are rising cases of the virus in many places, perhaps the sudden deaths recorded in Kano and other parts of the country can be attributed to:

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

1. Poor surveillance of the infected cases 2. Lack of coordination and proper monitoring at the isolation centers 3. Poor public awareness about the COVID-19 and dangers associated with it. 4. Public disbelief about COVID-19.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

It is rather laughable and lamentable seeing some state government in Nigeria advertising seeking healthcare professional volunteers during this pandemic. We have thousands of fresh healthcare professional graduates searching for jobs…

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

And the space that needs their services across the country is not saturated. Why would someone risk his/her life volunteering? Let the government employ them, please (personal opinion).

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

As of yesterday 21 May 2020, NCDC recorded a total of 7016 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, with the only ¼ recovered, and 211 deaths so far.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

In Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people, a total of 41,907 tests have been conducted by the NCDC to date, while South Africa for instance with a population of approximately 60 million, a total of 525,433 tests have been conducted.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

So, I think, the NCDC needs to step up their testing capacity. I am sure Nigeria has the resources and the capability to do so. Because the faster you test, the faster to track active cases and initiate treatment interventions.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

On the final notes: 1. Improved Health System capacity and concerted efforted between the Federal and State government are necessary for fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

2. The COVID-19 has taught us that NO medical trips for elites including government officials now, so the need to focus and strengthen our own Health System through capacity building and improved health infrastructure for all Nigerians.

 

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

3. The Federal and State government must be careful in easing the ongoing lockdown, because, according to international best practices, you ease the lockdown and social restrictions only when cases are winding down, not when the cases are rising.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

4. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to the entire world that pharmacists are indispensable in any healthcare system. i.e., many communities have turned to the pharmacists for their basic healthcare needs.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

 

Moreover, the entire world is now waiting for COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics from pharmaceutical companies that are largely controlled by pharmacists.

Khalid Garba Mohammed

@khalidgmk

5. Nigerian government policy on COVID-19 should include community pharmacists in testing and referring patients with COVID-19 through appropriate capacity building and special training for the pharmacists.

 Thursday, 28th May, 2020

 Amidst lockdown ease by state governments, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has on Thursday 28th May, 2020 Organized a twitter chat to determine whether the lockdown is a bless or a curse in Nigeria.  The chat is the 15th twitter chat in the series organized by the centre and has Dr. Zainab Ibrahim Usman, Medical Doctor and Public Health Advocate as a discussant. In respond to the pandemic, if you could recall some months after the outbreak of the pandemic, Nigerian government announced a nationwide lockdown especially in Lagos, the capital city, Abuja and Ogun and later on across the country to contain the spread of Covid-19, closing schools and non-essential businesses, and suspending road, air and rail travels. According to the discussant, there is no clear answer whether the lockdown is a blessing to the country or not. While the lockdown has brought undue hardship to the citizens financially and health wise as many people died from non Covid 19 related cases then it curtailed the spread of the virus and reduces community transmission. It also stimulated government to add effort in primary healthcare services as the pandemic exposed the inadequacy of our healthcare facilities, force government to increase funding in healthcare system so as to provide basic equipment and employ more healthcare workers.  The lockdown also exposed lack of funding for research so that the country should be less dependent on foreign countries. 

 

Finally, she suggested that government should ignore the lockdown policy and encourage social distancing, use of face masks, regular hands washing and other strategies suggested by health practitioners as you cannot lock millions of people at home without providing them with basic necessity of life. 

 

ENGAGEMENT 

 Doctor, what lessons do you think people can learn from this pandemic? 

We are glad you are joining us Dr. @Zaiynabbb, can you please give us your thoughts on whether or not this pandemic season can serve as lesson to reposition the health sector to work better for people? 

 

Thus going forward what have we learnt. 

 

1. Govt needs to invest more on our primary healthcare services as the pandemic has exposed the inadequacy of our health care system
2. Increase funding of our health care system so as to be able to provide the basicequipmentand employ more healthcare workers 
3. The need to involve everyone and every sector as to promote and increasesensitizationof health issues 
4. Increase funding for research as we will be less dependent of foreign governments to provide drugs and vaccinesin caseof future outbreaks. 
5. Government should have a clear policy that takes incognizanceof our peculiarities such that it will prevent undue and untold hardship caused by the lockdown in case of future occurrences 

 

 

Even with D imposition of lockdown, D country still record new cases of Covid19 on a daily basis, will allowing people go about their normal businesses Vis-a-Vis adhering to D use of PPE’s & other safety measures stated by NCDC not proof better outcomes? 

 

Based on your experience as a medical practitioner, do you think people are learning anything from this pandemic? 

 

Many are of view that, ppl are dying with hunger. For instance, the high number of deaths in Kano occur after the enforcement of the T lockdown. Due to a No. of conditions, and covid19 seemed to have been ruled out. ur view, pls 

A 

 

 

The Educational sector has suffered immeasurable setbacks, perhaps some online classes are on but what then becomes of children in the rural areas who for the most part, have no access to television? 

A 

The danger of COVID-19 and Hunger which one is more dangerous. Because if you are force to stay at and no food what do you will happen. Your adverse to government. 

A 

 

 

Security forces enforcing lockdown orders across Nigeria had killed more people than the coronavirus. Pls, can this be fact that lockdown is a curse not a blessing in Nigeria? 

A 

 

 

 

Looking at the nature of lock downs in #Nigeria where citizens are locked at home for some days and allowed to go out for some days. 

Do you see wisdom behind allowing people to go out; resulting to more congestion especially in market and other public places? 

There’s no wisdom behind this actually. I think the best thing to do is to allow people to resume back to their normal activities with few limitations. Compulsory wearing of facemask, high risk people should stay at home (elderly and people with immunosuppression) 

 

 

Some Business owners take advantage of the present situation to inflate the prices of essential commodities, does this have the tendency of subjecting people into more hardship? What then is the way out? 

The Educational sector has suffered immeasurable setbacks, perhaps some online classes are on but what then becomes of children in the rural areas who for the most part, have no access to television? 

The parents of those children in rural areas cannot provide that for them and the government is not ready to do that. The best thing to do is to fumigate schools and reopen them while observing basic precautions. 

 

 

Sir what sustainable modality should government, NGOs and the general public put in place to prevent the reemergence of Covid19 after the pandemic has ended? 

Vaccine is the only solution to prevent reemergence of this disease 

Dr, do you think we are close to getting a vaccine, if not, what strategies can we deploy in order to live with virus? 

Reports from WHO and other private investors has shown that we’re not getting vaccine anytime soon. We need to learn how to live with the virus. By sharing facemasks and hand sanitizers and letting people go about and enforcing safety measures. 

 

 

Which is the best strategy for prevention of spread? Sharing of Palliatives to cushion the effect of lockdown on people and to encourage them to stay at home or sharing of facemasks and hand sanitizers/letting people go about and enforcing safety measures. 

The latter. Which is sharing of facemasks and hand sanitizers/letting people go about and enforcing safety measures. 

A 

Distributing face masks, hand sanitizers etc is more important if people will be allowed to go around with their day to day activities else sharing food stuffs is more important if the lockdown is still imposed. 

 

 

Though Africa is the least hit continent, can we continue depending on the WESTERN world for medical breakthrough. Or we should look inward and what are the basic step need to be taken 

2. Increase funding for research purposes
3. Our research labs should be upgraded andmodernizedto meet the latest standards 
4. Encourageyoung ones to focus more on inventions and not just to read and pass. 

 

 

But don’t you think the reason of it failure is because people refused to comply with order 100%, Doctor? 

How can a hungry man comply with policies on a virus that he’s not even sure it exist? So many people still believe it’s a hoax 

 

 

A lot has been said about what Nigeria does not have in combating the pandemic. What does it have at its disposal? 

Nothing. 

 

 

Which category of people did you think are more affected with the lock down (children, youth or the aged)? 

Youth 

 

 

 

What your opinion about easing of the lock down by some state government and the impact on the economy? 

We’re already heading into economic recession which is more deadly to us than covid-19. And it’s crystal clear that we can’t curtail the spread of this virus. I think it’s better for us to focus more on our economy by resuming back to work 

 

 

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) had in the umpteenth time contributed immensely to the GDP growth of the nation, What becomes of the GDP with businesses locked down? 

The growth has taken a downward spiral since this pandemic and this is same for many countries. 

It will take a while for it to recover and not likely this year. 

Government will have to put in measures to help protect and uplift these SME’s 

 

Dr @Zaiynabbb can you please explain how helpful the lockdown is with regard to reducing the spread of the virus in our communities? 

It has not help in anywhere cos community transmission has already been established before the lockdown. 

 

 

Dr. @zainabbb, looking at the nature of lock downs in #Nigeria where citizens are locked at home for some days and allowed to go out for some days. 

Do you see wisdom behind allowing people to go out; resulting to more congestion especially in market and other public places? 

If you ask me the best thing is to dissolve this lockdown policy cos obviously it has failed. You can’t lock millions of people at home without providing basic necessities. 

 

 

@Zaiynabbb based on your experience as a medical practitioner, do you think people are learning anything from this pandemic 

Some are learning while some are not. But I belong must of us found out how inadequate our healthcare system is 

 

 

Thanks doc. U mentioned compulsory wearing of facemasks, considering the most commonly use mask in the community is Clothes mask, how effective is it in protecting the virus?? 

Not as effective as the surgical mask and N95. Less than 50% protection. Well it’s better to have some form of protection than to have nothing 

 

Comments 

@wisdombugaj 

I tend to agree with your suggestions, in fact Dr Zainab is amongst the few sensible doc that are advocates of this realistic guidelines. 

 

@bappafatimerh 

Distributing face masks, hand sanitizers etc. is more important if people will be allowed to go around with their day to day activities else sharing food stuffs is more important if the lockdown is still imposed. 

 

The Centre for Information Technology and Development as part of its contribution to stop the spread of Covid19 in the country use to organize Twitter charts on every Tuesday and Thursday to enlighten the general public about Covid-19 pandemic; safety measures, government and citizens’ efforts, giving recommendations to government and ensure citizens needs are being cater for during the lockdown. These charts are being held with different professionals from various fields in order to sensitize public about the novel coronavirus.

This week the Centre hosted Mr. Kabiru Danladi Lawanti, a communication specialist who has years of experience in teaching communication in the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) as Discussant. On today’s chat Mr. Danladi discussed on “Gaps in Media Campaigns against Covid19”. The discussant spoke on the gaps, misinformation, fake news, media bias and complicity in misleading the public and feeding them with many unwanted information regarding the virus. The discussant also emphasized on News reporting ethics, standards and acceptable information and the need for sourcing news from responsible and credible sources locally who truly understand the pandemic and the situation generally; not from foreign sources who are also trying to understand the pandemic and situation in their countries.

 

While discussing the topic, the guest displayed sadness on how media covered the issue of 5G in regarding the covid19 and the conspiracy theories going round that black people are immune to the virus. He went further to state that journalists are at first level of knowledge gap theory, because people need to know what they ought to know from media and if media failed in this regard misconception bound. Mr. Kabiru emphasized that the campaigns against covid19 needs to be local, with local contents that reflect people’s culture and history which the media failed in guiding the policy makers regarding this and turned to echoing NCDC figures only. However, the guest advised that “when approaching a pandemic, the media should show high level of understanding by contacting people of knowledge about it – Doctors, epidemiologists and virologist etc. Information from these people will help the media enlighten the people with the right info”

Observation:

 

The discussion was educative as the guest shared important areas of Communication, such as guidelines, procedures, ethics in journalisms & getting information from trusted and credible sources about the pandemic only.

 

Recommendations:

 

CITAD should continue organizing programs like this so that public would be informed and enlightened about issues that matter to them.

 

At the end the guest took his time to answer questions from the participants and gave recommendation.

 

ENGAGEMENT:

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Kabiru Danladi Lawanti (@kblawanty) teaches Mass Communications in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. As our discussant today, he will be talking on “Gaps in the Medai Campaign Against #Covid_19 in #Nigeria“. We are glad he created a window out of his tight schedules to speak to us

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 7 others

Good day. Thank you for having me

1. S Ibraheem @Idris_saminu1

Replying to @kblawanty @ICTAdvocates and 8 others

You are welcome, Sir. Sagiru Ado Abubakar @sagiru_ado:

@ICTAdvocates @kblawanty

since the erupt of the pandemic media outlets embark on sensitizing people on how to protect themselves against the virus. Still the virus spread like wildfire in the country. Doctor, what is the problem?

@a_sabo12 @hamzaish @HariraWakili

CITAD @ICTAdvocates: @kblawanty, since the outbreak of #Covid_19 in #Nigeria we have seen lots of media campaign. The question we are asking is this, is the media channeling the right energy towards right direction?

@YZYau @a_sabo12 @sagiru_ado @kamalkano

Kabiru Lawanti @kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 3 others

Let me begin by saying, when #Covid_19 began around Nov or December in China, media in Nigeria reacted the way others around the world did. We never imagined the virus will reach here. So the reaction was of people immuned

CITAD @ICTAdvocates @kblawanty, by the way, what is your general assessment of the media enlightenment on the #Coronavirus pandemic? #CITADChat

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

When it started there was little concern in the Nigerian media environment on knowing about it. The media as an institution of enlightenment ought to have made extra effort in understanding the virus and educate people

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

There are misconceptions about #Covid_19 in Nigeria,is the media doing enough to correct those misconceptions  @kblawanty?

@YZYau

@HariraWakili

@nissimase @sagiru_ado

@IPCng

@freedomradionig

@thesheetng

@gimbakakanda

@NTANewsNow

@radionigeriahq

@HabumuremyiP

#CITADChat

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 10 others

Unfortunately, no. Most of the campaigns are not local. In a campaign like this, we need a local content that reflects people’s culture and history. The media failed in guiding policy makers on this. Media job goes beyond re-echoing NCDC figures

Isyaku garba

@isyaku12

Can media share the names nd locations of the person with COVID 19 tested positive to assist the Committee in transparency

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

This is an ethical issue. With family consent, yes. I thought NCDC would have come up with a guide within these months that we are fighting #Covid_19 on how to report the patients. Remember it is already creating suspicion with people doubting the NCDC figures

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

@kblawanty, is there any guideline that the media uses during for enlightenment during pandemic to get people well enlightened, if there is, is Nigeria media really utilizing such guideline for effective enlightenment?

@YZYau

@nissimase

@kamalkano

@isyaku12

@anasadomusa

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others When approaching a pandemic, the media should show high level of understanding by contacting people of knowledge about it – Doctors, epidemiologists and virologist etc. Information from these people will help the media enlighten the people with the right info

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates: @kblawanty, is there any guideline that the media uses during for enlightenment during pandemic to get people well enlightened, if there is, is Nigeria media really utilizing such guideline for effective enlightenment?

@YZYau

@nissimase

@kamalkano

@isyaku12

@anasadomusa

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others

Unfortunately, most of the information sourced came from other media in Europe and America, who were also trying to understand the virus. Worst is picking information from the Internet

 

CITAD @ICTAdvocates

Replying to

@kblawanty

@YZYau

and 4 others

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

It is. The media and more specifically journalists are in the first level of the knowledge gap theory. People need to know what they have to know from the media. If the media failed in this regard then misconceptions bound

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

From your analysis as a media scholar, what is the good and bad side of the media campaign against #Covid_19 in #Nigeria @kblawanty?

@YZYau

@sagiru_ado

@isyaku12

@nissimase

@IPCng

#CITADChat

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others

1/2The media has giving it enough coverage it deserved. But is it the right info? Yes and no. The media handed the 5G saga well but race and environmental issues raised were wrongly approached. Blacks are immuned, that tropical regions are Covid -19 resistant, to me

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Were not handled well by the media. These are all conjectures and the media was found wanting in making them go

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

How? Do you mind explaining further?

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Like I said, many believe that the people in tropical regions and blacks are resistant to #Covid_19

 

CITAD @ICTAdvocates:

There are misconceptions about #Covid_19 in Nigeria,is the media doing enough to correct those misconceptions @kblawanty?

@YZYau

@HariraWakili

@nissimase

@sagiru_ado

@IPCng

@freedomradionig

@thesheetng

@gimbakakanda

@NTANewsNow

@radionigeriahq

@HabumuremyiP

#CITADChat

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 10 others

Unfortunately, no. Most of the campaigns are not local. In a campaign like this, we need a local content that reflects people’s culture and history. The media failed in guiding policy makers on this. Media job goes beyond re-echoing NCDC figures

Isyaku garba

@isyaku12

 

Replying to

@kblawanty

@ICTAdvocates

and 11 others

Can media share the names and locations of the person with COVID 19 tested positive to assist the Committee in transparency

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

This is an ethical issue. With family consent, yes. I thought NCDC would have come up with a guide within these months that we are fighting #Covid_19 on how to report the patients. Remember it is already creating suspicion with people doubting the NCDC figures

Will this contribute misinforming people or people not even believing in the pandemic?

@IPCng

@nbcgovng

@NTANewsNow

@channelstv

@JibrinIbrahim17

@MRA_Nigeria

@IsaKamilu

 

Un Attended

 

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

 

From your analysis as a media scholar, what is the good and bad side of the media campaign against #Covid_19 in #Nigeria

@kblawanty

?

@YZYau

@sagiru_ado

@isyaku12

@nissimase

@IPCng

#CITADChat

 

 

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others

1/2The media has giving it enough coverage it deserved. But is it the right info? Yes and no. The media handed the 5G saga well but race and environmental issues raised were wrongly approached. Blacks are immuned, that tropical regions are Covid -19 resistant, to me

 

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Were not handled well by the media. These are all conjectures and the media was found wanting in making them go

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

How? Do you mind explaining further?

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Like I said, many believe that the people in tropical regions and blacks are resistant to #Covid_19

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates: @kblawanty, is there any guideline that the media uses during for enlightenment during pandemic to get people well enlightened, if there is, is Nigeria media really utilizing such guideline for effective enlightenment?

@YZYau

@nissimase

@kamalkano

@isyaku12

@anasadomusa

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Unfortunately, most of the information sourced came from other media in Europe and America, who were also trying to understand the virus. Worst is picking information from the Internet

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

Is this a problem to the Nigerian media?

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others

It is. The media, and more specifically journalists are in the first level of the knowledge gap theory. People need to know what they have to know from the media. If the media failed in this regard then misconceptions bound

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

From your analysis as a media scholar, what is the good and bad side of the media campaign against #Covid_19 in #Nigeria @kblawanty?

@YZYau

@sagiru_ado

@isyaku12

@nissimase

@IPCng

#CITADChat

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty:

1/2The media has giving it enough coverage it deserved. But is it the right info? Yes and no. The media handed the 5G saga well but race and environmental issues raised were wrongly approached. Blacks are immuned, that tropical regions are Covid -19 resistant, to me

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@kblawanty

@ICTAdvocates

and 5 others

Were not handled well by the media. These are all conjectures and the media was found wanting in making them go

 

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

Replying to

@kblawanty

@YZYau

and 4 others How? Do you mind explaining further? Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty:

Like I said, many believe that the people in tropical regions and blacks are resistant to #Covid_19

MUKHTY4

@mukhtars_s

Assalam, sir @kblawanty Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp have become effective channels through which misinformation goes viral within a short period of time. Pls, what measures those responsible supposed to or applies to address misinformation.

@ICTAdvocates

 

Un Attended.

 

Isyaku garba

@isyaku12

Replying to

@kblawanty

@ICTAdvocates

and 11 others

Can media share the names and locations of the person with COVID 19 tested positive to assist the Committee in transparency

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@isyaku12

@ICTAdvocates

and 11 others

This is an ethical issue. With family consent, yes. I thought NCDC would have come up with a guide within these months that we are fighting #Covid_19 on how to report the patients. Remember it is already creating suspicion with people doubting the NCDC figures

Yunusa Ya’u

@YZYau:

 

@kblawanty, the media tend to give the narrative that people are doing lockdown for government, and not for themselves and their communities. Why do you think the media does not see lockdown as being owned by communities to protect themselves?

@ICTAdvocates

@hamzaish

@a_sabo12

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@YZYau

@ICTAdvocates

and 2 others

That’s the historical and cultural issues we failed to bring to fore when approaching the #Covid_19 fight. No historical evidence shows quarantine of healthy people. Culturally we don’t fit into #Social_Distancing

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty:

More so, our economic situation doesn’t support lockdown, journalists are in the category of the other half. It is difficult to support a policy seen to favour elites. It is bitter, but the truth

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

 

How? Do you mind explaining further?

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others

Like I said, many believe that the people in tropical regions and blacks are resistant to #Covid_19

@ICTAdvocates

@kblawanty

Doctors, epidemiologists and virologist etc you have mentioned, lack communication strategies required as such time, is this not a time to make communication courses as core subjects to medical schools?

@kamalkano

@hamzaish

@nissimase

 

Un Attended

 

 

 

CITAD

@ICTAdvocate:

It is apparent there is gap in the way the media is handling the enlightenment against #COVID__19 in #Nigeria, 1 of those gaps as stated by our guest, @kblawanty, is the lack of using local content. What are therefore your recommendations in bridging the gaps

@kblawanty

 

@YZYau

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

If you observe, the washing of hands on a running tap, as simplistic as it may sound, looks alien in most Nigeria’s cities

Kabiru Lawanti

kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

and @YZYau

Therefore, media is just a conveyor. There has to be an approach that not only involves doctors alone, but sociologists and public service workers who understand our people and their culture. Media should not be seen as only needed when dishing out figures of #Covid_19 patients

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Media is important, with the level of #FakeNews especially on this #Covid_19, in the fight against Covid – 19 and a critical stakeholder

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

From your analysis as a media scholar, what is the good and bad side of the media campaign against #Covid_19 in #Nigeria @kblawanty?

@YZYau

@sagiru_ado

@isyaku12

@nissimase

@IPCng

#CITADChat

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau and 4 others

1/2The media has giving it enough coverage it deserved. But is it the right info? Yes and no. The media handed the 5G saga well but race and environmental issues raised were wrongly approached. Blacks are immuned, that tropical regions are Covid -19 resistant, to me

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@kblawanty

@ICTAdvocates

and 5 others

Were not handled well by the media. These are all conjectures and the media was found wanting in making them go

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

How? Do you mind explaining further?

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty:

Like I said, many believe that the people in tropical regions and blacks are resistant to #Covid_19

 

Ado Abubakar

@sagiru_ado

@ICTAdvocates

@kblawanty

Doctors, epidemiologists and virologist etc you have mentioned, lack communication strategies required as such time, is this not a time to make communication courses as core subjects to medical schools?

@kamalkano

@hamzaish

@nissimase

 

Un Attended

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

It is apparent there is gap in the way the media is handling the enlightenment against #COVID__19 in #Nigeria, 1 of those gaps as stated by our guest,

@kblawanty, is the lack of using local content. What are therefore your recommendations in bridging the gaps

@kblawanty

@YZYau

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

If you observe, the washing of hands on a running tap, as simplistic as it may sound, looks alien in most Nigeria’s cities

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

Therefore, media is just a conveyor. There has to be an approach that not only involves doctors alone, but sociologists and public service workers who understand our people and their culture. Media should not be seen as only needed when dishing out figures of #Covid_19 patients

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Media is important, with the level of #FakeNews especially on this #Covid_19, in the fight against Covid – 19 and a critical stakeholder

Yunusa Ya’u

@YZYau

 

@kblawanty:

The media tend to give the narrative that people are doing lockdown for government, and not for themselves and their communities. Why do you think the media does not see lockdown as being owned by communities to protect themselves?

@ICTAdvocates

@hamzaish

@a_sabo12

CITAD Retweeted

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@YZYau

@ICTAdvocates

and 2 others

That’s the historical and cultural issues we failed to bring to fore when approaching the #Covid_19 fight. No historical evidence shows quarantine of healthy people. Culturally we don’t fit into #Social_Distancing Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@kblawanty

@YZYau

and 3 others

More so, our economic situation doesn’t support lockdown, journalists are in the category of the other half. It is difficult to support a policy seen to favour elites. It is bitter, but the truth

Yunusa Ya’u

@YZYau

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty:

That’s the historical and cultural issues we failed to bring to fore when approaching the #Covid_19 fight. No historical evidence shows quarantine of healthy people. Culturally we don’t fit into #Social_Distancing

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@kblawanty

@YZYau and 3 others

More so, our economic situation doesn’t support lockdown, journalists are in the category of the other half. It is difficult to support a policy seen to favour elites. It is bitter, but the truth

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

It is apparent there is gap in the way the media is handling the enlightenment against #COVID__19 in #Nigeria, 1 of those gaps as stated by our guest, @kblawanty, is the lack of using local content. What are therefore your recommendations in bridging the gaps

@kblawanty

@YZYau

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

If you observe, the washing of hands on a running tap, as simplistic as it may sound, looks alien in most Nigeria’s cities

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

Therefore, media is just a conveyor. There has to be an approach that not only involves doctors alone, but sociologists and public service workers who understand our people and their culture. Media should not be seen as only needed when dishing out figures of #Covid_19 patients

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@kblawanty

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

Media is important, with the level of #FakeNews especially on this #Covid_19, in the fight against Covid – 19 and a critical stakeholder

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates: @kblawanty, can we have your quick recommendations to the media on how to best to enlighten people at this time of pandemic?

@YZYau

@isyaku12

@sagiru_ado

@HariraWakili

@nissimase

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

 

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 4 others

They need to approach it as a whole and do away with the politics involved

 

 

Therefore, media is just a conveyor. There has to be an approach that not only involves doctors alone, but sociologists and public service workers who understand our people and their culture. Media should not be seen as only needed when dishing out figures of #Covid_19 patients

 

 

Kabiru Lawanti

@kblawanty

Replying to

@kblawanty

@ICTAdvocates

and

@YZYau

Media is important, with the level of #FakeNews especially on this #Covid_19, in the fight against Covid – 19 and a critical stakeholder

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

It has really an interesting discussion with media scholar and lecturer,

@kblawanty, thank you very much for the resourceful discussion. We are also grateful to everyone for joining us.

@YZYau

@sagiru_ado

 

 

Tuesday, 26^th May, 2020

INTRODUCTION:

In continuation of its enlightenment programs on Covid19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development had on the 26^th of May, 2020 hosted Mr. Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo of Connected Development and discussed on The Need for CSOs and Citizens to Monitor/Track Government Palliatives in Their Respective Communities. Mr. Halilu has years of experience in Community Engagement, Tracking Budget at the Grassroots, Social Audit and Advocacy. Mukhtar is widely known for his Community Mobilizations and Public Speaking skills, which has taken him around the world.

Looking at how critical it is for government at all level to provide the most vulnerable in the society with palliatives to cushion the hardship the people may find themselves during the lockdown since every activities with exception of few have been halted and the high handedness, greediness and lack of transparency from those in power made the Centre for Information Technology and Development to invite some who is an expertise in the area of tracking budget to explain to the public the need to track those palliatives, process of tracking activities and why it’s important for everyone to be involved in the process so that the relief materials will get to those that need them the most in the society.

The guest started by explaining how deep corruption has penetrated into every system of government in the country, where he stated that “Over the years, Corruption has been seen to be Nigeria’s biggest challenge. The fight against corruption formed the mandate of the present administration as it is evident to every Nigerian citizen that the county has an extremely high level of corruption.” However, when he was asked why he think it is important for the citizens and CSO to track/monitor the palliatives distributed by government in their respective communities, Mr. Halilu said that “This very important because we need to seeks accountability and transparency by tracking COVID19 intervention funds, Advocate for equal access to health services for victims and ensure that the government takes precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus in Nigeria.” Concluding the chat, the Mukhtar mentioned that Citizen and Civil society organisations (CSOs) can play an important role in enhancing transparency and good governance in the development of a country. In particular, such citizen and organisations can contribute to increased public debate.

ENGAGEMENTS:

@ICTAdvocates:

Good afternoon all. Today and at this time we are hosting

@HaliluMukhtar of @Connected_dev & who will talk about CSOs and Citizens Need to Track/Monitor Government’s Palliatives in their Respective Communities. @YZYau @a_sabo12 @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili @HaliluMukhtar:

Welcome Mr.

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates @Connected_dev and 4 others Over the years, Corruption has been seen to be Nigeria’s biggest challenge. The fight against corruption formed the mandate of the present administration as it is evident to every Nigerian citizen that the county has an extremely high level of corruption. #FollowCOVID19Money.

and 4 others

Over the years, Corruption has been seen to be Nigeria’s biggest challenge. The fight against corruption formed the mandate of the present administration as it is evident to every Nigerian citizen that the county has an extremely high level of corruption. #FollowCOVID19Money.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar @ICTAdvocates and 4 others Mr. Halilu why do you think it is important for the citizens and CSO to track/monitor the palliatives distributed by govt in their respective communities?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo @HaliluMukhtar:

This very important because we need to seeks accountability and transparency by tracking COVID 19 intervention funds, Advocate for equal access to health services for victims and ensure that the government takes precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus in Nigeria.

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

As someone that has years of experience in tracking budget at grassroots, how can you convince the public that it is imperative to be involved in tracking/monitoring Covid19 palliatives, sir?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

it is important for both CSOs and Citizen to be Monitoring government spending, it help to ensure that funds are spent well, and not lost to corruption. It enables communities to ask: ‘Are public resources being used as planned?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

 

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 5 others

Citizen and Civil society organisations (CSOs) can play an important role in enhancing transparency and good governance in the development of a country. In particular, such citizen and organisations can contribute to increased public debate. #FollowCOVID19Money.

Mrr Hassan Sarkin Noma

@hazzyno_69677

The herculean task in achieving that is poverty and ignorance, this automatically made Nigerians unhappy by default.. Now education can be a best tool, funds should be injects to improve education at all level and enroll 13.5m street children to school…

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

Comrade @HaliluMukhtar, what is so far your assessment of palliatives management and disbursement particularly at communities you might have monitored? #Covid_19 #StaySafeNigeria #StayHome

#staysafe

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@Mairo_Ado

@HariraWakili

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar:

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 3 others

For us @Connected_dev only track verified information, to the disbursement of palliatives i have to say government need to do more as the palliatives based on some of our finders are not reaching to where they needed

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

It is good that u have spoke about this aspect “that palliatives aren’t reaching where its supposed to”, so as CSO how do u think we can engage those saddle with responsible of distributing these palliatives to ensure every kobo spent/budgeted for this purpose is being justified?

Maleek Jnr 

@Ibn_maleek01

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@HaliluMukhtar

and 4 others

We have heard a lot of reports, across the entire country at whole, people have been reporting the challenges & consequences of lockdown without palliatives., but to me i see the failure and negativity of some gov’t personality

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar:

Over the years, Corruption has been seen to be Nigeria’s biggest challenge. The fight against corruption formed the mandate of the present administration as it is evident to every Nigerian citizen that the county has an extremely high level of corruption. #FollowCOVID19Money.

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar:

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 5 others

Citizen and Civil society organisations (CSOs) can play an important role in enhancing transparency and good governance in the development of a country. In particular, such citizen and organisations can contribute to increased public debate. #FollowCOVID19Money.

Mrr Hassan Sarkin Noma

@hazzyno_69677

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 5 others

The herculean task in achieving that is poverty and ignorance, this automatically made Nigerians unhappy by default.. Now education can be a best tool, funds should be injects to improve education at all level and enroll 13.5m street children to school…

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

As someone that has years of experience in tracking budget at grassroots, how can you convince the public that it is imperative to be involved in tracking/monitoring Covid19 palliatives, sir?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

it is important for both CSOs and Citizen to be Monitoring government spending, it help to ensure that funds are spent well, and not lost to corruption. It enables communities to ask: ‘Are public resources being used as planned?

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

@HaliluMukhtar, how can people track or monitor palliatives management and distribution, is the atmosphere present for them track?

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@HariraWakili

@Mairo_Ado

@cislacnigeria

@primenewsnig

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 5 others

The only means to track the palliatives distribution is when the government do what they are supposed to do by given out to public the information on the disbursement. for the citizen and CSOs to track. You need DATA to track, You can’t track what you don’t know.

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

Comrade @HaliluMukhtar, what is so far your assessment of palliatives management and disbursement particularly at communities you might have monitored? #Covid_19 #StaySafeNigeria #StayHome

#staysafe

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@Mairo_Ado

@HariraWakili

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar:

@Connected_dev only track verified information, to the disbursement of palliatives i have to say government need to do more as the palliatives based on some of our finders are not reaching to where they needed

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

It is good that u have spoke about this aspect “that palliatives aren’t reaching where its supposed to”, so as CSO how do u think we can engage those saddle with responsible of distributing these palliatives to ensure every kobo spent/budgeted for this purpose is being justified?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar:

 

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

@Connected_dev

We are utilising our social accountability platform http://ifollowthemoney.org with over 6000 members and our well-structuredcommunity mobilisation strategy to advocate strongly for improved information sharing between government and the public.

iFollowTheMoney

Our Mission is to Empower Marginalized Grassroots Communities with Information

ifollowthemoney.org

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12:

it’s agreed that it’s only when govt is transparent on all its activities then we can have better policies & citizens’ budget, but looking at how govt is so secretive with info especially how they are spending Covid19 donations, do u think we can defeat this fight soon

@macfound

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar:

For us to get it right, we must be in participatory public policy-making, participatory budgeting, public expenditure tracking, citizen monitoring and evaluation of public service delivery.

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

So from your assessment of the Transparency and citizens and CSOs demand for accountability of the palliatives, what is your general rating of the whole process and the gaps you feel is lacking in the whole process. Either from CSOs or citizens.

 

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@MubarakEkute

and

@ICTAdvocates

I have to say nothing much has been done, because the government did not give the information that is needed for us to rate the work done so-far. you can track what you don’t know. that is why we are still advocating for information sharing between the both parties.

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

So from your assessment of the Transparency and citizens and CSOs demand for accountability of the palliatives, what is your general rating of the whole process and the gaps you feel is lacking in the whole process. Either from CSOs or citizens.

 

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

 

Replying to

@MubarakEkute

and

@ICTAdvocates

I have to say nothing much has been done, because the government did not give the information that is needed for us to rate the work done so-far. you can track what you don’t know. that is why we are still advocating for information sharing between the both parties.

Comrade @HaliluMukhtar, what is so far your assessment of palliatives management and disbursement particularly at communities you might have monitored? #Covid_19 #StaySafeNigeria #StayHome

#staysafe

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@Mairo_Ado

@HariraWakili

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

 

For us @Connected_dev only track verified information, to the disbursement of palliatives i have to say government need to do more as the palliatives based on some of our finders are not reaching to where they needed

 

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

It is good that u have spoke about this aspect “that palliatives aren’t reaching where its supposed to”, so as CSO how do u think we can engage those saddle with responsible of distributing these palliatives to ensure every kobo spent/budgeted for this purpose is being justified?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@a_sabo12

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

@Connected_dev

We are utilising our social accountability platform http://ifollowthemoney.org with over 6000 members and our well structured community mobilisation strategy to advocate strongly for improved information sharing between government and the public.

 

iFollowTheMoney

Our Mission is to Empower Marginalized Grassroots Communities with Information

ifollowthemoney.org

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 4 others

it’s agreed that it’s only when govt is transparent on all its activities then we can have better policies & citizens’ budget, but looking at how govt is so secretive with info especially how they are spending Covid19 donations, do u think we can defeat this fight soon

@macfound

 

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

For us to get it right, we must be in participatory public policy-making, participatory budgeting, public expenditure tracking, citizen monitoring and evaluation of public service delivery.

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@a_sabo12

and 4 others

How is that helpful?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

 

All the citizen and the CSOs need is informations by doing what we at

@4lowthemoney

are doing we get the we need to track and we track.

Kehinde Obafemi

@KehindeObafemi4

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@a_sabo12

and 5 others

@Halilumukhtar

you shed more light on this please

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

Comrade @HaliluMukhtar, what is so far your assessment of palliatives management and disbursement particularly at communities you might have monitored? #Covid_19 #StaySafeNigeria #StayHome

 

#staysafe

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@Mairo_Ado

@HariraWakili

 

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

@Connected_dev only track verified information, to the disbursement of palliatives i have to say government need to do more as the palliatives based on some of our finders are not reaching to where they needed

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

It is good that u have spoke about this aspect “that palliatives aren’t reaching where its supposed to”, so as CSO how do u think we can engage those saddle with responsible of distributing these palliatives to ensure every kobo spent/budgeted for this purpose is being justified?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

@Connected_dev

We are utilising our social accountability platform http://ifollowthemoney.org with over 6000 members and our well structured community mobilisation strategy to advocate strongly for improved information sharing between government and the public.

 

iFollowTheMoney

Our Mission is to Empower Marginalized Grassroots Communities with Information

ifollowthemoney.org

 

 

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

How is that helpful?

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@a_sabo12

and 4 others

All the citizen and the CSOs need is informations by doing what we at

@4lowthemoney

are doing we get the we need to track and we track.

Mrr Hassan Sarkin Noma

@hazzyno_69677

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

@ICTAdvocates

and 6 others

In the grassroot getting information is hard considering the kind of administration we have in our local communities…

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

I will agree with you but not fully, To get informations from people you need to do everything like them. ACT like them

Mrr Hassan Sarkin Noma

@hazzyno_69677

Don’t forget Nigeria factor in the grassroot unhealthy political play.. Though one can’t give up sha….

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

@HaliluMukhtar, lots of corrupts incidents have been reported with regards to palliatives management and disbursement during this #Covid_19 pandemic, do you even think tracking by CSOs and citizens is the way out of this challenge?

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@HariraWakili

@MubarakEkute

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@YZYau

and 3 others

Yes Yes Yes Advocating for good governance don’t have over night, it is a process. i will the need for citizen and CSOs to track and monitor is one of the only way forward.

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

The recent experiences in Nigeria illustrate ways in which civil society groups and begun engaging with government authorities on fiscal transparency issues. Many challenges however exist in ensuring their more effective participation. civil society groups and citizen can

Quote Tweet

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

@HaliluMukhtar, what are your recommendations on improving or correcting palliatives management and distribution? @YZYau @a_sabo12 @MubarakEkute

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@HaliluMukhtar

improve their effectiveness by clearly defining their objectives, strengthening their technical competencies, developing effective communication strategies, engaging in pragmatic dialogue with relevant authorities, improving their lobbying skills and periodically examining their

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

objectives and programs. Governments can also stimulate greater debate on fiscal transparency by improving access to relevant information, forming strategic alliances with CSOs, and involving CSOs in budget monitoring activities.

elmubarak bin ekute

@MubarakEkute

@ICTAdvocates

@HaliluMukhtar

From a general survey conducted, many citizens who are suppose to be the target beneficiaries of the scheme are not feeling the impact, what will you suggest to be the appropriate hannel for citizens to demand for accountability?

@nissimase

Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo

@HaliluMukhtar

Replying to

@MubarakEkute

@ICTAdvocates and

@nissimase

I suggest government to employ other means available.

CITAD

@ICTAdvocates:

@HaliluMukhtar, what are your recommendations on improving or correcting palliatives management and distribution?

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@MubarakEkute

Ali Sabo

@a_sabo12

Replying to

@ICTAdvocates

@HaliluMukhtar

and 2 others

Mr

@HaliluMukhtar

what general recommendations do you have to improve the distribution of palliatives since it is agreed that there are discrepancies?

@ChiromaHope  @HariraWakili @MubarakEkute @macfound

UNATTENDED QUESTION. CITAD

@ICTAdvocates

• Comrade

@HaliluMukhtar, on behalf of our Executive Director, @YZYau and the entire @ICTAdvocates, we want to thank you very much for your insights on the topic. We thank everyone also for the contribution. #StaySafeNigeria #staysafe

@a_sabo12 @MubarakEkute @nissimase

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has enjoined Bauchi State government to immediately start distributing palliatives in the State .

A statement signed by its Acting Programmes Coordinator in Bauchi, Isah Garba, the centre urged the state COVID-19 palliative committee to swing into action, especially in the areas affected by the total lock down to ease their sufferings.

It implored the state government to revisit the total lock down imposed in the 3 local governments of the state and give room for essential services, while stressing the need for finding a way of addressing the problem of irrigation farmers in the affected local governments to avoid losing food and economic damage.

The statement lamented over poor health workers -patients relationship, poor condition of some isolation centres, who have no basic hygiene such as portable drinking water and good sanitation.

CITAD commended the people of Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local government for effective compliance with the lock down order, and urged other local government areas to emulate.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD , a Non-Governmental Organization in Bauchi has raised concerned over the flight of People with Disabilities, PWDs in the isolation centres spread across the state.

In a statement signed by the Acting Programme Coordinator, Isah Garba Azare issued to Newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday.

He said ” There are currently no care guidelines for the PWDs and their aides in the centres which will make their aides more vulnerable to infections”..
The centre allerged corruption among health workers managing testing and issuance of results.

” There alleged elements of corruption in the testing and issuance of result of samples, that is characterized by a differential in which those those with money or connection will have their sample taken and result returned within 24 hours while for the ordinary people, it takes sometimes a week before the result is returned”.

Mr. Azare further raised concerned on sanitary conditions of the isolation centres, hence the need for improvement.

” In our previous report we raised observation on the status of the isolation centres in state especially that of Bayara and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospitals.

These problems are still there unaddressed. The problems include: Poor health workers – patients relationship. The condition of some of the centres without basic hygiene such as, portable drinking water and good sanitation.
Ensure that the centres are fully equipped to meet the purpose they are set for.
Reorient the health workers in the centre on patient – staff relationship and ways of managing patients in trauma as such”.

He called on the state government has to revisit the total lockdown in 3 local government of Giade, Zaki and Katagum so as to give room for essential services.

” The state government should revisit the total lock down in the 3 local governments and give room for essential services.

The committee to find a way of addressing the problem of the irrigation farmers in the affected local governments to avoid lost of food and economic damage”.

The statement further reads ” The committee on palliative should with immediate effect swing in to action in the affected areas to ease the sufferings brought by the lock down and support the citizens to effectively follow the order”.

The  Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO has urged Bauchi government to disinfect isolation centres in the state regularly to check the spread of other infectious diseases.

Malam Isah Garba, acting  Programme Coordinator of CITAD made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Bauchi.

He decried the poor hygienic condition of the isolation centres and stressed the need for the state government to take urgent action in order to prevent spread of other diseases.

“They should as well provide the necessary materials that will prevent other infections to patients in the isolation centres,” he said.

Garba also urged the state government to collaborate with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to get Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) for health workers in the state.

“The state should do more to enlighten both patients and the general public as even patients are unable to understand why they are being held,” Garba said.

He urged the state government to  engage in massive testing and contact tracing in all the local governments areas.

The programme coordinator also emphasised the need for improved relationship between the patients and the health workers in the Isolation Centres.

Garba said that for the total lockdown directive to be effective, there was  need for inclusive and transparent palliative distribution.

He commended the government for interfacing with the traders and artisans which led to the reduction of prices of some food stuff in the market.

He, however, said that CITAD was ready to partner the state government and other stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman, sub- contact tracing and mobilisation committee of the State COVID-19 Task Force, said that all isolation centres in the state were disinfected regularly.

He said: “The disinfections take place regularly because of the influx of patients and workers.

“We always make sure that disinfection is usually preceded by cleaning of the isolation centres across the state.”

He, however, appreciated the NGO for their concern and gave assurance of constant monitoring of the facilities to ensure optimum hygiene.

The  Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO has urged Bauchi government to disinfect isolation centres in the state regularly to check the spread of other infectious diseases.

Malam Isah Garba, acting  Programme Coordinator of CITAD made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Bauchi.

He decried the poor hygienic condition of the isolation centres and stressed the need for the state government to take urgent action in order to prevent spread of other diseases.

“They should as well provide the necessary materials that will prevent other infections to patients in the isolation centres,” he said.

Garba also urged the state government to collaborate with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to get Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) for health workers in the state.

“The state should do more to enlighten both patients and the general public as even patients are unable to understand why they are being held,” Garba said.

He urged the state government to  engage in massive testing and contact tracing in all the local governments areas.

The programme coordinator also emphasised the need for improved relationship between the patients and the health workers in the Isolation Centres.

Garba said that for the total lockdown directive to be effective, there was  need for inclusive and transparent palliative distribution.

He commended the government for interfacing with the traders and artisans which led to the reduction of prices of some food stuff in the market.

He, however, said that CITAD was ready to partner the state government and other stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman, sub- contact tracing and mobilisation committee of the State COVID-19 Task Force, said that all isolation centres in the state were disinfected regularly.

He said: “The disinfections take place regularly because of the influx of patients and workers.

“We always make sure that disinfection is usually preceded by cleaning of the isolation centres across the state.”

He, however, appreciated the NGO for their concern and gave assurance of constant monitoring of the facilities to ensure optimum hygiene.

In its effort to fight the pandemic of COVID -19, the Bauchi government has recently announced a total lock down in three local governments of the state considered as major points of the spread of the virus.

In assessing the level of citizens’ compliance of the said order, the level of compliance shown by the people of Azare, the Headquarters of Katagum local government is worthy of commendation and hope the other local governments will emulate. However, on the side of the government there is need to revisit the order and make some reviews as follows:
1. The order on the three local government did exempt essentials service such as the medicine stores, food sellers, bakeries, portable water producers which are essential to keeping people at home and a total ban on them inflicts a lot of hardship to the people which if care is not taken will lead to revolt.
2. The people of Bauchi North where the three local governments in total lock down is imposed are into irrigation farming and have now invested a lot in their farms. Some of the seedlings in most of these farms if left for up to seven days without watering may dry and this will cause a lot of damage to the economy and lead to exacerbating the potentials for food shortage and food insecurity.

The Isolation Centres
In our previous report we raised observation on the status of the isolation centres in state especially that of Bayara and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospitals. These problems are still there unaddressed. The problems include:
1. Poor health workers – patients relationship
2. The fifthly condition of some of the centres without basic hygiene such as, portable drinking water and good sanitation.
3. There are currently no care guidelines for the PWDs and their aides in the centres which will make their aides more vulnerable to infections.
4. There alleged elements of corruption in the testing and issuance of result of samples, that is characterized by a differential in which those those with money or connection will have their sample taken and result returned within 24 hours while for the ordinary people, it takes sometimes a week before the result is returned.

Recommendations
We call on the state government and the COVID – 19 committee in state to as a matter of urgency:
1. Ensure that the centres are fully equipped to meet the purpose they are set for.
2. Reorient the health workers in the centre on patient – staff relationship and ways of managing patients in trauma as such.
3. The state government should revisit the total lock down in the 3 local governments and give room for essential services.
4. The committee to find a way of addressing the problem of the irrigation farmers in the affected local governments to avoid lost of food and economic damage
5. The committee on palliative should with immediate effect swing in to action in the affected areas to ease the sufferings brought by the lock down and support the citizens to effectively follow the order.

Isah Garba
Ag. Programmes Coordinator
08064867312
isah@citad.org