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

The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD has commended Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Muhd over the total lockdown of 3 Local Government Areas in the Northern part of the state in bid to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.

The commendation was contained in a statement made available to Newsmen in Bauchi on Tuesday by its Acting Programme Coordinator, Isah Garba Azare.

” We appreciate some of the measures taken by Bauchi state Government in its fight against the COVID19 Pandemic in the state, especially, the announcement of total lockdown in some local governments of the state that were initially neglected and the and the establishment of 7 sub-committees that will help the main committee in tracing contacts of the people who tested positive for testing and necessary follow up actions.

We note in particular, the sealing of Gida Duba Housing Estate where a tested positive of Covid – 19 patient died that necessitated the tracing of his contacts of which three of them returned positive. Since then more samples have been taken and results are being awaited”.

Mr Azare also commended the state for stepping forward in reducing the price of major commodities.

” The meeting of the state government with the traders union in the state which led to the reduction the price of some essential commodities is also another step worthy of commendations”.

The Acting Programme Coordinator expressed concern over the sanitary conditions of some isolation centres in the state.

” With respect to the isolation centres of Baraya and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, we observed: People who are suspect cases, waiting for their results and mix with confirmed cases in an environment where social distancing is not possible thus creating the situation in which even when the results of the suspects turn out negative, they might have become infected by the virus during the their stay In the isolation centres, patients are not enlightened even though many of the suspected cases in the centre including those tested positive still don’t believe that the pandemic is real. Sanitary state of the centre is extremely poor as neither sanitizer nor soap is provided throughout the centre not even bathing soap .

Toilet paper and Disinfectants are not available for the COVID 19 patients residing at Bayara General Hospital Isolation Centre, Bauchi”.

Speaking on the attitude of health workers in isolation he admitted that ” Attitude of healthcare personnel in the two isolation centres is poor and hostile to patients, leading to misunderstanding and even a protest at Bayera on due to lack of drinking water on Monday”.

The statement further said ” Insufficient drugs that will help those in isolations in aliments that are not related to COVID 19 and may likely affect the patients during their stay at the centres”.

Mr Azare added that ” There is still acute shortage of preventive materials such as sanitizers, face masks, PPE’s .
The frequent death is still occurring in some parts of the state and social distance and other professional burial guidelines are not observe.

Insufficient sanitizers and other related materials for the use of the patients.
Poor patient-workers relationship as a result of the actions and attitude of some of the health workers.

Sample testing takes a long time of about 5 days before the result is out, leaving suspect in a state o trauma”.

The centre recommend that ” The state government should as a matter of urgency address the filthy conditions of the isolation centres In the state and provide the necessary materials that will prevent other infections to patients in the isolation centres.
The state the government should work with the Presidential Task Force against COVID 19 to get enough PPEs for the health workers managing the centres and other hospitals in the state.
Government should enlighten both patients and the general public as even patients are unable to understand why they are being held.
The state the government should engage in massive testing and contact tracing in all the local governments in the state

There is a need for improved relationship between the patients and the health workers in the Isolation Centres.

For the total lockdown to work effectively and provide the needed result there is a need for inclusive and transparent palliative distribution”.

THE Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has praised the Bauchi State government on some of the measures it has put in place following criticism on the shoddy way it had administered and coordinated the response which had led to escalation of infection in the state.

CITAD, in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Isah Garba, its Acting Programmes Coordinator, noted appreciable improvement in the prompt imposition of lockdown in some local government areas of the state and the setting up of additional sub-committees for contact tracing.

“We appreciate some of the measures taken by Bauchi state Government in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, especially, the announcement of total lockdown in some local governments of the state that were initially neglected and the and the establishment of 7 sub-committees that will help the main committee in tracing contacts of the people who tested positive for testing and necessary follow up actions.

“We note in particular, the sealing of Gida Duba Housing Estate where a confirmed Covid–19 positive patient died that necessitated the tracing of his contacts of which three of them returned positive. Since then more samples have been taken and results are being awaited,” CITAD stated, while also commending the efforts of the government in meeting with the state’s traders union which has resulted in the reduction of prices of some essential commodities.

Notwithstanding the commendations, CITAD however observed that there are still a number of shortcomings. According to the organization, the situation in the isolation centres of Baraya and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, calls for concern as suspected people waiting for their results freely mix with confirmed cases without observing social distance rules. This, CITAD said, has created a dilemma such that even when the results of the suspect cases “turn out negative, they might have become infected by the virus during the their stay in the isolation centres”

Among other observations that are of concern include the lack of enlightenment even among confirmed coronavirus patients many of still don’t believe that the pandemic is real; the poor state of hygiene in the isolation centres which are not provided with sanitizers or soaps for hand washing and toilet papers and disinfectants, the hostility of healthcare personnel in the isolation centres to patients which often lead to misunderstanding and lack of basic drugs for ailments not related to covid-19 for patients in isolation.

Noting that there is acute shortage of preventive materials such as sanitizers, face masks, PPEs in the hospitals, CITAD stated that there are still reports of deaths in some parts of the state marked by non-observance of burial guidelines and widespread disregard to social distance directives.

While calling the authorities to fast-track testing which for now takes about 5 days before results are returned, CITAD also urged the state government to as a matter of urgency address the filthy conditions of the isolation centres by providing the necessary materials that will prevent other infections in the isolation centres.

CITAD further recommended: “The state the government should work with the Presidential Task Force against COVID 19 to get enough PPEs for the health workers managing the centres and other hospitals in the state

“Government should enlighten both patients and the general public as even patients are unable to understand why they are being held

“The state government should engage in massive testing and contact tracing in all the local governments in the state.

“There is a need for improved relationship between the patients and the health workers in the Isolation Centres.

“For the total lockdown to work effectively and provide the needed result there is a need for inclusive and transparent palliative distribution.”

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on Bauchi state government to ensure proper training of health workers on proper ways of responding to such emergencies as COVID-19 as well as adequately provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to them.

The call was contained in a press statement issued on the state of the effort to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic in Bauchi state on Monday and signed by CITAD acting Programmes Coordinator Isah Garba Azare.

It further stated that this capital-centre mindset of the government can be seen from the fact that out of the three isolations centres in the state only that of ATBU and Bayara are functional. Stressing that, the one at the FMC Azare, is yet to take off as he designated building has not even been handed to the government by the contractors.

“We appreciate the measures taken by state government such as the partial lockdown of the state, banning commercial motorcycles, enforcement of social distance in tricycles and suspension of high crowd congregations of Friday Prayers and Sunday Services. However, there are still challenges especially with the recent development in the growth of suspected cases in the state and the attitude of the citizens towards the preventive measures plus the government strategies in the fight against the pandemic,” it said.

It also stated that, The Hospitals in the state are not fully equipped to meet the challenges of the pandemic which limits the performance of the medical personnel and also expose them to risk.

CITAD recommended that as a matter of urgency there is a need to allow for an independent committee to investigate the frequent death in the affected areas in the state as well as urge NCDC to send an independent panel to carry out its investigation as it did in the case of Kano.

The Centre for Information and Communication Technology, CITAD has called on Bauchi State Government to extend the activities of State Taskforce committee on COVID-19 to entire local government areas.

The centre made the statement signed by its Bauchi Acting Programme Coordinator, Isah Garba Azare and made available to Newsmen on Sunday.

He said most of the activities of the committee and the government initiatives are centralized in the state capital.

” Thus, other critical parts of the state are neglected in some initiatives. This capital-centre mind set of the government can be seen from the fact that the of the only three isolations centres, only the two in the state capital (ATBU and Bayara) are functional.

The one that is in FMC Azare, is yet to take off as it the designated building is the new constructed eye clinic section of the hospital which has not even been handed to the government by the contractors” .

The centre expressed concern over the poor condition of the health facilities in the state stressing that ” The Hospitals in the state are not fully equipped to meet the challenges of the pandemic which limits the performance of the medical personnel and also expose them to risk.

For example, Jamaare is one of the major Local Government in the state, the only General Hospital, the local government Headquarters has only 4 hand sanitizers and a packet of facemask for the use of the health workers”.

Mr Isah further said the state capital initially the hospitals adhered to the preventive measures maintaining that ” but this moment, we noticed empty cans of sanitizers at the entrance of some of the hospitals which shows that it was they only for decorations.

” In Azare, the second major town in the state which has a federal hospital and general hospital people in the town are bitterly complaining of the lack of preparedness of the hospitals to confront the challenges despite the fact that there are reported positive cases among the staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Azare which is now throwing fears in the minds of the people in the area on their safety in attending the hospitals with this development and low level of managerial preparedness and preventive measures in the hospitals.

There have been reports that within one week, over one hundred people have died. Similar reports have been lodged from Jamaare were within five days, more 16 elderly people have dies, most of them following hospitalization at the FMC.

People suspect not only a high level of infection among the hospital staff but that the whole environment of the hospital might have been contaminated.

Again, this is not far fetched as reported have put the number of staff who tested positive to COVID in the FMC at nine, two doctors and seven nurses. This is in addition to the 12 medical doctor who have contracted the virus as announced by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aliyu Maigoro”.

CITAD commended security agencies for the enforcement of wearing facemask, urging them to extend it to many parts of the state.

” Although the security agencies are seen everywhere within the state capital and they work to ensure motorists use face mask, this effort is not extended to the other parts of the state, thus, limiting the impact of the initiative and exposing the majority of the state to danger”.

A report by the Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD has cautioned Bauchi State government against concentrating it efforts against COVID -19 on the state capital,Bauchi alone.

CITAD in a pres statement Sunday harped among others on government’s efforts, noting however that, “Most of the activities of the committee and the government initiatives are centralized in the state capital.

“Thus, other critical parts of the state are neglected in some initiatives. This capital-centre mind set of the government can be seen from the fact that of the only three isolations centres, only the two in the state capital (ATBU and Bayara) are functional. The one that is in FMC Azare, is yet to take off as the designated building is the newly constructed eye clinic section of the hospital which has not even been handed to the government by the contractors.
CITAD also noted that, “The Hospitals in the state are not fully equipped to meet the challenges of the pandemic which limits the performance of the medical personnel and also expose them to risk. For example, Jamaare is one of the major Local Government in the state, the only General Hospital, the local government Headquarters has only 4 hand sanitizers and a packet of facemasks for the use of the health workers. In Bauchi the state capital initially the hospitals adhered to the preventive measures but this moment, we noticed empty cans of sanitizers at the entrance of some of the hospitals which shows that it was they only for decorations. More worrisome is the fact that hospitals outside the state capitals do not have PPEs for health workers.”

Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEENT BY THE CENTRE FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT (CITAD) ON THE STATE OF EFFORT TO CURTAIL THE COVID 29 IN STATE ISSUED ON THE 10TH OF MAY, 2020

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has been keeping in pace with the developments in Bauchi State as they relate with the COVID 19, and especially the measures government have taken (or not taken) and the measures governments and the response to citizens to these , including their attitude to preventive measures as advised by health authorities. In in our last statement about Bauchi State, we raised concern on how the people in the state were not taking the preventive measures seriously; we cited how commercial transporters were violating the social distance strategy, how the interstate movement was going on without any hitch. Other areas concern we pointed were market places and places of worship where crowds were seen without proper observance of the preventive measures.
We appreciate the measures taken by state government later such as the partial lockdown of the state, banning commercial motorcycles, enforcement social distance in tricycles and suspension of high crowd congregations of Friday Prayers and Sunday Services. However, there are still challenges especially with the recent development in the growth of suspected cases in the state and the attitude of the citizens towards the preventive measures plus the government strategies of fighting the pandemic.
Our observations today will focus on both the citizens’ attitude to the preventive measures and the state government approach in its fight against the pandemic.

1. GOVERNMENT APPROACH
   The Committee established by the State Government to coordinate the fight against the COVID pandemic has been working round the clock especially in the area of stakeholders’ engagement and other technical approaches; however, we note the following shortcomings.
   i. Most of the activities of the committee and the government initiatives are centralized in the state capital. Thus, other critical parts of the state are neglected in some initiatives. This capital-centre mind set of the government can be seen from the fact that the of the only three isolations centres, only the two in the state capital (ATBU and Bayara) are functional. The one that is in FMC Azare, is yet to take off as it the designated building is the new constructed eye clinic section of the hospital which has not even been handed to the government by the contractors.
   ii. The Hospitals in the state are not fully equipped to meet the challenges of the pandemic which limits the performance of the medical personnel and also expose them to risk. For example, Jamaare is one of the major Local Government in the state, the only General Hospital, the local government Headquarters has only 4 hand sanitizers and a packet of facemask for the use of the health workers. In Bauchi the state capital initially the hospitals adhered to the preventive measures but this moment, we noticed empty cans of sanitizers at the entrance of some of the hospitals which shows that it was they only for decorations. More worrisome is the fact that hospitals outside the state capitals do not have PPEs for health workers.
   i. In Azare, the second major town in the state which has a federal hospital and general hospital people in the town are bitterly complaining of the lack of preparedness of the hospitals to confront the challenges despite the fact that there are reported positive cases among the staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Azare which is now throwing fears in the minds of the people in the area on their safety in attending the hospitals with this development and low level of managerial preparedness and preventive measures in the hospitals. There have been reports that within one week, over one hundred people have died. Similar reports have been lodged from Jamaare were within five days, more 16 elderly people have dies, most of them following hospitalization at the FMC. People suspect not only ahigh level of infection among the hospital staff but that the whole environment of the hospital might have been contaminated. Again, this is not far fetched as reported have put the number of staff who tested positive to COVID in the FMC at nine, two doctors and seven nurses. This is in addition to the 12 medical doctor who have contracted the virus as announced by the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aliyu Maigoro.
   ii. Although the security agencies are seen everywhere within the state capital and they work to ensure motorists use face mask, this effort is not extended to the other parts of the state, thus, limiting the impact of the initiative and exposing the majority of the state to danger.
   iii. The government ban on Inter-state movement is mere pronouncement, without serious mechanisms to enforce it. As such, vehicles are seen loading in all the government recognized motor parks in Bauchi, Azare, Jamaare, Ningi to neighbouring states. Given the proximity to Kano and the high commercial and trade links between the Northern Bauchi State and Kano and the fact that the area is also the commercial gateway to the northeast, government should have been more circumspect on policing and enforcing the ban on inter-state travel. As it is there is fear that this is providing a transmission chain for the fast spread of the virus in the state. Again, this is demonstrated by the facts. Only yesterday, the state recorded 44 confirmed cases, the largest number following Lagos, even larger than Kano. As of yesterday, the state is third following Lagos and Kano on the table of confirmed cases.
   v. Although the Government has set up a huge body on Palliatives headed by the Emir of Bauchi, it has no plan for palliatives. This is why the Committee is yet to hit the ground working. One of the reasons why the government does not want enforce total lockdown is that it has no plan for palliatives. This was made clear by the State Deputy Governor as early two months ago, when the Governor was still in isolation. Yet in a twist of irony, the government that claims it has no money, has according to the State Commissioner of Agriculture, set aside N300 million to procurement agricultural inputs for farmers, Government is not shown concern for the health of the farmers but will is planning to award contract in their names. The current partial lockdown in the state is a farce. Government should take measure to enforce total lockdown given the increasing spread of the virus which has transited to community infection.

THE CITIZENS
There is an improvement in the attitude of some individuals in the state, however, majority of the citizens do not pay attention to preventive measures. CITAD noticed that:
i. There is no use of hand sanitizers or face masks in the markets and people are crowding without social distancing. People do not consider these as important. But even more importantly, hand sanitizers and facemasks are not available in rural communities, include in major towns outside the state capital such as Azare
ii. Although Friday and Sunday services are suspended in-state congregations prayers are being conducted which is contrary to the requirement of social distance initiative. For Example, Salatul Tarawih is performed in many mosques within the state capital and in all towns. Similarly, some Churches also still organize programmes not on Sundays but in other days that generate many crowds.
iii. In spite of the complains and suspicion about the possible link between the spike in the number of deaths in parts of the state and COVID 19, across the state, burials attract huge crowns as well as at condolence places where social distancing and other preventive measures are observed in the breach.

FREQUENT AND HIGH DEATH RATES IN SOME PARTS OF THE STATE
Citizens in some part of the state noticed and are complaining about the high and frequent death rate in the area in the past 10 days especially of the elderly people. This is higher in Azare and Jammare towns where such deaths are on the increase every day within the last few days. Although there is yet no established explanation for these deaths, there are speculations that the deaths may not be unconnected the COVID 19 pandemic. This development has created fears in the minds of the people in the area to the extent that recently a former Member of House of Representative, who represented Azare Federal Constituency wrote an open letter to the President, pleading with the Presidency to direct NCDC to go to Azare for massive testing and also an investigate the causes of the frequent death in the area.

RECOMMENDATIONS
CITAD wishes to call on the state government to.
i. As a matter of urgency to allow for an independent Committee to investigate the frequent death in the affected areas in the state. In this connection we call on the NCDC to send an independent panel to carry out its investigation as it did in the case of Kano.
ii. The State Taskforce Committee should ensure that all criteria and preventive measures are observed in all hospitals in the state. In particular, the state government should provide PPEs to workers at the frontline across the state.
iii. The State Taskforce Committee should set up sample collection n centres across the state to make it easier and faster for testing to done, given that there is still no testing centre. In connection with this, we would like to call on the State Government to partner with ATBU to establish a testing centre in the state. They can learn from what Bayero University Kano has done in Kano State
iv. The state government should enforce the prohibition of in the interstate movement through a partnership with the transport union in the state and punishing offenders as did in other states.
v. The state government should provide all requirements of the health facilities in the state that will make them ready to face the challenges of the pandemic
vi. The health workers the state should be properly trained in ways of responding to such emergencies and provided with PPEs
vii. The state government should partner with the private sectors and other philanthropists within and outside the state to source palliatives to complement its resources so as to provide palliatives to the needy citizens of the state
viii. The Government should without farther delay enforce as total lockdown in the state. As requirement for this, it should spell out its pollutive plans as it cannot continue to prevaricate given the implication of its failure to provide palliatives on its capacity to control the spread of the virus and on the lifes of citizens of the state
ix. The state government needs to expand isolation centres to cater for other major population centres in the state.
x. The state government should work with the Council of Ulama to ensure that the Burial Protocols as advised by both the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the NCDC are observed. We call on individuals to the state to heed the advice contained in the protocols and ensure that at no time do they break their guards with respect to social distancing as well other preventive measures such as wearing of facemask and hand globes.
xi. The state government should devote at least 4 hours daily on the state radio stations on public enlightenment and sensitization programmes on COVID 19.
Conclusion
CITAD wishes to restate its commitment to work with all stakeholders in an effort to create synergy and complementarity so as to elevate the current weak response to the pandemic in the state. In particular, we would like to appeal to business leaders, community and religious leaders, academics, civil society organizations and faith-based organizations to come together, to pool their resources, endowments and networks to support efforts aimed at curtailing the COVID 19 pandemic in he state.

Isah Garba Azare
Acting Programmes Coordinator

Bauchi State Office of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for the constitution of an Independent committee to investigate the frequent deaths in some local government areas in Bauchi state.

A statement signed by the Acting Programs Coordinator of the centre, Isah Garba Azare, observed with dismay the high and frequent deaths in Azare and Jama’are towns, and urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to send an independent panel to investigate the mysterious deaths as it did in the case of Kano.

The statement enjoined the state Taskforce committee to set up sample collection centres across the state, while calling on the state government to partner with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi to establish a testing centre in the state.

CITAD in the statement, implored the Bauchi state government to work with the Council of Ulama to ensure that the burial protocols as advised by both Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and the NCDC are observed to curb the spread of the virus in the state.

The centre noticed that: “There is no use of hand sanitizers or face masks in the markets and people are crowding without social distancing. People do not consider these as important. But even more importantly, hand sanitizers and facemasks are not available in rural communities, include in major towns outside the state capital such as Azare.
Although Friday and Sunday services are suspended in the state, congregations prayers are being conducted which is contrary to the requirement of social distance initiative. For Example, Salatul Tarawih is performed in many mosques within the state capital and in all towns. Similarly, some Churches also still organize programmes not on Sundays but in other days that generate many crowds”.

The statement urged the Bauchi state government to without further delay, enforce a total lockdown order in the state, partner with private sectors and other philanthropists to source palliatives and properly train health workers on emergency response and provide them with PPEs.

While restating its commitment to work with all stakeholders in an effort to create synergy and complementarity so as to elevate the current weak response to the pandemic in the state, CITAD appealed to business leaders, community and religious leaders, academics, civil society organizations and faith-based organizations to come together to pool their resources, endowments and networks to support efforts aimed at curtailing the COVID 19 pandemic in the state.

At least 300 vulnerable households in four  communities excluded from the distribution of the recent Federal Government palliatives in Abuja, Nigeria, have benefitted from food and non food items  distributed by Actionaid Nigeria in partnership with Centre for Information Technology and Development ( CITAD).

Actionaid Nigeria Local Rights Programme Advisor, Hajara Opaluwa-Adamu said the  COVI-19 palliatives worth N2.7 million was donated to complement the efforts of the Nigerian government  to cushion the effect of  hunger ocassioned by the lockdown in the country, following  the  global outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Nigerians, especially women, have been subjected to hardship in the past few weeks due to the closure of businesses, offices and restriction of movement to curtail spread of the disease.

The beneficiaries of the intervention in Tunga-Ashere, Tunga Nasara, Jiwa Tsofo and Gwalada communities in Abuja Municipal Area Councils of the FCT, each went home with a package containing food and non food items worth N9, 000.

The items included,  5kg of rice, 5kg of beans, 2kg of semovita, 4 packets(piece) of spaghetti, 25 piece of maggi star, 3 sachet of power oil, 5 pieces of noodles, 1 roll of milk sachet, 1 roll of Milo sachet, 1 roll of sachet tomato paste and 500g of salt.

Other contents of the package were a pack of sanitary pad, two tablets of washing soap and additional 20 packs of  sanitary pads for young girls.

Seventy five households each from the communities benefitted from the gesture which, Adamu said became necessary to augment the Federal Government’s palliatives earlier  distributed to some communities.

The Actionaid representative said in order to ensure  that the most vulnerable in the communities were identified for the intervention, the communities were involved in the selection process  in line with Actionaid human rights based approach.

She listed some of the criteria employed to ensure that the most vulnerable in the communities benefitted to include,  households with more than eight dependents, with four being under the age of 5, women headed households and households with terminally ill relatives.

Households with any child under 5 years  who is severely mal nourished or more than one child who is moderately mal nourished,  households with pregnant and lactating mothers that includes any of the other criteria as well as child-headed  households were considered, she added.

The Actionaid Local Rights Programme Advisor  said the intervention was Actionaid Nigeria’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic which has already affected no fewer than 4 million persons across the world with over 200,000 confirmed deaths.

She said the gesture will be replicated in three other states in Nigeria.

“Everyone is aware of the current situation  in the world, that is the Coronavirus pandemic and Actionaid is responding to that.
This is one of our communities where intervention is carried out. Currently, we are doing the food and non food distribution in about four states. FCT, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom and Lagos State.

“This is our day two of the distribution. All the communities we are doing this intervention is under AMAC, reasons being that we went round the five area councils where we work, we noticed that AMAC is very large, so most of our communities in the council did not get the  Federal Government palliatives distributed and  some communities where it get to, in some cases, it was only about 30 households  that got the items distributed and the 30 households were taken by men, so it means that they are  leaving the women suffering, ” she said.
“You know when you want to talk about the poorest of the poor, women and their children are more affected, so Actionaid thought it wise that in line with putting women first in all our interventions, with a little amount we can also reach some households. So in FCT currently, we are reaching about 300 households with food and non food material,” said Adamu.

Speaking on the criteria for selection of the beneficiaries, she explained: “We looked at the most vulnerables among all the communities. Even though we work in about 19 communities in the FCT, we looked at the most vulnerable and those that got less of the Federal Government palliatives with the participation of the community.”

She said sometimes in March  when the outbreak was first reported in Nigeria, Actionaid Nigeria rolled out its intervention  with sensitization  campaigns to educate the  communities where the organization is presently offering interventions, about Coronavirus, what to do to avoid infection and spread of the disease.

“Each of the 19 communities were supported with IEC materials, Microphones, sanitizers, demonstration of hand washing was done and the microphones are being switched on currently, morning and evening to play back audio recordings on the what to do, the don’ts and misconceptions of the Coronavirus around the communities in local dialect to keep the people abreast with what they are to do and what they should not do in the face of the pandemic.”

While addressing each communities during the exercise, CITAD Program Officer, Salma Abdulwaheed recalled the danger associated with not adhering strictly to the social distancing, hand washing and other guidelines to prevent infection and spread of the disease.

She advised members of the communities to take responsibility for their life and well being by avoiding gatherings and practise hygiene which is  even more  critical at this time.

Responding to the gesture, the village heads of the beneficiary communities commended the efforts of Actionaid Nigeria  and CITAD towards improving the lives of hard-to-reach communities in the FCT.

The community head of Tunga-Ashere, Sani Yakubu said his community was very grateful for receiving the aids.

He said the items received will go a long way in sustaining the beneficiaries as they continue to observe the social distancing and lockdown order of the Federal Government.

The distribution of COVID-19 palliatives by Actionaid and CITAD in the FCT, which commenced on Thursday with Gwalada community, followed by Tunga-Ashere and Tunga-Nasara respectively on Friday, was completed today, Saturday, May 9, 2020 with the distribution of the palliatives to 75 households in Jiwa Tsofo.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has revealed that certain attitudes on the part of the government and people of Bauchi State are responsible for the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The centre, in a statement on Sunday, said the committee established by the state government to coordinate the fight against the COVID pandemic has over-centralised its activities in the state capital.

The statement, signed by acting programmes coordinator, Isah Garba Azare, said “other critical parts of the state are neglected in some initiatives…of the three isolations centres, only the two in the state capital (ATBU and Bayara) are functional. The one that is in FMC Azare is yet to take off.”

CITAD was particularly worried that health facilities in the state are not fully equipped to meet the challenges of the pandemic “which limits the performance of the medical personnel and also expose them to risk.”

It said “we noticed empty cans of sanitizers at the entrance of some of the hospitals … More worrisome is the fact that hospitals outside the state capitals do not have PPEs for health workers.”

It also said there were “reported positive cases among the staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Azare which is now throwing fears in the minds of the people in the area on their safety in attending the hospitals.

“There have been reports that within one week, over one hundred people have died. Similar reports have been lodged from Jamaare were within five days, more 16 elderly people have dies, most of them following hospitalization at the FMC.

“People suspect not only a high level of infection among the hospital staff but that the whole environment of the hospital might have been contaminated.”

The centre pointed out that “the government ban on inter-state movement is mere pronouncement, without serious mechanisms to enforce it. As such, vehicles are seen loading in all the government recognized motor parks in Bauchi, Azare, Jamaare, Ningi to neighbouring states”, Kano inclusive.

CITAD lamented that “congregations prayers are being conducted which is contrary to the requirement of social distance initiative. For Example, Salatul Tarawih is performed in many mosques within the state capital and in all towns. Similarly, some churches also still organize programmes not on Sundays but on other days that generate many crowds.”

It said “in spite of the complains and suspicion about the possible link between the spike in the number of deaths in parts of the state and COVID-19 across the state, burials attract huge crowns as well as at condolence places where social distancing and other preventive measures are observed in the breach.

It recommended that the state government should “without further delay enforce a total lockdown in the state”, adding that “state government should work with the Council of Ulama to ensure that burial protocols as advised by both the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the NCDC are observed.”

May 9, 2020

The battle of covid19 has continues to stress and expose the lack of readiness and poor spending in the health sector all over the world. As of yesterday, the 8^th of May, 2020, the total confirmed cases worldwide stands at 4,013,666 with 2,76,337 fatalities while Nigeria as of yesterday has a 3912 confirmed cases with 117 fatalities. Health personnel has everyday being exposed to the danger of being contracted with virus due to inadequacies of the protective materials in our hospitals all over the country. It has been reported by many national dailies in the country on how health personnel are absconding and abandoning patients for fear of becoming victims of the virus, this has led many to lose their loved ones due to lack of access to health facilities and medical attention.

In its efforts to draw the attention of Government and advice where necessary, the Centre for Information Technology and Development has looked at how health personnel are struggling with lack of materials to discharge their duty effectively in Kano state. This has resulted in a number of those in the frontline to contracted the virus. In Kano alone, more than 30 health workers have been reported by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano state branch to have contracted the virus in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and National Orthopedic Hospital Dala in the course of their duties. This has created fear in the minds of many.

Our investigation has revealed that few among the hospitals in the state are ready and supplied with necessary equipment. In the investigation we carried out only Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, National Orthopedic Hospital Dala, Murtala Muhammad Specialist, Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital and Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist have some of the covid19 protective materials and adhering to the preventive measures as advised by World Health Organization. Even in these hospitals, materials such as protective kits and oxygen therapy are grossly inadequate.

Though these materials are globally inadequate due to the high demands, but there is need for the state government to redouble its efforts in this fight. To ensure health personnel discharge their duty effectively and their own lives being protected we call on Kano state government to:

1. Provide all the major hospitals in the state with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). This will give the health workers more courage in discharging their duties
2. Train more health personnel and post them to all the major hospitals across the state. It will reduce the overcrowd of patients in the inner city
3. All their remuneration should be paid on time and need to be psychologically encourage in order not lose hope
4. Should quickly conclude negotiation with unions of health workers on enhanced hazards allowance to bring what they are paid to the same range as other states.
5. Expand quickly the available spaces for isolation of COVID positive and patients. As of yesterday, the state has over 400 confirmed cases while total isolation facilities in the state is just about 270 bed spaces.

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communication Officer

In continuation of its enlightening program amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the centre for information technology and development (CITAD) has today , the 6th of May,  2020 held its 11th twitter chat with a senior act British council civil society strenthning program in Nigeeria Mrs Hafsat Mustapha.

The twitter chat is part of the Centre for Information Technology and Development efforts in helping the fight against the deadly coronavirus virus in the country which is being held twice every week. In the twitter chat, CITAD uses to invite great personalities from different professions to come and interact with people in the hope of finding solutions to many problems associated with pandemic.

This week the chat focuses on the capacity building of CSOs for a better response to covid 19 Pandemic.

She started the chat by stating that “the Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global emergency, at least in our time, therefore it is expected that institutions will be overwhelmed and under enormous pressure to deliver on protecting lives and delivering services.

Therefore protection of human rights will always be of extreme importance either in emergency or otherwise. CSOS will always have a role to play”

She further explain that ” In this situation, CSOs though may not have had a readiness and response plan in anticipation of the emergency have so far done extremely well to support government on the emergency”

In responding to a question about the capacity Civil Society Organizations need in order to help in the fight against Covid19?

Her response was “for  this situation, it is basically the capacity to raise funds and leverage on technology. We have been marginally innovative in that aspect but post covid, I expect that things will change and we have to re evaluate how we work”

Another question raised was  On  the issue of deportation of Almajaris by some state governors to their states of origins. Constitutionally this is wrong and by implications it helps in spreading the virus to many areas. My question is why do the CSOs’ voice not being heard enough?

Her replied was ” I belive that there are CSOs working on these issues. The challenge in this period is visibility for the work that we do because  there are multitude of issues being tackled everyday during this emergency. Also challenge for CSOs to leverage on technology to increase their voic.

During the interaction, the guest took her time to explain the role of civil Society in the fight against Covid19,the challenges face by CSOs and the role of government in supporting civil society to achieving the fight and the role of technology in fighting the pandemic , she also responded to questions asked by the participants.

Below are some of the questions and comments from the chat:

Good afternoon everyone.We want to thank you all for joining us in today’s chat.This is the 11th time @ICTAdvocates are holding Twitter chat with experts and professionals from different fields. It is an intervention to support the fight the #COVID19 pandemic in #Nigeria@YZYau

Today and at this time we are hosting Hafsat Mustapha (@haffymusty05), a social development  consultant leading strategic development interventions to  strengthen civil society ecosystem and social accountability.@YZYau@a_sabo12@Mairo_Ado@HariraWakili@nissimase @kamalkano

Mustafa Haffysa @haffymusty05 Replying to @ICTAdvocates@YZYau and 5 others Good afternoon and it is my pleasure to be here.Thank you for hosting me.

@ICTAdvocates Hafsat Mustapha (@haffymusty05), is also the Lead country evaluator of Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Nigeria/Senior Consultant on ACT-British Council Civil Society Strenghtening Program in Nigeria.You are welcome to the chat Ma, @YZYau@a_sabo12@ChiromaHope@HariraWakili

@haffymusty05 Replying to @ICTAdvocates @YZYauand 3 others Thank you very much. I hope my contributions will benefit the audience.

@ICTAdvocates Replying to @haffymusty05 @YZYau and 3 othersSure, we are glad you find the time to be here.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 3 others The Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global emergency, at least in our time, therefore it is expected that institutions will be overwhelmed and under enormous pressure to deliver on protecting lives and delivering services.

@ICTAdvocates Different actors are doing different things to make sure the #COVID19 pandemic in #Nigeria is addressed, specifically, what roles are the civil society organizations supposed to play in this time of National tragedy, @haffymusty05 ? @YZYau@a_sabo12@isahcitad@HariraWakili

@haffymusty05 Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 4 others In this situation, CSOs though may not have had a readiness and response plan in anticipation of the emergency have so far done extremely well to support government on the emergency.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 3 others Advocacy especially on procurement of emergency relief materials, sensitization, awareness creation, debunking myths and community engagement on behaviour change. It is a long list

@haffymusty05 Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 4 others But what is important is that Civil society can better than anyone, relay messages in languages that communities will identify with, monitor perceptions, rumour and disinformation and also create channels to address  behaviour change issues.

@a_sabo12 Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 3 others Ma’m, the major issue at hand now is lack of transparency from the committees constituted by both states and FG on Covid19 especially with regard to the donations they receiving, how can CSOs ensure these committees are accountable and transparent in their activities?

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@ICTAdvocates

May 6

Different actors are doing different things to make sure the #COVID19 pandemic in #Nigeria is addressed, specifically, what roles are the civil society organizations supposed to play in this time of National tragedy,

@haffymusty05

?

@YZYau

@a_sabo12

@isahcitad

@HariraWakili

Mustafa Haffysa

@haffymusty05

May 6

Advocacy especially on procurement of emergency relief materials, sensitization, awareness creation, debunking myths and community engagement on behaviour change. It is a long list

Mustafa Haffysa

@haffymusty05

May 6

But what is important is that Civil society can better than anyone, relay messages in languages that communities will identify with, monitor perceptions, rumour and disinformation and also create channels to address  behaviour change issues.

@a_sabo12 Ma’m, the major issue at hand now is lack of transparency from the committees constituted by both states and FG on Covid19 especially with regard to the donations they receiving, how can CSOs ensure these committees are accountable and transparent in their activities.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 3 others Also we can’t as CSOs assume lack of transparency without evidence. That is why it is important to call on government to include CSOs in planning and decision making.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 3 others It is dicey, considering that there are restrictions placed through lockdown policies, but CSOs can continue to insist on government opening space for discussions using technology. That has been happening in some quarters, but more CSOs need to push for open information.

@joseph_ochogwu Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 4 others The missing link in the Covid19 interventions in Nigeria is the infrastructural deficits and the disconnect between the government and the citizens at all levels. Most CSOs are equally disconnected from the people they are to help.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @joseph_ochogwu @ICTAdvocates and 4 others Exactly, this emergency puts to question the legitimacy of Civil society, emerging from this emergency we should begin to question how we work, what the gaps are and how we can be more representative of our constituencies.

@joseph_ochogwu Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 4 others Precisely, the civil society must effectively feel the vacuum created by the state.

@ICTAdvocates Replying to @joseph_ochogwu @haffymusty05 and 4 others Which vacuum sir?

@joseph_ochogwu Replying to @ICTAdvocates @haffymusty05 and 4 others Vacuum of engaging with the people. Nigerian state is elitist and disconnected from the citizen except during elections. CSOs can ill afford to be elitist with the way most NGOs are currently.

@ICTAdvocates@a_sabo12 Replying to @ICTAdvocates @haffymusty05 and 5 others @haffymusty05 what capacity does the Civil Society Organizations need in order to help in the fight against Covid19?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 5 others For this situation, it is basically the capacity to raise funds and leverage on technology. We have been marginally innovative in that aspect but post covid, I expect that things will change and we have to re evaluate how we work.

@a_sabo12 @haffymusty05 let’s look at the issue of deportation of Almajaris by some state governors to their states of origins. Constitutionally this is wrong and by implications it helps in spreading the virus to many areas. My question is why do the CSOs’ voice not being heard enough?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 5 others Civil society will do no less than advocate as usual, but we have seen CS thinking outside the box, creating joint plans, leveraging on each other’s capacity, leveraging on technology etc.

@joseph_ochogwu Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 4 others Covid 19 present opportunity for CSOs to work directly with the people to change the disconnection in order to strike a transformative partnership between CSOs and the people.

@a_sabo12 Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 3 others @haffymusty05 do you think CSOs need to be co-opted in the PTF committee, if yes, what role do you think they are going to play in curtailing the situation?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 3 others For inclusion, Civil society should be the voice of the people on government’s decision making platforms. What is important for CS inclusion is to take quality issues to the table. They should also monitor government’s responses to the situation and take feedback to govt.

@AkintundeAkanni Replying to @a_sabo12@YZYau and 4 othersSure, all donors are private persons, so CSOs should have been co-opted to reassure us that what govt people have been doing with govt money will not happen this time. #UnitedAgainstCorruption @larryk371@ICTAdvocates@PremiumTimesng@SERAPNigeria@officialEFCC @ICPC_PE@TrackaNG

@a_sabo12 Replying to @haffymusty05@ICTAdvocates and 5 others@haffymusty05 let’s look at the issue of deportation of Almajaris by some state governors to their states of origins. Constitutionally this is wrong and by implications it helps in spreading the virus to many areas. My question is why do the CSOs’ voice not being heard enough?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 5 others I belive that there are CSOs working on these issues. The challenge in this period is visibility for the work that we do because  there are multitude of issues being tackled everyday during this emergency. Also challenge for CSOs to leverage on technology to increase their voice .

@a_sabo12 Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and 5 others You have been talking about the use of technology at this critical time, how important can you say is technology in this fight?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 5 others Technology is the most important. We have been able to get things going only through technology, capacities are being built online, meeting held on various virtual platforms, government organizing and engaging citizen’s through such platforms, information sharing also done on.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 5 others…the platforms. So technology is the future of Civil society engagement. Post- covid, we must re evaluate how we intensify CSO capacity on use of technology to deliver their mandates.

@mukhtars_s Salam, @haffymusty05 There are significant corruption risks during times of crisis. Can u pls shed more light on the roles CSOs play in ensuring funds to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic reach their destination. @ICTAdvocates

@haffymusty05 Replying to @mukhtars_s and @ICTAdvocates Yes agreed. During pandemics there are risks of repression and increased corruption, CS needs to keep emphasising on open and inclusive governance.

@a_sabo12 Replying to @haffymusty05 @ICTAdvocates and @mukhtars_s @haffymusty05 what advice do you have for CS who are fully engaged on physical sensitization in communities most especially looking at how easily people contract or transmit the virus?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and @mukhtars_s CSOs should observe all interpersonal safety regulations. Where necessary we should use alternative means of communicating our messages, radio, especially in some areas.

@ICTAdvocates Replying to @haffymusty05 @YZYau and 3 others Does this also involve community and faith-based organizations?

@haffymusty05 Replying to @ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 3 others Yes especially in a country like Nigeria. We may not have given enough attention to CBOs, in terms of building their capacity, but their closeness to and acceptability by communities can never be denied. It would be disastrous to not include them in this campaign.

@joseph_ochogwu More bridge building between NGOs and CBOs is important.

@mukhtars_s Thank.Hajiya @haffymusty05 Pls, what challenges do CSOs facing currently? @ICTAdvocates

@haffymusty05 Replying to @mukhtars_s and @ICTAdvocates We also know as a challenge that CSOs should as a matter of urgency learn how to mainstream inclusion of PWD and vulnerable persons in their plans and decisions. They are most affected by this situation. These are some of d capacity areas with challenge.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @mukhtars_s and @ICTAdvocates Capacity. The utmost being funding and their ability to utilise technology in such emergency situation. Emerging learning from what we know now, means we will have to develop readiness plans ahead of unforseen situations which means we have to move with time and think globally.

@mukhtars_s Replying to @haffymusty05 and @ICTAdvocates I`m really grateful

@ICTAdvocates We would like to at this juncture and on behalf our Executive Director, Engr. @YZYau immensely thank Hafsat Mustapha (@haffymusty05) for the very resourceful discussion, thank you once again and #staysafe. We are also grateful to you all for participating. See you next time.

@haffymusty05 Replying to @ICTAdvocates and @YZYau Thank you for having me and thanks to everyone who took the time to join. For further questions, those who wish to can @my handle.

@ICTAdvocates Replying to @haffymusty05 and @YZYau Thanks for the generosity @haffymusty05. Feel free to ask more questions should you have them, her handle is @haffymusty05, direct your questions to her.

Some beneficiaries of the Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD COVID-19 palliatives smiling home with their packages at Tunga-Ashere community on Friday in Abuja. Photos by Smartgist24

Actionaid Nigeria and Centre for Information Technology and Development(CITAD), have donated items worth over N2.7 million to 300 households in four excluded communities in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory( FCT), as part of efforts to cushion the effects of hunger occasioned by the compulsory lockdown in Nigeria in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Community members assisting with the palliatives at Tungan-Ashere

The gesture, according to the Progamme Advisor of Actionaid Nigeria’s Local Rights Programme, Hajara Opaluwa-Adamu is to complement the Nigerian government’s efforts to cushion the hardship, Nigerians, especially women have been subjected to in the past few weeks due to the outbreak.

The packages distributed to beneficiaries at Tunga-Ashere on Friday by Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD

The beneficiaries which cut across four hard-to-reach communities; Tunga-Ashere, Tunga-Nasara, Jiwa Tsofo and Gwalada, all in Abuja Municipal Area Councils of the FCT, each smiled home with a package containing food and non food items worth N9, 000.

The items included, 5kg of rice, 5kg of beans, 2kg of semovita, 4 packets(piece) of spaghetti, 25 piece of maggi star, 3 sachet of power oil, 5 pieces of noodles,1 roll of milk sachet,1 roll of Milo sachet,1roll of sachet tomato paste and 500g of salt.

Community members help to off load the palliatives from another Actionaid vehicle

Other contents of the package were a pack of sanitary pad, two tablets of washing soap and additional 20 packs of sanitary pads for young girls.

Actionaid Nigeria Local Rights Programme Advisor, Hajara Opaluwa-Adamu distributing sanitary to young girls at the event on Friday while CITAD Program Officer, Salma Abdulwaheed watched

Seventy five households each from the communities benefitted from the gesture which, Adamu said became necessary to augment the Federal Government’s palliatives earlier distributed to some communities.

In order to ensure that the most vulnerable in the communities were identified for the intervention with participation of the communities in line with Actionaid human rights based approach, she said that the selection of beneficiaries was collectively, carried out with stakeholders in the communities, during which tallies were given to the intending beneficiaries before the distribution dates.

One of the three women(in yellow Hijab) selected in Tunga-Ashere communities to lead the distribution of the palliatives in line with Actionaid Women led humanitarian response approach.

Some of the criteria employed to ensure that the most vulnerable in the communities benefitted, she revealed, include, households with more than eight dependents, with four being under the age of 5, women headed households and households with terminally ill relatives.

Two of the three women(in yellow Hijab) selected in Tunga-Nasara communities to lead the distribution of the palliatives in line with Actionaid Women led humanitarian response approach.

She added that households with any child under 5 years who is severely mal nourished or more than one child who is moderately mal nourished, households with pregnant and lactating mothers that includes any of the other criteria as well as child-headed households were considered.

Beneficiaries maintain two metres distance from one another while waiting to receive the palliatives at Tunga-Ashere

Meanwhile, those in the communities excluded from the distribution consisted those employed either in public or private institutions and receive monthly income, those receiving remittance from families. (Not zakat), those that have benefited from any palliative program where food assistance have been given in the last one month and those who own assets such as motor vehicles, herds of cattle, shops or private business.

Adamu said the intervention was Actionaid Nigeria’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic which has already affected over 3.8 million persons across the world with over 260,000 confirmed deaths.

CITAD Program Officer, Salma Abdulwaheed speaking to beneficiaries on how to stay safe from Coronavirus at Tunga-Ashere on Friday.

She said the gesture will be replicated in three other states in Nigeria.

“Everyone is aware of the current situation in the world, that is the Coronavirus pandemic and Actionaid is responding to that.
This is one of our communities where intervention is carried out. Currently, we are doing the food and non food distribution in about four states. FCT, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom and Lagos State.

Actionaid Nigeria Communications Consultant, Lola Ayanda presents one of the packages to a beneficiaries at Tunga-Ashere, while one of the women selected in the community(in yellow Hijab) to assist with the distribution, helps

“This is our day two of the distribution. All the communities we are doing this intervention is under AMAC, reasons being that we went round the five area councils where we work, we noticed that AMAC is very large, so most of our communities in the council did not get the Federal Government palliatives distributed and some communities where it get to, in some cases, it was only about 30 households and the 30 households was taken by men, so it means that they are leaving the women suffering, ” she said.

More women receive sanitary pad on Friday during the distribution at Tunga-Ashere

In line with Actionaid Nigeria’s policy of putting women who are vulnerable first in its interventions, the Local Rights Programme Advisor said women were prioritized in the distributions.

She explained that three women were selected from each of the communities to lead the distribution of the palliatives in line with Actionaid Women led humanitarian response approach.

The village chief of Tunga-Nasara presenting his remarks in appreciation of the kind gesture by Actionaid and CITAD

“You know when you want to talk about the poorest of the poor, women are more affected and their children, so Actionaid thought it wise that in line with putting women first in all our interventions, with a little amount we can also reach some households, so in FCT currently, we are reaching about 300 households with food and non food material,” said Adamu.

On the criteria for selection of the beneficiaries, she explained: “We looked at the most vulnerables among all the communities. Even though we work in about 19 communities in the FCT, we looked at the most vulnerable and those that got less of the Federal Government palliatives with the participation of the community.”

She said sometimes in March when the Coronavirus was first reported in Nigeria, Actionaid Nigeria rolled out its intervention with sensitization campaigns to educate the communities where the organization is presently offering interventions about the Coronavirus, what to do to avoid infection and spread of the disease.

Beneficiaries awaiting their packages at Tunga-Nasara

“Each of the 19 communities were supported with IEC materials, Microphones, sanitizers, demonstration of hand wash was done and the microphones are being switched on currently, morning and evening to play back audio recordings on the dos and donts and misconceptions of the Coronavirus around the communities in local dialect, to keep the people abreast with what they are to do and what they should not do in the face of the pandemic.”

Beneficiaries with their packages after receiving the donations at Tunga-Ashere

Addressing each communities during the exercise, CITAD Program Officer, Salma Abdulwaheed recalled the danger associated with not adhering strictly to the social distancing, hand washing and other guidelines to prevent infection and spread of the disease.

She advised members of the communities to take responsibility for their life and well being by avoiding gatherings and practise hygiene which is even more critical at this time

While responding to the gesture, the village heads of the beneficiary communities commended the efforts of Actionaid Nigeria and CITAD towards improving the lives of hard-to-reach communities in the FCT.

The village chief of Tunga-Ashere during his appreciation remark at the distribution

The community head of Tunga-Ashere, Sani Yakubu said his community was very grateful for receiving the aid, saying, the items received will go a long way in sustaining the beneficiaries as they continue to observe the social distancing and lockdown order of the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives by Actionaid and CITAD in the FCT, which commenced on Thursday with Gwalada community,followed by Tunga-Ashere and Tunga-Nasara respectively on Friday, is expected to be concluded, tomorrow, Saturday, May 9,2020 with the distribution of the palliatives to 75 households in Jiwa Tsofo.