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COVID-19: NMA urges FG, states to make use of facemasks compulsory
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has urged Federal and State Governments to make wearing of facemasks compulsory by Nigerians to prevent spread of COVID-19.
This was contained in a statement by Dr Eustace Oseghale, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo branch of the association in Benin on Tuesday.
“The country is gradually returning to normal social and economic activities and most of the citizenry have let go of the protective measures against COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is saddening that buses are overloaded, facemasks are not used, while joints, bars and eateries are overcrowded.
“The disease is still with us, while we cannot remain in total lockdown because of the harmful effects on the economy, we should insist on strict compliance to protective measures.
“As we seek immunity, we must at the same time remember there are vulnerable ones among us, especially the elderly and we must protect them too,” he said.
According to him, anyone aged 60 and above needs to stay at home, because he is more at risk of severe COVID-19 illness that can lead to death.
He said that the immunity of the elderly was not as strong as it used to be decades back, explaining that a lot of elderly persons have illnesses like diabetes, chronic obstructive airway disease and many others.
“These illnesses in combination with COVID-19 are deadly.
“In recent times, many senior citizens have been lost to this pandemic, which can, however, be avoidable if we all abide strictly to the measures like the use of facemask, washing of hands with soap and applying sanitisers and the practices of social distancing,” he said.
Oseghale therefore urged government, religious institutions which were reopening to ensure that elderly persons were protected and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.
He advised Nigerians to wear facemasks appropriately and maintain social distancing if they had to leave their homes.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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