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COVID-19: Reactions trail reopening of schools in Kaduna
Mixed reactions from Kaduna residents have trailed the reopening of schools as some say the move is timely while others express pessimism over the development.
0ur Correspondent, recalls that the Federal Government had hinted on the reopening of schools for graduating pupils and students of primary 6, JSS 3 and SSS 3 to take their final year examinations.
The move was part of the government’s next phase of easing lockdown restrictions that followed the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
A cross section of residents interviewed by NAN correspondent on Tuesday gave divergent views on the reopening of schools considering rising cases of COVID-19 in the State.
Mrs Elizabeth Bala, a civil servant resident at Sabo, said the move was necessary considering the time that has already been wasted during the lockdown.
She, however, said that necessary precautionary measures should be put in place by respective schools.
“The returning of these category of students would allow for proper monitoring and strict adherence to preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19.
Malam Khalid Mamman, a public school teacher who resides in Ungwan Nupawa, said schools had already made proactive arrangements for the return of the students.
“Although we are well aware of COVID-19 but the students need to be groomed before their exams to realise their expectations.
“I am aware that respective schools have provided the needed materials including hand washers, sanitisers and Infrared temperature machines and protocols for strict adherence to social distancing,” he said.
Mr Clarence Chukwu, a medical practitioner resident in Abakwa, told NAN that reopening of schools is a risky venture.
Chukwu said that students are more susceptible to spreading and contracting COVID-19 because of their ‘volatile’ disposition.
He added that, “you cannot completely moderate students’ interaction especially during break times.
“I think the Government should reconsider its decision and work out modalities for the students to write their expectations otherwise, we’ll be creating a situation that may eventually be unmanageable,” he explained.
Mrs Maimuna Garba, Head Teacher of a private school in Ungwan Rimi, maintained that e-learning remained the best option for students considering the lingering cases of COVID-19 in the state.
“Although the government has already issued its directives, lessons and examination for promoting students should have been conducted electronically with strict supervision.
“Much as education is very important, the health and lives of the students and teachers are equally precious,” she added.
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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