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Covid-19: Why 18 Chinese experts and doctors are coming to Nigeria -FG
The Federal Government on Monday, said the 18 Chinese experts and doctors are coming to Nigeria on advisory and capacity building basis.
Secretary to the Government and Chairman Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19, PTF, Boss Mustapha, stated this in Abuja, at PTF briefing on update on Covid-19. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
He said the PTF by the end of the week will submit its full assessment to advise President Muhammadu Buhari, on the next step to take before the expiration of the 14days lockdown.
According to him, “One major support that has attracted public commentaries is the offer by CCECC, a Chinese company to import about 256 equipment and items in different quantities, notable amongst which are, 1,300,000 medical masks, over 150,000 pieces of assorted personal protective equipment as well as 50 medical ventilators. The company has also proposed to sponsor public health experts to help strengthen our public health capacity and advise on processes and procedures.
“However, I wish to clarify that all Countries of the world seek for and receive help in the fight against COVID-19. The support coming from China is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by CCECC, a company with total value of infrastructure contracts worth $10 billion in Nigeria.
“The professionals that have been invited from China are public health specialists and medical engineers that will support Nigeria’s capacity in managing the Pandemic on advisory basis when
necessary, while drawing from the experience of the Chinese.
” In no way shall there be case management and interface with patients. They will train our manpower, advise on procedures and methods, install and test the equipment donated before handling them over”.
The SGF therefore appealed to Nigeria’s medical professionals to see the positive aspects of the gesture as an extension of development in the field of medicine.
“The PTF recognizes and respects the competence and capability of Nigerian Doctors and other medical personnel. This is a state of war against the coronavirus and time should not be devoted to unhelpful controversies”, he said.
On restriction of movement in some states in Nigeria including Abuja, he said,”The restrictions on Lagos, Ogun and FCT are now 7days old, and reports from our assessment still show substantial compliance in these places. We shall prepare a full assessment by the end of the week in order to advise Mr. President on the next step to take before the expiration of the 14days lockdown.
“Let me reiterate the fact that these restrictions are not punitive as they are meant to prevent the escalation of the spread especially within communities. As you have noticed, the numbers have risen and this call for extra caution and extra collaboration by citizens, corporate and religious bodies as well as community leaders. The awareness must reach both the informed and uninformed; and it is our collective responsibility”, he said.
Collaborating the Secretary to the Federal Government points, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said the Chinese medical experts, comprising doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and public health managers will share their knowledge, skills and real-life experience of fighting covid-19 with Nigerian personnel to strengthening management of COVID-19 cases, especially with regard to critical care.
According to him, “18-man team of Chinese medical experts is expected to arrive Nigeria in a few days with a consignment of globally scarce medical supplies, to augment government efforts and build capacity to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The donation by Chinese Companies in Nigeria, includes PPEs, medical consumables, over 1 million surgical masks for health workers and even ICU ventilators, valued at over $100,000, all sourced in the face of global scarcity of these items.
“This initiative will greatly build the capacity of hard-working and resourceful Nigerian Health Care Workers at the forefront of fighting coronavirus. The much needed PPEs and masks will protect our frontline workers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the line of duty.
“We have a window of opportunity to strengthen our own response mechanism through lessons learned from any country that has had the experience and can provide hands-on demonstration of dealing with the outbreak and give the Nigerian clinical workforce the opportunity to share global best practices”, he stressed.
Ehanire added that, over the weekend, we recorded 42 new cases, bringing to a total of 232, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. They are in 14 States and the FCT as at today, 6th April, 2020, We have recorded 5 fatalities in total, all with underlying ailments.
A total of 33 patients have been discharged from treatment. We have 120 patients in Lagos State, 47 in FCT, Osun 20, Oyo 9, Edo 9, Bauchi 6, Akwa Ibom 5, Kaduna 5, Ogun 4, Enugu 2, Ekiti 2, while Ondo, Rivers and Benue have 1 each.
Through enhanced surveillance systems and strengthened epidemic intelligence, we continue to detect cases of COVID-19 and treat them to recovery. We have tested over 5,000 samples so far, and are working hard to scale up capacity in a targeted approach.
He further stated that, Since the last briefing, we have activated two additional laboratories for COVID-19 testing at the Defence Reference Laboratory, FCT and Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory Lagos. In the coming month, we intend to expand further to more laboratory with capacity to test for COVID-19.
“We are working with the African Union to develop a continental response. A Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 response has been developed and an African Task Force on Coronavirus (AFCOR) set up to coordinate preparedness and response efforts in the continent.
While ensuring we do not lose gains made in the health sector, we shall continue to support States in strengthening their preparedness and response to COVID-19. Rapid Response Teams are deployed to all the affected states.
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Soludo’s Economic Blockade of Onitsha Is ‘Declaration of War’ Against Igbo People
A U.S.-based organization, The Rising Sun Foundation, alongside the global coalition for Biafra restoration, has warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, condemning his blockade of Onitsha’s business district and accusing him of betraying the Igbo people.
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In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation in the United States, the foundation described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
“Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal. Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people. Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The group criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to blockade economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
It further claimed that the Onitsha crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse”.
“The governor is strangling the economic lifeblood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
It also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, calling it evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
The Rising Sun Foundation warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or merchants exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights. The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The group added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative blockade”.
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over. We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The foundation also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
Calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian federal government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha must be lifted. The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The group warned the governor, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honor your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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New Year: Gov Ododo Calls for Unity, Commitment to Security of Lives, Properties
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has called for Unity of the people in complementing government’s efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The Governor also solicited people’s support through hard work, and sustained patriotism as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented governance.
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Ododo who made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.
The Governor said that despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.
According to him, the New Year presents renewed hope and a stronger resolve by his administration to do more through prudent resource management, inclusive governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, expanding opportunities for youths, empowering women, and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government, assuring residents of deeper collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He called on all Kogites to continue to reject division and embrace cooperation, describing the state’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed to build a Kogi that works for everyone, both in urban and rural communities.
Reiterating his pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion, the Governor expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in shared prosperity and greater accomplishments for the state.
Governor Ododo also urged continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened the economy and expanded resources available to sub-national governments for development.
He wished the people of Kogi State a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year, while praying for continued progress for the state and the nation.
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One Community, One Honour: Item Okpi Kingdom Celebrates Prof. Arunma Oteh’s Global Legacy
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The ancient town of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was agog on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as the Item Development Association (IDA) Incorporated trustees hosted the 2025 Item Day Celebration, a historic edition specially designed to honour a single, outstanding personality — Chief, Prof.
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The celebration, held at the playground of Akanu Item Primary School, Akanu Item, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, captains of industry and sons and daughters of Item from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Themed “Building a Greater Item Through Collective Action: The Work Continues,” the 2025 Item Day marked a significant departure from previous editions that featured multiple awardees. This year’s event was deliberately structured around a single award and traditional honour, in recognition of Prof. Oteh’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Abia State, Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
A major highlight of the event was a Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose presence further underscored the importance of the occasion.
At the ceremony, the Item Development Association formally presented the Item Grand Merit Award to Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, describing her as a worthy daughter of the soil whose global achievements have brought immense honour to Item Okpi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The award plaque cited her “distinguished leadership and transformative contributions to global development and in appreciation of the great honour this has brought to our community.”
Prof. Oteh was also specially celebrated for her consistent role as a global ambassador of the Amaba-Ukwu Item community, projecting its image positively across international platforms. This singular contribution, the organisers noted, was a key reason she was singled out for the prestigious award.
The event was chaired by Chief Ojay Obasi Eke (Udoka), with Chief Chukwuemeka Ogwo, MBA (Ugwuchukwuemere I of Item) serving as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries present were Hon. Dr. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi, Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Okwu Ukoha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; and Hon. Uwabunike Bassey, Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Bende LGA.
Traditional blessings were led by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe (JP), Chairman of the Item Traditional Rulers Council, alongside HRM Eze Silas Okafor Igwe (JP), the Okpi of Item, and other royal fathers.
Religious leaders, including His Grace, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Archbishop of Umuahia, also offered prayers for the community and the awardee.
The newly conferred Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State, Alhaji Chief Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, congratulated Prof. Arunma Oteh on the well-deserved honour.
He described her as a pride of Item and a shining example of what dedication, integrity and excellence can achieve, noting that her global impact has placed Amaba-Ukwu Item firmly on the world map.
He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for her to continue serving humanity and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed profound gratitude to the Item Development Association, the people of Amaba-Ukwu Item, the traditional institution, the Abia State Government and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She pledged to continue projecting the image of her community globally, describing the honour as a renewed call to service.
Prof. Oteh urged sons and daughters of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State and Nigeria at large to embrace courage, resilience and hard work, stressing that “the sky is only the beginning of success for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly.”
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for community development initiatives and commended the leadership of IDA for sustaining the vision of unity, selfless service and progress captured in the association’s motto: “Faith in God and Selfless Service to Our People.”
A Historic Item Day led by Dr. Cyril Onyekachi O. Kalu, President of IDA, and Ambassador Dr. Anthony Chukwudum Okorie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, the 2025 Item Day Celebration has been widely described as historic — not only for honouring one of Item’s most illustrious daughters, but also for reaffirming the community’s commitment to collective development and global relevance.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than an award ceremony; it was a statement of identity, pride and a renewed resolve to build a greater Item for generations yet unborn.
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