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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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Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has issued a strongly worded Easter message, condemning worsening insecurity and demanding urgent action from security chiefs.
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In a statement signed by its National President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild said Nigeria must confront its security failures without delay.
The Guild congratulated Christians across Nigeria and the world on the Easter celebration, noting that the season crowns weeks of sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
It also acknowledged that Muslims recently concluded Ramadan and celebrated Eid al-Fitr, describing both religious observances as powerful symbols of discipline and devotion.
NGIJ said the overlapping spiritual journeys of Christians and Muslims highlight a shared national lesson on unity and peaceful coexistence.
However, the Guild warned that the current security reality contradicts those values, as many communities continue to live in utter dread.
It described the recent killings in Jos as a grim reminder of deep cracks within the nation’s security architecture pointing out that the violence goes beyond headlines, insisting that it reflects systemic failure.
NGIJ condemned the bloodshed in the strongest terms possible and criticised what it called the growing helplessness of authorities. It argued that routine condemnations and post-attack visits by the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and properties no longer satisfy public expectations.
The statement stressed that repeated promises without visible results only deepen public frustration and grief.
NGIJ maintained that every Nigerian deserves safety at home, in places of worship, and in public spaces while stressing that government must treat that responsibility as a non-negotiable duty.
The Guild urged security chiefs to respond with urgency, intelligence, and clear results. It insisted that those unable to guarantee safety should step aside for more capable leadership.
NGIJ also clarified that its position reflects a moral duty rather than political bias while noting that Easter symbolises sacrifice, accountability, and renewal, adding that real change requires courage and action.
It warned Nigerians against yielding to fear or division despite the tense climate and encouraged citizens to protect unity and resist forces that thrive on chaos.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism, promising to pursue truth and hold power accountable. It also pledged to amplify the voices of victims often ignored in national discourse.
NGIJ concluded that hope must translate into action, urging the nation to confront its challenges with urgency.
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NGIJ Targets Stronger Democracy Through Partnership with NILDS
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to enhance legislative reporting, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote evidence-based journalism in Nigeria.
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The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the NGIJ delegation, led by its President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Legal Services, Professor Ibrahim Danwanka. Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Mr. Muhammad Abdulkadir and the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo.
Speaking during the visit, Aliagan described the engagement as a strategic step toward building synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended the leadership of Professor Suleiman for transforming NILDS into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. NGIJ and NILDS share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and deepening good governance in Nigeria,” Aliagan said.
He explained that while NILDS advances democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements these efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Aliagan highlighted the Guild’s activities across the country, particularly its Governance Assessment Visits conducted in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna states, noting that such engagements have improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, strengthen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he said.
The NGIJ President also proposed collaboration in areas such as training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He further informed the Institute of the Guild’s plan to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The Guild requested that Professor Suleiman serve as keynote speaker and sought approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
“We are confident that your presence and intellectual contribution will greatly enrich the discourse and lend national significance to the event,” Aliagan added.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Danwanka welcomed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and beneficial to national development. He commended NGIJ for its commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing impact.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS.
Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” Danwanka said.
He explained that NILDS was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and later expanded in 2017 to include broader responsibilities covering democratic institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the Institute has grown significantly under Professor Suleiman’s leadership, expanding from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and wider national, regional, and continental visibility.
Danwanka noted that NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support not only to Nigeria’s legislature but also to parliaments across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS comes in,” he said.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented during the visit, including collaboration proposals, the use of the Institute’s facilities, and the invitation to the DG would be communicated for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of the appointment of Mr. Abdulkadir as Special Adviser on Media, describing the recognition as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a formal framework for collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a sustainable partnership that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
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NGIJ urges unity, cautions politicians against divisive rhetoric ahead of 2027
The Nigeria Guild of Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and warned political actors against exploiting religious and ethnic divisions as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
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In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, and jointly signed by its National President, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan.
The Guild noted that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lenten season, describing the alignment as a “rare and powerful symbolism” that underscores shared values across faiths.
According to the statement, both periods called for reflection, sacrifice, discipline, and compassion, stressing that such common ideals should serve as a foundation for national unity.
“For weeks, across mosques and churches, Nigerians prayed, fasted, gave to the needy, and sought a better version of themselves. If we can endure hardship together in pursuit of spiritual growth, then we can certainly live together in peace,” the Guild said.
However, NGIJ expressed concern over rising tensions in the country, warning that differences are increasingly being weaponised, particularly along religious and ethnic lines.
The Guild emphasised that the lessons of Ramadan and Lent should not end with celebrations but must be reflected in citizens’ daily conduct, urging Nigerians to embrace patience, empathy, and truth in their interactions.
While addressing the political class, the organisation cautioned against early signs of divisive campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections, including the spread of misinformation and fear-based rhetoric.
“We are already seeing early signs of the familiar playbook, divisive rhetoric, calculated misinformation, and appeals to fear rather than reason. That path is dangerous and ultimately destructive,” the statement read.
NGIJ urged politicians, political parties, and aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns, particularly on the economy, security, and governance, rather than resorting to identity politics.
It warned that power gained through division could undermine national stability, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle that deepens societal fractures.
The Guild also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and responsible journalism, pledging to continue challenging false narratives and exposing misinformation.
“A peaceful and informed society requires citizens who think critically and reject manipulation,” it added.
The statement concluded by describing Eid al-Fitr as not only a moment of celebration but also a test of collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to choose unity over division in the interest of national progress.
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