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FG to boost states capacity for COVID-19 response
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The World Bank Board of Directors approved a $114.28 financing to help Nigeria prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 with a specific focus on state level responses. This includes $100 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and $14.28 million grant from the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility.
Through the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project (CoPREP), the Government of Nigeria will provide grants to thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as immediate support to break the chain of COVID-19 local transmission and limit the spread of coronavirus through containment and mitigation strategies. Grants to states will be conditional on states adopting COVID-19 response strategies which are in line with the Federal Government guidelines and strategies. CoPREP will enhance the institutional and operational capacity for disease detection through provision of technical expertise, coordination support, detection, diagnosis and case management efforts in all states and the FCT as per the WHO guidelines in the Strategic Response Plan. It will also help the government mobilize surge response capacity through trained and well-equipped frontline healthcare workers and strengthen the public health care network for future health emergencies. “Nigeria has ramped up its efforts to contain the COVID -19 outbreak, but more needs to done at the state level, which are at the frontline of the response,” says Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria “The project will provide the states with much needed direct technical and fiscal support to strengthen their position in combating the pandemic.” In addition, the project will finance federal procurements of medical equipment, laboratory tests, and medicines to be distributed to the states based on their needs. It complements the Second Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement Project (REDISSE II) which is already providing short-term emergency support to implement national and state Incident Action Plans. So far, all 36 States have incident action plans cleared by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and funds have been disbursed to 23 States. CoPREP will finance further support to all states and Abuja Federal Capital Territory through the NCDC to implement their COVID-19 Incident Action Plans. Specifically, this includes: the operationalization of 37 Emergency Operations Centers; training of 30,000 healthcare workers in infection prevention and control; support for emergency prioritized water sanitation and hygiene activities; strengthening of risk assessment and community and event-based surveillance; provision of on-time data to inform the response and mitigation activities; additional support to laboratories for early detection and confirmation; equipping and renovating isolation and treatment centers including community support centers; and improving in patient transfer systems through financing of ambulances and training as needed. World Bank Group COVID-19 Response “The World Bank Group, one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response. We are supporting public health interventions, working to ensure the flow of critical supplies and equipment, and helping the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs. We will be deploying up to $160 billion in financial support over 15 months to help more than 100 countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery. This includes $50 billion of new IDA resources through grants and highly concessional loans.” * The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.6 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $21 billion over the last three years, with about 61 percent going to Africa. |
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has reiterated his commitment to fulfill all his campaign promises to his constituents.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) made this assurance on Sunday while speaking at the PhD graduation thanksgiving service of Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Oluwaponmile Oderinde at Grace Baptists Church, Apete Ibadan.
According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker, who led the congregation in prayer and sermon, used the occasion to appreciate the constituents for reposing their confidence in him as expressed through their votes during the last election.
His words: “By the grace of God Almighty, I will ensure I fulfill my electoral campaign promises to all communities. I have already fulfilled some, and those who are yet to see theirs should not worry because it’s a promise, and I will fulfill it.”
He congratulated Rev Dr. Oderinde, the minister in charge of Grace Baptist Church, Awotan, on his attainment and prayed for Grace to use the new level to win more souls to God’s kingdom.
In his brief sermon, Oseni, who is also a Regional Overseer at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), counseled people to always reference God and be closer to Him to enjoy the full benefits of serving the Almighty.
“I am who I am by His grace, and I will continue to reference God as long as I live because I am a product of grace, and I believe with Him, everything is possible,” remarked the APC chieftain.
In a bold move reflecting empathy and support for his congregation, Pastor Oye Baruwa, better known as Baba Talitakumi, of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Talitakumi Parish in Ijoko, Ogun State, has announced the suspension of tithes and offerings collection.
Citing the burdensome impact of the removal of fuel subsidies and skyrocketing food prices, Pastor Baruwa expressed concern for his congregation’s financial well-being.
“Stopping the offering doesn’t mean I will not eat. God will still send help,” he emphasised.
With heartfelt conviction, Pastor Baruwa stressed the essence of true blessings and denounced the practice of coercive giving, highlighting the plight of members struggling to make ends meet.
In an effort to alleviate financial strain, Pastor Baruwa introduced a monthly food distribution programme, where church members and the community can purchase essential items at reduced prices.
“On June 22, a bag of rice worth N80,000 will be sold for just N20,000, aiming to ease the burden of high food costs”.
Encouraging fellow church leaders to prioritise congregational welfare over wealth accumulation, Pastor Baruwa underscored the importance of divine provision and genuine pastoral care.
Despite facing criticism and accusations, Pastor Baruwa remains resolute in his commitment to supporting his congregation, citing past instances during the COVID-19 pandemic where offerings were suspended to ease financial stress.
Assuring the continuation of church projects, Pastor Baruwa expressed gratitude for unexpected support, reaffirming his faith in divine provision and the well-being of his congregation.
The Rivers State Government has greenlit a budget of N19.5 billion for the reconstruction of the State Assembly Chambers, which were demolished during the height of the state’s political crisis.
The decision was reached during the State Executive Council Meeting held on Friday evening at the government house in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Rowland Obed-Whyte, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Special Projects, confirmed the approval, revealing that Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) secured the contract at a cost of N19,566,621,284.24.
The project is slated for completion within nine months.
The new Assembly Complex will boast 34 en suite offices across a two-story building equipped with an elevator, gallery, meeting rooms, and a conference hall.
Obed-Whyte further clarified that the project specifications encompass the renovation and refurbishing of remaining structures within the House of Assembly Complex.
Upon completion, the Rivers State House of Assembly building is poised to become one of the premier Assembly complexes in the nation.
The approval for the reconstruction of the demolished Assembly chambers is part of a comprehensive review undertaken by the State Executive Council.
Other approved proposals include the renovation and upgrade of four zonal hospitals, along with other healthcare infrastructure developments in the state, and the construction of the Kalaibiama/Epellema road and bridge in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
The four Zonal Hospitals earmarked for renovation are situated in Ahoada Town (Ahoda East LGA), Degema Town (Degema LGA), Omoku Town (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Bori Town (Khana LGA).
Also, healthcare infrastructure projects involve the renovation of Bonny General Hospital, the upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, and the construction of a new General Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor LGA.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Executive Council for approving the termination of existing contracts and awarding fresh contracts to expedite the completion of healthcare projects, amounting to N26,350,310,714.88.
The new contractors are expected to mobilize swiftly to commence construction, enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
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