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Covid-19 Disease Health Protection Regulation 2021: Fct To Enforce Strict Compliance

Published

5 years ago

January 29, 2021

… To Launch Awareness Campaigns In Area Councils

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Capital Territory Administration will ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Coronavirus Disease Health Protection Regulation 2021 as released by the Presidential Task Force on cOVID-19.

This was part of the resolutions reached following a stakeholders meeting held on Friday, 29th January 2021 at the FCDA Conference Hall, in Abuja.

The meeting which was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello also had in attendance the Honourable Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the National Incidence Manager of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr Mukhtar Mohammed, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, political, traditional and religious leaders as well as heads of the various security agencies in the FCT.

Other resolutions reached include the need for the FCT Administration to sanction erring corporate organisations and ensure the effective use of the mobile court system for trial of offenders.

The FCT will also increase public education and community engagement following a baseline assessment of how much the populace know about the virus and launch massive awareness campaigns across the 6 Area Councils of the FCT to further sensitize members of the public on COVID-19.

While it was noted that commercial transportation is one of the major modes of transmitting the disease, it was resolved that all road transport unions will be engaged to ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of the regulations.

The meeting further resolved that there was the need for traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to fully mobilize and enlighten their various constituents on the need to fully comply with the resolutions. This is in addition to ensuring strict compliance in all the markets across the FCT.

While all public and private schools are to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the regulations, it was also resolved that there was the need for the provision of affordable face masks for members of the public.

Speaking earlier the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said that even though the FCT is regarded as an epicenter, the Administration has been successful in its response to the disease and assured of the FCTA’s preparedness to fight the second wave through the cooperation of all the stakeholders across the Territory.

In the words of the Minister, “My appeal to you is that please, let us work hard, particularly at the community level and that is why I am so happy to see that out of the 6 Area Council Chairmen, 5 are present today”.

The Minister also disclosed that the Task Force on COVID-19 guidelines enforcement will be re-invigorated to ensure that enforcement cascades down to the community and grassroots level while reminding the security agencies that enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines was now a presidential directive that must be implemented.

While appealing to the PTF for funding to help in the enforcement of the guidelines, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the efforts the FCTA has committed so far to the fight against COVID-19 because those efforts have saved lives.

In her remarks the Hon. Minister of State Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu expressed the appreciation of the FCTA to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for its commitment and dedication in directing the nation’s response to the pandemic.

She also called on all residents to work together to effectively combat the disease, saying, “ if there is anything we have learned in the fight against COVID-19 thus far, it is the realization that working together, we can conquer any challenge that threatens our collective wellbeing”

She also said that the FCT, through committed efforts has succeeded in containing the magnitude of the pandemic and saved a large number of Nigerian lives.

In his contribution, the FCT Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the FCT COVID -19 Enforcement Task Force, Mr Bala Ciroma said that the enforcement team will not only carry out enforcement but will also carry out enlightenment campaigns as well and called on Area Council Chairmen to set up enforcement teams at the local government level.

Also present at the event were the Chairmen of Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Municipal, and Bwari Area Councils as well as the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Umar Gambo Jibrin, the Onah of Abaji, Alh Adamu Baba Yunusa, the FCT CAN Chairman, Dr Samson Jonah, the Imam, Abuja National Mosque Dr Mohammed Kabir heads of civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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