The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Representative Ahmed Idris Wase has commended Nigerian workers on the commemoration of the 2020 International Workers Day celebrations.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Mohammed Puma, the Deputy Speaker said though the celebration comes at a time the world is combating the deadly Coronavirus, Nigerian workers deserved commendation for their courage and resilience.

The Deputy Speaker also acknowledged the incredible work being done by healthcare workers, security personnel and volunteers especially those in the frontline of the fight against the pandemic, as he said, “history will be kind to them for their sacrifices”.

According to him, “these challenges have clearly shown how resilient and hardworking Nigerians workers are and I urged them not to relent but to remain committed and resourceful as usual.

“I congratulate all Nigerian workers on this day. I salute your courage and resilience going through one of the most trying times of COVID÷19 global pandemic”.

Wase also advised the workers to embrace all the preventive and safety measures recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in the fight against the scourge.

“As the workers prepares to resume work o, I urged them to cooperate with the directives of the relevant health authorities in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and avoid further fatalities.

“I encourage Nigerian workers to help the government in enlightening and educating members of the public on how to stay safe during this period by always wearing face masks, washing hands and using sanitizers in order to defeat the ravaging virus”, he added.

The Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative, ALBNI, has called on the anti-corruption agencies to ignore pressures from political actors while launching investigations into allegations of fraudulent transactions against the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja by its Executive Director, Remi Adebayo, the civil society group decried the consistent fingering of the Agency in corruption-related matters at a time the region that laid the proverbial ‘golden egg’ from which the nation is being developed is facing huge developmental deficits.

ALBNI said fraud allegations recently levelled against the Commission by environmental activist, Hosanna Jalogho-Williams that top NDDC officials have turned the agency into a cesspool of corruption is unfortunate and must be thoroughly investigated.

Jalogho-Williams while accusing the NDDC claimed that contracts were awarded without specifying an amount or contract sum thereby making it possible for officials in charge to “cook up any amount they deem fit” at the point of payment.

In the same vein, Godknows Sotonye, the national president of Transparency and Accountability Advancement Group likewise indicted the Commission of awarding two contracts estimated at over N10 billion to two companies for supply of medical equipment. The first, allegedly involving N4.8 billion for the award of contract for the emergency supply and delivery of medical equipment and consumables to the Commission’s warehouse in Port Harcourt and another valued at N5,474,647,125 for supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers and Covid-19 awareness campaigns in the Niger Delta states.

The allegations were denied by a member of the Interim Management Committee, the Director of Project, Dr Cairo Ojugboh, on Channels Television, going further to disclaim prior existence of the contract for any intervention on Covid-19 and feigned knowledge about Osmoserve, the company through which the deals were transacted.

But while Ojugboh made those pointless efforts at confusing the public, Act for Positive Transformation Initiative punctured his claims to be dishonorable mendacities and unconcealed lies.

A statement by the Head, Directorate of Research & Programs of ACT, Kolawole Johnson, disclosed that Osmoserve got the largest share of the self-serving COVID-19 intervention contract amounting to N4,861,354,250.00 and received mobilization more than one week prior to the TV program.

He said Osmoserve Global Ltd should be under a stern flashlight of the forensic probe, having benefitted more than any other company in recent years in numerous emergency projects that brought the commission to its knees, yet the Interim Management made same company its looting agent.

“After Osmoserve’s fraudulent contract award, Official documents show that about four other companies were awarded COVID-19 related contracts and payments approved same date except for a company that objected to unofficially terms advanced by the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. The companies are: AHR Global Standard Services Ltd (Batch no: 13662 & Vat no: 13664), awarded emergency procurement of social relief packs. Julius Dinga Nig Ltd (Batch no: 13656 & Vat no: 13658), award for emergency consultancy for the provision of publicity on the prevention of spread of corona virus across the Nine Niger Delta states. Tables and Buildings Nig. Ltd (Batch no: 13659 & Vat no: 13660),” ACT revealed.

Kolawole went further to disclose that under the IMC, supply details and specifications of projects were always not indicated in the award letter in order to frustrate performance audit process and this applies to the Osmoserve deal.

“The letter of award claimed the medical equipment was meant for testing, treatment and care of COVID-19 cases. Transaction was initiated by Mr Effiong Henry, approved same date by the Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Ibanga Basset Etang and got the final payment approval of the Acting MD, Prof Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei, within half an hour, precisely on the 15th of April, 2020. The sum of Seven Hundred and Twenty-Nine Million, Two Hundred and Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Seven Naira, Fifty Kobo (729,203,137.50) was treated for payment. For verification, the details of transaction from the TSA account are as follow: Batch no: 13593, Vat no: 13595 and Withholding Tax no: 13594. This can be verified by anyone,” Kolawole explained.

At this point, it is instructive to note that no sane government or party hyping the corruption fight as its major feat should lose its moral strength by looking away from digging up matters to unravel the truth around these allegations; the anti-corruption agencies must on their honour commence investigations without any prompting.

“This must not warrant distracting plots by politicians and must not be treated like the proverbial storm in the teacup by the ruling party. While we agree with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in its lamentation that the NDDC has become an automated teller machine for corrupt political leaders and their cronies, we similarly believe that the PDP, under whose leadership the Commission was established but also laid the foundation for its pillaging has some moral burden to shoulder.

On its part, the ruling All Progressives Congress that quickly exonerated the Commission and dismissed the allegations must equally beat a retreat knowing it cannot be running at cross-purpose with the same enviable ideal to fight corruption through which Nigerians’ confidence have been twice reposed on President Muhammadu Buhari.

“As a matter of fact, the defense like this ridicules the anti-corruption posture of the Buhari Government and portends a serious mockery for the party that pronounced making corruption fight a policy priority to become the self-appointed mouthpiece of a Commission caught in the act and that must be scrutinized.

“This development further reinforced our belief that the good intentions of President Muhammadu Buhari when ordering the forensic audit of the NDDC could be fruitless unless he takes direct charge in the affairs of the NDDC in line with the law establishing it.

“The Covid-19 emergency has exposed the vulnerability of different sectors to corrupt practices, in that it has opened channels for unaccountable spending under the guise of health emergency; this why we join the call for immediate investigation of allegation that the Niger Delta people may have been swindled of resources meant for the development of the region and its people,” ALBNI said.

“Since its establishment in 2000 as an agency to fast-track the development of the oil-rich region by facilitating rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful, the Commission has failed in that mandate with attendant instances of corrupt practices without notable achievement that could be traced to the humongous resources that has gone into it in many years.

“We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to waste no moment in sanitizing, instilling financial discipline and enforcing compliance with the established rules in the Commission if he hopes to leave a legacy and engrave his name on the hearts of the people of the oil-rich region. The earlier this is achieved would be his pride, particularly at this time when global oil prices may negatively decide the fate of the people and the post-oil future.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its subsidiary, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), has called on Nigerians, especially software developers, to apply for opportunities to participate in the “Nigeria COVID-19 Innovative Challenge”.

In a press release signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations Corporate Headquarters, Mrs Hadiza Umar, MNIPR, M.APRA, MCIPR, she said that Nigeria COVID-19 Innovation Challenge is an online innovative challenge set up to meet the challenges mankind is facing as a result of the Coronavirus. With the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, governments have issued guidance for members of the community to practice social distancing, while companies have enforced work from home policies in an effort to flatten the curve of viral infections across the population.

The statement read, “The Challenge, organized as part of NITDA’s strategic initiatives, is aimed at identifying and showcasing innovative technology that will help in containing the pandemic, cushion its effects, create awareness on measures to prevent the spread and engage stakeholders in discussion. It is open to Nigerians. both at home and in the diaspora.

“Given the current circumstances being experienced in Nigeria and the world at large, this call is on developers, entrepreneurs and other creative minds to explore, experiment and build software solutions to help address this crisis ravaging our economy.

“The Innovative Challenge will focus on the following:
● mitigate the health and social impacts of COVID-19 in Nigeria using innovative technologies;
● showcase relevant innovative technologies developed by Nigerians towards COVID-19 and similar future pandemics;
● facilitate and enhance processes along the prevention-detection-treatment value chain of COVID-19; and
● Cushion the financial and social impact of COVID-19 during and after the pandemic in Nigeria and possibly beyond.

“Registration for the programme commenced on Friday 24th April, 2020 and is expected to close on Friday 1st May, 2020. Further information can be found on the event website: https://nigeriacovid19.futurehack.ng

“The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a Federal Government Agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. NITDA was established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information,the statement concluded.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) has stated that the best approach to adopt at post COVID-19 world is to think Digital First.

He said that by adopting digital first approach, recovery from the crisis and adaptation to the new order would become seamless because “our behaviour is going to change as many things would have changed.”

Abdullahi expressed this view today while speaking as guest speaker of a webinar with the theme “Dealing with Corona Virus: Digital First Perspective” organised by Nile University of Nigeria in conjunction with NITDA.

The DG opined that the outbreak of pandemic has created a new world order which is making things to be done differently. He said; “We need to look at what work for us and create strategies that will make us embrace it and adapt it after COVID-19.”

“We need to think Digital First in order to provide us with something to fall back on if there is second wave of this pandemic, he added.

The only economy that works in ‘In-COVID’ era is digital economy and luckily the present administration has prepared Nigeria for the impact the virus would have on the physical economy with different governmental initiatives.

Abdullahi said; “the only economy that works is digital economy, physical economy has shut down. In November last year, the president unveiled the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria and also in March this year, the president launched Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training which aimed at building the capability of Nigerians towards achieving Digital Economy,” he added.

He argued that digital technologies offer rays of hope as there are increase in the usage of different applications that support digital technology according to the World Economic Forum WEF, adding that; “everybody is trying to connect remotely and virtually by embracing digital technologies especially zoom and Microsoft Teams platforms.”

“In Nigeria, we are using digital technology to keep businesses up and running. Technologies are being deployed by restaurants and banks; you can imagine being in this crisis without digital technology, we are going to be in total lockdown”, he said.

While recounting what NITDA has achieved during the period of lockdown, Mallam Abdullahi said the Agency has commenced Virtual Learning through NITDA academy, an online platform that can be used to learn various skills for every interested Nigerians. The Agency also organised Start Up Clinics, inaugurated Tech4Covid Advisory Committee and launched Nigeria COVID-19 Innovation Challenge, among others.

He maintained that in every situation, there is a silver lining to be explored by people, adding that COVID 19 has provided such silver lining which includes; the creation of disinfection devices, remote work, ghost kitchen and service business services.

He further advised the participants to become entrepreneurs in order to explore the silver lining provided by the COVID-19 crisis. “We need to have entrepreneurial mindset. We need to inspire others too and have passion for whatever we are doing because what we do is going to change the new world order,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Osman Nuri Aras explained that the Institution is adopting digital platforms to carry on with learning and other academic activities.

He said; “All school activities will go ahead as planned. We are trying to do our best to see that the situation we are today won’t disrupt our educational activities and we are assuring parents and students that we will continue to provide educational services during this period.”

Gloria Ikibah, NASS

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2020 International Workers’ Day, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Representative Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Nigerian workers for this year’s celebration.

Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, also commended Nigerian workers for their commitment and dedication to work over the years, which he said has shaped the country tremendously.

Although the day is being marked quietly across the globe as a result of the lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Speaker said there is much to remember about the sacrifices made by Nigerian workers.

He however, called on Nigerian workers to be more productive now and always, adding that whatever feat that was achieved before now must be sustained and improved upon.

“I want to salute the courage of Nigerian workers, who have over the years given their best to their work. Indeed Nigeria and Nigerians are proud of you.

“I urge the Nigerian workers to redouble their efforts at this time of our national development. They must continue to put in their best in the work that they do for the betterment of the country,” Gbajabiamila said.

………’Umahi Is one of the best leaders of our generation’, she says

………Vows to expose those behind plots to blackmail, destroy Umahi’s profile

………Commends Umahi for unbanning Okada operations in the state and for shaming his critics by forgiving the Sun and Vanguard Journalists

Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze, President and Founder of one of the most popular, vibrant and focused Non-Governmental Organisations operating in Ebonyi State, the David Umahi Nweze Akubaraoha Ebonyi Transformation Agenda (DUNAETA) has described as unfortunate and unacceptable the gang up aimed at smearing and maligning the image and political future of her principal, Apostle David Nweze Umahi (FNATE, FNSE), the Governor of Ebonyi State, the Lion of South East and Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum.

In a statement made available to Media Houses in Abakaliki, the state capital, Lady Chidinma Ada Eze, lamented over the campaign of calumny executed with renewed sense of vigour by those she said do not mean well for the state and country.

According to this influential lady of Ebonyi extraction, “I have observed with utmost dismay the upsurge on negative reports and write ups, even Editorial Opinions against my Principal and the award winning Governor of Ebonyi State based on the recent misunderstanding he had with some Journalists working in Ebonyi State and seems to me that most of these actions and reactions, though not justifiable are borne out of malice, envy and jealousy in a grand plot to undermine and destroy the rising star of the present political clime”.

Leadership Newspaper, one of the leading newspapers in Nigeria, in its Editorial opinion of 25th April, 2020 titled “Umahi’s Onslaught On Journalism”, made some unfounded and uncomplimentary remarks on the Governor to the effect that, “Umahi is probably trying to gag the press because what he sought to achieve by this feeble, intolerable and absurd ban is to instill fear in the journalists, whip other journalists into line to do his bidding”.

Far from it. Governor Umahi believes in press freedom and the incontrovertible role of journalists as watchdogs to ensure compliance with the social contract between government and the people. The governor is a seasoned democrat and therefore has no such in his agenda as his inputs and assistance to Journalists in the State is very visible even to the blind and so tagging the Governor with such unfavorable insinuation is both unfounded and unacceptable.

I have read the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), and the ridiculous suggestion and petition to Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by two Lagos-based media support organizations, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC) calling for the removal of the governor duly elected by the people of Ebonyi State because of the alleged attacks on journalists.

The Nigeria League of Vet­eran Journalists (NALVEJ) described him as the Hitler while some other funny groups stated  that he is an Emperor and Nebuchadnezzar.

Most despicable of all these reactions is the one that came from people who claimed to be Ebonyians in Diaspora; the

Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora (AESID) asking PDP to sanction the Governor. Such reaction is saddening,  emanating from people who for the past ten years or more have refused to visit their homes because if they do they would have been of much praises for the Governor having turned the once abandoned State into a construction Haven and one of the most developed States in Nigeria and the fastest growing economy in the whole of South East today

ONE MAY ASK WHY ALL THESE ATTACKS ON UMAHI?

In answer to this question, my aunt and senior colleague in the Pen business provided an answer in her recent article titled, “Why Gov. Umahi Should Never Be Nigeria’s President”

The rationale behind these attacks on Governor Umahi maybe easily fathomed; it is simply that he has distinguished himself as one of the greatest leaders of this generation and a potential leader of this country so the enemies of progress set in motion machineries for his decimation and destruction before the time. According to Lady Comfort Obi, the Publisher of the Source Magazine,

I once listened to money man, Chief Arthur Eze, lobby president Muhammudu Buhari to look no further than the Ebonyi State Governor for a Nigerian President of the Igbo extraction- if, and when the time comes. As you know, Umahi is a Buharist, even though he is a PDP governor. He never hides that.

Last Obi has only succeeded to expose this planned gangup to ridicule and destroy Umahi and if I may ask, when has it become a crime to aim for a higher position in Nigeria and when has it become a crime to be associated with President Buhari whom Umahi sees as both his political father and boss?

BUT IS UMAHI QUALIFIED FOR A HIGHER POSITION IN NIGERIA?

To every right thinking Nigerian who is alive to happenings in the country and who has the interest of the country at heart, the answer is in the affirmative. However, I will still rely on my aunt and senior colleague Lady Comfort Obi to build on my answer. According to this powerful Pen Pusher, “In fairness to Umahi, he has so far, done well as Ebonyi Governor. He has encouraged Agriculture, especially, in the area of rice production. Ebonyi rice ranks amongst the best in the country. I don’t know much about what he did in the area of yam production, but I proudly ask for Abakailiki yams from my yam customer. But where Umahi has definitely excelled most is in the provision of Physical Infrastructure, especially roads. Aside from Anambra State where Peter Obi excelled in the construction of roads, no other governor in the south east compares to Umahi in that area. Gradually, Umahi has bequeathed Ebonyi with quality roads. Umahi has also excelled in the area of education, granting scholarships to hundreds of Ebonyians in relevant areas of study. Thanks to him, Abakailiki, which, as the state capital looked worse than a local government headquarters, has had a complete turn- around. It looks bam”

If all these feats do not qualify this man described as the David of Ebonyi, the wisest Governor In Nigeria according to Governor Ikepazu of Abia State, this Zik Awardee for Leadership for higher position in Nigeria, I will like to know who else will be qualified.

Today, due to the foresight of this visionary leader of our time, Ebonyi State is the only State in the entire south- south and East that has a virology centre, where the blood samples of the dreaded COVID- 19 victims are tested and possibly treated in these two regions. It is a fact  that the results of those that tested positive in Imo and Abia including Bayelsa States were all done at Abakaliki.

Not satisfied with all his giant strides in Ebonyi State the innovative and wonder working Governor have concluded arrangements to construct an ultra- mordern and state of the art Hospital Complex at  Alex Ekwueme which shall be a Centre of Excellence for the treatment of positive cases of  Corona virus and related virus.

Gov. Umahi is a magician and your visit to Ebonyi will convince you.

UNBANNING THE OPERATIONS OF OKADA AND REABSORPTION OF THE TWO JOURNALISTS

Lady Monica Ada Eze who also doubles as the Technical Assistant on Media to the Governor describes the unbanning of  Okada operations in the State as timely and demonstration that Governor Umahi is truly a caring leader.

Monica Aka Ada Ebonyi highlighted that “Ebonyi State will soon commence the distribution of palliatives to her people as over 90,000 facemasks and sanitisers have been shared to our people. Some pastors earlier arrested for violating the laws on COVID-19 by the Anti-Corona Virus team have been released.

On the two controversial Journalists, Ada Ebonyi quoted her boss as saying,

”I have directed that The SUN and Vanguard reporters be invited to join us. The unfortunate incident with the press was not intentional. But I am asking everybody to disregard what has happened. Because we are all partners in progress and let us work together. But I will advise that you, please crosscheck your information before publication. There are some certain write-ups that people are not happy about. But I have said please let everybody down tools in love and work together. I specifically asked that The SUN and Vanguard reporters be invited because as a father when you beat a child with one hand, you bring the child back with another hand. I believe strongly that if anybody wants to intentionally bring you down he can’t pull you down standing, he will certainly go down with you. And you may even rise above him. But the single way to be happy in life is to be happy with success. I want to invite the press for partnership and also ask them to also please help us build the State.” . Umahi has demonstrated by this act that he is not only humane but a true Statesman.

In conjunction with my principal, I appeal to all and sundry to join hands with us to build the Ebonyi State of our dream. Monica Ada Eze submitted.

……Urges patience

The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lauded the FCT Administration for its Covid-19 interventions especially in the distribution of palliatives to households in the Territory.

Making this known in a statement yesterday, the Covid-19 Sensitization and Monitoring Committee of the council said after extensive monitoring and field reports from its members, it was satisfied in the distribution process.

Team lead of the committee, Comrade Patrick Osadebawan, observed that the commendation is to serve as impetus for the minister, Mallam Mohammad Musa Bello, and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, not to rest on their oars in addressing the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It has become necessary to state that as a council and committee, we are impressed on how far and well the FCT administration has gone about its Covid-19 response especially in the distribution of palliatives,” Osadebawen said in the statement.

According to the statement, the chairman of council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, was quoted as saying that the FCT administration has set a standard in reaching the vulnerable members of society which other state governments need to borrow a leaf from.

The committee’s Team Lead, who noted that given the novel coronavirus situation, it was not expected to be foolproof , therefore, appealed to residents of the FCT to channel their complaints to the FCTA Call Center rather than engage in “social media hysteria” which, according to him, does not serve any long term purposes other than to discourage government.

“As a committee, we appeal that residents of the FCT should channel whatever shortcomings they observe through the active FCTA Call Center so that the administration can have the requisite feedback and improve on the structure.

“Engaging in social media gymnastics could be counterproductive, but we are confident that the administration particularly the Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who is directly overseeing the Covid-19 efforts will remain steadfast in reaching the most vulnerable of our citizens”, he stated.

Gloria Ikibah, Abuja

As President Muhammadu Buhari announced to ease the lockdown imposed in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory, by the Federal Government, on May 4, 2020, on the account of the Covid-19 pandemic, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress has warned government at all levels not to stop or reduce salaries of Nigerian workers.

President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba who who stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at a media briefing, said many health workers are currently on the frontline of duty rescuing the nation from the Covid-19 pandemic and so it would be unreasonable to cut workers pay at this time.

This came as a of the Commemoration of the 2020 International Concerns Workers Memorial Workers’ Day observed globally every April 28.

This year’s commemoration with the theme “Stop the Pandemic at Work”, came amidst the global fight against the novel corona virus disease.

“In reciprocation of the enormous sacrifice made by workers, we urge employers of labour to show solidarity with the sacrifice of our workers and people by ensuring wage protection, income support and social inclusion at these trying times. This is not the time to stop or deduct from workers’ salaries.

“Such an action would be both illogical and illegal as workers’ salaries are core elements of employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements. We have asked our affiliates and state councils to resist any salary deduction on the account of Covid-19”, NLC stated.

The Union also called on the privates sector to complement the efforts of government at providing Personal Protective Equipments PPE, and other social welfare buffers for their workers in this trying period of the virus.

“The contribution of frontline workers especially healthcare workers has become the only buffer between deaths in thousands and deaths in millions. Every day, our healthcare workers courageously dare the stare of death in selfless service to rescue the lives of others.

“On a day like this, we salute the uncommon love, faith, courage, and sacrifice by frontline workers who have given more than what the call of duty demands to give hope to humanity. We will forever remain indebted to thousands of our healthcare workers, transport workers, utility employees, journalists and even workers in the informal sector who have continued to show up at their duty posts despite the threat of death, dearth of working tools and paucity of gratitude.

“We condole with the families of workers who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against Covid-19. We assure you that their labours will not be in vain. Their unquantifiable sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Our health workers and other frontline workers are not on a suicide mission. They simply want to save lives. The least government and employers can do is to help them keep their lives so that they can go on saving other lives, Wabba said.

The NLC further commend the Federal government for the insurance cover and enhanced incentives provided for frontline health workers and urged states to follow suit.

At a time when many nations are grappling with how to contain the Covid-19, which has already taken a negative toll on world economies, prompting speculations that workers might become the worst victims either through mass sack or pay cut.

This year’s May Day celebration would be low key owing to the pandemic, Wabba advised government as part of smart measures to restart the economy, to intensify Covid-19 testing.

The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa stated that the Agency is targeting to protect and create a million jobs in the ICT sectors this year.

He made this known on Monday during a virtual submission of the report of the NITDA Advisory Committee on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Technology and Innovation Ecosystem also known as Tech4Covid19.

Tech4Covid19 Advisory Committee was constituted at the wake of the pandemic in Nigeria, precisely on April 1st, 2020, at the instance of the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to come up with measures to be taken to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on start ups, small and Medium businesses as well as the technology ecosystem in general.

The 10 member Advisory committee was given the term of reference to, among others, device suitable strategies for the provision of affordable internet access to individuals and businesses; develop a framework to facilitate access to financing for tech and tech-enabled ventures, and device modalities for encouraging the development and adoption of digital technology, as well as support policies in line with the “Work from Home” directive of the federal government.

The NITDA boss maintained that based on the discussion he had with the minister, the government is targeting to create or retain one million jobs in ICT sector this year.

He stated that they are looking at many different areas in terms of start ups doing agricultural value chains, empowering hubs, developing and implementing the framework of business process outsourcing and other areas, to see how thousands of jobs can be created directly or indirectly.

“In doing so, I urge the committee to develop a business plan; stating facts and figures on how the IT sector will create and protect jobs. What I want from the committee are two things: One for example, you state that we have 100 thousand work force and if the government does not do anything to intervene during this pandemic we are going to loose the 100 thousand jobs or if government intervenes by doing some certain things we are going to retain all the 100 thousand jobs and create additional 30 thousand jobs.”

He affirmed that if we have the facts and figures to present to the government, they will intervene quickly as job creation is one of its top priorities.

Furthermore, Kashifu asserted that for the government to have full understanding and confidence that the IT sector will contribute greatly in terms of job creation, the facts and figures must be justifiable and accurate.

He emphasized that the committee is not to address the pre- COVID-19 issues, but to look into the issues and challenges of the In-COVID-19 and prepare the nation for the post-COVID-19 world.

“We all believe that a lot of things will change after these pandemic. As some believe that the 4th industrial revolution will take place. As such we need to unlock this hidden opportunities or identify the silver lining which are the Digital First and keep businesses up and running,” he added.

He said, “A lot of technologies will come on board and people will embrace them. A lot of things are going to change and a lot of businesses are going to be powered by technologies.”

Concerning the recommendations, Kashifu assured the committee that NITDA and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami will do everything possible in their capacity to see that all the highlighted recommendations in the 4 critical areas are tackled accordingly.

He further informed the members of the committee that in regards to the hubs intervention, the agency intends to provide them with a business opportunity where they can earn money, have start ups and create more job opportunities as it is the focus of the agency and the government.

He then urged the hubs to come up with a business proposal on how many job opportunities can be created and how much is needed.

On the business process outsourcing, Mallam Kashifu assured the committee that the Agency will fast track its process and bring out positive results soon.

He applauded the efforts of the committee in delivering a timely report despite the lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, stating that the briefing from the chairman of the committee shows that everything is on track and ready for implementation.

The Advisory Committee however recommended the following; secure permit/approval to allow all technology enabled start ups with products and services that are categorized as essential to operate across the country during lockdown period; that NITDA, in conjunction with Nigeria Communication Commission and local telecommunication companies, secure a discounted uncapped data plan for all interested tech enabled businesses to facilitate remote working during the lockdown period and open a direct line of communication with businesses and ecosystem intermidiaries for continuous assessment of the impact of the pandemic on tech-enabled business for continuous assessment of necessary palliative to aid business continuity.