President Muhammadu Buhari will again, be addressing the nation tomorrow, Monday 18th, two weeks after the start of a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun States.
The latest development was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, on Sunday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the activities of the task force in company of the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and the Director General (DG), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.
He said the team had supplied President Buhari with all materials needed to take necessary action on COVID-19 which he described as a marathon race.
The SGF, who said communities must now take ownership of the battle to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, said the disease would not disappear in the next two months.
He said, “I think this is about the third time that we have had cause to submit an interim report to him on our activities as task force and also to update him on preparation for the other phases of engagement.
“And we have supplied him with all the materials that is required to look at the issues. Because, we are in for the long hurl, this is not a short distance race, is a marathon and we have to keep everything in perspective.”
Mustapha added that “remember on the 27th of April, he addressed the nation and in place of the easing down of the lockdown effective from the 4th of May. From the 4th of May to date (Sunday) is about 13 days.
“Tomorrow (Monday), we should expect new processes to be put in place. But we have to give him all the material details will help us in preparing for the future. So that is why we are here.”