Published in Specials
On today’s Numbers to Ponder, we review interesting developments on COVID-19 and the unending SARS. Elsewhere, Nigeria plans to borrow from Brazil to revitalise the Agricultural sector.
November 10th, 2020
On today’s Numbers to Ponder, we review interesting developments on COVID-19 and the unending SARS. Elsewhere, Nigeria plans to borrow from Brazil to revitalise the Agricultural sector.
On yesterday’s Rundown, we noted the 2021 budget was riddled with excesses and debts. Today, we see that same trend of borrowing, albeit different this time. Contrary to the norm, Nigeria will borrow from Brazil this time, not China. And the loan will reportedly revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria through a programme titled, “The Green Imperative”. Revealed by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, the government aims to implement the loan for a five to 10-year period. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s debt portfolio is currently at ₦31.01 trillion. However, the Minister of Information assured of funds from Brazilian Guarantees and Fund Management Agency and the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Export Credit of the Islamic Development. He added that the Getulio Vargas Foundation will coordinate the process.
The era of living in COVID fear is ending, with tales of a vaccine in its last stages. Multinational pharmaceutical corporation, BioN- Tech’s trial vaccine is reportedly 90% effective on the virus. The vaccine is currently undergoing its third and final phase of clinical trial, which started on June 3. The trial test has so far registered 43,538 participants till date. More so, the company is said to hopefully supply up to 50 million doses globally in 2020 and 1.3 billion in 2021.
Coming when most countries are witnessing a second wave, this news couldn’t have chosen a better time. And it shows, evidenced by countries showing interest. Already, the European Union (EU) has stated that they would sign a contract with the company for 300 million doses of vaccine. Similarly, the spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister has reserved 40 million doses, 10 million available by year end. Back home, Buhari has called for fair distribution of the vaccine to other countries, stating that the world must unite in distributing the vaccine fairly among all countries.
Continuing with the unending SARS, it seems Lagos state police made more arrests. Three hundred and sixty one (361) to be exact according to Moyosore Onigbanjo, Lagos state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Following investigation, however, the state will release 253 persons owing to insufficient evidence. Ninety-two will still be prosecuted on charges ranging from arson, theft, armed robbery, B&E and murder. Elsewhere, two cases filed regarding 16 persons reportedly require further investigation by the police. The commissioner also assured the public of the state’s adherence to the law, while ensuring peace concerning the arrests.
What is ₦200 to you? Change for transport, a small snack, or perhaps airtime. To police officers in Delta State, however, this was their COVID-19 allowance. According to a Vanguard reporter, sources who prefer to be anonymous for safety reasons confirmed this. Adding that since April 1, law enforcement management told its officers to remain active, asking that they submit their bank details. Thereafter, the Divisional Administrative Officers gave the officers ₦200 as allowance. The most shocking part of all is that irrespective of ranks, all police officers got the same sum. Vanguard has so far been unable to corroborate these details with the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa and the Police Public Relations Officer, Onome Onowakpoyeya.
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On today’s Numbers to Ponder, we review interesting developments on COVID-19 and the unending SARS. Elsewhere, Nigeria plans to borrow from Brazil to revitalise the Agricultural sector.
