Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will talk directly to Nigerians on Monday evening, the presidency said in a statement received by TODAY NEWS AFRICA in Washington D.C.
The broadcast to the nation on Monday, April 13, 2020, at 7pm, would focus on the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns and shutdowns Nigerians have had to endure.
“Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively for the broadcast,” spokesman Femi Adesina said.
More than 320 Nigerians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and at least 10 people have died.
President Buhari imposed lockdowns and shutdowns on Lagos, Abuja and Ogun about two weeks ago. He also announced movement bans and airport and seaport closures.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and there are fears that if containment fails, mitigation may lead to a bloodbath.
