Ministers screened for Coronavirus

 

• Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan sworn in as HOCSF

Ministers were screened for coronavirus on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House, Abuja.

Their body temperature was checked as they arrived at the Presidential Villa for the meeting about 10.23 am, The PUNCH reports.

They were also given hand sanitisers to disinfect their hands.

The ministers were screened twice.

The first screening took place as they alighted from their cars and entered the main reception to the Villa.

At the entrance to the Executive Council Chambers, another screening took place before they finally entered the venue for the commencement of proceedings.

Permanent secretaries and other officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, who came for the meeting, were also thoroughly screened.

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The screening had started fully on Tuesday when all workers and visitors to the Presidential Villa were asked to go through the process.

The President, Muhammadu Buhari, is presiding over the FEC meeting.

The Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd.), are also attending the FEC meeting.

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan sworn in as HOCSF

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday administered the oath of office on Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF).

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the swearing-in of the Head of Service, which was witnessed by the Vice-President Prof Osinbajo and cabinet ministers as well as presidential aides, took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

Buhari had on Friday confirmed Yemi-Esan as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and also approved the retirement of Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita.

Mr Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary (General Services Office) office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed the development in a statement.

He said the appointment of Yemi-Esan as the substantive HOCSF will take effect from Feb. 28, 2020.

Until her new appointment, she was the Acting HOCSF, a position she assumed since Sept. 18, 2019.