Coronavirus hits Benue, Ortom discloses name of patient, shuts market, others

Latest-News Coronavirus hits Benue, Ortom discloses name of patient, shuts market, others

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Ignore rumours, we are not paying Nigerians N30,000 each as Coronavirus relief - FG says

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9UTEeiUdGoKyKwY2qyPCDIISJfc8lxzRPH5cze7OnAZBW9UQcuoeHsTBLXhbu4lOvvpxRs0nC7wDOilWs3XhnU_Z6OJWATvAgZHCxpdH90gZcIJLI3P4sE5khrUB2PTnkgr_uCTbBvx1/s1600/Buharis-official-portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1200" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9UTEeiUdGoKyKwY2qyPCDIISJfc8lxzRPH5cze7OnAZBW9UQcuoeHsTBLXhbu4lOvvpxRs0nC7wDOilWs3XhnU_Z6OJWATvAgZHCxpdH90gZcIJLI3P4sE5khrUB2PTnkgr_uCTbBvx1/s400/Buharis-official-portrait.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>The Presidency has debunked a claim that the federal government had plans to pay N30,000 to each Nigerian with a Bank Verification Number (BVN).</b><br /> <br /> There have been some online reports to the effect, attributing it to a purported news release by Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The said online reports had said the federal government had set billions of naira aside to be distributed to about 40 million Nigerians at N30,000 per person, claiming further that the modus would be to reach everyone through his BVN.<br /> <br /> The said ‘bonanza’, which its author said was an initiative to help less-privileged citizens of face the harshness of the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.<br /> <br /> However, in a tweet on his Tweeter handle @FemAdesina, the Presidential spokesman dissociated himself and the administration from the said claim, describing it as fake news.<br /> <br /> “Fake news peddlers have concocted a statement, purportedly issued by me, saying FG will pay N30,000 to each Nigerian with BVN, to help them stock up before an impending national lockdown. Not me. The so-called statement is hereby disclaimed,” Adesina said.<br /> <br /> The federal government, just many state governments, has advised social distancing as a way of beating COVID-19.<br /> <br /> As a result of the advised measure, which many states had formalised by ordering shut down of social and economic activities, many believed it would force hardship, especially hunger, on many families as most people were believed not to have prepared enough for the lockdown.

Latest-News Ignore rumours, we are not paying Nigerians N30,000 each as Coronavirus relief - FG says

The Presidency has debunked a claim that the federal government had plans to pay N30,000 to each Nigerian with a Bank Verification Number (...

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COVID-19 : Why I’m in self-isolation – Makinde

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6FM0QBB7HBh3LhoLN_aTLT1psqKpQ0tuZBglvthKzivlbfPYROT3q8WRuQHlb831D8TAAajZK6qwAUAVNdEks4ckmI_Gyi0YWE4Uw8LoSUJZ1DmV-Lkby3PDwpKCiWK4TWjo-Sx7MWM/s1600/Seyi-makinde-512x430.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="512" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6FM0QBB7HBh3LhoLN_aTLT1psqKpQ0tuZBglvthKzivlbfPYROT3q8WRuQHlb831D8TAAajZK6qwAUAVNdEks4ckmI_Gyi0YWE4Uw8LoSUJZ1DmV-Lkby3PDwpKCiWK4TWjo-Sx7MWM/s400/Seyi-makinde-512x430.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says he is on self-isolation based on the advice by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to governors who attended the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.</b><br /> <br /> In a live tweet chat monitored in Ibadan on Saturday,  Makinde said that governors who attended the NEC meeting came in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.<br /> <br /> “We were all advised to self-isolate and go for test. I have been in self-isolation since then.” he tweeted.<br /> <br /> On compliance with all directives aimed at  curbing the spread of the disease in the state; the governor said:  “We have an enforcement team which will ensure compliance.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “If there is a gathering of more than 10 people, for instance, they will be dispersed. If it is a nightclub, we seal it, until the ban is lifted.”<br /> <br /> The governor said  that the state’s  testing capacity was limited, but it improved by setting up  two diagnostic centres in collaboration with the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.<br /> <br /> According go him, more people can be  be tested once NCDC certifies the facilities.<br /> <br /> “Setting up testing centres will enable us to test more people which means that those showing symptoms can get tested regardless of their travel history,” he said.<br /> <br /> On efforts toward public sensitisation; Makinde tweeted, “We are stepping up both enlightenment campaigns and enforcement measures.<br /> <br /> “We have disease durveillance and notification ifficers in all the 33 LGAs and 35 LCDAs.<br /> <br /> “Also,  local government caretaker chairpersons are involved in enlightenment campaigns and implementation of directives.<br /> <br /> “Of course, if we have sustained community transmission, we will have to implement cluster lockdowns which are more effective than general lockdowns.”<br /> <br /> He said that the order placed against social and religious gatherings was not targeted  at any religion or social group.<br /> <br /> On the number of isolation centres in the state, the governor tweeted that the state  had a four-bed isolation unit in Ogbomoso, 10 at Jericho, four in the University of Ibadan and 100  at Olodo to be ready soon.<br /> <br /> ” Also, Tristate Hospital, Ibadan, has offered a 40-bed capacity unit including eight Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds with  ventilators,” he said.<br /> <br /> Makinde added that additional four had been ordered for.<br /> <br /> “The ICU beds in the state currently have ventilators. We are also collaborating with private hospitals.<br /> <br /> “As I stated earlier, Tristate Hospital has offered its facilities which include ventilators.

Latest-News COVID-19 : Why I’m in self-isolation – Makinde

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says he is on self-isolation based on the advice by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to governors...

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APC on COVID-19: Nigerians want a working president — not a talker

Latest-News APC on COVID-19: Nigerians want a working president — not a talker

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Coronavirus: NMA, CMA react as US woos Nigerian doctors, others

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIoI6Ane5hSQem2-itlLOSDli2ci1qbghhN3iFpKlLrio3jJC-MgKBveQAO6M_vN1a01UxnrYGqjvTP4vf6kDF3tnKQWwxlhzLweXxcRaTzQqfz3V-Nw9ZFwH9LLGYloSlt8Ixv2Pjks/s1600/Enabulele-and-Faduyile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="721" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIoI6Ane5hSQem2-itlLOSDli2ci1qbghhN3iFpKlLrio3jJC-MgKBveQAO6M_vN1a01UxnrYGqjvTP4vf6kDF3tnKQWwxlhzLweXxcRaTzQqfz3V-Nw9ZFwH9LLGYloSlt8Ixv2Pjks/s400/Enabulele-and-Faduyile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Nigerian Medical Association and the Commonwealth Medical Association have reacted to the United States’ offer of employment to medical professionals willing to help in the treatment of coronavirus patients in the US.</b><br /> <br /> The President of the NMA, Dr Francis Faduyile, said people, including doctors, had the right to work anywhere they pleased.<br /> <br /> He, however, called on the Nigerian government to do the needful by strengthening the health system and making health workers comfortable for them to stay in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The President of the CMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele, also called on the Federal Government to do everything possible to retain its health workers in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> Speaking to one of our correspondents, Faduyile said if doctors were well treated, they wouldn’t bother to travel abroad.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He, however, cautioned doctors who might want to leave the country to be sure they would be protected and that the condition of service would be in their interest before they left.<br /> <br /> He said, “If Nigerian doctors are well taken care of, many of them would prefer to stay, but if they are not well taken care of, I see some difficulties in anybody telling them to stay. Again, everybody has a fundamental right to travel or move anywhere to practise.<br /> <br /> “I’m a medical doctor and I’d like doctors to stay in Nigeria. However, what has the government put in place to make its employees comfortable? I know we have many doctors and other health professionals who want to work in this country.<br /> <br /> “So if the government does the needful, they may not have any reason to leave. Doctors and medical workers who are not gainfully employed or who are being owed (salaries) must find ways to fend for themselves.”<br /> <br /> However, Faduyile cautioned doctors intending to grab the US’ offer, saying although the offer might sound interesting presently, it might turn sour if they (doctors) were not “protected.”<br /> <br /> ‘We no dey shake hands again,’ says Akeredolu in coronavirus skit<br /> <br /> “So, my advice to Nigerians is that they have to be careful because this is a time of war. And in a time of war, if they recruit you into the military, certainly, you would be on the battlefield and you would likely be in the area that is the most difficult. So, if they want to go, they should be sure of what they would meet there,” he warned.<br /> <br /> Amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, the US Government had on Thursday asked medical professionals with an approved non-immigrant or immigrant visa petition from across the world, including Nigeria, to approach the nearest embassy and apply for a work visa.<br /> <br /> “We encourage medical professionals with an approved US non-immigrant or immigrant visa petition (I-129, I-140, or similar) or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange visitor programme (DS-2019), particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to review the website of their nearest embassy or consulate for procedures to request a visa appointment,” the US Department of State said in a statement on its website.<br /> <br /> The US added that foreign medical professionals already in the country could have their visas extended one year at a time for up to seven years.<br /> <br /> Clarifying the statement further on Friday, the US Embassy Nigeria said in a Facebook post that only medical professionals with previously approved H or J petition would receive emergency visa appointments.<br /> <br /> The announcement came as the US became the country with the highest number of persons diagnosed with COVID-19.<br /> <br /> As of 9 pm on Friday, the US had surpassed Italy and China in the number of coronavirus cases, with over 100,000 persons being infected. Over 1,500 patients had died.<br /> <br /> This was as the number of cases worldwide hit over 589,000, with around 27,000 deaths. More than 132,000 patients had, however, recorded.<br /> <br /> In Nigeria, there were 70 COVID-19 cases. Three had recovered while one had died, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.<br /> <br /> Incidentally, as hundreds of doctors in Abuja and Cross River State went on strike last week over non-payment of salaries, the US Embassy Nigeria said medical workers with previously approved H or J petition would receive emergency visa appointments.<br /> <br /> Following this development, the Commonwealth Medical Association has also called on the Federal Government to do everything possible to retain its health workers in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> Speaking to one of our correspondents, the President of the CMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele, said, “It is the responsibility of every country to decide what means and measures it wishes to use in addressing the current pandemic.<br /> <br /> “If the Nigerian government understands and appreciates the fact that the dearth of health care professionals is a challenge in Nigeria, especially in the face of this pandemic, it needs to do something to equalise what the US is offering them.<br /> <br /> “The government should institute very attractive incentives and do everything possible to retain its professionals, especially those at the forefront of attending to the patients. I think it’s a matter of need to drive what I call ‘equipoise’ with the kind of pool factor that has been introduced by the US Government.<br /> <br /> “In my tour of some of the isolation centres and health facilities, I saw that health workers were giving their best in spite of the deficiencies. They voiced their concerns and we keep reassuring them that it’s our country and we should do whatever we can to support the current efforts of the government.”<br /> <br /> Enabulele said in the light of the various donations by individuals and corporate organisations, the government should prioritise the welfare of the health workers.<br /> <br /> “If more leave at this time, we are in for trouble. The rising cases are alarming already. That is why the government should introduce some incentives to retain them,” he added.<br /> <br /> Similarly, the President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, AbdlRauf Adeniji, said it was time for the Nigerian government to review and improve on its attitude towards the terms of engagement of health workers and their work environment.<br /> <br /> He said, “In Nigeria, the condition of service is appalling. People who are working in Nigeria are doing it as a calling. That is why we have always advised the government to make the condition of service attractive. However, during a pandemic, no work environment is conducive.<br /> <br /> “The government has a role to play to entice health care workers. We have always submitted demands to the government. An enabling environment, which will include infrastructure, policy, reliable tenure of job and satisfactory retirement plan are needed to win workers’ loyalty.”<br /> <br /> Even though health professionals in Nigeria have always protested over poor welfare, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, in 2019 boasted that Nigeria had more than enough doctors and those who were dissatisfied were free to leave the country.<br /> <br /> “Who said we don’t have enough doctors? We have more than enough. You can quote me. There is nothing wrong in them travelling out.<br /> <br /> “When they go abroad, they earn money and send them back home here. Yes, we have foreign exchange earnings from them and not just oil,” Ngige had said.

Latest-News Coronavirus: NMA, CMA react as US woos Nigerian doctors, others

The Nigerian Medical Association and the Commonwealth Medical Association have reacted to the United States’ offer of employment to medica...

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COVID-19: Sterling Bank donates N250m to combat pandemic

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MnFDIG8zezC6Ohmx0ICh_yfsszya_N8_h1M8HybkVjA7PiXRYfgyj7Te_5MxHy_up7EvMKynSfK4UvWlyeWvInbbjkVO17XBR0N651fu7FtGPiTPZmGs8CTBXgyaPmwsNm-wtfF4vc4/s1600/Sterling-Bank-727x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="727" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MnFDIG8zezC6Ohmx0ICh_yfsszya_N8_h1M8HybkVjA7PiXRYfgyj7Te_5MxHy_up7EvMKynSfK4UvWlyeWvInbbjkVO17XBR0N651fu7FtGPiTPZmGs8CTBXgyaPmwsNm-wtfF4vc4/s400/Sterling-Bank-727x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>Sterling Bank Plc, has contributed N250 million as part of its commitment to the newly formed Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 created to help channel resources to combat the coronavirus disease under the theme: “We need you.”</b><br /> <br /> The bank, in an email to its customers, disclosed that it is working with the Bankers’ Committee to lead the effort to raise N120 billion required by the Federal Government to fight the coronavirus pandemic and help achieve the shared goal of eradicating the virus.<br /> <br /> Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman said, “While this will go a long way, more still needs to be done. We have come to acknowledge that this battle will require every one of us to play our part as corporate citizens and individuals.”<br /> <br /> He enjoined other public spirited corporate organisations and individuals to join in the fight against COVID-19 by making a contribution to the Fight COVID-19 Fund (FCF) and help the coalition to defeat the pandemic for good. He said every Naira donated will go a long way in saving the country from the pandemic.<br /> <br /> Suleiman said donations should be sent to:<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Bank Name: Sterling Bank<br /> Account Name: COVID Donations<br /> Account Number: 0076813615<br /> <br /> He urged Nigerians to show their strength by uniting against the virus, saying a Swahili proverb which translated into English means “Unity is strength; division is weakness,” is needed now more than ever.

Latest-News COVID-19: Sterling Bank donates N250m to combat pandemic

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Rapper Vector blasts Fani-Kayode, Imam of Peace, others

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Over 600,000 confirmed coronavirus cases recorded globally

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF8IkJTtauwbzowigBZstA8cUh4X-gBXrYRGTlu0vl7kGX6gFO-mhzIYxp84tP0h9G-KiiLtQ6g81qulrlh3C-DGKu1Pg07PvfvIgDHqi56V3OzRrngBg6TUnjCzb7hhp7XKkGH7VBv-l/s1600/Coronavirus-5-750x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF8IkJTtauwbzowigBZstA8cUh4X-gBXrYRGTlu0vl7kGX6gFO-mhzIYxp84tP0h9G-KiiLtQ6g81qulrlh3C-DGKu1Pg07PvfvIgDHqi56V3OzRrngBg6TUnjCzb7hhp7XKkGH7VBv-l/s640/Coronavirus-5-750x375.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> More than 600,000 cases of the novel coronavirus have been officially recorded around the world since the outbreak of the epidemic, according to an AFP tally at 1045 GMT on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> There were 605,010 cases of infection with 27,982 deaths in 183 countries and territories.<br /> <br /> The United States had 104,837 cases of which 1,711 were fatal. Italy had the highest number of deaths at 9,134 and a total of 86,498 cases.<br /> <br /> China, the epicentre of the outbreak, had 81,394 cases and 3,295 deaths.<br /> <br /> The figures represent only a fraction of the number of infections as many countries only carry out tests on suspected cases if they are hospitalised.<br /> <br /> (AFP)

Latest-News Over 600,000 confirmed coronavirus cases recorded globally

More than 600,000 cases of the novel coronavirus have been officially recorded around the world since the outbreak of the epidemic, accord...

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Governor Sanwo-Olu imposes curfew in Lagos, shuts airport for 2 weeks

Latest-News Governor Sanwo-Olu imposes curfew in Lagos, shuts airport for 2 weeks

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Nigeria sixth African country with high COVID-19 cases – WHO

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7zu4yazVCYLARlZeSJuLZ0GxjLLwDhWjR-CUWd_fnTSNHITYh6LgiqTBdUO1ZhPxFZ616dyBHoi3L330O7n3TPxzr8nCaVo8Oce1bZ2lE8Dj0tB02j8iZlUwHwFCZ4PhSbqGKdo9kGQ/s1600/coronavirus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7zu4yazVCYLARlZeSJuLZ0GxjLLwDhWjR-CUWd_fnTSNHITYh6LgiqTBdUO1ZhPxFZ616dyBHoi3L330O7n3TPxzr8nCaVo8Oce1bZ2lE8Dj0tB02j8iZlUwHwFCZ4PhSbqGKdo9kGQ/s400/coronavirus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>Nigeria is among six African countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organisation chart shows.</b><br /> <br /> Nigeria’s case of COVID-19 rose astronomically from one to 81 cases in about four weeks beginning when an Italian was confirmed its first index case on February 27.<br /> <br /> WHO stats showed on Saturday that Nigeria ranked sixth African country with exploding cases of the pandemic which has infected over 400,000 people globally with over 25,000 deaths recorded so far.<br /> <br /> South Africa with 927 cases and two deaths; Algeria with 305 cases with 21 deaths, Burkina Faso with 146 and three deaths, Ghana with 132 and three deaths, and Senegal with 105 with no death top the list in the order of first, second, third, fourth and fifth places.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Nigeria came sixth on the table with 81 cases with one death as of 10:00am on Saturday, March 28.<br /> <br /> Over 40 of the recorded cases are in Lagos with the government saying the state might witness about 39,000 cases in a worst-case scenario.<br /> <br /> The Punch reports that the Federal Government on Friday opened all National Youth Service Corps orientation camps in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja to use as isolation centres in the event of more confirmed cases.<br /> <br /> Some stadiums around the country have also been opened as isolation centres.<br /> <br /> The pandemic has paralysed economic and socio-religious activities in the West African country as the need for social distancing compels many to stay indoors.

Latest-News Nigeria sixth African country with high COVID-19 cases – WHO

Nigeria is among six African countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organisation chart shows. Nigeria’s ...

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VIDEO: Don’t address Nigerians only on Twitter – Tacha to Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w3Jw2yTHf58U76X0M-_4eHfpe4n4Co4eJ8axLJkXAk1omoIal_gYDpXgUp7g0xk80vpBeL6PTCSBSc1wQJ4RHMd7VfqtDpdw1byQTM_SVXoaBFLJO5MPa9PdjI0UbOZJFuFN-xDRWEM/s1600/tachAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w3Jw2yTHf58U76X0M-_4eHfpe4n4Co4eJ8axLJkXAk1omoIal_gYDpXgUp7g0xk80vpBeL6PTCSBSc1wQJ4RHMd7VfqtDpdw1byQTM_SVXoaBFLJO5MPa9PdjI0UbOZJFuFN-xDRWEM/s400/tachAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <br /> <b>BBNaija star, Natasha Akide a.k.a Tacha has slammed President Buhari over his mode of communication to Nigerians in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> Tacha stated that Nigerians have many influential and successful people around the world as she wondered why abnormal things are normalized in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The social media influencer stated that Nigerians need to find hope in Buhari’s speech, added that the President shouldn’t only address the citizens on Twitter because he wasn’t voted for Twitter.<br /> <br /> Watch her video below:<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-PhPZXj_0m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"> <div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-PhPZXj_0m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"></a><br /> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-PhPZXj_0m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"> <g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"> <g> <path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path> </g> </g> </g> </svg></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;"></div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;"></div> </div> </div> </a><br /> <div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-PhPZXj_0m/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">!!!</a></div> <div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/symply_tacha/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">TACHA🔱🇳🇬🇬🇭</a> (@symply_tacha) on <time datetime="2020-03-27T18:29:47+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 27, 2020 at 11:29am PDT</time></div> </div> </blockquote> <script async="async" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Recall that in an interview Tacha stated that she learnt patience  and tolerance while in the Big Brother house.<br /> <br /> “Some of the most important lessons I learnt while in the house were patience and tolerance. I learnt to coexist with a large number of people. Prior to the show, I had never lived, eaten or slept in a place with many other people. I never could tolerate sharing my privacy”.

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Tonto Dikeh pledges support in fight against coronavirus

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOonHR8wdRTyMnrbrmdS2S_Zc70b1keE-QHIUtb-xyUKOuxtYi2eX4U8zH4A2wWZbgDmb2P_ca-GtxoC5EokC0aYxU26Bo0UBFAHadS3LwAxtEHT5yEt-ft6mCATtK8ihV2gK1kXnzL3o/s1600/Tonto-Dikeh-700x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="700" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOonHR8wdRTyMnrbrmdS2S_Zc70b1keE-QHIUtb-xyUKOuxtYi2eX4U8zH4A2wWZbgDmb2P_ca-GtxoC5EokC0aYxU26Bo0UBFAHadS3LwAxtEHT5yEt-ft6mCATtK8ihV2gK1kXnzL3o/s400/Tonto-Dikeh-700x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>Nigerian celebrity and founder of the Tonto Dikeh Foundation, Tonto Dikeh, has pledged free sanitisers, face masks and hand gloves to some communities.</b><br /> <br /> Tonto announced this via her Instagram account@tontodike on Friday.<br /> <br /> She wrote: ”The Tonto Dikeh Foundation @t_d_foundation will be joining in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.<br /> <br /> ”We will be giving out 1,500 free sanitisers, face masks and hand gloves to each of these communities to help curb the spread of COVID-19.<br /> <br /> ”We will also teach them the safety precautions to follow as stated by @WHO.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Dike is not the only Nigerian celebrity to join the fight against the spread of the pandemic.<br /> <br /> “Mad Over You” crooner, Run town, had earlier also taken to his Twitter page to reveal that he would be joining the fight against coronavirus by donating cash to his followers.<br /> <br /> The Nigerian music star, whose real name is Douglas Jack Agu, in a series of tweets asked fans to drop their account details so he can credit them with money to help stock up.<br /> <br /> In a tweet, Runtown vowed to donate ten million naira to support Nigerians as the spread of the virus is crippling economic and social activities.<br /> <br /> He tweeted: “There are rumours of a looming lockdown considering the rising cases of infected persons with coronavirus in the country.<br /> <br /> “Hope everyone is staying safe. Times are extremely tough and I am certain there are people with no money to stock up on survival essentials.<br /> <br /> ” I will be giving out 10 million naira to this cause. Kindly drop your account details.”<br /> <br /> An actress, Toyin Abraham, also revealed that she has funded a supplier with N100, 000 to give out hand sanitisers to 100 people.

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COVID-19: Lagos task force destroys goods of traders defying ban

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SJ8D6LxA9ylvRXKgK31buBN4_vo-oeYvxYGFyw7C-bFX-PWgMjvaH8wMeO0YIIA49uLcaIMmSjnfmjrIdq6ulnDPj-WUUjuVxQhw7qskQ0pNi1V1ocqkzLQl_wrJ-ZnNMd1zIxojq_U/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="265" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SJ8D6LxA9ylvRXKgK31buBN4_vo-oeYvxYGFyw7C-bFX-PWgMjvaH8wMeO0YIIA49uLcaIMmSjnfmjrIdq6ulnDPj-WUUjuVxQhw7qskQ0pNi1V1ocqkzLQl_wrJ-ZnNMd1zIxojq_U/s400/download+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Policemen attached to the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit are in the eye of the storm after forcibly shutting down shops that defied the state government’s directive.</b><br /> <br /> The operatives in a video are seen destroying goods at a bar and a phone accessory store at an unspecified location in the state.<br /> <br /> The state government had directed markets and stores not trading in essentials to shut down to curtail the spread of coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> Public gatherings have also been reduced to 25 at most, while policemen and other relevant agencies were charged to enforce the directives. Lagos has recorded 44 cases as of Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In the one-minute viral video, about six armed task force men led by a hooded senior officer disrupted two lock-up shops, selling drinks and phone accessories.<br /> <br /> While some of them pulled down crates of bottles at the bar, others destroyed accessories displayed on the door.<br /> <br /> The team leader, wearing a vest with the inscription ‘Tango-1, Task Force,’ smashed a glass containing some items at the accessory shop.<br /> <br /> In the background, the policemen ordered three men believed to have visited the bar to lie on the floor.<br /> <br /> The action of the operatives has attracted criticism, with people condemning the mode of enforcing the ban order.<br /> <br /> “Criminal damage (Task force) vs disobedience and breaking of the law (shop owners). Did government say they should destroy or damage properties or prevent and discourage disobedience through effective implementation of the law; but no lawlessness?” One LailaStMatthew Daniel wrote on Twitter.<br /> <br /> Another user, with the handle @zaeiny, said the officers went overboard and lacked civility. “How exactly are these people recruited into task force? They look for every opportunity to act like thugs,” Zaeiny added.<br /> <br /> “Rogue officers. How does destruction of valuables translate to fight against Covid-19?” One Hardewuzy wrote on Instagram.<br /> <br /> An activist, Segun Awosanya, popularly known as @segalink, said with the act, task force has shown gross impunity and disdain for human rights. “These rogues must be punished,” he added.<br /> <br /> When contacted, the task force Chairman, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, directed our correspondent to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, for comment.<br /> <br /> Omotosho in an interview with one of our correspondents condemned the action, calling for an urgent apology to the affected shop owners.<br /> <br /> He said, “I have seen the video and they are members of the Lagos Task Force. Personally, I have said the action was not good. It is condemnable and we are discussing with our people to be more civil in enforcing these orders. Personally, I am recommending that they should apologise to those people.”<br /> <br /> The Police Public Relations Police Officers, DSP Bala Elkana, said policemen involved in the unprofessional conduct had been arrested and subjected to internal disciplinary measures.<br /> <br /> He said, “The Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu, is saddened with the apparent unprofessional conduct exhibited by some police officers identified in a trending video and has ordered their immediate arrest and investigation.<br /> <br /> “They are currently subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings known as orderly room trial at the Provost Department, State Command Headquarters, Ikeja, to serve as a deterrent to others. Their conduct is totally condemned as it fell short of our professional standards and rules of engagement. Police officers involved in the enforcement of restriction orders across the state are further warned to exercise their discretionary powers with utmost professionalism, compassion and respect for the rights of the citizens.”

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PHOTOS: Explosion rocks Akure, 100 houses, school, churches shattered

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXL5DdaJPBSC8qTc9bHoVEi_EVC-6iM8Snqz-KuYPJtDR9HTesARqPkDSPlWcYbJmVzGyg2C3_gID8snAMAop_UFusTpJWVeUiM-iOkVs3uGNtcmQ4jns1FWUWMThxkJ1uT7kqfgmqik/s1600/BLAST-750x430-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXL5DdaJPBSC8qTc9bHoVEi_EVC-6iM8Snqz-KuYPJtDR9HTesARqPkDSPlWcYbJmVzGyg2C3_gID8snAMAop_UFusTpJWVeUiM-iOkVs3uGNtcmQ4jns1FWUWMThxkJ1uT7kqfgmqik/s400/BLAST-750x430-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>No fewer than 100 residential buildings, school, churches were destroyed by an explosion suspected to be bomb blast in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Saturday morning.</b><br /> <br /> The explosion which happened in the early hours of Saturday cut off the ever bustling Akure /Owo road while many people were said to be injured, Tribune gathered.<br /> <br /> The incident which happened less than a kilometre to Akure Airport, affected many residents of Eleyowo community, destroying completely a church and a school in the area.<br /> <br /> Individuals who lived within the church premises were said to be  wounded while some were rescued by the people of the community.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The school with boarding facilities was destroyed beyond repair with roofs of all the buildings blown off.<br /> <br /> The spot at which the explosion happened, cut off the road, hindering vehicular movement.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJuM37QompAOyCl6z0jX48caaLv5dWX712PE7rtoxtaxQyOuiyg5IX0ne2DBdu12IXuHn0bRYXyu8HJ6CNufeT19dosA-M8bo-BCJe_hyphenhyphenBjxrtd_3IyzEvLenDMCmqTRw2yP6sj0ubEE/s1600/BLAST4-360x360-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJuM37QompAOyCl6z0jX48caaLv5dWX712PE7rtoxtaxQyOuiyg5IX0ne2DBdu12IXuHn0bRYXyu8HJ6CNufeT19dosA-M8bo-BCJe_hyphenhyphenBjxrtd_3IyzEvLenDMCmqTRw2yP6sj0ubEE/s400/BLAST4-360x360-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nNhBma4UbDBFHxawOBXraR1H2v5horSi439oghPY8CSH25LEpu0baJ5H3XiboElM7-73Lf0O6x-kjxHQAUQaytJ-uyzN8yI5xeIBo9ym86H2wX8ksdhAuwf0wx-REDYo4mVlPXN0Or8/s1600/BLAST6-360x360-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nNhBma4UbDBFHxawOBXraR1H2v5horSi439oghPY8CSH25LEpu0baJ5H3XiboElM7-73Lf0O6x-kjxHQAUQaytJ-uyzN8yI5xeIBo9ym86H2wX8ksdhAuwf0wx-REDYo4mVlPXN0Or8/s400/BLAST6-360x360-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />

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Sydney Talker laments after showing Coronavirus symptoms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9gQZpW2TX-SHw38ZTdTs07LOag_-wuu3XdZLtRHklmAk-H-s_ACLxPyVMHxCDNxYh_RliTP54acasM84Z8QgiBwwRnRPIYzFHyzvm2mOHh2g-B_483SMq0rvtFZWdbXpaDvhn0t1CQE/s1600/Sydney-Talker-750x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9gQZpW2TX-SHw38ZTdTs07LOag_-wuu3XdZLtRHklmAk-H-s_ACLxPyVMHxCDNxYh_RliTP54acasM84Z8QgiBwwRnRPIYzFHyzvm2mOHh2g-B_483SMq0rvtFZWdbXpaDvhn0t1CQE/s400/Sydney-Talker-750x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Nigerian Instagram comedian, Sydney Egere better known as Sydney Talker has cried out to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).</b><br /> <br /> The popular comedian revealed on Friday that he is showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus and needs to be tested.<br /> <br /> recall that earlier, a video had gone viral of Talker trying to alert the NCDC of his critical condition but the NCDC via it’s Twitter page  stated  it was a  comedy skit.<br /> <br /> According to the NCDC Twitter handler, they reached out the individual who was said to be very sick but he has responded saying he is well.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The tweet reads:<br /> <br /> “We received several messages & calls, over an Instagram video. The individual was said to be very sick & reported that NCDC did not respond.<br /> <br /> “We have reached out to him and he said what he did was a SKIT. He is well.”<br /> <br /> The NCDC concluded by urging people not to spread panic.<br /> <br /> Reacting to the tweet, the comedian refuted the NCDC’s claim that he is well. He wrote: “What kind of lie is this??? You didn’t reach out to me and I wasn’t doing a skit. Please all I want is to be tested because the symptoms get worse by the day”<br /> <br /> Fans of Talker, have however taken to Twitter urging NCDC to get the comedian tested.

Latest-News Sydney Talker laments after showing Coronavirus symptoms

Nigerian Instagram comedian, Sydney Egere better known as Sydney Talker has cried out to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). ...

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COVID-19: Prepare for evacuation flights, US tells citizens in Nigeria

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoNYsXZlplTWhTYLFTjwDAtabN0xrwKOvdRAkZCNuGWV_hKTOvHazEuG5Ht0cU8tHBtoUlCTT9Mps_qpij6ngqwOLJVLZMKzdM0MIcXIvyKJaNd55er7xMzEPUaNwa9E4QrxyB25cB18/s1600/Trump-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoNYsXZlplTWhTYLFTjwDAtabN0xrwKOvdRAkZCNuGWV_hKTOvHazEuG5Ht0cU8tHBtoUlCTT9Mps_qpij6ngqwOLJVLZMKzdM0MIcXIvyKJaNd55er7xMzEPUaNwa9E4QrxyB25cB18/s400/Trump-2-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria says it is preparing emergency flights to evacuate its citizens in Nigeria despite airport closures.</b><br /> <br /> This is not unconnected to the exploding coronavirus cases in Nigeria which stand at 81 on Saturday morning according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.<br /> <br /> The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had closed all international airports in the country including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja to prevent further importation of COVID-19.<br /> <br /> But the Consulate on Friday, in a notice entitled ‘Health Alert: US Mission in Nigeria’ sighted by The PUNCH, advised American citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “as soon as possible” to join the arranged flights back to the US.<br /> <br /> It also advised nationals not in Abuja and Lagos to work with local airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.<br /> <br /> It stated, “At present, there are no scheduled flights to the United States.  However, we are actively exploring options and attempting to secure flights despite global airport closures and travel restrictions.<br /> <br /> “We will email US citizens immediately once we have flight details, routes, and costs.<br /> <br /> “US citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to travel to Abuja or Lagos as soon as possible.<br /> <br /> “The Embassy and Consulate are unable to assist with lodging, food, or transportation costs, and some hotels have closed or are closing.<br /> <br /> “To disseminate important information and alerts for US Citizens including possible evacuation flights, the State Department uses the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program as its primary messaging system. US Citizens in Nigeria who want to be informed about emergency flights and receive other alerts should enroll in STEP immediately.”<br /> <br /> As of Saturday morning, according to World Health Organisation statistics, the US has 68,334 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 991 attendant deaths.<br /> <br /> Troubled by the figures, President Donald Trump on Friday had ordered General Motors, Ford amongst other production giants to start the mass production of ventilators.

Latest-News COVID-19: Prepare for evacuation flights, US tells citizens in Nigeria

US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria says it is preparing emergency flights to evacuate its citizens in Nigeria despite airport closures. ...

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Oyo Governor, Makinde Fires Media Aide for posting fake news on social media

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtuzThzWClMEDXzt86dYdJN_5qnCDg_JzoFi4vPaTwAM-qKyYrqtFkxiXsF9kWzSZyuHwpvnmZUxi23hIIKa19ySwSpag37fX36oGdbyzxJ1iYWicWP_i3WV_PKjtJ849j28yMj5yP3Y/s1600/seyi+makinde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="552" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtuzThzWClMEDXzt86dYdJN_5qnCDg_JzoFi4vPaTwAM-qKyYrqtFkxiXsF9kWzSZyuHwpvnmZUxi23hIIKa19ySwSpag37fX36oGdbyzxJ1iYWicWP_i3WV_PKjtJ849j28yMj5yP3Y/s400/seyi+makinde.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Barely 24 hours after he posted an untrue post on his Facebook page, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sacked one of his media aides, Mr Murtala Adigun.</b><br /> <br /> Until his removal, Mr Adigun, who is popularly known as Adigun Ibadan, served as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media.<br /> <br /> On Thursday, the former aide, a product of the prestigious University of Ibadan, posted pictures showing some fumigation equipment purchased by the Lagos State government as an achievement of his boss.<br /> <br /> He was highly criticised for lying about this after he captioned the images, “Oyo state Government in her readiness to combat the escalation of COVID-19 virus purchases disinfecting machines to be used across the State.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Apparently embarrassed by the backlashes that followed the social media, which many commenters described as #FakeNews, the Governor promptly took an action and relieved Mr Adigun of his position.<br /> <br /> On Friday, in a dismissal letter addressed to him, the Governor thanked Mr Adigun for his short stay on the job, having been appointed just over a month ago, precisely on February 7, 2020.<br /> <br /> The letter was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, and was dated Friday, March 27, 2020.<br /> <br /> Mrs Adeosun stated in the letter that the governor had approved the termination of his appointment as Special Assistant (Digital Media) with immediate effect, wishing him success in future endeavours.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam2CqNyQEGHgM09pw0B5wmXdGRzbDxottS_Ja9ny9rA1KUrkgJOjLdzWbOPpZ0Uz-N1rAmt0ST4mwX922mw65NgThscgteSmrNpa5KBtl0wToL_Z7cFF1gHRcrEsWKGGMDFxn4w4Eh80/s1600/WhatsApp-Image-2020-03-27-at-3.35.20-PM-304x676.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgam2CqNyQEGHgM09pw0B5wmXdGRzbDxottS_Ja9ny9rA1KUrkgJOjLdzWbOPpZ0Uz-N1rAmt0ST4mwX922mw65NgThscgteSmrNpa5KBtl0wToL_Z7cFF1gHRcrEsWKGGMDFxn4w4Eh80/s640/WhatsApp-Image-2020-03-27-at-3.35.20-PM-304x676.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> After his dismissal, Mr Adigun blamed social media critics for the Governor’s action, saying on Twitter today that, “You called for it, you have gotten it. Thanks to everybody that contributed to my downfall.”

Latest-News Oyo Governor, Makinde Fires Media Aide for posting fake news on social media

Barely 24 hours after he posted an untrue post on his Facebook page, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has sacked one of his media aides,...

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Coronavirus: Troubled U.S. announces N2.6bn aid to Nigeria

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRqwBZ34U7bV5gffoMiAjRyJfoSycjiLNeLvvMCrjy8dNuKOYoWvIs_esd66HkIQXgvhnCutpJtDebGZZ-pSPboRYE3CWfKE2s9emOLt0i-OifA6-CbCJWJic5GAcff2ZPbVqMzDvWsI/s1600/Trump-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRqwBZ34U7bV5gffoMiAjRyJfoSycjiLNeLvvMCrjy8dNuKOYoWvIs_esd66HkIQXgvhnCutpJtDebGZZ-pSPboRYE3CWfKE2s9emOLt0i-OifA6-CbCJWJic5GAcff2ZPbVqMzDvWsI/s400/Trump-2-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>As part of its leading humanitarian and health assistance response to combat Coronavirus Pandemic around the world, The United States is to provide more than $7million funding to Nigeria and various sums to other countries around the world to fight the scourge.</b><br /> <br /> This came as President Donald Trump signed over $2 trillion Emergency Stimulus Package, approved by Senate and House of Representatives to aid Americans and businesses affected by the lockdown to slow the virus spread<br /> <br /> United States and other countries around the globe continue to battle the plague, even as the U.S. records the highest figure of confirmed cases globally.<br /> <br /> Nigeria is among 19 African Countries to receive the assistance which is also extended to needy countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East , Latin America, Middle East and North Africa. United Nations Organizations and Agencies are also beneficiaries of the gesture.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This revelation was contained in a Fact Sheet released Friday, by the Office of Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State, Press Office, titled “The United States is Leading the Humanitarian and Health Assistance Response to COVID-19.”<br /> <br /> “More than $7 million in health and humanitarian funding will go toward risk communication, water and sanitation activities, infection prevention, and coordination.”<br /> <br /> “This assistance joins more than $5.2 billion in U.S. health assistance and more than $8.1 billion in total assistance for Nigeria over the past 20 years”, the fact sheet stated.<br /> <br /> Apart from Nigeria and Cameroon, the other three West African Countries to receive the aids are purely Francophone, namely Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.<br /> <br /> Other beneficiary from the Continent are from the East, Central and South African countries, including Ethiopia, Somalia and South Africa. North African countries are grouped with Middle East.

Latest-News Coronavirus: Troubled U.S. announces N2.6bn aid to Nigeria

As part of its leading humanitarian and health assistance response to combat Coronavirus Pandemic around the world, The United States is t...

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COVID-19: ‘We are good’ – Juventus star Paulo Dybala gives update to fans

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69CMPq2K3USy7W0II_8aarhydjAQoXiIVTiZeHAHdyl8vMirCJgsSn3SXJ75ksP7_VIUy4QNVJywmRPxEfR9f0wCUKt3SGKWUmHuzg1LVjAlEQys-Nma3Z3KdgSOlu0q-qyEKffU6qok/s1600/dybala+and+wife.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69CMPq2K3USy7W0II_8aarhydjAQoXiIVTiZeHAHdyl8vMirCJgsSn3SXJ75ksP7_VIUy4QNVJywmRPxEfR9f0wCUKt3SGKWUmHuzg1LVjAlEQys-Nma3Z3KdgSOlu0q-qyEKffU6qok/s400/dybala+and+wife.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Paulo Dybala has told Juventus fans that he and his girlfriend Oriana Sabatini ‘are good’ just four days on from news they had tested positive for coronavirus.</b><br /> <br /> The 26-year-old forward stunned the world of Italian football when he announced that he had contracted the deadly virus but he appears in high spirits while the pair quarantine at home.<br /> <br /> Writing on his Instagram page, where he made the announcement that he was COVID-19 positive on March 21, Dybala wrote ‘estamos bien’ (‘we are good’) to caption a photo of him doing an OK hand gesture.<br /> <br /> Juventus, who were the first club in Italy to see a player test positive for the virus when confirmation arrived that Daniele Rugani had got it, soon confirmed that Dybala was at home and doing well.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> ‘He has been in voluntary home isolation since Wednesday 11 March,’ they wrote at the weekend.<br /> <br /> ‘He will continue to be monitored, following the usual regime. He is well and is asymptomatic.’<br /> <br /> Dybala became the third Juventus player to test positive after defender Rugani and midfielder Blaise Matuidi.<br /> <br /> He has been active on social media to ease concerns over his well-being and has kept busy along with his girlfriend.<br /> <br /> Italy has been the worst affected country to date with more than 74,000 positive cases of people infected with the virus.<br /> <br /> There have been, at the time of writing, more than 7,500 deaths as the country continues to fight the further spread of the virus.<br /> <br /> A host of Serie A players have gone public after testing positive and it remains unclear when the league will be able to conclude the 2019-20 season.<br /> <br /> Dybala’s Juventus currently sit top of Serie A after 26 matches, one point ahead of Lazio, and nine ahead of Inter Milan, who have played a game less.

Latest-News COVID-19: ‘We are good’ – Juventus star Paulo Dybala gives update to fans

Paulo Dybala has told Juventus fans that he and his girlfriend Oriana Sabatini ‘are good’ just four days on from news they had tested posi...

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Our workforce not enough to battle COVID-19 – NMA Cries out

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p0t6PZG08lykh-52zD8UCzCQ3swh56jX-4a1K6qpHke0cVAhEkKiznZJC8r72qVr_yZ6ez7H83rZEry4ImYOYzxYvnFdyMNYj4NPLbSJUOzeKo6Ae_Rwl-TkIRQLThGOJ-yceWQthH0/s1600/Doctors-in-Surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="500" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0p0t6PZG08lykh-52zD8UCzCQ3swh56jX-4a1K6qpHke0cVAhEkKiznZJC8r72qVr_yZ6ez7H83rZEry4ImYOYzxYvnFdyMNYj4NPLbSJUOzeKo6Ae_Rwl-TkIRQLThGOJ-yceWQthH0/s400/Doctors-in-Surgery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra state has called on the governor of the state, Willie Obiano to recruit more medical personnel in the state to assist in battling the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> It also demanded immediate procurement of Personal Protective Equipment at the various emergency operation centres in readiness for any outbreak in the state.<br /> <br /> Addressing newsmen on Friday in Onitsha, Chairman of the body, Dr. Emmanuel Monago further called on the government to consider shutting down all markets in the state as part of the measures to avert the pandemic.<br /> <br /> Monago who was represented by his Vice, Dr. Jide Onyekwelu applauded the government’s response to the scourge, describing it as well articulated and valid.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “We need staff, I don’t know the staff strength of doctors in the civil service, but I’m sure they are not many. If this disease comes in and attacks hundreds of people at once, it will quickly overwhelm the workforce.<br /> <br /> “It’s either they quickly recruit staff or make arrangements to engage doctors in private practice to assist.”<br /> <br /> He however pledged the readiness of the association to partner with the government in fighting the pandemic.<br /> <br /> He added, “We’re ready to collaborate with the government including encouraging our members to compliment the medical personnel of government. That’s why we commend the Civil Service Doctors in the state for calling off their one-month strike.<br /> <br /> “We’ve also advised our doctors to be at alert because doctors in private practice attend to more than 70percent of health needs of the people of the state.<br /> <br /> “We’ve told them not to wait for government to provide some basic materials, including masks and sanitizers, because once it enters the hospital, it will be catastrophic.<br /> <br /> “If you can’t afford the official ones, go for the improvised.<br /> <br /> While advising visitors to stay away from hospitals in the state, the NMA boss insisted that only sick persons and their attendants were allowed entry to the hospitals until the scourge receded.<br /> <br /> He also stressed the need for regular management meeting with the staff on the updates and challenges of the pandemic, just as he advised that consulting rooms should be well ventilated.<br /> <br /> “Do not visit hospitals unless you are sick. Only sick people or those attending to impatients and their attendants will be allowed entry to the hospitals. A notice board should be kept at the entrance to that effect.<br /> <br /> “All health facilities should have staff at the entrance of their hospitals to ensure that all persons entering the facility wash and or sanitize their hands before entrance and exit.<br /> <br /> “Have isolation room/ward where a suspected case will stay until contact is made with Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre on 08030953771 or 08117567363,” Monago noted.

Latest-News Our workforce not enough to battle COVID-19 – NMA Cries out

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra state has called on the governor of the state, Willie Obiano to recruit more medical perso...

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BREAKING: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdGUWSffEqnTIX_TJZDkX_qfEUXBpzUiE__5VLQVMBW_LjWHl9c7oapSYChyphenhyphenVW6qW3xMW0xiaWokSkv6cTe64oJSra1x3FN0HLjGG6-W25Rti7rMghMyBOEAA8B5u3qLlXRhJ72qQwfOd/s1600/boris+johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdGUWSffEqnTIX_TJZDkX_qfEUXBpzUiE__5VLQVMBW_LjWHl9c7oapSYChyphenhyphenVW6qW3xMW0xiaWokSkv6cTe64oJSra1x3FN0HLjGG6-W25Rti7rMghMyBOEAA8B5u3qLlXRhJ72qQwfOd/s400/boris+johnson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal">Boris Johnson, prime minister of the UK, has tested positive for coronavirus.</div> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal">The prime minister, who disclosed this in a tweet on Friday, said he only has mild symptoms.</div> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en"></div> <a name='more' id="more"></a>Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.<br /> <br /> I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.<br /> <br /> Together we will beat this. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeSaveLives?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeSaveLives</a> <a href="https://t.co/9Te6aFP0Ri">pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri</a><br /> — Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1243496858095411200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Latest-News BREAKING: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

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President Buhari hails Atiku Abubakar, Dangote, Otedola, Elemelu, others

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Lagos confirms pipeline leakage, alerts Nigerians

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Breaking News from Aso Villa, by Femi Adesina

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMip7StShDOWxCu7hYK1j2TXONFa5jYNeQwmM8EpI_XLdBQGiQkk-YbdOsRoH1HDkFb80IgI9apMFy3yS16xY8jReQ_0EJcq8QuCpIW5a1DOH2PlWduqGIexqYD_sYzEyL2SbOOfb2rt_/s1600/Special-Adviser-to-the-President-on-Media-and-Publicity-Mr.-Femi-Adesina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMip7StShDOWxCu7hYK1j2TXONFa5jYNeQwmM8EpI_XLdBQGiQkk-YbdOsRoH1HDkFb80IgI9apMFy3yS16xY8jReQ_0EJcq8QuCpIW5a1DOH2PlWduqGIexqYD_sYzEyL2SbOOfb2rt_/s640/Special-Adviser-to-the-President-on-Media-and-Publicity-Mr.-Femi-Adesina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Quite a challenging week it has been for Nigeria, and, indeed, the rest of the world. Except perhaps in China only, where the affliction started from, figures of Coronavirus infections continue to mount in other parts of the world. Italy and Spain have been particularly badly hit.<br /> <br /> But as the world reels under the impact of a most pernicious pandemic, a suicide bomber wreaking deadly havocs, merchants of fake, hateful news remain fully at work.<br /> <br /> Aso Villa, the seat of presidential authority, has been their focus for most of the week. They have kept churning out spurious reports after the other about President Muhammadu Buhari, and some other people who work with him. If you choose to believe them, the President by now has even been evacuated, and is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed location somewhere in the wide world.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Breaking news from Aso Villa. That is what you have had day after day. And each time I am contacted to authenticate one story or the other, I tell the enquirers that the Presidential Villa is part of the world, part of humanity, and the people there are not immune from what is happening in the rest of the world.<br /> <br /> But the outright fake, hateful news, I have ignored all week. Not a word in response. How do you begin to give wings to concocted stories through responses that will make the falsehood fly faster? No, purveyors of wickedness should not have the satisfaction of drawing us out all the time, and getting some tacit endorsement for their flight of fancy.<br /> <br /> A top aide of the President tested positive early in the week. He is receiving adequate care, and he has our best wishes. But for the sinister minds, it was floodgate to all sorts of malediction. All sorts of Breaking News followed:<br /> <br /> ‘Intensive care machines brought into Aso Rock.’ ‘President Buhari coughing ceaselessly.’ ‘PMB under intensive care.’ ‘Adesina among those who accompanied Abba Kyari to Kogi.’ (I never did). ‘Garba Shehu under self-isolation.’ ‘Buhari may be smuggled out of the country, as condition worsens.’ And by yesterday, a recorded message started circulating on WhatsApp, saying President Buhari had been sneaked out of the country. To where? By who? Their fecund imaginations did not say.<br /> <br /> And more Breaking News: ‘Buhari bans journalists from covering Aso Villa.’ (A man supposedly in intensive care was still banning reporters. Lol). ‘Buhari in self-isolation’ (Yet he was in the office on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, even receiving visitors). ‘Aso Villa shut down.’ And the vile beat goes on…<br /> <br /> Why do some people conjure nothing but evil? Why do they imagine vain things? In 2017, while President Buhari had his medical challenge, they were on orgy of negative wishes, misinformation, and disinformation.<br /> <br /> But God pulled a fast one on them. He brought the President back, as right as rain. Haven’t they learned their lessons?<br /> <br /> With the good people, however, positive things are happening. Tony Elumelu’s UBA is giving N5 billion to help Nigeria and Africa. Abdusamad Rabiu (BUA) has donated one billion Naira in cash.<br /> <br /> Folorunsho Alakija has imported test kits and other materials for Nigerians, worth hundreds of millions of Naira. Aliko Dangote, after an initial donation of N200 million to combat Coronavirus, is leading top bankers and the private sector generally to raise aid. GTBank has donated a 100 beds care center. The Redeemed Christian Church of God has provided ventilators. And many more.<br /> <br /> These are the people and organizations that should define us as a people, not the conjurers of wickedness and doomsday. God is surely greater than them. And Nigeria too.<br /> <b><br /> <i>.Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity</i></b>

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Gunmen chased me for one hour – Footballer who escaped kidnap

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiROVHuXttkURCJsmagNzUErG_6eB2ZlDc4MVUQpxli-cbgip6QbDI7WoQ5pX7INpP1wznS_P0iq5q84279eOMBlDbCLNyTQ6rR0EO5cZ2UNwv1GACovS_RUWTypQ4G3iGXiIXa59JFkw/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="312" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiROVHuXttkURCJsmagNzUErG_6eB2ZlDc4MVUQpxli-cbgip6QbDI7WoQ5pX7INpP1wznS_P0iq5q84279eOMBlDbCLNyTQ6rR0EO5cZ2UNwv1GACovS_RUWTypQ4G3iGXiIXa59JFkw/s400/download.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Enyimba defender, Emmanuel James, said he spent about one hour in the bush after escaping from the kidnappers that abducted his two friends and teammate Dayo Ojo and Abia Comets’ Benjamin Iluyomade.<br /> <br /> Gunmen kidnapped Ojo and Iluyomade on Sunday around Ipele, Owo Local Government, Ondo State on their way from Aba to Akure after the League Management Company suspended the league due to coronavirus outbreak.<br /> <br /> Ojo and Iluyomade were released on Wednesday after ransom was paid to the kidnappers.<br /> <br /> In a chat with our correspondent, James said he was able to evade the kidnappers by escaping into the bush, while his other friends were unlucky.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Sunday was the worst day in my life; I’ve never experienced that kind of day before. On our way from Aba, the Benin-Owo Expressway was bad, so, we had to slow down. Immediately we got to a pothole, we saw some gunmen coming out of the bush,” he said.<br /> <br /> “Immediately we saw them, my colleague (Ojo), who was driving tried to reverse the car but they also blocked us from the back. It was during that process that I opened the door and I ran into the bush, I was in that bush for close to 40 minutes or about one hour before I managed to come out.<br /> <br /> “As I was running in the bush, they ran after me but I didn’t stop, there were trees all around that injured me but I kept running, right now, I have marks all over my body.<br /> <br /> “I then met some policemen and people from the village, who crowded the scene; they came when they heard the gunshots. I noticed that two of my friends Dayo and Benjamin had been kidnapped; they also took three other people, who were coming back from a burial ceremony, in another vehicle.<br /> <br />  “When I came out from the bush, everything was intact in the car, they only took my phone and Dayo’s phone, so, I drove the car to the police station and reported and then wrote a statement about the incident. They allowed me to go and have been calling me for information.”<br /> <br /> He said has recovered his phone after the kidnappers released his friends.

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Enyimba defender, Emmanuel James, said he spent about one hour in the bush after escaping from the kidnappers that abducted his two friend...

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COVID-19: Lai Mohammed, Ehanire, Aregbesola, others test negative

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAlFSC8neyjWfhQYza_UnuMgbI6QLucrT-Mp7Sk4o6SvJz2tl4YSqgngBtMDL7Z8YWRk1XolMrXiFS2OMRb2WD1lXpXaGlUjGZNoH69Ng42_Inn9kBM-6g10ftMFyrFuxnPEvnk_dNHw/s1600/Alhaji-Lai-Mohammed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="618" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAlFSC8neyjWfhQYza_UnuMgbI6QLucrT-Mp7Sk4o6SvJz2tl4YSqgngBtMDL7Z8YWRk1XolMrXiFS2OMRb2WD1lXpXaGlUjGZNoH69Ng42_Inn9kBM-6g10ftMFyrFuxnPEvnk_dNHw/s400/Alhaji-Lai-Mohammed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> There was a sigh of relief on Thursday in Abuja as most members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet tested negative to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.<br /> <br /> The positive status of the Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, who is the coordinator of government activities created fright in government circles of a possible high-rate of infection of the cabinet members and governors.<br /> <br /> But it was a thing of joy in the early hours when the tests conducted on most of the ministers  were negative.<br /> <br /> Although some results were still being awaited as of press time on Thursday, some of those whose results were released are members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, including the Minister of Health,  Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who had gone into self-isolation ahead of the results.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> There were signs that some members of the PTF might occasionally come out of isolation to attend to urgent issues on COVID-19.<br /> <br /> Those   given clean bill of health are:   Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha; Dr. Ehanire; Interior Minister  Rauf Aregbesola; Aviation Minister  Hadi Sirika; Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed and   Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Services Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.<br /> <br /> Others are Finance Minister Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; her Minister of State Clem Agba;  Education Minister Adamu Adamu; Environment Minister Mohammed Mahmoud; Others are the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello;  the Minster of State for Mines and Steel, Mr. Uche Ogah; and the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Aliyu.<br /> <br /> Other members of the SGF-led presidential taskforce on COVID whose tests turned out negative are the   Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi; the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control; Dr.  Chikwe Ihekweazu; and  the World Health Organisation Country Representative, Wondimagegnehu Alemu.<br /> <br /> A top source said: “All members of the PTF tested negative to COVID-19. At least, we now know the status of those managing this crisis for us.”<br /> <br /> A minister, who spoke in confidence, said: “It was harrowing in the last 48 hours awaiting the results. I, members of my family and my aides had been in suspense.<br /> <br /> “We were expected to receive the results on Wednesday but we were not notified until the early hours of Thursday.<br /> <br /> “It was traumatic but it was worth it at the end of the day. The fear is not about whether positive or negative but the stigmatisation.<br /> <br /> “The tension was more profound when we were given our results individually. No minister could ask his or her colleague the outcome of the test.”<br /> <br /> The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, said via a tweet: “I’m glad to inform all my family and friends, including the good people of the FCT at large that I have tested *negative* to COVID-19. I thank Almighty Allah for good health and his infinite grace in these trying times.<br /> <br /> “I want to implore you all to take all possible precautions not just for yourself but also for your loved ones. Please avoid getting panicked. As a nation, we shall come out of this stronger and better”.<br /> <br /> Responding to a question at a news briefing yesterday, the Minister of Information and Culture,   said, “Yes, I did the test and early this morning (Thursday), I got the result and it came out negative.<br /> <br /> “Every member of the Presidential Task Force(PTF) submitted himself or herself to the test. I am not at liberty to tell you the results of anyone<br /> <br /> “We were tested   at home. You can be tested within three to five minutes.”<br /> <br /> But Mohammed was put to task on why the ministers, who were negative, had not gone into isolation.<br /> <br /> He said:”Given the nature of the assignment before the PTF, we cannot abdicate our responsibility.<br /> <br /> “We have taken measures on how to go about our duty such as teleconferencing. We came out of self-isolation because we have a huge task at hand.<br /> <br /> “We will, as when necessary, come out of isolation, not because we have tested negative, but because we cannot abdicate our responsibility and just disappear.<br /> <br /> “We are going to adhere strictly to the regulations on hygiene, social distancing, and other preventive measures.”<br /> <div><br /></div>

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What NCC is doing to support stakeholders’ efforts to deal with COVID-19

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDJZBNfujGV3pWUnQBLMSsnrNKui9vW04H8htzrdaKZhv-zKHgyLPfj3JpOKeB-PR6cZ7_2nw6WgyuO6DA7fiIB7x3ktMw24HviE7rDZ3fTG8wOP0zF9U8M5u1l3XPGGtspPLKtFAQ-M/s1600/ImageFile-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDJZBNfujGV3pWUnQBLMSsnrNKui9vW04H8htzrdaKZhv-zKHgyLPfj3JpOKeB-PR6cZ7_2nw6WgyuO6DA7fiIB7x3ktMw24HviE7rDZ3fTG8wOP0zF9U8M5u1l3XPGGtspPLKtFAQ-M/s400/ImageFile-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> As the COVID-19, better known as Coronavirus, continues to ravage the global community, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the telecommunications industry regulator, has put in place measures to support initiatives by other stakeholders to curtail this scourge.<br /> <br /> The Commission, in conjunction with industry players and all other government agencies, has agreed to reduce the frequency of physical meetings all through the period of the Coronavirus outbreak and considered alternative electronic meeting platforms, in order to reduce person-to-person contact that may arise from travels or meetings.<br /> <br /> Departments within the Commission that interface with customers have developed e-platforms where all licensing requests, consumer complaints and base transceiver station (BTS) investigation requests could be channeled or provide designated e-mail addresses to be used for such requests throughout the pandemic period.<br /> <br /> The Commission has also approved resource sharing by operators throughout the period of coronavirus. These include fibre optics cables and other resources in the event of cable cuts and other unforeseen developments during the period of coronavirus outbreak.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Commission has also directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure that their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes are in tandem with government initiatives to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide safety and support aid materials that will protect the public against Coronavirus.<br /> <br /> All social and official visits to the Commission have been cancelled immediately and visitors advised to use relevant online platforms and or telephone services in accessing the Commission’s services.<br /> <br /> For those who may be affected, the Commission implores them to take advantage of the Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) by dialing the toll-free number 112.<br /> <br /> The NCC supports Right of Passage (RoP) for all telecommunications members for easy movement in the event of a total lockdown and or restriction of movement.<br /> <br /> The regulator is also in support of RoP for suppliers that are involved in supplies of fuels, foods and other support services to telecom operators, to allow for free movement in the event of partial or total lockdown as a result of the coronavirus.<br /> <br /> The Commission is in touch with Law Enforcement Agencies to constantly protect telecom infrastructure nationwide. The NCC will come out from time to time with enlightenment information on the dangers of the virus so that consumers can be guided accordingly.

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China reports 55 new coronavirus cases, prepares for entry ban

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AtvL7Ca6UJRwcZduCQopOJQFL7MeXjOPm_ydt5TXLGM1b98bHLWerK5zvRF-h5eGSWk6LbrzdCHOZiKlhd03pWLqXK49_5VjvHgW_Qvo3ZLsRWgBh2MTG1cMml60PJx_Yvgc-DoOwnM/s1600/https___cdn.cnn_.com_cnnnext_dam_assets_200108214800-coronavirus-750x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AtvL7Ca6UJRwcZduCQopOJQFL7MeXjOPm_ydt5TXLGM1b98bHLWerK5zvRF-h5eGSWk6LbrzdCHOZiKlhd03pWLqXK49_5VjvHgW_Qvo3ZLsRWgBh2MTG1cMml60PJx_Yvgc-DoOwnM/s400/https___cdn.cnn_.com_cnnnext_dam_assets_200108214800-coronavirus-750x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>China has reported 55 new coronavirus infections and five deaths over the past day, as the country prepares to shut its borders to most foreigners in an effort to curb imported cases of the virus.</b><br /> <br /> According to the National Health Commission, all but one of the new cases reported on Friday were found among travellers returning from abroad.<br /> <br /> China on Thursday said it would suspend the entry of foreign nationals holding valid visas and resident permits in a move to curb the number of imported cases of the coronavirus.<br /> <br /> The ban becomes effective on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also on Thursday, the government said it would severely limit both outbound and inbound international flights.<br /> <br /> According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), each Chinese and foreign airline will be able to operate only one international flight per week between China and any given country.<br /> <br /> Each flight should not exceed 75 per cent of passenger capacity.<br /> <br /> The measure becomes effective on Sunday, the administration said.<br /> <br /> So far, China has reported a total of 81,340 coronavirus infections including 3,292 deaths and 74,588 recoveries.

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African football legend Mohamed Farah dies from COVID-19

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCthlGO8LR9NGHtt2Y_x6131pS9BklSf4ACEkTYvSP-BDelxKIw0vAksMEAezbehem3Ha_nttczaM57DLhUryo3jTPEFkyCIwJEQvs8medDODU2mjb_XzADAJQvZExixgskQJGDROm3A4/s1600/Mohammad-farah.fw_-768x372.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="768" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCthlGO8LR9NGHtt2Y_x6131pS9BklSf4ACEkTYvSP-BDelxKIw0vAksMEAezbehem3Ha_nttczaM57DLhUryo3jTPEFkyCIwJEQvs8medDODU2mjb_XzADAJQvZExixgskQJGDROm3A4/s400/Mohammad-farah.fw_-768x372.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Somalia has tragically lost former footballer, Abdulkadir Mohamed Farah to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Somali Football Federation has confirmed.</b><br /> <br /> Farah passed away at a Northwest London Hospital on Tuesday (24 March 2020), after testing positive to the deadly virus last week. He was 59.<br /> <br /> SFF president, Abdiqani Said Arab, has commiserated with the bereaved family on the demise of Farah, who was an advisor to the Minister of Youth and Sport.<br /> <br /> Born on 15 February 1961, Farah was born in the city of Beledweyne, about 342 kilometres north of the capital Mogadishu.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> His football career dates back to 1976 when he first appeared in the national schools football tournament.<br /> <br /> He got promoted to regional level representing his home Hiiraan region in the 1979 regional football tournament.<br /> <br /> The regional tournament became a platform for him to showcase his talent and from there he was recruited by Batroolka Football Club where he had an illustrious playing career until late 1980s.<br /> <br /> For the past four years, he served as an advisor to the Minister of Youth and Sport of the Federal Government of Somalia.

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK9lCkOCOsMsCU45uKOc_VChyg_OpQnBu3J5X4knttzBsNxceueYhTYOzEXGs4lahqaRWDYhDS59jGf0w4UIW-ua0eLQo_cPCslEsJv6HzYA9CgZHa9pJXf5RfexoYIyu7wpXIToMzq4/s1600/Gbajabiamila.fw_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="750" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK9lCkOCOsMsCU45uKOc_VChyg_OpQnBu3J5X4knttzBsNxceueYhTYOzEXGs4lahqaRWDYhDS59jGf0w4UIW-ua0eLQo_cPCslEsJv6HzYA9CgZHa9pJXf5RfexoYIyu7wpXIToMzq4/s400/Gbajabiamila.fw_.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The House of Representatives has started taking delivery of the Toyota Camry 2020 model cars acquired for members as official cars, otherwise called utility vehicles.</b><br /> <br /> Our correspondent sighted some of the cars at different parking lots within the National Assembly Complex, on Thursday.<br /> <br /> The legislators had at an executive (closed-door) session on February 5, 2020, resolved to purchase 400 units of the exotic car.<br /> <br /> The House has, however, kept sealed lips on the cost of each unit as the contract for the supply it was learnt was not awarded to accredited Toyota dealers.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Punch observed that the House procured the V6 Limited Edition variant of the car.<br /> <br /> Chairman of the Committee on House Services, Mr. Wale Raji, who confirmed delivery of the cars declined to respond to further enquiries.<br /> <br /> The cars, which belong to the National Assembly, are usually auctioned to the lawmakers after four years.<br /> <br /> A check on the website of Toyota revealed that each of the vehicles – depending on the variant, has a price tag of between US$25,000 to US $35,000, excluding the cost of shipping and custom duties, which is about 100 per cent of the actual cost of each unit.<br /> <br /> For instance, those with higher specification, which most often than not is the preferred choice of lawmakers, could cost tax payers a tidy sum. Vehicles in this range are: XLE at $29,455, XLE V6 at $34,580, XSE at $30,005 and XSE V6 at $35,130.<br /> <br /> Already, about 14 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado sports utility vehicles have already been handed out to presiding as well as other principal officers and chairmen of select House committees.<br /> <br /> Some lawmakers who were contacted on Thursday said they had yet to receive vehicles delivered in “the first batch.”<br /> <br /> Giving a breakdown of how the vehicles are shared, a member of the House, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said, the 400 saloon cars would be allocated to each of the 360 members and some top management staff, Chiefs of Staff to the (two) presiding officers as well as some of their special advisers and assistants.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker explained that new members who did not get committee appointments would benefit from the first batch.<br /> <br /> The source said, “I was told 100 have already arrived and they are sharing them to new members who are not chairmen and deputy chairmen (of committees). The next batch will be for returning (ranking) members who are neither chairmen nor deputy chairmen. The last batch will go to ranking member with appointments.”<br /> <br /> The Committee on House Services and the National Assembly Management, led by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, had constituted a joint committee to oversee the acquisition, verification and distribution to the lawmakers.<br /> <br /> The Committee on House Services, which also exists in the Senate, serves as the protocol and welfare department.<br /> <br /> The joint committee was set up as some members had alleged that the National Assembly had become a “dumping ground” for smuggled and refurbished automobiles.<br /> <div><br /></div>

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Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu donates N1 Billion to fight coronavirus in Nigeria

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggepZ0EhI0Z25n1t1FzSFhNeclDStxSLj-qlHrSS4VXEe1N-H0wrwJ5esvhTF_n9UzPbp05kX-Fh3FTTrgHOo3InADKvbBljMy5d3ZJVc_MeR2QUJ-remM4TCxl98ATpM0ML785OY5Xt2C/s1600/Founder+of+BUA+Group%252C+Abdul+Samad+Rabiu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggepZ0EhI0Z25n1t1FzSFhNeclDStxSLj-qlHrSS4VXEe1N-H0wrwJ5esvhTF_n9UzPbp05kX-Fh3FTTrgHOo3InADKvbBljMy5d3ZJVc_MeR2QUJ-remM4TCxl98ATpM0ML785OY5Xt2C/s640/Founder+of+BUA+Group%252C+Abdul+Samad+Rabiu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> In a bid to strengthen national response to COVID-19 in Nigeria, Industrialist and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced a donation of N1billion cash through the BUA Foundation and has also placed an order for additional donation of equipment and medical supplies, including testing kits and medical protective gear to nine states in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> These medical supplies were being airfreighted and would arrive Nigeria as soon as possible. States to benefit include Lagos, Kano, Adamawa, Edo, Kwara, Rivers, Abia, Akwa-Ibom and Sokoto.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking on the donation, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, said it was very important for the private sector to support the government’s effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, whilst also adding that the N1billion donation would be done through the Central Bank of Nigeria-led ‘Private Sector Coalition Committee Against COVID-19’.<br /> <br /> “This donation will not only provide additional needed funds to the government and NCDC’s efforts but will also serve to protect healthcare and medical workers on the frontlines of fighting the pandemic. “In addition to donating the ordered medical supplies and equipment to the two most populated states in Northern and Southern Nigeria, we have also selected 7 states across all geopolitical regions in Nigeria where significant members of the BUA workforce and their families are situated to help preparedness and response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.<br /> <br /> Each of these 9 states will receive about 100,000 protective facemasks, 1000 high grade medical protection and isolation gear, 2000 protective goggles, 1000 gloves and 1000 testing kits amongst other things.” Rabiu added.

Latest-News Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu donates N1 Billion to fight coronavirus in Nigeria

In a bid to strengthen national response to COVID-19 in Nigeria, Industrialist and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced ...

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Fidelity Bank staff infected with coronavirus

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="749" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4yacZqFc3VKB-M7wU5oEFA2a_qcFuvpO76Yl01v6kvIBv11KIILHCdkpvlV7InzpSh21u3RkooTklGjs7s_SSk5469LJL8MUyRYnHFTvvP8Jevz5VpL1-hLVDcuB1Egrh_xodR9bRbIe/s640/fidelity+bank.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <b>Fidelity Bank on Thursday revealed that one of its staff who returned from a holiday in the United Kingdom has tested positive for coronavirus.</b><br /> <br /> The bank noted that the individual had embarked on self-isolation upon his arrival in the country in line with its policy that mandates staff/family members who have travelled overseas in recent time to self isolate for 14 days and test for the virus before returning to work.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Fidelity Bank mandates staff or immediate family member(s) who travel out the country to self-isolate for two weeks and obtain medical clearance before returning to work as part of our COVID-19 preventive and precautionary measures,” the statement signed by Charles Aigbe, the bank’s divisional head for brand and communications, read.<br /> <br /> “This process was activated and strictly adhered to by one of our staff members who returned from holidays in the United Kingdom.<br /> <br /> “He was in self-isolation and underwent testing in line with the bank’s policy. The test results returned positive at the weekend and we quickly arranged for him to be moved to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where he is currently being attended to by health officials.”<br /> <br /> According to the bank, two other members of staff who received gifts from the individual have also been made to self-isolate and the office where they work has been temporarily closed.<br /> <br /> The bank said no customers were identified in the contact tracing that was carried out.<br /> <br /> Also, the bank said it has shut down its business office at the federal secretariat in Abuja and advised all staff/vendors to self-isolate and go for testing in line with its policy on COVID-19, on account of possible exposure of a vendor staff.<br /> <br /> The bank said it is carrying out other measures like reducing the number of staff expected to report physically at work and number of customers allowed at a time in the banking hall to a maximum of five to curb the spread of the virus.<br /> <br /> <b>SEE THE STATEMENT RELEASED BY FIDELITY BANK BELOW:</b><br /> <b><br /></b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57PxkALXnfEi7saFuBS0ASb4v3HXtXEjpmg7WLp07Z7RM7ZldSpk6ZDPJ60_C34K2puu7eP8ii_odF-kknEobXzysVvroFmwrOyub5H74I3LsLyWvzKD2TiVCUKXCFltc0tgrrrMuEOng/s1600/ststf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57PxkALXnfEi7saFuBS0ASb4v3HXtXEjpmg7WLp07Z7RM7ZldSpk6ZDPJ60_C34K2puu7eP8ii_odF-kknEobXzysVvroFmwrOyub5H74I3LsLyWvzKD2TiVCUKXCFltc0tgrrrMuEOng/s640/ststf.jpg" width="456" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaBQX5ey8nb8s5ZsWZTwH1UF1pXLtqIsZUjw5PhPpDrakAIdtPApFpUxnZV1zAJwC2S6Hqo0Bb1KMvaqPK2QlYz3TQjs6ZVI-NBOEIBrzeHcyEolo_LG16nw7StO8E_mrR9oKbWjVa3Pa/s1600/cqcq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaBQX5ey8nb8s5ZsWZTwH1UF1pXLtqIsZUjw5PhPpDrakAIdtPApFpUxnZV1zAJwC2S6Hqo0Bb1KMvaqPK2QlYz3TQjs6ZVI-NBOEIBrzeHcyEolo_LG16nw7StO8E_mrR9oKbWjVa3Pa/s640/cqcq.jpg" width="456" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <b><br /></b>

Latest-News Fidelity Bank staff infected with coronavirus

Fidelity Bank on Thursday revealed that one of its staff who returned from a holiday in the United Kingdom has tested positive for coronav...

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United States overtakes China and Italy to become the world’s worst coronavirus ravaged country

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmQQBxl40dYGqngtd51sZrbBRq-NVkEhL2Mmvzgy3I4-kaBUQ92jLXcByXZ-bf4oOawlh8Lc7mVGcvVv7tFUZU-Ul5N0N4r69SAZN2vj4O_EsaQIVS8DIdv99occuK2MFgILM31O57VJ7/s1600/nbc-fires-donald-trump-after-he-calls-mexicans-rapists-and-drug-runners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmQQBxl40dYGqngtd51sZrbBRq-NVkEhL2Mmvzgy3I4-kaBUQ92jLXcByXZ-bf4oOawlh8Lc7mVGcvVv7tFUZU-Ul5N0N4r69SAZN2vj4O_EsaQIVS8DIdv99occuK2MFgILM31O57VJ7/s640/nbc-fires-donald-trump-after-he-calls-mexicans-rapists-and-drug-runners.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>The United States overtook China and Italy on Thursday as the world’s worst-hit country by the raging coronavirus pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> The U.S. took the morbid distinction after new 14,336 confirmed cases were added.<br /> <br /> The record figure shot the country to the top of the table with 82,547 cases.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> China where the pandemic began late last year has 81,285 cases.<br /> <br /> Italy, the worst hit country in Europe, has 80, 589 cases.<br /> <br /> According to worldometers.info figures, while Italy recorded 6,203 cases on Thursday, China logged just 67.<br /> <br /> The death toll in the U.S. has also spiralled to 1,182.<br /> <br /> 157 new deaths were recorded on Thursday.<br /> <br /> However, there are some silver linings for the U.S.<br /> <br /> One is that it has been able to keep its fatalities low.<br /> <br /> Italy holds the world record of 8,215 deaths, followed by Spain, with 4,145.<br /> <br /> China, where the pandemic started has a death toll of 3,287.<br /> <br /> The second silver lining for America is that the recovery rate has increased. On Wednesday, it was just 394 recoveries. The figure jumped to 1,864 cases on Thursday.<br /> <br /> Nigeria remains mildly hit with 65 confirmed cases and one death.

Latest-News United States overtakes China and Italy to become the world’s worst coronavirus ravaged country

The United States overtook China and Italy on Thursday as the world’s worst-hit country by the raging coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. took...

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Coronavirus kills 365 people in one day in France

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFGeUlnw7X-5lw6CfUr3-zBh_jPRm80_-OGZjcYvSmEK9RVaxtJ-HWiSSmsG3aupiSSvbiUWyfTGqifhyphenhyphen0aNhWbB316KIrRyM6vnx0CWketF_d70_GzXp4qAkATemCj1On3GgbsHlIf3T/s1600/corona3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="660" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFGeUlnw7X-5lw6CfUr3-zBh_jPRm80_-OGZjcYvSmEK9RVaxtJ-HWiSSmsG3aupiSSvbiUWyfTGqifhyphenhyphen0aNhWbB316KIrRyM6vnx0CWketF_d70_GzXp4qAkATemCj1On3GgbsHlIf3T/s400/corona3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the United Kingdom hospitals has risen by 115 in a single day to 578, as of 5pm on Thursday.<br /> <br /> It is the biggest daily rise in deaths across the country since the outbreak began.<br /> <br /> As of 9am on Thursday, 11,658 out of 104,866 people who have been tested for the virus were confirmed as positive cases.<br /> <br /> In France, the number of deaths from coronavirus has risen by 365 in 24 hours, from 1,331 to 1,696, according to health officials.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Director general of the French health service, Jérome Salomon, said on Thursday there are now 29,155 confirmed cases in the country.<br /> <br /> A 16-year-old in the Ile de France region is one of those who died.<br /> <br /> There are currently 13,904 people in hospital with Covid-19 of whom 3,375 are in intensive care.<br /> <br /> Of those, 34 per cent are under 60 and 58 per cent are aged between 60 and 80.<br /> <br /> There have been 53 confirmed coronavirus cases in France’s overseas territories (Réunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe) of whom 21 are in intensive care, and two have died.<br /> <br /> Salomon said 4,948 people who were confirmed as having the coronavirus had recovered.<br /> <br /> The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide has passed the half a million mark, according to the latest figures on the Johns Hopkins University global dashboard.<br /> <br /> Cases stand at 510,108 while there have been 22,993 deaths.

Latest-News Coronavirus kills 365 people in one day in France

The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the United Kingdom hospitals has risen by 115 in a single day to 578, as of 5pm on ...

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Clergyman in Pope’s residence infected with coronavirus

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcbCViUFpWiDcNUpCNWsTH3QkDRDYKHSOkohbfo4ITTeTOQfOQaQCvJXTOZ5UDDiZIjcmMNWvHTahY2BW_8s94pXGsffqJ1shrnrtGkC8GGEiWwP7J7zNP0B0Evj965NlK774x8cl61k/s1600/coronavirus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcbCViUFpWiDcNUpCNWsTH3QkDRDYKHSOkohbfo4ITTeTOQfOQaQCvJXTOZ5UDDiZIjcmMNWvHTahY2BW_8s94pXGsffqJ1shrnrtGkC8GGEiWwP7J7zNP0B0Evj965NlK774x8cl61k/s400/coronavirus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> An Italian employee of the Holy See who lives in the same residence as Pope Francis was reported Thursday to have tested positive for COVID-19 and has been hospitalised.<br /> <br /> Several Italian newspapers with reputable sources in the Vatican said the clergyman has lived for years in the Saint Martha’s guesthouse.<br /> <br /> Il Messaggero said the person is “one of the pope’s closest collaborators, an official of the Secretariate of the State, who was found to have a slight temperature after going in for a routine check”.<br /> <br /> The daily La Stampa said the unnamed person has been hospitalised in Rome and that his office has been disinfected.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Pope Francis has remained largely secluded at his residence since coming down with a cold late last month.<br /> <br /> The 83-year-old pontiff has a small apartment in the building and takes his meals there.<br /> <br /> He also has private meetings and occasionally moves to the Vatican library to record livestreamed messages to the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.<br /> <br /> La Stampa said Pope Francis has been “eating alone in his room for some time” as a precaution.

Latest-News Clergyman in Pope’s residence infected with coronavirus

An Italian employee of the Holy See who lives in the same residence as Pope Francis was reported Thursday to have tested positive for COVI...

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Health minister’s absence sparks self-isolation rumour

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn5J78EKpRkCHdxJc0hEl7BtLrgKtsfu73NNzfnoQl7XjCu_nOvn4b9KhzQKB92VjCq2_ehp6QVYU_ZS9srA9Euf7Jv9V8RdGtEByo6zy5ho-5QySzg6gRUC_NWEzC92sQJhL11zmwwg/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="289" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn5J78EKpRkCHdxJc0hEl7BtLrgKtsfu73NNzfnoQl7XjCu_nOvn4b9KhzQKB92VjCq2_ehp6QVYU_ZS9srA9Euf7Jv9V8RdGtEByo6zy5ho-5QySzg6gRUC_NWEzC92sQJhL11zmwwg/s400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> There were insinuations that the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, had gone into self-isolation on Wednesday after possible contact with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.<br /> <br /> The CoS had tested positive to COVID-19 on Monday.<br /> <br /> He had travelled to Germany via Egypt on March 7, 2020 and was accompanied on the trip by the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission, Prof. James Momoh, and the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman.<br /> <br /> He developed severe cough during a meeting on containing the coronavirus in Nigeria on Sunday.<br /> <br /> On Monday, the health minister presided over a press conference held in Abuja where he gave an update on coronavirus.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He was however conspicuously absent during the receipt of medical items donated by Jack Ma at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> The Permanent Secretary at the health ministry, Abdullahi Mashi, received the items on behalf of the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> The Wednesday press briefing on coronavirus was not held.<br /> <br /> Top ministry officials who were contacted by our correspondent could not confirm if he was in isolation but they did confirm his absence from office.<br /> <br /> When our correspondent called his mobile telephone, there was no response, while a text message sent to the line was not replied.

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Coronavirus is punishment from God -Festus Keyamo

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COVID-19: Surrender yourself for test if you are sure of your status – PDP tells Yahaya Bello

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ga0BwGYyppan9G-R0R-h734J8mzxwuEwIkVzXWY3JQ3ARNxX26nAG_7P0jUiBMjR0BQbQUpLhztW1ckZ_335XCU_WZnySuLmRgN-hatuPIZMhc1QLkRf5_YapXqSLAVySHlRNW3eiQA/s1600/Gov-Yahaya-Bello+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ga0BwGYyppan9G-R0R-h734J8mzxwuEwIkVzXWY3JQ3ARNxX26nAG_7P0jUiBMjR0BQbQUpLhztW1ckZ_335XCU_WZnySuLmRgN-hatuPIZMhc1QLkRf5_YapXqSLAVySHlRNW3eiQA/s400/Gov-Yahaya-Bello+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has advised Governor Yahaya Bello to immediately subject himself to the Coronavirus test, having had contact with Abba kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Mohammadu Buhari.<br /> <br /> The PDP in a statement signed by its Director Research and Documentation, Achadu Dickson, said that the fight against the dreaded Covid-19 virus can only be won when stakeholders show responsibility beyond lip service, and urged those who had contact with the CoS to the President to go for test.<br /> <br /> Kyari was one of the top Federal Government officials that graced the three days prayer for the late mother of Governor Bello, Hajia Hawau, last week, in Okene.<br /> <br /> Recall that speculations had gone viral that Bello tested positive with some social media platform saying that he has gone into self-quarantine.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governor and his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Haruna, have however debunked the rumour.<br /> <br /> Haruna said the news of Bello testing positive for the virus is incorrect, and called on the public to ignore such.<br /> <br /> The Commissioner had said, “That is incorrect; please ignore such lies.”

Latest-News COVID-19: Surrender yourself for test if you are sure of your status – PDP tells Yahaya Bello

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has advised Governor Yahaya Bello to immediately subject himself to the Coron...

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