We are not in tithe league, prosperity gospel camp, fake miracles’ confederation – MURIC tells Christian group

Latest-News We are not in tithe league, prosperity gospel camp, fake miracles’ confederation – MURIC tells Christian group

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Why we won’t reveal names of drugs used in treating Coronavirus patients – Health minister

Latest-News Why we won’t reveal names of drugs used in treating Coronavirus patients – Health minister

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BREAKING: Six coronavirus patients escape from Osun isolation center

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8WAH_ulAyR6kV4jAhHXYtz5TirY0kWJu70YohdUHYDI62Mg8nvm-i71e6f_Im8-v68buNwTGPuGBqCboX3704IyZnwhX6GVbed2VJ0VbX-I7qtQtJCXYmzYbIOiaVZQ833qLmKuXcH0/s1600/1D5D788B-8539-4A5F-9004-17B948C06832.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8WAH_ulAyR6kV4jAhHXYtz5TirY0kWJu70YohdUHYDI62Mg8nvm-i71e6f_Im8-v68buNwTGPuGBqCboX3704IyZnwhX6GVbed2VJ0VbX-I7qtQtJCXYmzYbIOiaVZQ833qLmKuXcH0/s400/1D5D788B-8539-4A5F-9004-17B948C06832.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Osun State government has launched a manhunt for six persons with confirmed infection of COVID-19 who escaped from an isolation center in Ejigbo on Friday night.</b><br /> <br /> The six persons belong to a cluster of COVID-19 cases who returned to their hometown, Ejigbo, from Ivory Coast last week and were quarantined by the state government.<br /> A statement from the government which disclosed this gave the names of the six persons with their phone numbers.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> More details soon…

Latest-News BREAKING: Six coronavirus patients escape from Osun isolation center

The Osun State government has launched a manhunt for six persons with confirmed infection of COVID-19 who escaped from an isolation center in Ejigbo on Friday night. The six persons belong to a cluster of COVID-19 cases who returned to their hometow…

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Coronavirus cases, deaths worldwide exceed one million

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKjz48QPPdWk0TanBbfaONs0rBe01tPX-sjbvR4KoPO9XFZSQkeXvB71fMgZQZ62RdhLYb52qDsnmiLo5ygmT3CZzWOY_8rx3z-vPniluo1vf1uUlJK7Q75zvQZYhJW79NGWBP1vQuWM/s1600/350C086C-D2F7-42A9-A71F-E78689874F6B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="748" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKjz48QPPdWk0TanBbfaONs0rBe01tPX-sjbvR4KoPO9XFZSQkeXvB71fMgZQZ62RdhLYb52qDsnmiLo5ygmT3CZzWOY_8rx3z-vPniluo1vf1uUlJK7Q75zvQZYhJW79NGWBP1vQuWM/s400/350C086C-D2F7-42A9-A71F-E78689874F6B.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Coronavirus infections worldwide exploded to over 1,100,000 on Saturday despite lockdowns in many countries.</b><br /> <br /> Data from worldometers.info shows that global cases have reached 1,118,304 as at 8.am Nigerian time.<br /> <br /> The global death toll is also moving northwards logging 59,221 fatalities.<br /> <br /> United States remains the worst-hit nation on earth with 277,522 cases and 7, 403 deaths.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Friday was the darkest day for the world’s biggest economy. Over 32,000 infections were recorded in a single day.<br /> <br /> New York and Louisiana posted record deaths that shot America’s fatalities to new heights.<br /> <br /> In Europe, Italy and Spain are now running neck and neck in grim statistics of infections.<br /> <br /> On Friday, Italy posted 119,827 confirmed cases and Spain 119,199.<br /> <br /> Both countries also top the world in death toll.<br /> <br /> Italy has 14,681 deaths and Spain 11,198.<br /> <br /> Germany has the third worst infections in Europe with 91,159 cases. Unlike Italy and Spain, it has managed to keep fatalities low at 1,275.<br /> <br /> France is next with 82,165 infections and a death toll of 6,507, twice China’s 3,326 out of 81,639 cases.<br /> <br /> Iran has 53,183 cases, with 3294 fatalities.<br /> <br /> The U.K. has 38,168 confirmed cases and has overtaken China in fatalities with 3,605 deaths.

Latest-News Coronavirus cases, deaths worldwide exceed one million

Coronavirus infections worldwide exploded to over 1,100,000 on Saturday despite lockdowns in many countries. Data from worldometers.info shows that global cases have reached 1,118,304 as at 8.am Nigerian time. The global death toll is also moving no…

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I thank Nigerians for supporting me during my nude picture saga- Salawa Abeni

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMEj_wkeffRpHR0mf4bQYIAQhl4tFWyG_smIblwA2vtU8IJEj-vfpjLsoK7WFeD1W9Jus5610-pnA5GUep2GAvFUFVov429udutFTNNR70vu4mPSMH_mZHpNP1hahfBcYa7yERfsW7Xo/s1600/E74CCCC5-D513-4118-8631-A90779A322E8.png" 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/AVvXsEiGMEj_wkeffRpHR0mf4bQYIAQhl4tFWyG_smIblwA2vtU8IJEj-vfpjLsoK7WFeD1W9Jus5610-pnA5GUep2GAvFUFVov429udutFTNNR70vu4mPSMH_mZHpNP1hahfBcYa7yERfsW7Xo/s400/E74CCCC5-D513-4118-8631-A90779A322E8.png" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>Waka music maestro, Salawa Abeni shocked many of her fans during the week, when she released some semi-nude pictures of herself on Instagram.</b><br /> <br /> Abeni did this after an individual identified as Jason had attempted to blackmail her with the photos. Jason had sent her the photos on WhatsApp, threatening to release more to the public if Abeni didn’t pay him. However, in a bid to frustrate his attempts, the musician released the photos herself.<br /> <br /> Asked what gave her the bravery to release the pictures herself on social media, Abeni told Punch, “Firstly, I am not a child. I cannot even recall where that photo was taken. I’m not sure whether I was even in the hospital or with my partner. It must have been taken more than 20 years ago. I’ll be 60 next year and I have spent 46 years on stage, so for anyone to decide to blackmail me in this critical time when the world is on lockdown, battling the coronavirus pandemic; that is bad. So, since the person threatened to release the photo, I decided to ‘help’ him by posting the photo online myself.<br /> <br /> “Whenever I travel abroad, I am treated importantly. So, why should someone be threatening me with blackmail in my own country? He was asking me to negotiate with him; that after I made the payment, he would make a video of himself burning the pictures. I put all the conversation we had online.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Is nudity that sacred? I gave birth four times and I exposed my nakedness to the doctors and nurses at those times. There was nothing for me to be scared of. I have God and people behind me”.<br /> <br /> She also thanked Nigerians for standing by her during the controversial incident.<br /> <br /> “I don’t even know how to thank Nigerians and people from across the world. I always knew that people loved Salawa but I didn’t know it was this much. Since the time I put the picture

Latest-News I thank Nigerians for supporting me during my nude picture saga- Salawa Abeni

Waka music maestro, Salawa Abeni shocked many of her fans during the week, when she released some semi-nude pictures of herself on Instagram. Abeni did this after an individual identified as Jason had attempted to blackmail her with the photos. Jaso…

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Coronavirus: Osinbajo, Abba Kyari critically ill – Nnamdi Kanu alleges

Latest-News Coronavirus: Osinbajo, Abba Kyari critically ill – Nnamdi Kanu alleges

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You helped Buhari, APC to win elections in 2019 – Tinubu praises Oshiomhole

Latest-News You helped Buhari, APC to win elections in 2019 – Tinubu praises Oshiomhole

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COVID-19: Atiku hails engineers who fixed faulty ventilators at JUTH for free

Latest-News COVID-19: Atiku hails engineers who fixed faulty ventilators at JUTH for free

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COVID-19: Foreigners leaving Nigeria to use their health facilities – Minister

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL9qy-RuhW1LpG9C-TSjyqZChvh5XPDTxtadXEjAlA3_6h1X9LGOEgQsZUWHLvuOLlSRdDvBY1xNRWMLiPHXSm8qTcWwFq2jsGk4KRMxFolHs7JwWmTpK8WnSW6L6cuGj52LAZhSJO-0/s1600/AF529E31-1ACC-4789-84E2-F5EF230B386B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="640" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL9qy-RuhW1LpG9C-TSjyqZChvh5XPDTxtadXEjAlA3_6h1X9LGOEgQsZUWHLvuOLlSRdDvBY1xNRWMLiPHXSm8qTcWwFq2jsGk4KRMxFolHs7JwWmTpK8WnSW6L6cuGj52LAZhSJO-0/s400/AF529E31-1ACC-4789-84E2-F5EF230B386B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Foreign citizens are being evacuated from Nigeria because they are more familiar with the health systems in their countries, says Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.</b><br /> <br /> Countries including the US, the UK, Israel and member States of the European Union have started evacuating their nationals from Nigeria amid the coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> Although the international airports in the country are closed to stop further importation of the virus, emergency flights such as those for evacuation are permitted by the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> The minister, on Friday, while briefing the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, said the evacuation regardless, a large number of foreigners were still in Nigeria without any plan of leaving.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “In the case of foreigners being evacuated; this is a case where people are more familiar with the health systems in their various countries and so prefer to go to the various countries so that in the event that they might have to be confined, they will be in more familiar surroundings and will also have access to medical practitioners they are familiar with.<br /> <br /> “(A) large number (of them) are still in the country as well as their Ambassadors and Heads of Missions and other staff and (they) have no plans of leaving.”<br /> <br /> Nigeria has over 200 confirmed cases of coronavirus and four attendant deaths while over 20 of the cases have been discharged.

Latest-News COVID-19: Foreigners leaving Nigeria to use their health facilities – Minister

Foreign citizens are being evacuated from Nigeria because they are more familiar with the health systems in their countries, says Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama. Countries including the US, the UK, Israel and member States of the Europea…

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Nollywood cannot replace me- Tonto Dikeh declares

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS2MN7-YMonJRItkwyEGFsavsoFesX0zcdtSWIxdo0s5uvFGpgFOJ_Yq1u49l6k6pVtRyz2RDAiBaI5qrzifhQnudNK81ZZunP1wOghZHkEzB7I-wqIlB2ws1dFWu66zqRAjtl0jiEOI/s1600/955CC32D-2DFE-4DE7-9FF8-7AB1B9471FAD.png" 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/AVvXsEhDS2MN7-YMonJRItkwyEGFsavsoFesX0zcdtSWIxdo0s5uvFGpgFOJ_Yq1u49l6k6pVtRyz2RDAiBaI5qrzifhQnudNK81ZZunP1wOghZHkEzB7I-wqIlB2ws1dFWu66zqRAjtl0jiEOI/s400/955CC32D-2DFE-4DE7-9FF8-7AB1B9471FAD.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh has stated that she cannot be replaced in Nollywood. The fashionable role interpreter made this known in an Instagram live session she had with MMMG boss, Ubi Franklin, during the week.</b><br /> <br /> “She said, “The industry can never replace me. I say this as a king and a woman. Nollywood can never replace me because I brought in so much to the industry. I brought in so much to the table.”<br /> <br /> Speaking further, Dikeh added that Nigerians detest strong women.<br /> <br /> “The truth is that as Nigerians, we don’t love strong women. We actually detest them because we fear them, not necessarily because we hate them. We are not used to people speaking their minds. I don’t just say things because I want to drive a point; I hate to be taken for granted. How many times have you seen me fight? Truth is, I am a social media sensation and everything about me goes viral.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Baring her mind on the menace of sex-for-roles in Nollywood, Dikeh said, “It’ is very rampant in the industry. I always say my situation was different because the industry actually needed me. We didn’t have many leading actresses then, apart from me and Mercy Johnson. I won’t say I was rude; I would rather say I was principled, so they couldn’t bring such offers to me. I never went for auditions because they knew I was so good. I probably went for auditions once or twice, when they asked me to come and just show my face. It was different for me. I think the new generation of actors need to work on themselves. There are a lot of people who can act but there are a few people who can act exceptionally.<br /> <br /> “We keep blaming these men but sometimes, the women actually offer themselves. I know of a producer in Asaba (Delta State) who used to receive over 5,000 messages from young ladies. He was one of the people who helped me in the industry.”

Latest-News Nollywood cannot replace me- Tonto Dikeh declares

Controversial actress, Tonto Dikeh has stated that she cannot be replaced in Nollywood. The fashionable role interpreter made this known in an Instagram live session she had with MMMG boss, Ubi Franklin, during the week. “She said, “The industry can…

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Don’t accept help from China – Fani-Kayode warns Buhari

Latest-News Don’t accept help from China – Fani-Kayode warns Buhari

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Soldiers threatening to rape, infect Delta women with HIV arrested in Lagos

Latest-News Soldiers threatening to rape, infect Delta women with HIV arrested in Lagos

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Nigeria’s response to coronavirus remarkable – UN Secretary-General

Latest-News Nigeria’s response to coronavirus remarkable – UN Secretary-General

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How 55-year-old man who failed to disclose travel history died of COVID-19 at LUTH

Latest-News How 55-year-old man who failed to disclose travel history died of COVID-19 at LUTH

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COVID-19: Over 4,000 UK citizens seek evacuation from Nigeria

Latest-News COVID-19: Over 4,000 UK citizens seek evacuation from Nigeria

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Americans stranded at Lagos airport as evacuation flight fails to arrive

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAnBFJFYxsZ-wKxhTeaZdNKTFjH_odRBKAAy8mwAWhyO80gg93fSCC7GbvReJHBY-UgxIaxH8xkiLOu9h1i9V9Cyy-ykbnoL8NTE9y_Snv_OhTDbSFjLCrx8uhYV0xUZFIZvPzOMHFZ0/s1600/D3F5D9C5-93E0-414F-8C63-C023C736024D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="677" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAnBFJFYxsZ-wKxhTeaZdNKTFjH_odRBKAAy8mwAWhyO80gg93fSCC7GbvReJHBY-UgxIaxH8xkiLOu9h1i9V9Cyy-ykbnoL8NTE9y_Snv_OhTDbSFjLCrx8uhYV0xUZFIZvPzOMHFZ0/s400/D3F5D9C5-93E0-414F-8C63-C023C736024D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Many American nationals were on Friday stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.</b><br /> <br /> It was gathered that the aircraft that was supposed to evacuate them from Nigeria failed to arrive.<br /> <br /> Sources said the aircraft was forced to return to the US after takeoff due to issues with the crew.<br /> <br /> The US nationals were said to have already checked in at the MMIA and were made to wait for several hours.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The General Manager, Public Affairs of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, who confirmed the incident, said the aircraft did not arrive as expected.<br /> <br /> “The passengers spent the whole day waiting, finally they were all told to go home. They retrieved their luggage and went home,” she said.<br /> <br /> She said the agency was waiting for feedback on when the next flight would be arranged for the evacuation.<br /> <br /> The US Consulate had in a circular, last week, said it would evacuate American citizens in Abuja and Lagos who were ready to return to the US due to the COVID -19 pandemic.<br /> <br /> The consulate stated in the circular that there were no scheduled flights to the United States but that it was 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. US citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to travel to Abuja or Lagos as soon as possible,” the consulate said.

Latest-News Americans stranded at Lagos airport as evacuation flight fails to arrive

Many American nationals were on Friday stranded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. It was gathered that the aircraft that was supposed to evacuate them from Nigeria failed to arrive. Sources said the aircraft was forced to return …

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COVID-19: Scientists detect new spread methods, recommend wearing of face masks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb0QuNXkyjHz4kQnJsBYA4DDPzAx2oaszSh5i6LZcJoiqdkCxVhYdvJ0h9SdzyHJa3yzamAUgmQy2FaFiYBRKEn7i8w99LKHrFiRMfs3Vb6vKmyBLS95a8ifbbt8Oq-fG70nDKi1jfjU/s1600/542E51C6-61A9-4B6E-BF73-B6A7B31CD73C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb0QuNXkyjHz4kQnJsBYA4DDPzAx2oaszSh5i6LZcJoiqdkCxVhYdvJ0h9SdzyHJa3yzamAUgmQy2FaFiYBRKEn7i8w99LKHrFiRMfs3Vb6vKmyBLS95a8ifbbt8Oq-fG70nDKi1jfjU/s400/542E51C6-61A9-4B6E-BF73-B6A7B31CD73C.png" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>The deadly coronavirus may be spread through mere breathing or speaking and not just coughing and sneezing.</b><br /> <br /> This is the new scientific view of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS).<br /> <br /> In a letter sent to the White House on April 1, the academy said that though research isn’t yet conclusive, “the results of available studies are consistent with aerosolization of virus from normal breathing.”<br /> <br /> Dr Anthony Fauci, head of infectious diseases at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, cited the report when he spoke with Fox News on Thursday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He used it to recommend that Americans should wear the face mask when outdoor.<br /> <br /> Until now, US health agencies had said the primary pathway of transmission is respiratory droplets, about one millimetre in diameter.<br /> <br /> The droplets are expelled by sick people when they sneeze or cough.<br /> <br /> These quickly fall to the ground around a meter (three feet) away.<br /> <br /> But if the virus can be suspended in the ultrafine mist people expel when exhaling — in other words, an aerosol — it becomes much harder to prevent its spread.<br /> <br /> A recent NIH-funded study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could become an aerosol and remain airborne for up to three hours.<br /> <br /> The paper received widespread attention even as critics said the findings were overblown because researchers had used a medical device called a nebulizer to deliberately create a viral mist, something they argued would not occur naturally.<br /> <br /> The NAS letter pointed to preliminary research by the University of Nebraska Medical Center that found the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its RNA, in hard-to-reach areas of patients’ isolation rooms.<br /> <br /> The NAS scientists also cited two other studies — both not yet peer reviewed — from Hong Kong and mainland China.<br /> <br /> The Hong Kong researchers had some patients with coronavirus and other viral respiratory illnesses wear masks, while other patients in the study didn’t cover their faces.<br /> <br /> They found fewer droplets and aerosols from coronavirus patients who wore masks.<br /> <br /> The Chinese paper raised concerns that personal protective gear used by health workers could be a source of airborne virus.<br /> <br /> The team studied hospitals in Wuhan and found two major areas where the virus was aerosolized: patient bathrooms and rooms where medical staff removed protective gear.<br /> <br /> This may be because doffing protective gear causes particles to get re-suspended in the air. Even if these particles are not of breathable size, they could settle on people’s hands and bodies, the NAS panel said.<br /> <br /> So far, the World Health Organisation has been more cautious on the airborne threat.<br /> <br /> In an analysis published on March 29, it wrote that aerosol transmission was only known to occur during particular medical treatments that required assisted breathing.

Latest-News COVID-19: Scientists detect new spread methods, recommend wearing of face masks

The deadly coronavirus may be spread through mere breathing or speaking and not just coughing and sneezing. This is the new scientific view of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). In a letter sent to the White House on April 1, the academy s…

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COVID-19: Don’t rush to lift restrictions too quickly, WHO urges Nations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDNvTKHWYBEdufpmTmjx-VBdsIOG5pdYzUYuVeR8NOWV_ALW_r78DA2AtBaSYH3E1OB5Dd5-uoZrSTKd2FJDqNN0ywmYmH3vb8yR85LndI3ZPnBBcEewEsv0rGt6SMubWgZ8x8GDoto4/s1600/DE74DF33-2E3B-4D3A-959D-B7949A12DA08.png" 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/AVvXsEiCDNvTKHWYBEdufpmTmjx-VBdsIOG5pdYzUYuVeR8NOWV_ALW_r78DA2AtBaSYH3E1OB5Dd5-uoZrSTKd2FJDqNN0ywmYmH3vb8yR85LndI3ZPnBBcEewEsv0rGt6SMubWgZ8x8GDoto4/s400/DE74DF33-2E3B-4D3A-959D-B7949A12DA08.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The World Health Organisations (WHO) has urged nations not to be in a hurry to rescind lockdown policies implemented to forestall the coronavirus pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> The WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, made the call at a COVID-19 media briefing on Friday.<br /> <br /> Ghebreyesus warned that if countries rushed to lift restrictions, “the virus could resurge and the economic impact could be even more severe and prolonged.”<br /> <br /> “Financing the health response is, therefore, an essential investment not just in saving lives, but in the longer-term social and economic recovery,” he added.<br /> <br /> The WHO chief advised countries to focus on three key areas – the implementation of core public health measures, the strengthening of health workers’ welfare and the removal of financial barriers to healthcare for all citizens.<br /> <br /> “If people delay or forego care because they can’t afford it, they not only harm themselves, they make the pandemic harder to control and put society at risk,” Ghebreyesus said.<br /> <br /> He advised governments to “consider using cash transfers to the most vulnerable households to overcome barriers to access.<br /> <br /> “This may be particularly important for refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants and the homeless.”<br /> <div><br /></div>

Latest-News COVID-19: Don’t rush to lift restrictions too quickly, WHO urges Nations

The World Health Organisations (WHO) has urged nations not to be in a hurry to rescind lockdown policies implemented to forestall the coronavirus pandemic. The WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, made the call at a COVID-19 media briefing…

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COVID-19 Lockdown: 10 simple ways to beat boredom indoors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavJ5E4iAEZLhE0IgwVQNOlABhzF1uJFrz9WCkW2fWArkQL2XsaCpdVfSGc45QyFMXIrRrwYKjIYHJW9x_3NdRPdEDww2pQkMDO4IhknhAHYcP7utHfCWTOB3NEKD3z12-uwE8C8jOVvE/s1600/7298A4F5-B12C-42BD-9931-F91E5E40CCEB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavJ5E4iAEZLhE0IgwVQNOlABhzF1uJFrz9WCkW2fWArkQL2XsaCpdVfSGc45QyFMXIrRrwYKjIYHJW9x_3NdRPdEDww2pQkMDO4IhknhAHYcP7utHfCWTOB3NEKD3z12-uwE8C8jOVvE/s400/7298A4F5-B12C-42BD-9931-F91E5E40CCEB.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Following a presidential ‘stay-at-home’ order which took full effect on Tuesday, March 31 as part of efforts to contain further spread of the coronaviurs disease [COVID-19], some Nigerians are already complaining of been bored even from the first day.</b><br /> <br /> To kill time and make maximum use of this free and compulsory holiday which might be extended depending on how things turn out in the coming weeks. The following 10 simple ways will make you improve your mental, spiritual and physical health without necessarily stepping out of your household.<br /> <br /> <b>1. Exercise</b><br /> <br /> Provided you are prepared to put a little time and effort into your workout at home, it can be just as effective as a gym workout. At a time like this, the prospect of going into a gym is daunting and therefore exercising in the comfort of their own home is much more appealing. Since you are likely to do a lot more of eating and sitting around, a lot of exercises may be crucial as you need to stay fit and healthy.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <b>2. Read a book</b><br /> <br /> When was the last time you read a book? Now is a good time to revive your reading culture, at least, for leisure. It is often said that there is no better friend than a book. Truth is a lot of us aren’t book lovers, but since we’re about killing boredom, you can try page by page reading on topics that interest you. The internet has also made e-books available to us, therefore, it won’t hurt to look out for books on topics that interest you. Besides, it is always good to gain knowledge especially when you have nothing else to do.<br /> <br /> <b>3. Learn something new</b><br /> <br /> Because lockdown isn’t a vacay, you should work at adding value to yourself at this time. Learn a new skill or add to you your existing knowledge by taking a new course online. It won’t hurt to try one of the many online or self-study options. Many are even free, so there’s no excuse for not broadening your horizons. There are tons of online courses you can take from and get certification for at the end of your learning process. Remember, it’s all about adding value to yourself while you can.<br /> <br /> <b>4. Watch movies</b><br /> <br /> Of course, Netflix is the only thing popular than Coronavirus right now and catching up with your favourite movies, series or soap operas wouldn’t be a bad idea. When you’re glued to watching an array of interesting movies, several hours would be passed just like that and you wouldn’t know it. Just make sure to have some snacks handy by the side.<br /> <br /> <b>5. Play games</b><br /> <br /> It might have been years since you last played a video game, they can be addictive but it is a great way to definitely kill time. When power fails, you can help yourself with other indoor games – ludo board game, chess, scrabble, your card games, etc. It is worthy to keep in mind that you do not start doing it all the time, every day.<br /> <br /> <b>6. Discover, cook a new recipe</b><br /> <br /> To keep bored at bay during this lockdown, improving your culinary skills will be an interesting activity to engage in. If you have been the busy type whose work schedule wouldn’t allow to try basic new things, now is the time to explore. For ideas, you can look on the internet and learn how to prepare what you have been craving for or that special cuisine that tickles your fancy. It might not be as tasty in your first try, but you will be proud enough with a new skill in your hand.<br /> <br /> <b>7. Dance</b><br /> <br /> Boredom can be exhausting and when you’re at loss for what to do, dancing is an easy way out as it is a fantastic mood elevator. You can decide to learn a few steps online and dance to the beats of your favourite music. While at it, sing along too, this will keep your mind refreshed as the happiness that comes with it cannot be explained.<br /> <br /> <b>8. Meditate</b><br /> <br /> Do you know that meditation is one of the most common ways to reduce stress? Many of us are not just not sold to the whole “Mind-Body-Spirit” thing. When you meditate, it gives room for fresh ideas and rejuvenates your mind. You are better focused as your being is involved in mindfulness and you are able to focus your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – like starting a new business, improving your relationships and other positive things. It’s not like you’re doing anything right now anyway, so what have you got to lose?<br /> <br /> <b>9. Clean up</b><br /> <br /> At this time, you can kill time by cleaning up. This could be your closet, garden, kitchen or the whole house. Yes, it can be overwhelming, but since you have so much time on your hands, you can make a roaster that will help you achieve your goal. Another good thing is you don’t have to do it alone (for those who are married or have children or wards staying with them). Trust me children love to work and they will willingly help you out while making it a fun time as well. You will feel much happier and prouder after completing the task. However you see it, cleaning almost always results in finding things you have forgotten about, and while you are at it, you will most definitely find a few forgotten treasures.<br /> <br /> <b>10. Get intimate with your partner</b><br /> <br /> Sounds funny right? but then this cannot be overemphasized. The lockdown has provided a lot of time for us to bond as couples/families. It’s not unlikely that before now, a lot of couples have had serious marital issue, and this time seems the best time for them to sort out their differences. So once the issues are sorted out, please feel free to explore all you want. And really, can you think of a better way to occupy your free time?

Latest-News COVID-19 Lockdown: 10 simple ways to beat boredom indoors

Following a presidential ‘stay-at-home’ order which took full effect on Tuesday, March 31 as part of efforts to contain further spread of the coronaviurs disease [COVID-19], some Nigerians are already complaining of been bored even from the first da…

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COVID-19: INEC joins Presidential Task Force, deploys 100 vehicles for contact tracing

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4JB0z9FOLawpzDDBEJA03gw-YWPXRpiRiB8TaYyb3plnvLsoH1rst68lFza87g9finmOckA_e5CnL9ad3BqB3cN9kuy2zHXLG9DKjAapGwVYMIADvHyvWG3cND32y6r_TS089NTFtac/s1600/19274973-185F-44B1-85F6-D8BCB58DD0A5.png" 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/AVvXsEgP4JB0z9FOLawpzDDBEJA03gw-YWPXRpiRiB8TaYyb3plnvLsoH1rst68lFza87g9finmOckA_e5CnL9ad3BqB3cN9kuy2zHXLG9DKjAapGwVYMIADvHyvWG3cND32y6r_TS089NTFtac/s400/19274973-185F-44B1-85F6-D8BCB58DD0A5.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed on Friday its readiness to assist the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on combating COVID-19 in the country.</b><br /> <br /> Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said about 100 pick-up vans would be released to the PTF by the electoral body to complemeng its efforts in six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the first instance.<br /> <br /> The vehicles would be used for contact tracing, surveillance/laboratory and infection prevention/control in Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Kano, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory.<br /> <br /> Aside the deployment of vehicles, Okoye further revealed that the commission has opened discussion with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on the possibility of the relief agency to use INEC electoral registration areas (wards) and polling units nationwide as locations for the distribution of palliative and other relief materials to citizens.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The 8,809 wards and 119,973 polling units are located in various communities in the country and citizens are familiar with their locations,” the statement noted.<br /> <br /> INEC further revealed that it “is working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Telecommunication service providers to assist in raising public awareness of the pandemic by sending bulk messages (sms) to registered voters similar to what we do for voter mobilisation. Short messages were adopted from the flyers/leaflets issued by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This follows the suspension of the Do Not Disturb (DND) policy on sending unsolicited messages to telephone subscribers by NCC.<br /> <br /> “The Commission wishes to assure the public that it will join hands with all agencies and stakeholders to combat COVID-19 in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “We urge all (save for those on essential duties) to stay at home, maintain recommended social distancing and remain safe by obeying all guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.”

Latest-News COVID-19: INEC joins Presidential Task Force, deploys 100 vehicles for contact tracing

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed on Friday its readiness to assist the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on combating COVID-19 in the country. Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Educatio…

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Chinese medical team to arrive in Nigeria to help fight COVID-19

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pE7uOmsdmNVo9-XZnFGhyLQb7Vhf1GOZyXw6I-oCniYN4rFhcnIlDvTUjNAuF91nsPlGeBm9bIy4IOz5eUlaSmDaeMiEg6h8L4E-UfC9hj7PeVDb2lvUC_oelcw6F6tDZL3C-1sVTJxI/s1600/coronavirus+test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pE7uOmsdmNVo9-XZnFGhyLQb7Vhf1GOZyXw6I-oCniYN4rFhcnIlDvTUjNAuF91nsPlGeBm9bIy4IOz5eUlaSmDaeMiEg6h8L4E-UfC9hj7PeVDb2lvUC_oelcw6F6tDZL3C-1sVTJxI/s400/coronavirus+test.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Friday, said that Chinese doctors, nurses and medical experts would arrive in Nigeria in a few days to assist in the fight against COVID-19.</b><br /> <br /> The minister said this during a briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Cases in Nigeria have reached 210 as the global figure also surpassed one million mark. He said Nigeria was also exploring the possibility of producing some medical equipment after key stakeholders met in Abuja on Thursday.<br /> <br /> The coming of the Chinese medical experts was announced just as the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said efforts to contain COVID-19 in Nigeria were being limited by finance, manpower and other indices despite the support from government and individuals.<br /> <br /> Ehanire said, “The global number has crossed one million mark, barely three months after the first cases were first reported in Wuhan, China. It is an indication that it is a public health challenge that we must not take lightly.”<br /> <br /> He continued, “We are already seeing what may be the indication of community transmission, in that 30 per cent of the cases have incomplete epidemiological information. 51 per cent are imported cases and 19 per cent are through contacts of known cases.<br /> <br /> “Directors of the Federal Ministry of Health had discussions with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to explore the potential for local production of medical consumables such as face masks, gloves, sanitisers and even ventilators.<br /> <br /> “This is in view of looming global shortages of medical supplies for the response due to high demands from all countries. Clinical trials and other processes are ongoing to validate various therapeutic for COVID-19 treatment.”<br /> <br /> After the briefing, Nigeria recorded 20 new cases: 11 in Lagos State, three in FCT, three in Edo State, two in Osun State and one in Ondo State.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Chinese medical supplies coming</b><br /> <br /> Ehanire said he had been notified of medical supplies from China courtesy of a group of Chinese companies working in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “A special cargo aircraft shall leave Nigeria in a few days to collect the items which include Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators.<br /> <br /> “Of great interest is that an 18-man team of medical experts from China, including doctors, nurses and medical experts shall come along with the flight to assist us,” he said.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>More COVID-19 cases expected</b><br /> <br /> The minister said more cases might be detected during the remaining days of the lockdown window, calling on officials to speed up their work.<br /> <br /> He said, “We are using the small window of opportunity remaining to intensify investigation to identify cases and sources. This is one of the purposes of the lockdown of the two states (Lagos and Ogun) and the FCT.<br /> <br /> “Lagos and other parts will need to speed up their activities to detect and isolate COVID-19 patients.<br /> <br /> “We expect to see an increase in cases during the lockdown as a measure of improvement in case finding. If all measures and social distancing are followed, the incidence of positive cases can be controlled.”<br /> <br /> However, at the briefing, NCDC Director-General, Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the major focus of the government was to increase capacity for testing more samples in the next few days while also lamenting limitation of finance, infrastructure and human resources.<br /> <br /> He said, “We are not just limited by funds and infrastructure, but the biggest limitation is human resources; the people that are already trained in bio-nuclear diagnostic testing. This is not something you can take up people and ask them to volunteer and go into the laboratory and start testing.”<br /> <br /> Ihekweazu noted that so far, Nigeria had tested samples from about 4,000 people, with more laboratories being added to the existing ones.<br /> <br /> He added, “Today, we have tested about 4,000 people and we will continue to drive up this number. We have fulfilled every requirement for a test so there is nobody that has come forward (without being tested). There has been some delay but every single sample that has come forward has been tested.<br /> <br /> “Currently, we have added one more laboratory. We now have eight testing laboratories. We have three laboratories working independently in Lagos; the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigerian Institute for Medical Research and the Biosecurity Centre in Lagos that used to work with LUTH. It has been completely separated.<br /> <br /> “Ibadan and Abakaliki test centres have been activated already. Today (Friday), we are activating the second laboratory in Abuja to support everyone around the area. The next town is Kano; between Sunday and Monday, it will be activated for the northern part of Nigeria.”<br /> <br /> Stating the contribution of the private sector, Ihekweazu said, “We have some exciting proposals that we are working through with private sector. They have come on board to support us in doing this.<br /> <br /> “Some public sector organisations that have private-sector affiliations like the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Fund Authority are working with us on the proposal to increase laboratory locations in Nigeria. There is a lot of work going on in the background to increase our testing capacity.<br /> <br /> “I want to remind everyone that testing will not solve this problem. There is a lot of focus on testing and energy going into it and research at a global stage to validate rapid diagnostic test kits that are being sold around the world. We are waiting for those results. Once they are validated, we will start offering it, until then, we cannot offer it.”<br /> <br /> The NCDC DG debunked the insinuation that high-profile people were being favoured in the testing procedure, saying case definition was being followed strictly.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>6,700 contacts identified</b><br /> <br /> Ihekweazu said in terms of contact tracing, the NCDC had identified about 6,700 contacts cumulatively.<br /> <br /> “Some of them have graduated out; when you follow a contact for 14 days and he does not become ill, we graduate the case out of the contact list. As of yesterday (Thursday), we have followed up on 71 per cent of that,” he said.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Jack Ma kits under validation</b><br /> <br /> Ihekweazu also noted that the test kits donated by Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma, had yet to be used because they were being validated. He said this on the backdrop of insinuation that some Chinese kits were faulty.<br /> <br /> He noted, “We will never deploy a test kit until we validate it. That process is ongoing. We are still using the kits we had before the donation from Jack Ma came in.<br /> <br /> “Once we are sure that they (the kits) will provide answers equivalent to the test case we have, then we will deploy them.”

Latest-News Chinese medical team to arrive in Nigeria to help fight COVID-19

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Friday, said that Chinese doctors, nurses and medical experts would arrive in Nigeria in a few days to assist in the fight against COVID-19. The minister said this during a briefing of the Presidential T…

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Coronavirus Lockdown: Father gives stubborn son embarrassing haircut to enforce social distancing

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhPmJu_n9ZIxrQcYYvVdbiBXjHd8CujiKVdaUScOR7627WHIkBp9BofF6c7SArzwZ3nsNrtzI5Wa3G12joO9YHLKiqqvf-3HHLZR7VOVkE_aWYvxeviu-u0NbNf97SSkVwihpTWF4xVjO/s640/ststst.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> A Filipino father came up with an ingenious way of keeping his young boy in the house during the recently issued lockdown due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic.<br /> <br /> The novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world.<br /> <br /> As in most other places, the government has enforced a social distancing programme requiring citizens to isolate themselves in their own homes and go out as little as possible.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, enforcing this type of lockdown isn’t as simple, especially when dealing with young children used to spending most of their time playing outside with their friends. But, to their credit, some parents are coming up with some creative solutions.<br /> <br /> Last week, photos of a young boy crying his heart out and sporting a rather unusual hairdo went viral on the Filipino social media, getting over 60,000 shares and thousands of comments.<br /> <br /> Oddity Central reported that the boy stubbornly refused the stay-at-home order, so his father had to come up with a way to convince him. Instead of scolding him or punishing him, he simply took a knife and gave him a rather humiliating ‘balding’ haircut.<br /> <br /> The boy isn’t happy with his new look, but his smiling dad looks pretty pleased with his work. The photos were posted on Facebook by the boy’s older sister, who explained the reasons for the unflattering haircut and also shared photos of her brother sporting his regular hairdo for comparison.<br /> <br /> “I want to laugh, but he looks so miserable,” one person commented on the photos.<br /> <br /> “It’s a bit too much, the boy looks so sad,” someone else wrote.<br /> <br /> Well, if it keeps him inside and safe from infection with the potentially deadly virus, maybe it’s worth all those tears.

Latest-News Coronavirus Lockdown: Father gives stubborn son embarrassing haircut to enforce social distancing

A Filipino father came up with an ingenious way of keeping his young boy in the house during the recently issued lockdown due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic. The novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world. As in most other pl…

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We won’t release coronavirus corpses to families – FG warns

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEsl05lsIH2LTBYVzWg9WEEyAn7dzZ_4xU1eufcqZ_k1N0LRp7fdl3FGDxrjFeZcw226eGtFpu6prdUZVVQGd_IR2buE9Ma1ZH01YnTGhARpVV-e-pAHenfRoRJ-xXKAWjgmd_ezhP_fV/s1600/coronavirus+protect.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/AVvXsEiLEsl05lsIH2LTBYVzWg9WEEyAn7dzZ_4xU1eufcqZ_k1N0LRp7fdl3FGDxrjFeZcw226eGtFpu6prdUZVVQGd_IR2buE9Ma1ZH01YnTGhARpVV-e-pAHenfRoRJ-xXKAWjgmd_ezhP_fV/s400/coronavirus+protect.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has declared that the Federal Government will not release the corpses of people who died after testing positive to coronavirus to relatives for burial.</b><br /> <br /> Mohammed stressed that such corpses could only be handled by the ministry of health because they were contagious.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The minister made the declaration at a forum organised by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja to give an update on the activities of the presidential task force on COVID-19.<br /> <br /> “Coronavirus is very dangerous and contagious; there is no medicine for it yet and it is not just capable of killing, overwhelming health-care system, it will destroy the economy. In some countries, they are putting dead bodies in big refrigerators because the morgues are filled up. Nigerians should not forget that these are not the type of corpses that can be claimed for burial because it must be handled by the ministry of health,” he said.<br /> <br /> He called for the cooperation of citizens and asked them to “stay safe, obey simple instructions of basic hygiene and social distancing,” adding, “In a few weeks, we will resume our normal life”.<br /> <br /> So far, Nigeria has 210 cases of COVID-19. Of that figure, 20 persons have recovered and have been discharged from hospital.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it will meet with indigenous manufacturers to discuss and facilitate the local production of Personal Protective Equipment to enhance the fight against Covid-19 ravaging the world.<br /> <br /> Mohammed disclosed this in Abuja when he featured on NAN Forum, to give an update on government efforts at containing the pandemic.<br /> <br /> Mohammed said the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, would meet with the manufacturers on behalf of the government.<br /> <br /> He said the move had become necessary in view of the shortage of the equipment and the need to encourage and develop local manufacturing of medical equipment.<br /> <br /> “PPE is in short supply globally and we want to see how we can start manufacturing them locally.<br /> <br /> “All over the world, people are making masks locally because there is a short supply of masks.<br /> <br /> “Those ones we got from Jack Ma have been shared to the states. We call them starter packs and they contain masks and test kits. We have given them to states according to their needs.”<br /> <br /> He added, “Naturally, Lagos got more because it is the epicentre of the virus.<br /> <br /> “We are trying to source the PPE more locally, but one thing about PPE is that if you don’t get it right, you may lose more lives.”<br /> <br /> On whether or not the two-week lockdown directed by the government could be extended, the minister said it would depend on how Nigerians behaved themselves.<br /> <br /> “If we don’t behave ourselves, it is likely that the lockdown will be extended, but if we behave ourselves, there may not be extension and I hope we do so.<br /> <br /> “If we stay at home for two weeks and we are doing everything, we are supposed to do, we should be able to effectively contain the disease.<br /> <br /> “Therefore, my appeal to Nigerians is that they should obey the directive on social distancing, personal hygiene and shun gatherings; after two weeks, we will resume our normal life,” he said.<br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari had, in a national broadcast, directed the lockdown of the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states for an initial period of 14 days, effective from 11p.m. of March 30.<br /> <br /> “The idea is to restrict further spread of the pandemic,” Mohammed stressed.

Latest-News We won’t release coronavirus corpses to families – FG warns

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has declared that the Federal Government will not release the corpses of people who died after testing positive to coronavirus to relatives for burial. Mohammed stressed that such corpses could only…

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WATCH VIDEO: Outrage as French doctors discuss testing COVID-19 vaccine in Africa

Latest-News WATCH VIDEO: Outrage as French doctors discuss testing COVID-19 vaccine in Africa

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Covid-19: Lagos govt confirms seven new cases, 19 recoveries

Latest-News Covid-19: Lagos govt confirms seven new cases, 19 recoveries

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Fake news distract fight against coronavirus – Lai Mohammed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyYrgE3UD5BMJ8VBmDyTqC7km5W8fJjoaBnxTQ3oEVT50ainByvD73axIPzAYjfJ-6fgo_nHMoKRcrhXG4kc-lltH_bI2onDrKkayyQRGEm34eXv_VkrncDDbduX4BK0bgzNl_gRialw/s1600/lai+mohammed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="690" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyYrgE3UD5BMJ8VBmDyTqC7km5W8fJjoaBnxTQ3oEVT50ainByvD73axIPzAYjfJ-6fgo_nHMoKRcrhXG4kc-lltH_bI2onDrKkayyQRGEm34eXv_VkrncDDbduX4BK0bgzNl_gRialw/s400/lai+mohammed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says the spike in fake news and misinformation, despite repeated caution by the government, is distracting the fight against coronavirus.</b><br /> <br /> The minister gave this position in Abuja saying the government is particularly worried about unverified local therapies circulating in the social media as cure to COVID-19 when no known cure has been developed for the disease.<br /> <br /> He said, “If you go by Whatsapp platform, there are so many myths and cure for COVID-19 today.<br /> <br /> “Some people will tell you, it cannot affect Africans or the disease is not even existing at all while some will say, all you need to do is to take garlic, take ginger.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “As we speak today, there is no vaccine or medicine for COVID-19.<br /> <br /> “The only weapon to combat the virus is what we called Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention, which is largely sensitisation, advocacy, keeping very good hygiene, social distancing, no shaking hands and no gathering.<br /> <br /> “These are the only effective ways to contain the pandemic and that is why governments are declaring total lockdown.<br /> <br /> “Once it starts spreading, no healthcare in the world can survive it.<br /> <br /> “I do not want to raise any alarm, but give a scenario, if one percent of our population is infected that is two million people.<br /> <br /> “We do not have two million beds in all our hospitals combined, it is not a joke and that is why Nigerians should take the Government seriously.<br /> <br /> “I pray that we overcome and contain COVID-19 but even if we do so next month, the effects will still be felt for many more months.”

Latest-News Fake news distract fight against coronavirus – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says the spike in fake news and misinformation, despite repeated caution by the government, is distracting the fight against coronavirus. The minister gave this position in Abuja saying the gove…

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Youths reject location of isolation centre in Ondo community

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-79r-JPYEm2KRDMF7AOJ8x3CasprLcT2Liy9fY7TFZghVX3IMj286X-LjLgCLbJJ3NqG4mQw65JWVGv5TxOaCx9fHLFOGTH1xDmppwRRYvlu9_rux4YCWP_9W0_p797uPKzLhvicwrc/s1600/coronavirus-scaled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-79r-JPYEm2KRDMF7AOJ8x3CasprLcT2Liy9fY7TFZghVX3IMj286X-LjLgCLbJJ3NqG4mQw65JWVGv5TxOaCx9fHLFOGTH1xDmppwRRYvlu9_rux4YCWP_9W0_p797uPKzLhvicwrc/s400/coronavirus-scaled-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Scores of youths in Ilu Tuntun town in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State on Thursday took to the streets to protest against the plan of the state government to site an isolation centre for coronavirus patients in the town.</b><br /> <br /> It was gathered that the government planned to convert a mega primary school, built by the immediate past administration in the state, to an isolation centre.<br /> <br /> The government was said to have taken the decision to convert the school in order to have an isolation centre close to the people of the Ondo South Senatorial District, should there be any case of the deadly disease in the area.<br /> <br /> The protesting youths, however, said they would not allow the government to convert the mega school to an isolation centre.<br /> <br /> The leader of the protesting youths, Akintade Omokunle, said here was no need of using the school in the town for such thing, considering the fact that the state had not recorded any case of the disease.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Omokunle said, “I and my executives have decided to go with the decision of the traditional council, led by the Kabiyesi and ably supported by the Ijama Council and the Ilutitun Development Union  not to allow the establishment of this structure, bearing the fact that no person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in the state. We reject this outright!”<br /> <br /> Reacting, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, said, “We planned to convert the mega school which has been under lock and key all these while, but since the people of the community say no to it, we have taken it away and we are now thinking of where to locate it.”

Latest-News Youths reject location of isolation centre in Ondo community

Scores of youths in Ilu Tuntun town in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State on Thursday took to the streets to protest against the plan of the state government to site an isolation centre for coronavirus patients in the town. It was gat…

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Coronavirus suspect dies in Omole, Lagos

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Buhari Govt facing unprecedented challenge – Osinbajo

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Why I’ll not give govt money to fight Coronavirus – Apostle Suleman

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COVID-19: Over 600 Europeans evacuated from Nigeria, Benin Rep

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FG disowns free Internet promises, COVID-19 donations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OnvwHjPLC0QD6OGXplId0kdnJHMLOIAP0vOYafuzlMyzBRKe8gkZc459GRW9fbPDgCnQ-DSdsyIagD_KSr_a_p08GIQJEA3gvMM8K-evDSqHSALsOU4cNM-oUJ7FcQb1x7TfGqOjpWU/s1600/fg+seal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OnvwHjPLC0QD6OGXplId0kdnJHMLOIAP0vOYafuzlMyzBRKe8gkZc459GRW9fbPDgCnQ-DSdsyIagD_KSr_a_p08GIQJEA3gvMM8K-evDSqHSALsOU4cNM-oUJ7FcQb1x7TfGqOjpWU/s400/fg+seal.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Nigerian Communications Commission has warned Nigerians, especially telecoms consumers, not to fall prey to a fraudulent message being spread on the Internet by a fraudulent website.</b><br /> <br /> The commission, in a statement on Thursday, identified the fake website as https://covid-19-fg-grant.blogspot.com/?=1, saying it was asking Nigerians to apply for a free Internet bundle, claiming it was being given by the Nigerian government in collaboration with NCC.<br /> <br /> The website asked Nigerians to apply for free Internet by clicking a web link, which automatically led to a webpage with a dialogue box where they were expected to fill in their bio data and other demographics.<br /> <br /> The commission said, “NCC wishes to state categorically that neither the Nigerian government nor the commission has issued such a message to Nigerian citizens.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a related development, the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning has denied circulating a letter calling for donations to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> The ministry said the letter titled, ‘Donations so far for the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria’ with reference number FMF/HMF/S-EFFE-REC/2020/1 and dated March 28, 2020 was fake and an attempt to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.<br /> <br /> The ministry said this in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Yunusa Abdullahi.

Latest-News FG disowns free Internet promises, COVID-19 donations

The Nigerian Communications Commission has warned Nigerians, especially telecoms consumers, not to fall prey to a fraudulent message being spread on the Internet by a fraudulent website. The commission, in a statement on Thursday, identified the fak…

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Donald Trump announces result of second coronavirus test

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt3kjvGkwvARsdf5fsYVP1OiyXGV2Ij9FrnGA3uQY2ymz79KFItmaBxU9Bqic00ajnYqWT822RGgQpdHczR2MbpnJGAzd_yujY9HfQyBU4JR7Ptz2wViZLpQIvTEynTbgot4ELc0VnTA/s1600/trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt3kjvGkwvARsdf5fsYVP1OiyXGV2Ij9FrnGA3uQY2ymz79KFItmaBxU9Bqic00ajnYqWT822RGgQpdHczR2MbpnJGAzd_yujY9HfQyBU4JR7Ptz2wViZLpQIvTEynTbgot4ELc0VnTA/s400/trump.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>U.S. President Donald Trump has passed a second coronavirus test taken Thursday. He was tested with a rapid diagnostic tool that produced a result in less than 15 minutes.</b><br /> <br /> The result showed that he has not been infected by the virus.<br /> <br /> Trump disclosed the result Thursday at his White House daily briefing on the pandemic.<br /> <br /> “I think I took it really out of curiosity to see how quickly it worked,” said Trump.<br /> <br /> Trump first took the test last month after coming into contact with a Brazilian official.<br /> <br /> The Brazilian tested positive for the coronavirus, but Trump was negative.<br /> <br /> At the daily White House briefing, Trump announced plans for the U.S. military and federal personnel to operate a makeshift hospital set up in the Javits Convention Centre in New York.<br /> <br /> The emergency hospital is expected to help the city grapple with a flood of patients.<br /> <br /> New York is now the epicentre of the U.S. epidemic with more than 47,000 confirmed cases in the city.<br /> <br /> White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said the government will send to the New York public hospital system N-95 protective masks to help medical workers get through the next month.<br /> <br /> Kushner is a member of the coronavirus task force,<br /> <br /> Trump had initially played down the threat from the virus.<br /> <br /> He has now invoked the Korean War-era Defense Production Act to try to order companies to produce hospital ventilators.<br /> <br /> The ventilators are essential in keeping alive patients hit hard by the COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.<br /> <br /> He said he also used the law to get General Motors to produce more N-95 masks.<br /> <br /> “We have over 100,000 (ventilators) being built right now or soon to be started,” Trump said.

Latest-News Donald Trump announces result of second coronavirus test

U.S. President Donald Trump has passed a second coronavirus test taken Thursday. He was tested with a rapid diagnostic tool that produced a result in less than 15 minutes. The result showed that he has not been infected by the virus. Trump disclosed…

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COVID-19: RCCG parish throws out chairs, puts food packs in place for the needy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJJH5mZgup8QtsOLYJFgo6YYm79Y-HfkYeYCrAPTu_R6ZtZbNfnCGvW45QY-bZqmdL2FHwoqdjV-TRs-DbS2rexo8ol0Y7hi67bhll095xQWnqP426x8qGZhsmGFqxRKAjDSsw3x3ZP8/s1600/70492CAD-9330-4D49-8408-1F98872FEFAC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJJH5mZgup8QtsOLYJFgo6YYm79Y-HfkYeYCrAPTu_R6ZtZbNfnCGvW45QY-bZqmdL2FHwoqdjV-TRs-DbS2rexo8ol0Y7hi67bhll095xQWnqP426x8qGZhsmGFqxRKAjDSsw3x3ZP8/s400/70492CAD-9330-4D49-8408-1F98872FEFAC.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>A Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish in Warri, Delta State, where security operatives killed a 28-year-old man named Joseph Pessu on Thursday, has set its chairs and benches aside and neatly arranged food packs in place.</b><br /> <br /> It was gathered that the RCCG parish is the Champions Cathedral parish in Warri Province 5, and the food packs are for onward distribution to members, and neighbours of the church, who are in need.<br /> <br /> According to sources, the church has always carried out this goodwill back to back, but that this time around, the church is doing it to ameliorate the effects of the government stay at home order in the face of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.<br /> <br /> Recall that COVID-19 broke out in the country in late February and governments at all levels, including the Delta State Government, put containment measures in place.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> As part of the containment measures, the government closed all borders to avoid more imported cases of COVID-19. Also, citizens were advised to stay at home to avoid community transmission.<br /> <br /> However, with the stay at home orders being enforced across States of the federation, there are attendant consequences. Many Nigerians have complained of lack of power supply and hunger.<br /> <br /> While the government is distributing cash to the vulnerable, and individuals are donating funds for the poor in the society, churches are not left out.<br /> <br />

Latest-News COVID-19: RCCG parish throws out chairs, puts food packs in place for the needy

A Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish in Warri, Delta State, where security operatives killed a 28-year-old man named Joseph Pessu on Thursday, has set its chairs and benches aside and neatly arranged food packs in place. It was gathered …

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COVID-19: Three UCH professors test negative after initial positive result

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1vgycirayw4thBJTGgtRtyHhJB-TbgKjkidgJxDastt0PGJlWnIh0_2jlAe-BwPscHoKkAniojf2AYLfvMGo7W5_iaK84dwWAn9b4eB1LBXcH3so8IghI1MjTdxcY8-2YNJEKLtVWsA/s1600/B56A0F88-BBDC-4669-96B3-319539BC4BF9.png" 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/AVvXsEhs1vgycirayw4thBJTGgtRtyHhJB-TbgKjkidgJxDastt0PGJlWnIh0_2jlAe-BwPscHoKkAniojf2AYLfvMGo7W5_iaK84dwWAn9b4eB1LBXcH3so8IghI1MjTdxcY8-2YNJEKLtVWsA/s400/B56A0F88-BBDC-4669-96B3-319539BC4BF9.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The three professors of College of Medicine University of Ibadan and University College Hospital (UCH), hit by COVID-19 are now free.</b><br /> <br /> Professor Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, the Provost of the College and his deputy, Prof. Obafunke Denloye got the clean bill after second tests were conducted.<br /> <br /> Mr. Toye Akinrinola, the public relations officer of University College Hospital revealed their new status in a statement Thursday.<br /> <br /> Akinrinola announced that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, tested negative as well.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Both the provost and his deputy revealed on Monday they were in isolation after they tested positive for the virus.<br /> <br /> “I wish to inform you that the Deputy Provost and I tested positive for the COVID 19 following tests done on Friday”, Olapade-Olaopa said on Monday.<br /> <br /> “Although we are both asymptomatic, we have gone into self-isolation for 14 days whilst our contacts are being observed closely to determine if they should also be tested,” he added.<br /> <br /> Otegbayo first made his status known on his official Twitter account @UchCmd, explaining how he found out he had the virus.<br /> <br /> “On Monday 23rd March, we commenced a 12-man quarterly board meeting which was meant to last 5 days in the hospital.<br /> <br /> “We observed social distancing and other precautionary measures for COVID-19 as much as possible.<br /> <br /> “However, on Wednesday morning, one of us presented with what appeared to be symptoms of COVID-19.<br /> <br /> “His samples were immediately taken for test and the meeting called off.<br /> <br /> “His results returned positive on Friday morning and every participant (including me) immediately went into self isolation while our samples were also taken for test.<br /> <br /> “Unfortunately, my result returned positive on Saturday afternoon. I remain in isolation as I am not symptomatic.

Latest-News COVID-19: Three UCH professors test negative after initial positive result

The three professors of College of Medicine University of Ibadan and University College Hospital (UCH), hit by COVID-19 are now free. Professor Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, the Provost of the College and his deputy, Prof. Obafunke Denloye got the clea…

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COVID-19: Gov. Badaru transforms NYSC camp, hotel into isolation centers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBa0k2o1Y5EY2qrKjdENgfnFxJvsJ1Ihur6P33xTXb9lQthUkVBNpIHIFh-VriEEprYSZae2l4A91urmW-SEN_mnbxtkjR06PLY-xMXW6c3P4SwDh0RNSl16MbvwM-Uqa0Xbn9D6l_T8Y/s1600/37D235D0-DC89-46DF-8921-4D20EDB59B2A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="467" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBa0k2o1Y5EY2qrKjdENgfnFxJvsJ1Ihur6P33xTXb9lQthUkVBNpIHIFh-VriEEprYSZae2l4A91urmW-SEN_mnbxtkjR06PLY-xMXW6c3P4SwDh0RNSl16MbvwM-Uqa0Xbn9D6l_T8Y/s400/37D235D0-DC89-46DF-8921-4D20EDB59B2A.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Jigawa State Government has converted Yakubu Gowon NYSC orientation camp and a three-Star Hotel into isolation centers for Covid-19 suspected cases.</b><br /> <br /> Governor Muhammad Badaru made this known while inspecting the newly established isolation center in Dutse metropolis.<br /> <br /> Badaru noted that as part of its efforts to curtail the menace, the state government had established a well-equipped 20-bed-capacity isolation centre with trained manpower.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He explained that the state NYSC orientation camp and the three star Hotel were also reserved to serve as isolation center for Covid-19 suspected cases.<br /> <br /> “Despite the zero case status of the state we cannot afford to be complacent, therefore government has taken measures to prevent the outbreak and manage the epidemic should it occur in our dear state.<br /> <br /> “We have renovated and equipped an isolation center in Dutse and deployed the requisite trained manpower for the treatment of those that might be affected by the disease.<br /> <br /> “In the situation where the 20-bed capacity isolation center might not be enough, the NYSC orientation camp and the three star Hotel would also be use as isolation centers,” he said.<br /> <br /> He said part of measures were the suspension of all public gatherings, including weeding, naming, mourning and closure of schools and markets across the state.<br /> <br /> Badaru said the action was aimed at protecting the public and prevent transmission and spread of Covid-19.<br /> <br /> He urged people of the state to be patient and persevere through the difficult situations.

Latest-News COVID-19: Gov. Badaru transforms NYSC camp, hotel into isolation centers

Jigawa State Government has converted Yakubu Gowon NYSC orientation camp and a three-Star Hotel into isolation centers for Covid-19 suspected cases. Governor Muhammad Badaru made this known while inspecting the newly established isolation center in …

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Those behind Abba Kyari’s death rumour are heartless – Fani-Kayode

Latest-News Those behind Abba Kyari’s death rumour are heartless – Fani-Kayode

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Sanwo-Olu, wife test negative for coronavirus

Latest-News Sanwo-Olu, wife test negative for coronavirus

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Buhari’s daughter reunites with family after 14 days in isolation

Latest-News Buhari’s daughter reunites with family after 14 days in isolation

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Lassa fever deaths in Nigeria rise to 185

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qkOjgCN-qOoOXKsPELYHRuV7jwnM8A8OnMsdjKFO0rvXduvbVbI_ZB6EtBsGSYbtv8h2b3CK83XeTjKhu8xapUAbdpbGPhXEw5M3_3Z5cg0gS5gGWsmicesRN7g2HdNbge2r6rEEYplz/s1600/lassa-fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qkOjgCN-qOoOXKsPELYHRuV7jwnM8A8OnMsdjKFO0rvXduvbVbI_ZB6EtBsGSYbtv8h2b3CK83XeTjKhu8xapUAbdpbGPhXEw5M3_3Z5cg0gS5gGWsmicesRN7g2HdNbge2r6rEEYplz/s320/lassa-fever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Amidst the outbreak of Coronavirus disease, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, yesterday said deaths from the Lassa fever the outbreak in the country has hits 185.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Centre in its Weekly 13 situation report noted that Nigeria has been battling a Lassa fever outbreak since the beginning of the year with 951 confirmed cases. Although the NCDC stated that there was a decline in the number of cases for four consecutive times, a total of nine persons died in a week. The report revealed that last week no fewer than 176 deaths were recorded.<br /> <br /> NCDC report stated that 19 cases were reported for Week 13, compared to 28 reported last week. These cases were reported from eight states – Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, and Delta. The decline, according to NCDC, in new cases might be explained by the beginning of rainfall in some parts of the country. According to the report, three states, Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi, still have the highest number of cases from the outbreak. “Of the confirmed cases, 72 per cent are from the three states: Edo, 32 per cent; Ondo 32, per cent, and Ebonyi eight per cent.<br /> <br /> The five states with the highest number of confirmed cases are Edo with 309 confirmed cases and 39 deaths; Ondo, 305 confirmed cases and 43 deaths; Ebonyi with 72 cases and 15 deaths; Taraba with 55 cases and 21 deaths and Bauchi with 42 cases and 18 deaths. The predominant age-group affected is 21-30 years”

Latest-News Lassa fever deaths in Nigeria rise to 185

Amidst the outbreak of Coronavirus disease, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, yesterday said deaths from the Lassa fever the outbreak in the country has hits 185. The Centre in its Weekly 13 situation report noted that Nigeria has been battl…

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PDP rejects ₦123.50k fuel price, insists on ₦90 per litre

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VKdLSe82OTWyYM58LnOI14gxE4c24qyE30YF2pSSlSI7aLCo1iFZCy4vF16krw3TYU5tJ-z6RSNUVa7bjNunhbtuGfhKqU9vAM5kC7OHDK18RgMPIuEArWODVVwCU1tnMOsA4lM_Y7_p/s1600/PDP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VKdLSe82OTWyYM58LnOI14gxE4c24qyE30YF2pSSlSI7aLCo1iFZCy4vF16krw3TYU5tJ-z6RSNUVa7bjNunhbtuGfhKqU9vAM5kC7OHDK18RgMPIuEArWODVVwCU1tnMOsA4lM_Y7_p/s320/PDP.jpg" width="317" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the new price of N123.50k price per litre as announced by the federal government.<br /> <br /> In a statement on Thursday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the appropriate price per litre be fixed at N90.<br /> <br /> The party described the recent cut in price from N125 to N123.50 as offensive and fraudulent, adding that it’s a further display of cruelty and insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians by the administration.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The PDP insisted that given the slump in the price of fuel and crude oil in the international market, the correct pump price of fuel is between N80 to N90 per litre.<br /> <br /> It described the latest N123.50k pump price as unacceptable, adding that it amounted to fleecing Nigerians.<br /> <br /> The party carpeted the administration for attempting to delude Nigerians by “tweaking” the cost decimals to create a misleading impression of price reduction while fleecing the unsuspecting public.<br /> <br /> The PDP challenged the administration to explain how it arrived at the N123.5 pump price, instead of the appropriate price of N90, in view of the fall in international price.<br /> <br /> The PDP challenged the federal government to publish the full prevailing landing cost, the prevailing three percent depot cost and the three percent trucking cost as well as the retail outlet administrative cost before it can justify why price should be above N90.<br /> <br /> Continuing, the PDP said, “It indeed smacks of heartlessness that the All Progressives Congress (APC), its leaders and cronies in government circle are rather manipulating fuel costs at this critical time when other governments across the world are seeking ways to mitigate the economic hardship being faced by their citizens.<br /> <br /> “Our party maintains that since Nigerians earlier had to bear the brunt of high cost of fuel in the face of high oil prices in the international market, it is only fair that they also enjoy the benefits of the cut in international prices; an advantage the APC had continued to deny them.<br /> <br /> “The PDP invites Nigerians to note how the APC and its leaders had remained silent and failed to support the demand for reduction of fuel price; a development that only points to apparent complicity in this sleazy scheme against our citizens.<br /> <br /> “The PDP, therefore, charges the APC and its administration to immediately reduce the pump price to the appropriate price of N90 as well as refund the accruable, so far, from the N35 per liter difference and channel same to provision of palliatives to Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “Our party also challenges the APC to join the PDP and other well-meaning Nigerians in our persistent demand that President Buhari orders the recovery of over N14 trillion oil money stolen by APC leaders in the last four years including the stolen N9trillion detailed in the leaked NNPC memo, and redirect same to the welfare of Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “Furthermore, the PDP reiterates its demand for the establishment of Eminent Nigerians Group to manage donations towards mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and ensure that the palliatives get to venerable Nigerians without any political and bureaucratic bottlenecks”.

Latest-News PDP rejects ₦123.50k fuel price, insists on ₦90 per litre

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the new price of N123.50k price per litre as announced by the federal government. In a statement on Thursday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the appropriate price per litre be fix…

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Atiku denies plans to share money to Nigerians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFA8FxDe_huCMD3Fp6NAPvE4a5_9umNaa7bH-t05sGprQ94vRFRRiHD_Fzk_oyibdRvd3kvkHhffKCAdn_ODwLYqW4LVDdBqxenUN2SUSqzimpp5XYMTd75XC7Ethq54N7Gy88QBl-bHv/s1600/atiku+stop+no+beg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFA8FxDe_huCMD3Fp6NAPvE4a5_9umNaa7bH-t05sGprQ94vRFRRiHD_Fzk_oyibdRvd3kvkHhffKCAdn_ODwLYqW4LVDdBqxenUN2SUSqzimpp5XYMTd75XC7Ethq54N7Gy88QBl-bHv/s400/atiku+stop+no+beg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday disowned a notice circulating in the social media directing members of the public to a link.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said any such link asking for the bio-data of Nigerians as beneficiaries of monetary hand-out was fake.<br /> <br /> Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, said the message was a scam and an attempt to defraud Nigerians by collecting their vital bio-data for nefarious objectives.<br /> <br /> Ibe said, “The website  "atikufoundation online", given by the scammers for individuals to apply, is unknown to the former Vice-President.<br /> <br /> “As a patriotic and law- abiding citizen, the Waziri Adamawa has pledged his modest public donation to the Federal Government through the Priam Group. In addition, he has proposed stimulus package for the most vulnerable for consideration by government.<br /> <br /> “We hereby call on relevant security agencies to unmask these scammers and ensure that they are brought to book and their evil plots against Nigerians nipped in the bud.”

Latest-News Atiku denies plans to share money to Nigerians

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday disowned a notice circulating in the social media directing members of the public to a link. He said any such link asking for the bio-data of Nigerians as beneficiaries of monetary hand-out was fake. …

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Spain sets new world record for Coronavirus deaths in one day: 950 killed in 24 hours

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdovljjnMeZw5RuNCdOvO3mZwg6nkVcvD5LX0nBFC89zLoArWSboZFOG9lb3pv96V-ufqbKyZvfXumZUo5q6x1h0FGpQ8QNKkUngZixY49BNOqACBMoleLEtNWh_vopb6GqgB79wI-rTA/s1600/corona+death+spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdovljjnMeZw5RuNCdOvO3mZwg6nkVcvD5LX0nBFC89zLoArWSboZFOG9lb3pv96V-ufqbKyZvfXumZUo5q6x1h0FGpQ8QNKkUngZixY49BNOqACBMoleLEtNWh_vopb6GqgB79wI-rTA/s640/corona+death+spain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Spain said on Thursday, that it recorded 950 people dying in last 24 hours, the highest number of deaths of any country in one day.<br /> <br /> This was before France released a death record of 1,355 that eclipsed it.<br /> <br /> Italy’s deaths of 919 people on March 27, was formerly the highest in the world in a single day.<br /> <br /> The number of confirmed Spanish cases rose from 102,136 on Wednesday to 110,238 – an 8% rise that is similar to the rate recorded in previous days, BBC reports.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Authorities believe the virus is now peaking and say they expect to see a drop in figures in the days ahead.<br /> <br /> “We continue with an increase of around 8%. This points, as we have already seen, to a stabilisation in the data that we’re registering,” María José Sierra, from the Spanish health ministry’s emergency co-ordination unit, said at a news conference.<br /> <br /> Spain, the second-worst hit nation in terms of deaths, has also lost nearly 900,000 jobs.<br /> <br /> The US on Thursday said it saw a record 6.6 million new unemployment benefit claims.

Latest-News Spain sets new world record for Coronavirus deaths in one day: 950 killed in 24 hours

Spain said on Thursday, that it recorded 950 people dying in last 24 hours, the highest number of deaths of any country in one day. This was before France released a death record of 1,355 that eclipsed it. Italy’s deaths of 919 people on March 27, w…

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"Expect much more confirmed cases of coronavirus" - NCDC, Health Minister tell Nigerians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-XG3glfNpt5sRqPlV1TcecCcwDDmqsVBHYOctoLrv8lEn6wONye9tlaWAZzcMuAHRtbiZnC9YK8wk4FOfPwH5gWBgDwj5OkhgWMAtAU3B1pkn6E0sM7i345CPA_yerK79t16UEC90tK4/s1600/corona+y.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="400" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-XG3glfNpt5sRqPlV1TcecCcwDDmqsVBHYOctoLrv8lEn6wONye9tlaWAZzcMuAHRtbiZnC9YK8wk4FOfPwH5gWBgDwj5OkhgWMAtAU3B1pkn6E0sM7i345CPA_yerK79t16UEC90tK4/s640/corona+y.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>As the country expands its testing capacity, more coronavirus positive cases are expected, Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said on Thursday.</b><br /> <br /> They spoke during the daily briefing on the COVID-19 situation in Abuja on Thursday.<br /> <br /> Ehanire said: “As contact tracing and testing capacity are being ramped up, more and more cases will be found and the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases is expected to rise initially. We also worry about persons, especially Nigerians, returning to the country through land borders, who run a higher risk of infection while in a confined space for a long time, like transit in a crowded bus or car.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> “With the expanded national case definition and the addition of two laboratories to the NCDC network of COVID-19 molecular laboratories, the national testing capacity has increased. Moreover, the lockdown in high burden States presents the advantage of reduced population mobility and leaves more people at home to be found during contact tracing.<br /> <br /> “All of this means that more people and samples can be collected and tested more quickly, giving a shorter turnaround time, but it also means that more cases will be discovered initially than before.<br /> <br /> “With 71 per cent of the over presumed 6,000 or more contacts now traced, the number of confirmed cases will be rising dramatically. Contact tracing will still be intensified to reduce the number of outstanding cases.<br /> <br /> “We shall continue to expand the number of isolation centres and prepare ICU units across the country for those who may have complications”.<br /> <br /> Read Also: COVID-19: NCDC to increase test capacity to 1500 per day<br /> Dr. Ihekweazu said: “We had the largest number of positive cases yesterday (Wednesday) but we had also the largest number of people tested ever yesterday. We make sure that we prioritize getting back the results to all the positives. There has been some delay in calling all the negatives, but we are working on that and by the end of today we should be through with the backlogs.<br /> <br /> “We currently have 15 Rapid Response Teams supporting 15 States, which is the largest deployment of public health resources for an outbreak ever in our country. Unlike other outbreaks that are localised, but this time every day we add a new state. Every single day, we have to deploy a new team which requires resources – people, logistics, efforts.<br /> <br /> “We are building up on some of the investments we have made over the last few years. Over the last few years, we have set up 22 public health emergency operation centers (EOCs) in States. Our plan was to scale it up to 37 to cover all the states including the FCT. Unfortunately, we were not quite there when this outbreak struck. But this will give us the opportunity to invigorate our efforts because it is within those EOCs at the states level that the response comes together”.<br /> <br /> The NCDC DG added: “Like any medical test, there has to be a clinical reason to perform the procedure.<br /> <br /> “In the case of COVID-19, someone must have symptoms of the disease like fever, coughing and shortness of breath.<br /> <br /> “Travel to an area with active transmission of COVID-19 is also a factor, as well as close contact with someone who is sick or had traveled.<br /> <br /> “It’s advisable for doctors to test their patients for other respiratory illnesses before submitting a COVID-19 test.<br /> <br /> “At present we do not recommend testing for those that do not have symptoms.<br /> <br /> “It can take anywhere from two to 14 days for COVID-19 symptoms to develop and until they do the test won’t pick up signs of the disease.<br /> <br /> “It is more about making sure that you identify whether someone that has exposure develops disease or not.<br /> <br /> “Testing them early on in their incubation period doesn’t help settle that question.<br /> <br /> “Even those who have been asked to quarantine often will not be tested until they have symptoms,” he explained.<br /> <br /> “Physical social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak.<br /> <br /> “This means making changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others, including avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings, avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes.<br /> <br /> “Limiting contact with people at higher risk like older persons and those in poor health, keeping a distance of at least two arms-length approximately two metres from others,” he advised.<br /> <br /> “The risk would vary between and within communities, but given the increasing number of cases in the country, the risk to Nigerians was considered high.<br /> <br /> “This does not mean that all Nigerians will get the disease. It means that there is already a significant impact on our health care system.<br /> <br /> “If we do not flatten the epidemic curve now, the increase of COVID-19 cases could impact our health care system,” he advised.<br /> <br /> Ehanire added: “In view of the prevailing global shortages of particular commodities like masks, protective gowns and even ventilators, we are going to have conversations with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to look for indigenous producers and manufacturers to try and support the efforts to find more facilities and more commodities that we are going to be using for personal protection equipment.

Latest-News "Expect much more confirmed cases of coronavirus" - NCDC, Health Minister tell Nigerians

As the country expands its testing capacity, more coronavirus positive cases are expected, Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said on Thursday. They spoke …

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Coronavirus Lockdown: Soldiers kill man while enforcing ‘sit at home' order

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB15eAEyjHvtrsB5UGoGxhS1jxoZjp75R2-SAMy55INGEa1hPZbN5gKZJIxOvwbkRJmMtrf_IEAzYMeR0V4npgHgmqWnerqO6iG2JrKcVfz5Nq4IeNW6RxMaz4yi3dcJ4jbABPC0ARG9q3/s1600/Delta_State+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="456" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB15eAEyjHvtrsB5UGoGxhS1jxoZjp75R2-SAMy55INGEa1hPZbN5gKZJIxOvwbkRJmMtrf_IEAzYMeR0V4npgHgmqWnerqO6iG2JrKcVfz5Nq4IeNW6RxMaz4yi3dcJ4jbABPC0ARG9q3/s640/Delta_State+map.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> There was pandemonium in Warri town in Delta State after 28 years old Joseph Pessu, was allegedly shot dead by armed soldiers who were out to enforce the ‘sit at home’ order issued by the State Government as part of the effort towards containing the spread of coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> The boy who was reportedly shot at about 10 am at the Ogunu flyover bridge in Warri for allegedly refusing to stop for a check, was said to be driving towards the Warri NPA from Ubeji when he was accosted by soldiers enforcing the lockdown order.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to sources, the soldiers chased the victim to the Ogunu flyover area where he jumped from the unnumbered Toyota Camry after using his vehicle to block the road to prevent military men from arresting him.<br /> <br /> Sources said the deceased ran into a bush in the area where he was allegedly shot by one of the soldiers who were chasing him. The soldier who allegedly killed the boy has reported himself to police where he is being detained at the Warri Area Command of the Delta State Police Command.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has called for an investigation into the circumstances which led to the killing.<br /> <br /> According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the government was worried about the report of an alleged killing of a 28-year old man in Warri by security agencies on regular patrol duty.<br /> <br /> The state government also sent a delegation to the deceased family to condole with them over the loss of their son. While the statement said the military authorities have been contacted to carry out an investigation into what led to the killing of the young boy.<br /> <br /> While urging the people to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands, he said the government would conduct an investigation into the killing.<br /> <br /> Aniagwu thanked Deltans for their cooperation so far by remaining indoors, suing for further cooperation with the State Government in the best interest of Deltans.<br /> <br /> In the same vein, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for thorough investigation of the alleged killing of Joseph Pessu, an Itshekiri youth by men of the Nigerian Army enforcing the COVID-19 stay at home order of the Delta State Government.<br /> <br /> Describing the incident as extra-judicial killing, the Deputy Senate President called for the arrest and prosecution of the culprit (s) to serve as deterrent to others.<br /> <br /> Omo-Agege, while calling on all citizens of the state to desist from taking the laws into their hands as being reported in some quarters added that he has tasked the authorities to fish out those responsible and punish them in accordance with the laws of the land.<br /> <br /> According to him, even if the deceased had flouted the order of the state government to stay at home, the best approach was to apprehend and hand him over to the police for prosecution.<br /> <br /> While calling on security personnel to always maintain the rules of engagement as they enforce the lockdown order, he called on youths to exercise utmost restraint.<br /> <br /> Also, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi has berated some men of the Nigerian Army over the maltreatment, torture and human rights violations of people of his constituency, especially Warri indigenes and others in their efforts to enforce the lock-down directives of the state government.

Latest-News Coronavirus Lockdown: Soldiers kill man while enforcing ‘sit at home' order

There was pandemonium in Warri town in Delta State after 28 years old Joseph Pessu, was allegedly shot dead by armed soldiers who were out to enforce the ‘sit at home’ order issued by the State Government as part of the effort towards containing the…

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Anambra governor orders tailors to produce three million masks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfOUg9iGaV5pO-50q1yVwvj2N-56t62yyxlHzoWWO2RZoehDepGkiZTswKM2bTqgP_EUqfxJtVIq1Tta4SOOeU69r5MBCxTc6lN0ZawTftbIcrdasWwv0LodCL-FB4D_B24IX4nIxTwxM/s640/face+mask+a.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, on Thursday served out his self-quarantine.<br /> <br /> The Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwudobelu, who announced Obiano’s self-quarantine some days back, said the governor took the decision because of a meeting he attended with a certain governor who had tested positive for the COVID-19 pandemic.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Addressing the people of the state on Thursday, Obiano said after the expiration of the 14-day stay-at-home order which began on 24th of March, nobody would move without wearing a mask in the state.<br /> <br /> He said he had ordered tailors in the state to mass produce no fewer than three million facemasks.<br /> <br /> He said,”We shall soon commence the distribution of three million masks to residents of Anambra State in the 181 communities in Anambra.<br /> <br /> “The Igwes (monarchs) and the Presidents- General of communities will assist the government in profiling the tailors in their various communities that will help in mass-producing these masks for distribution to the members of the communities.<br /> <br /> “Our intention in handing out three million masks is to ensure that after the 14-day shutdown of the state, no one will step out of their home without wearing a facial mask.<br /> <br /> While thanking those who had associated with the state in the fight against the pandemic by their donations, Obiano said standard arrangements had been put in place to flatten the curve on the virus.

Latest-News Anambra governor orders tailors to produce three million masks

The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, on Thursday served out his self-quarantine. The Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwudobelu, who announced Obiano’s self-quarantine some days back, said the governor took the decision…

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Nnamdi Kanu should be arrested, taken to psychiatric home for psychological test – Arewa youths

Latest-News Nnamdi Kanu should be arrested, taken to psychiatric home for psychological test – Arewa youths

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Ekiti court convicts two Egyptians, others for flouting lockdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx80SyxMm9n1HUe2CP5Uw5YtVb6I3Dfa9f6Vn8mHwkEoKdRW3wIMHoclU369U5Dcvg99afW2n04F4QIKjUG5GmLEAwKFAtJJZGsCFRBS9cwHz4wqk7TiC0H4CeEsFYiMomJjIzf9aZQyM/s1600/court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx80SyxMm9n1HUe2CP5Uw5YtVb6I3Dfa9f6Vn8mHwkEoKdRW3wIMHoclU369U5Dcvg99afW2n04F4QIKjUG5GmLEAwKFAtJJZGsCFRBS9cwHz4wqk7TiC0H4CeEsFYiMomJjIzf9aZQyM/s400/court.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday found 12 persons guilty of violating the Ekiti State Coronavirus (Prevention of Infection) Regulations, 2020.</b><br /> <br /> They included two Egyptian nationals and 10 others who received various fines for violating the stay-at-home order of the state government on the lockdown of the state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.<br /> <br /> They were tried before the court on two counts bordering on “violating the Provision of Regulation 2(1)(b) punishable under Regulation 12 of the Provisions of Ekiti State Coronavirus (Prevention of Infection) Regulations, 2020 made pursuant to Section 8 of the Quarantine Act, Cap Q2, LFN, 2004” and “without lawful excuse driving or riding in violation of the order contrary to and punishable under Section 202 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.”<br /> <br /> The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abdulhamid Lawal, who found the Egyptians, Mohammed Mustapha and Mahmud Ahmed, guilty of the charges, fined them N2,500 each on count 1 and count 2,  totalling N10,000.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The chief magistrate said, “Both defendants are reasonably suspects and should be kept in mandatory isolation for 14 days, since one of them, gave evidence in court that he came into the state this morning, April 1, 2020, from Ilorin, Kwara State.”<br /> <br /> The others, who received various fines for acts of violations of the restriction order included two brothers Oladapo and Matthew, for riding on commercial motorcycle during the stay-at-home order. They will both pay N2,500 each on count 1 and N2,500 on count 2, totalling N10,000.<br /> <br /> However, there was relief for one Gbenga, as he was discharged due to his plea that he was caught in the process of assisting someone to buy drug for a sick person.

Latest-News Ekiti court convicts two Egyptians, others for flouting lockdown

An Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday found 12 persons guilty of violating the Ekiti State Coronavirus (Prevention of Infection) Regulations, 2020. They included two Egyptian nationals and 10 others who received various fines for violat…

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Philippines ambassador dies of COVID-19

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B3U3tBlbbEbbouNX_41UphfGvEo8yAjcNTvia_XRiMEhKpmA-zsrJMU6OQ-HwHmhw34sXF1_n_Pux1C98RbDKp-ZBQb-R7droUlc_dUUEgFpYTn18gE-KUXMHakRsqGKia38dTXxBDg/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/AVvXsEg8B3U3tBlbbEbbouNX_41UphfGvEo8yAjcNTvia_XRiMEhKpmA-zsrJMU6OQ-HwHmhw34sXF1_n_Pux1C98RbDKp-ZBQb-R7droUlc_dUUEgFpYTn18gE-KUXMHakRsqGKia38dTXxBDg/s400/coronavirus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Philippines’ ambassador to Lebanon died of coronavirus Thursday, a statement said, one of only 16 recorded deaths in the country since the start of the pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> The Philippines’ department of foreign affairs expressed its “deep sadness” at the passing of Bernardita Catalla, which it said was the result of “complications arising from COVID-19”.<br /> <br /> Catalla had been very active in recent months organising the repatriation of some of the tens of thousands of Filipino domestic workers hoping to leave the country.<br /> <br /> A severe currency crisis in Lebanon has had a major impact on foreign domestic workers, who no longer have dollars to send home and can be restricted in their freedom of movement by an archaic sponsorship system.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Catalla’s death and three other fatalities reported by the health authorities on Thursday brought to 16 the number of people confirmed to have died from the virus in Lebanon.<br /> <br /> The official number of cases stood at 494.<br /> <br /> Strict confinement guidelines have been issued by the Lebanese government, including a 7:00 pm to 5:00 am curfew that is followed with varying thoroughness depending on the city and neighbourhood.

Latest-News Philippines ambassador dies of COVID-19

The Philippines’ ambassador to Lebanon died of coronavirus Thursday, a statement said, one of only 16 recorded deaths in the country since the start of the pandemic. The Philippines’ department of foreign affairs expressed its “deep sadness” at the …

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Nigerian Students In UK Test Positive For Coronavirus

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0lESbjyEzxr79EjX-V3Rjho_69wgtczbbKbO9qV1aFVUceL67xbpEY2gASVInSk_NvY07mCyCSD_tdWEQNq9FeVTmio97nJ7eDUbeEv-GnRFQsn1jcewRGRuTELxcautQiLzjEYAO7Wu/s1600/coronavirus+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0lESbjyEzxr79EjX-V3Rjho_69wgtczbbKbO9qV1aFVUceL67xbpEY2gASVInSk_NvY07mCyCSD_tdWEQNq9FeVTmio97nJ7eDUbeEv-GnRFQsn1jcewRGRuTELxcautQiLzjEYAO7Wu/s400/coronavirus+post.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b><br /></b><b>Four Nigerian students in the United Kingdom have tested positive for Coronavirus.</b><br /> <br /> The students are beneficiaries of the 2019 Niger Delta Development Commission Scholarship Programme.<br /> <br /> The four students were said to have contracted the virus while moving from one part of the UK to another to find means of survival.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A colleague of the affected students, who spoke with a source, said, “The students are currently being quarantined at one of the NHS centres in their neighbourhood.<br /> <br /> “They have been fending for themselves and now, they have no money as they can’t go out to work.”<br /> <br /> The identity and treatment centres of the Nigerians are kept hidden by authorities due to the Data Protection Act 2008.<br /> <br /> The students are appealing to the Nigerian Government for immediate intervention.<br /> <br /> The latest incident comes a few days after it was reported the death of a Nigerian doctor in UK, Alfa Sa'adu, to Coronavirus.<br /> <br /> The elderly man had visited a hospital as a consultant to help patients of Coronavirus when he contracted the virus and died.<br /> <br />

Latest-News Nigerian Students In UK Test Positive For Coronavirus

Four Nigerian students in the United Kingdom have tested positive for Coronavirus. The students are beneficiaries of the 2019 Niger Delta Development Commission Scholarship Programme. The four students were said to have contracted the virus while mo…

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COVID-19: Chinese government bans consumption of wild animals

Latest-News COVID-19: Chinese government bans consumption of wild animals

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COVID-19 lock down: Military talks tough over video of soldiers torturing Nigerians

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Nigeria's Finance ministry begs Twitter CEO, Elon Musk for ventilators

Latest-News Nigeria's Finance ministry begs Twitter CEO, Elon Musk for ventilators

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You’re not fit to lick Soyinka’s shoes – Fani-Kayode blasts presidency over remarks on writer

Latest-News You’re not fit to lick Soyinka’s shoes – Fani-Kayode blasts presidency over remarks on writer

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‘I’m old enough to be your mother’ — Salawa Abeni exposes blackmailer who threatened to release her nude photos

Latest-News ‘I’m old enough to be your mother’ — Salawa Abeni exposes blackmailer who threatened to release her nude photos

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VIDEO: Bauchi state governor who tested positive for COVID-19 speaks from isolation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="890" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDArCFizsUbCyoAxcStLasil-hF2RNfr_238ixX1aIoP_9lClym2ZC8-WATfNbMnUu3rWmZSTgPKADHQc9QDFzGLK6fvwSpPMKZOj1JrE5W7vGr3p_6tETlxNfetZa_ntbyWEL-kcJ2-e/s640/Bauchi+State+Governor%252C+Senator+Bala+Mohammed.jpeg" width="640" /></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, who tested positive for coronavirus on March 24th, 2020, has spoken out from isolation.</b><br /> <br /> In a newly released short video, he assured citizens of the state of his readiness to provide them with relief materials to cushion the hardship that might come with the coronavirus disease and the lockdown order. He said;<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “My dear people of Bauchi state and people of Nigeria, I thank you most profoundly. Most importantly, I thank Allah who has spared my life till this moment. I want to also everyone who has shown me unprecedented sympathy. I have no symptoms of the virus and have remained very stable, but I will continue to be in isolation to comply with the advice of physicians.<br /> <br /> “Our task force team in the state, led by Baba Tela is doing good. So far so good, I am discussing with my colleagues (other governors) to see how we can overcome this disease. I must thank our President for his efforts too. I appreciate your prayers and support.”<br /> <br /> Gov Mohammed further promised to reflect and find solutions to the problems affecting his people when he comes out of isolation.<br /> <br /> <b><br /> Watch the video of him speaking below;</b><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">By the grace of Allah, up till this moment, I have no symptoms of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a>. I am still leading very well, and I appreciate your prayers and support. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KauraSpeaks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KauraSpeaks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreaterBauchi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreaterBauchi</a> <a href="https://t.co/NGjYtFddFe">pic.twitter.com/NGjYtFddFe</a></div> — Senator Bala A. Mohammed (@SenBalaMohammed) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenBalaMohammed/status/1245359722804510720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Latest-News VIDEO: Bauchi state governor who tested positive for COVID-19 speaks from isolation

Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, who tested positive for coronavirus on March 24th, 2020, has spoken out from isolation. In a newly released short video, he assured citizens of the state of his readiness to provide them with relief materials to…

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Lagos doctors treating COVID-19 patients threaten strike action

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FmUUblxuOGNfLM24rpyFRPnoc3p3MXxNICUGD848QBSL5_ZywC9tjGKbsLS2Yme9PDPVvofvAXBHPViBq1TUgornYug4tH3pyWciruYJAvUO_Jq7OaIdISUGAUebqn2DSALKx2qCzO8/s1600/A04170F7-FC6C-486A-BB80-8681B69A0F0B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FmUUblxuOGNfLM24rpyFRPnoc3p3MXxNICUGD848QBSL5_ZywC9tjGKbsLS2Yme9PDPVvofvAXBHPViBq1TUgornYug4tH3pyWciruYJAvUO_Jq7OaIdISUGAUebqn2DSALKx2qCzO8/s400/A04170F7-FC6C-486A-BB80-8681B69A0F0B.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Doctors at the Mainland Hospital, an infectious disease facility in Yaba, Lagos, have alleged that they work “under the most inhumane, unhealthy conditions” that predispose them to danger.</b><br /> <br /> The hospital currently treats confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lagos State.<br /> <br /> Angry and frustrated, the health workers, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, threatened to go on strike if their complaints are not addressed appropriately.<br /> <br /> They said despite the increasing number of confirmed coronavirus cases and “huge influx of patients at a frenetic pace” to the IDH, and the success rate recorded so far, they are being owed allowances, have no life insurance cover and are not fed throughout the duration of their shifts.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Lagos State is the frontline for other cases in Nigeria. It has the highest case and we don’t know what will happen in the coming weeks. People have been asked to stay at home to minimise transmission of the virus, but we go to work, putting ourselves at high risk,” a high ranking officer said.<br /> <br /> “The health workers, including the doctors are planning to revolt. They are saying they don’t want to work again. I have been begging them to hold on, that things will change. We have spoken to our association, the Medical Guild about the situation,” the health worker added.<br /> <br /> Another health worker said they had only received N50,000 as allowance since February 27 when Nigeria’s COVID-19 index case was admitted at the facility, despite being promised to be paid the same amount weekly.<br /> <br /> They also complained about not having a “befitting call room” to rest after working long, gruelling shifts taking care of “critically ill COVID-19 patients.”<br /> <br /> “Daily, we deal with harrowing realities. Most people would not understand what we deal with daily. We have put out lives on the line, but nothing is being done to ensure that we stay safe.<br /> <br /> <b>No life insurance </b><br /> “Despite the very infectious nature of COVID-19 and other diseases we deal with daily, none of us has an insurance cover. We work on empty stomach because no provision is made for our feeding.<br /> <br /> “What serves as a resting place for us can’t accommodate three people at the same time. This is a great call to service for us, but it should not be at the expense of our lives,” the health worker said in an emotion-laden voice.<br /> <br /> Yet, another said it was disheartening for doctors generally in Nigeria to be paid hazard allowance of N20,000 per month, without added incentives.<br /> <br /> “For us at IDH, we receive an additional N15,000 per month, and the state government deducts N2,000 as tax monthly. So, we are left with just N13,000 per month. In all, what we get as total package is N33,000 monthly. This is without life insurance package. God forbid that anything bad should happen to me now, what will happen to my family?” the health worker queried.<br /> <br /> This development is coming on the heels of billions of naira already voted to fight coronavirus in the country, while private individuals and publicly quoted companies have also donated money to the efforts.<br /> <br /> It may be recalled that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) had approved N10bn for the Lagos State government as part of efforts to battle COVID-19. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control also got N5bn to boost its response to the disease.<br /> <br /> The aggrieved health workers said they were aware of the huge financial commitment made, but that all they demand was equity and justice, adding that they will be happy if they could get “reasonable amount of money, good and befitting call room, and good food,” among others.<br /> <br /> “The money should not be delayed for any reason,” they said.<br /> <br /> Distraught, one of the health workers said the only thing literally keeping them alive and working, despite the unpleasant work environment, was the availability of Personal Protective Equipment available.<br /> <br /> “The PPE is our saving grace. It is still available for now. We deal directly with these patients and it really breaks my heart to see us being treated this way.<br /> <br /> “Our Chief Medical Director has made efforts to see these issues addressed. He had, on several instances, complained, but the powers that be continue to silence him, telling him to keep quiet. We know that if he talks more, they might even transfer him away from this place.<br /> <br /> “We have recorded a good success rate. If we revolt and say we are not working again, what will happen to the nation?” he said.<br /> <br /> ‘<b>We’re potential risks to our families’</b><br /> Alongside concerns for their personal safety, the health care workers are anxious about passing the infection to their families. Even though they admit accepting increased risk of infection as part of their job, they feel a sense of impending doom as frontline workers in Lagos.<br /> <br /> “We pose a potential risk to our families. The recommenced world standard practice is for us to be housed within the facility or nearby in a good accommodation, pending when this is over. But no, we go home to our loved ones, uncertain of our health status.<br /> <br /> “We want Nigerians to understand the challenges we face daily while treating these seriously ill patients.<br /> <br /> “Our lives are on the line as well as those of our children.<br /> <br /> We fear especially for our children and pray that they don’t become casualties of the profession we chose.<br /> <br /> “This is not the kind of behaviour frontline health care workers are calling for. Who will take care of these patients if we get sick?” the source said.<br /> <br /> When contacted, Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Association of General and Private Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr. Tunji Akintade, insisted that the welfare of every health worker is important.<br /> <br /> “In time of an emergency like that of COVID-19, certain things, particularly insurance cover, must be made available to those willing to be involved in the contagion’s management.<br /> <br /> “Health workers in the frontline of this COVID-19 emergency need a special insurance cover. This is what is expected of every government. If they have not done that, I think it should be done now.<br /> <br /> “The aggrieved workers should lodge their complaints at the appropriate quarters,” he said.<br /> <br /> In terms of having a standard changing or call room, Akintade wondered why the complaint was coming at this time, if it had never been raised before.<br /> <br /> He also said because he had never worked in the facility, he might not understand where their complaint and demands stemmed from.<br /> <br /> Continuing, Akintade said, “Be that as it may, the welfare of every health workers is very important. These are the things that we have been clamouring for long before now.<br /> <br /> “Health is not cheap. No one should tell us that health insurance will cover a health worker. At what cost and who did the costing?<br /> <br /> “Health care workers have never been treated fairly. I don’t see anything wrong with their clamour.<br /> <br /> “You can see what a country like Cuba is doing. They are exporting their human resources because they know they have what it takes.<br /> <br /> “The American government is ready to take on as many Nigerians as they want because they know they have the capacity.<br /> <br /> “The right question to ask is, ‘What is our government doing?’<br /> <br /> He decried the allegations that lawmakers took delivery of luxury cars worth billions of Naira at a “precarious time in the life of the nation.” “Maybe that is why the agitation is coming up now,” he said.<br /> <br /> The Lagos Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Oseni Olugbenga Saliu, said all health workers, especially doctors working at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, must have proper welfare package and good insurance cover.<br /> <br /> “When you work as a front-liner in this type of condition, it’s more like being a soldier at the battlefront. And you should be treated as one,” he said.<br /> <br /> “Those at the IDH should, as a matter of urgency, be insured. All health workers — even those at the general hospitals — are the same.<br /> <br /> “In fact, all the doctors, as it stands today, are at the battlefront. Government should pay better recognition to the welfare of those involved in the fight against COVID-19,” Saliu said.<br /> <br /> He said the NMA had expressed its opinion on the matter to the state government, and that it had yet to get “any meaningful answer.”<br /> <br /> He said Nigeria was currently at a dire state, stressing that efforts should not be geared towards conserving now; rather, the finance generated should be channeled to proper use.<br /> <br /> He lamented that some health workers and doctors are already infected, and insisted, “You don’t deploy people to the battlefield without insurance to cover those they are leaving behind.<br /> <br /> “If anything happens to them today, we all know the type of government that we have.<br /> <br /> “The Provost and Deputy Provost of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Ezekiel Olapade-Olaopa and Prof. Obafunke Denloye, have both tested positive for Coronavirus. Also, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, has also been confirmed to be positive.<br /> <br /> “We are exposed but can’t run away from our job. So, if they expect these health workers to be dedicated to their job, they should be ready to take care of their risks and address their fears,” he added.<br /> <br /> Saliu said the NMA had seen some insurance papers purportedly meant for health workers, adding, “We don’t know who negotiated with them, neither do we have a better understanding of what it is.<br /> <br /> “We have not had any total negotiation with government and we have told them that we will sit down to analyse.<br /> <br /> “When talking about a life insurance cover of N350,000 for a doctor, is that even up to the salary of a doctor?<br /> <br /> “The reality is that government should up their game and realise that the situation on ground is nothing to joke with.”<br /> <br /> Dr. Saliu said the NMA was aware that Lagos State government had asked health workers to volunteer, but argued that “the right welfare package must be available.”<br /> <br /> “If you want to volunteer, you should know what risk you are taking. Nobody knows who will be infected. So, the government should stop politicking with the issue.<br /> <br /> “It is not about trying to blackmail. We are in the battlefield, fighting an unseen enemy,” he said.<br /> <br /> He also noted that hospitals lack basic safety equipment to work with. “Even though we have been trying to reassure our members, we will not insist they risk their lives to attend to patients without protection.<br /> <br /> “What this government should do is to import or meet manufacturers to produce these things, keep them somewhere and allow hospitals to have access to them.<br /> <br /> “A pack of gloves that sold for N1,000 before, now sells for N4,500; while face mask that sold for N250 is N7,000 or N9,000. So, if they don’t provide these things, who will?”<br /> <br /> The NMA chairman said the body had been drawing the attention of the state government to the fact that private practitioners are also exposed to infection, warning that if an infected person goes to a general hospital and is turned back, the next point of visit will be a private hospital.<br /> <br /> “And if the private practitioner doesn’t have access to the protective equipment, he is exposed. From there, everything goes haywire,” he said.<br /> <br /> “Government should up their game. It is not enough to say, we have released N10bn or N5bn when we don’t know where this money is going to. They should use the money properly.”<br /> <br /> Still on the alleged plight of health workers at infectious disease centre at Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Saliu said though the NMA wasn’t aware of Lagos State government’s plan them, it should not be about giving them just anything.<br /> <br /> He said the healthcare workers at the IDH had yet to lodge a complaint with the NMA, even as he assured them that an investigation will be carried out to properly address the issue and have their requests prioritised by the state government.<br /> <br /> “It is just like a factory worker that is paid per day. You must know how much your daily wage is. It is not about a regular salary.<br /> <br /> “If health workers are paid just regular salaries and something happens in the middle of the month, what then happens to those they leave behind?” Saliu asked.<br /> <br /> He commended the state government’s efforts, but insisted that as long as the front line workers are not safe, nobody is safe.<br /> <br /> “Once this thing blows up, all of us are involved. Look at the incident that happened at Gbagada. Health workers don’t need to run away once they have the equipment. All they need to do is put a team together, reassure and calm the patient down, and put him/her in isolation while a sample is immediately taken. The emphasis here is safety,” he said.<br /> <br /> When our correspondent called the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, he directed that a call be put across to the Public Relations Director at the ministry, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.<br /> <br /> “He will know what to do. Don’t you know him? Everyone has his number except you,” Abayomi said.<br /> <br /> When Mr. Ogunbanwo was contacted, he demanded to know the identities of the health workers.<br /> <br /> “Who said so at IDH? You have to be very careful with your source.<br /> <br /> “I will discuss with him (commissioner). When you see him, you can now ask your question.<br /> <br /> “You can WhatsApp me your questions,” Mr. Ogunbanwo said.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <i>Source: Punch Healthwise</i>

Latest-News Lagos doctors treating COVID-19 patients threaten strike action

Doctors at the Mainland Hospital, an infectious disease facility in Yaba, Lagos, have alleged that they work “under the most inhumane, unhealthy conditions” that predispose them to danger. The hospital currently treats confirmed cases of COVID-19 in…

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