Nigerian Eye

You can’t remove heads of govt agencies, SGF tells ministers

Latest-News You can’t remove heads of govt agencies, SGF tells ministers

Ortom makes U-turn, shuts worship centres

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<b>Benue State Government on Saturday made a U-turn on its decision to reopen worship centres, markets, and other public places.</b><br />
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Governor Samuel Ortom had on Thursday lifted the ban on churches and mosques and directed that they should reopen for staggered worship while also ordering that markets be reopened.<br />
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However, while briefing journalists at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, Ortom re-directed the closure of worship centers adducing his new directive to the advice of the Federal Government and that of religious bodies against the reopening of worship centres and other public places.<br />
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“We are a component part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is the custodian of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and they are informed about what is going on, and so we must subject ourselves to their decision in accordance with laws of the land.<br />
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“We do not want to endanger the lives of our people. In the event of any challenge concerning this pandemic, the next port of call will be the Federal Government, so we cannot kick against its advice. We feel that the advice is genuine. If we took a decision and we have this kind of advice that is genuine and meant to support the health of our people, we have no reason whatsoever to go ahead with the decision we earlier took.<br />
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“Therefore, on behalf of the State Executive Council, I hereby reverse the lifting of ban on churches and mosques services and prayers.<br />
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“We have reverted to the status quo where churches, mosques and other public places like markets were closed,” he said.

Latest-News Ortom makes U-turn, shuts worship centres

Benue State Government on Saturday made a U-turn on its decision to reopen worship centres, markets, and other public places. Governor S...

Kano discharges 10 more COVID-19 patients

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<b>The Kano State Ministry of Health on Friday said it has discharged 10 more COVID-19 patients in the state.</b><br />
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The ministry which stated this in a tweet on Friday said the state has also recorded eight fresh COVID-19 cases.<br />
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With the 10 discharged patients on Friday, the total number of patients so far discharged in the state now stands at 133, while the total number of confirmed cases of the virus is now 883 with the record of 36 deaths.

Latest-News Kano discharges 10 more COVID-19 patients

The Kano State Ministry of Health on Friday said it has discharged 10 more COVID-19 patients in the state. The ministry which stated thi...

COVID-19: UK imposes compulsory 14-day quarantine on all visitors from June 8

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<b>All visitors to the UK after June 8 must self isolate for two weeks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Britain’s Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced.</b><br />
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Travellers entering the country must provide an address and contact details where they intend to stay.<br />
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Anyone failing to go into quarantine could be fined up to 1,000 pounds (1,220 dollars) according to the government’s announcement on Friday.<br />
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The regulation applies to all people entering the country, irrespective of their nationality, aside from travellers from Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.<br />
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Exceptions are being made for only a handful of professional groups including lorry drivers and harvest workers.<br />
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Before the announcement was made, the plans were criticised by the travel industry and Airlines UK warned weeks ago that such a measure could devastate the aviation industry.<br />
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“An open-ended quarantine, with no set end date, will make an already critical situation for UK aviation, and all the businesses we support, even worse,” the group wrote in an open letter to Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson.<br />
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“People will simply choose not to travel to and from the UK, at the same time as economies in Europe and around the world begin opening up their borders and removing their own quarantines – making the UK aviation sector unable to compete,” the organisation wrote.<br />
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The British government has been the target of criticism for weeks as the country’s death toll surpasses 36,000, higher than any other country in Europe.<br />
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Other figures suggest more than 41,000 deaths have been caused by COVID-19.<br />
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While the death rate per day is now falling, the government has yet to lift its lockdown.<br />
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By quarantining incoming travellers, Patel said the government hoped to prevent new infections being brought in from abroad, and a second wave of infections.

Latest-News COVID-19: UK imposes compulsory 14-day quarantine on all visitors from June 8

All visitors to the UK after June 8 must self isolate for two weeks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Britain’s Home Secreta...

COVID-19: CAN distances self from Oyedepo, Oyakhilome, says churches must remain closed

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<b>The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has explained why churches should remain closed despite mounting pressure in many quarters for their re-opening.</b><br />
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This is coming after General Overseer of The Living Faith Ministries Worldwide otherwise known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, said the continuous closure of churches when markets and other public institutions were reopened was suspicious.<br />
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Founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, also backed him, saying there was a calculated attempt to weaken the growth of the church in Nigeria.<br />
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However, in an official statement, he personally signed on Friday, CAN President, Rev Supo Ayokunle, said it was not yet time for churches to reopen.<br />
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According to him, the relaxation of lockdown had seen the country witness more coronavirus infection.<br />
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Ayokunle said: “The above relaxation has on the other hand increased the pressure mounted on us, church leaders, from our members for the churches and other places of worship to be opened.<br />
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“Champions for the reopening of worship centres argue that if people had contracted the virus in the markets and other places, closing the church from worshipping becomes unreasonable!<br />
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“It is like using medicine after death! Furthermore, the church is more organised and a place of healing.”<br />
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Despite these, the CAN President urge “all churches to remain closed because the daily increasing infected people in Nigeria is dangerous for the survival of us all.”<br />
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He called for caution among churches for reopening, saying “the church needs to exercise restrain at this time so that we might not naively and over zealously plunge our members into regrettable destruction and sorrow.”

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has explained why churches should remain closed despite mounting pressure in many quarters for ...

Nollywood loses another veteran, Laditi

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Latest-News Nollywood loses another veteran, Laditi

Five signs you’re unhappy in your relationship

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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Relationship matters are mostly complicated and take a lot of effort to handle. However, when dealing with sadness, people in a relationship may find it difficult expressing their feelings with their partners. Ironically, this is an important factor determining a good relationship: the availability of communication.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">By communicating feelings, people can learn more about their partners while managing each other’s shortcomings and conflicts better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However, when all of this is said and done, not every relationship problem can be fixed and sometimes, it’s okay to just admit that things are wrong and a relationship isn’t just working.</div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>You Always Feel Lonely<a name='more' id="more"></a></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you always feel lonely while in a relationship, chances are that there might be trouble in paradise. Being in a happy relationship should have the opposite effect. You both should enjoy each other’s company so much so that you enjoy each other’s company.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Remember to always inform your partner should you feel anything different. </div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>You Fight Over Almost Everything</b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Do you and your partner constantly fight over everything, no matter how big or little? Chances are that you two are unhappy with each other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Disagreements are a constant in romantic relationships however, it becomes a problem when this occurs more often than not.</div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>You’re Holding Grudges</b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now and then, people offend each other in a relationship and this is quite normal. However, holding a grudge against a partner and making a huge deal out of forgiveness of their mistake might be the red flag indicating that you may be unhappy with the relationship you’re in.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One of the distinctive qualities of love is forgiveness. Since no one is perfect and mistakes are bound to be made with the ones we love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>You Imagine Being Happier Without Your Partner</b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you often daydream about being more content without your partner then it’s possible the relationship is taking a sour turn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>You Cannot Be Yourself Around Them</b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Do you find it difficult being yourself around your partner? Is it difficult doing the things you love around them? Are you always pretending to be someone else with them? Then maybe, you could be in an unhappy relationship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>You Two Never Talk</b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Communication; both speaking and listening are important aspects of any romantic relationship. It is by communicating that people in relationships get to know each other better, their flaws and weaknesses, and communication even brings about clarity of the future for both parties.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It is therefore not only odd for two people in a relationship to being constantly out of touch, but also reckless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Time, resources, and emotions, may end up being wasted on a relationship which most likely would end up being a fail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

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Guber poll: Edo APC kicks as NWC adopts direct primary

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Coronavirus: America needs prayers – Trump orders reopening of churches, mosques

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Justice Karibi-Whyte is dead

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Lagos Govt announces death of 4 coronavirus patients

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Okorocha, Ihedioha affected as Uzodinma scraps pensions of some ex-public officers

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Goodluck Jonathan speaks about ‘one positive thing’ in Nigeria’s COVID-19 repsonse

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COVID-19: FG’s palliatives huge scam, give detailed account – PDP dares Buhari

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Paying Governors, Speakers pension is illegal, anti-people — Uzodimma

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<b>Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has explained that his government sponsored the bill on the repeal of Governors and Speakers Pensions and Privileges law of 2007 because it was illegal and designed to allow a few privileged people feed fat on the commonwealth of the people.</b><br />
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He made the explanation yesterday at the government house Owerri where he assented to the bill repealing the Pensions law which was passed by the house of Assembly on Thursday<br />
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He said the law was against the Pensions act which stipulates that only those who have put in a minimum of 10 years in   public service where entitled to pensions, adding that former governors and Speakers stay in office for a maximum of eight years.<br />
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He also  wondered how the same people who collect fat severance allowances at the end of their tenure can turn around to be paid Pensions as well.<br />
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The governor said   “As a young state grappling with enormous challenges, it dawned on me that the Imo state Governors and Speakers Pensions and Privileges law No 5 of 2007 was a bad omen. At the age our Governors and Speakers are leaving office it will not be out of place to assume that many of them will be alive and kicking in the next 15 years or more. This will mean that by then the state will have more than 20 governors and Speakers qualified for   Pensions and Privileges<br />
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I was alarmed that the financial implications for the state will not only be scandalous but indefensible. My simple calculation told me that there could come a time when the state could be spending more than one third of its resources to maintain former Governors and Speakers”<br />
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He continued   “the same Governors and Speakers also received severance allowances,   amounting to several millions of Naira, when they   disengage from office.<br />
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How then can the same category of former public office holders turn around to receive Pensions?”<br />
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Even more importantly the Pensions act is very clear that only those who have served in the public service for a   minimum of 10 years are pensionable. Paying governors , Speakers and their deputies who spend a maximum of eight years or less in office is actually criminal because it is   against the law of  the land.”<br />
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It is noteworthy that I am supposed to benefit from this law when I leave office as governor. Yet I called for its repeal. This should leave no one in doubt that I  am acting in the best interest of our state and our people. I believe that those of us who have had the privilege of occupying exalted positions must be human enough to resist the temptation of feeding fat from the lean resources of the state at the expense of the people. We must know when to say enough is enough “<br />
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Uzodimma said   he could not condone such a law, and that history and his conscience  will not forgive him if  he did not act in the interest of the people. “I had no choice but to ask for its repeal as part of my  government’s recovery agenda. Yes, I needed   to recover the billions of public   funds that would have been lavished on a privileged few and plough it back to   the more important business of developing our state.”<br />
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Meanwhile, The visitation panel to the Imo state University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH, led by  Professor Frank Akpuaka, has described the N148 million wage of IMSUTH, as “bloated”. The panel, therefore,  called on Governor Hope Uzodinma, to look into the activities of the management that led to such amount as wage bill.<br />
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It was gathered yesterday in Owerri, that the revelation was made when  Akpuaka, alongside his members, submitted their report on IMSUTH to Uzodinma at government House.<br />
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According to Uzodinma regretted the non accreditation of the College of Medicine since inception of the school and  attributed that to sheer negligence by the past School Administrations and past governments.<br />
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The governor said: It will no longer be business as usual for contractors and individuals who take advantage of the administrative lapses in the institution to set back the wheel of progress of the hospital.”<br />
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Part of the advice and findings of the  Akpuaka panel as submitted to the governor stated was canvassing  for improved IGR, automation of the Accounts Department as the panel discovered that the institution maintained 23 Bank accounts, when only 10 were active and advised on the need to  reduce the number of bank accounts to guard against fraud.<br />
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“The Panel suggested the need to implement Procurement laws, especially as it concerns award of contracts and the need for Staff audit to reduce the level of ghost-worker syndrome, which they feared could have been responsible for bloated wage bill of N148m a month when the school’s IGR is only N15m-N20m per month.”<br />
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Part of the  challenges of the institution include; “Poor roads, poor funding, infrastructural decay, inability to retain staff, and non  accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which has resulted in non-admission of medical students for the past four years.”

Latest-News Paying Governors, Speakers pension is illegal, anti-people — Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has explained that his government sponsored the bill on the repeal of Governors and Speakers Pension...

Mercy Aigbe calls me if she needs anything – Lanre Gentry declares

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<b>Estranged hubby of Mercy Aigbe, Lanre Gentry has debunked claims that he has gotten married to another woman.</b><br />
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Earlier in the week, social media was awash with reports that Gentry had remarried.<br />
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However in a recent interview, the popular hotelier debunked such claims.<br />
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“Who said that I have a new wife? A lot of people just make assumptions based on my Instagram posts. The lady that I referred to as my wife is my younger brother’s wife. She lives in London with her family. I called her my wife because she’s my brother’s wife. People didn’t read my post very well. I wouldn’t tell my supposed wife to greet her family.<br />
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“I don’t know why some Nigerians are quick to jump to conclusions when they see innocent and harmless posts online. Mercy Aigbe knows the lady I celebrated very well. This is not the first time that people have speculated that I’ve married another woman based on social media posts. It seems a lot of people are just obsessed with marriage for me. I’m a Yoruba man and if I want to marry another wife, I would do that”, he said.<br />
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Asked if he still communicates with his estranged wife, Gentry stated:  “Me and Mercy are not fighting. If I want to see her, I would call her and if she needs anything, she also calls me. We have a good rapport. God has the final say over our relationship and He knows how it would turn out in the future. I take care of my children. I can’t speak for other fathers but I carry out my responsibilities as a man. I still see Mercy as a part of me. It’s only a mentally unstable man that would leave a woman with children to go and fend for herself. I pay my children’s school fees diligently and I thank God that their mother is also taking good care of them. It’s not easy for a woman to work and also take care of the children.”

Latest-News Mercy Aigbe calls me if she needs anything – Lanre Gentry declares

Estranged hubby of Mercy Aigbe, Lanre Gentry has debunked claims that he has gotten married to another woman. Earlier in the week, socia...

COVID-19: 50% deaths occurred at home, showed no symptoms – FG

10:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has said the Federal Government discovered that 50 percent of Nigerians who died from COVID-19 died in their homes and 50 percent also did not show any symptoms of the disease.</b><br />
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Ehanire cautioned Nigerians to strictly observe the COVID-19 health regulations during Eid-el-Fitri celebration, saying “wash your hands constantly with soap under running water and do not go to large gatherings”.<br />
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The minister stated this in a statement signed on Friday by the ministry’s Director of Information, Media and Public Relations, Eunice Akro.<br />
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He said, “Ehanire said that findings from the analysis of the deaths show that nearly half of them died at home.<br />
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“Of those who died at home, about 50 percent did not show any symptoms. This underscores my earlier emphasis on the need for those who test positive to report for treatment.”<br />
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Meanwhile, the National Hospital Abuja, on Friday said the Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control had reviewed the guidelines on discharge of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in isolation for over 45 days.<br />
<br />
This may not be unconnected to Mrs Susan Idoko-Okpe, who was isolated as  Benue State index case for at least  58 days.<br />
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Idoko-Okpe, who arrived in Nigeria from the United Kingdom on March 22, took to social media to protest her testing positive for the COVID-19 results leading to her isolation at the Benue State Isolation Centre in Makurdi on March 27, and subsequently at the National Hospital.<br />
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But the NHA’s Deputy Director/Head of Department, Information and Protocol Management, Dr Tayo Haastrup, in a statement  explained that the new guidelines on discharge allowed positive patients to go home.<br />
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“Following the review of protocol for isolation with the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, it was agreed that patients who remain asymptomatic beyond 45 days could be allowed home on self-isolation, and a repeat test could be done after five to 10 days to confirm if the patient has become negative,” the statement read in part.<br />
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The last results given to Idoko-Okpe showed that she was still positive for COVID-19 but the health officials asked her to go, having met the requirements of the World Health Organisation.

Latest-News COVID-19: 50% deaths occurred at home, showed no symptoms – FG

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has said the Federal Government discovered that 50 percent of Nigerians who died from COVID-19 ...

Sanwo-Olu seeks resumption of Lagos-Abuja flights

10:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state government is trying to get the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to allow flights from Lagos to Abuja to operate, following the increasing impact of the closure of the airports on the state’s economy.</b><br />
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The governor lamented that the aviation industry, as well as the entertainment, hospitality and transportation sectors, had been “significantly” affected by the coronavirus pandemic.<br />
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The Federal Government on March 23 shut all international airports in the country before it later extended the closure to all airports in the country, banning all local and international flights.<br />
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Sanwo-Olu spoke as a panellist at a webinar hosted by FSDH Merchant Bank on Friday. The webinar, titled, ‘A global pandemic: local realities and peculiarities – a view from the frontlines’, was anchored by the Chairman, FSDH Holding Company, Mr Hakeem Belo-Osagie, and the bank’s Managing Director, Mrs Hamda Ambah.<br />
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Other panellists included the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai; his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki; Senior lecturer and consultant, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Alero Ann Roberts; Director, Centre for International Development, Harvard University, Prof Asim Ijaz Khwaja, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Business School, Dr Jaya Wen.<br />
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The governor said, “In terms of direct economy, I know that the entertainment industry has been affected badly. I know the hospitality industry has been affected greatly, especially as people could not go out. It affected those sectors badly. Transportation business and the aviation sector have been affected significantly and these are large employers of labour. We all know that Nollywood employs many people, so we are thinking through how to reset these economies very quickly but in a very gradual manner.<br />
<br />
“So, the aviation industry has been badly hit and just this (Friday) morning, I spoke with a major player in that industry and we are trying to get the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to see whether we are going to resume Lagos–Abuja flights before we get to other sectors. There has to be some gradual process in lifting the lockdown.<br />
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“We will continue to have engagements with all of the players down the value chain. At the right time when we see that the t’s have been crossed and the i’s have been dotted, we will do that and you can hold us to that.”

Latest-News Sanwo-Olu seeks resumption of Lagos-Abuja flights

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state government is trying to get the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19...

Sultan declares Sunday Sallah day as Lagos Chief Imam tells Muslims to observe prayers at home

10:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on Friday declared Sunday as Eid-il-Fitr day.</b><br />
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The declaration followed the no report of moon sighting in the country.<br />
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The ongoing Ramadan ends Saturday, marking the end of 30-day fasting.<br />
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A statement by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, said the council did not receive any report from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the moon of Shawwal.<br />
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NSCIA Secretary-General Prof Ishaq Oloyede confirmed to The Nation that the moon was not sighted.<br />
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Oloyede said “fasting continues tomorrow (today).”<br />
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The Sultan, Prof Junaidu said, had accepted the report of the committee and accordingly declared Sunday, May 24 as the first day of Shawwal (Day of Eid-il-Fitr).<br />
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“The Sultan felicitates with the Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country,” he said.<br />
<br />
The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla advised Muslims to abide by the Sultan’s directive.<br />
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This, he said, would ensure a national unity.<br />
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He urged Muslims to observe the Sunday Eid prayers at home.<br />
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Sheikh Abou-Nolla “This year’s Eid-il-Fitr is an unusual one coming at a time when the world is battling a global pandemic – the COVID-19 with its prevalence significantly impacting on every sphere of our lives particularly on social interaction. Recognising the need for our collective survival, in consonance with the Islamic principles that place high premium value on human lives, all Muslims should maintain a high level of personal hygiene such as regular hand washing, sanitising, practising social distancing and staying in our current locations to minimise the spread of the virus.<br />
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“We enjoin Muslims to observe Eid prayers at home, as this exceptional circumstance demands, and as have been advised by Muslim scholars all over the world.”

Latest-News Sultan declares Sunday Sallah day as Lagos Chief Imam tells Muslims to observe prayers at home

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on Friday declared...

Biggest thing I have gained from fame- Teni

09:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>Uyomeyo crooner, Teniola has opened up on what fame has done for her. She noted that fame has given her the opportunity to see the joy in the faces of her fans.</b><br />
<br />
Speaking in a chat with The Nation, she said: “The joy of seeing the happiness on the faces of the fans whenever I step on stage or meet them. It’s an irreplaceable feeling that your passion can provide all of these”<br />
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Asked why she allows her personality shine through her music, Teni said  she likes being her happy self.<br />
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“I just like being my happy self and making sure when I walk into a room I bring that energy there. You don’t know what different people are facing and if what I do or say can produce a little bit of relief in my goofy self and why not?<br />
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I remember starting out with YouTube videos of me talking about different random things and friends and family would tell me how much they enjoyed it. This got extended to my Instagram community and I’m really glad people accept me for who I am and find solace in it”.<br />
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Sharing what love means to her, the ‘Billionaire’ crooner said: “Love is special. I mean the idea of building a life with someone forever and to do anything to see that person smile. It’s the greatest sensation you can ever find. I hope I get to experience it someday but right now it’s all about the music”.

Latest-News Biggest thing I have gained from fame- Teni

Uyomeyo crooner, Teniola has opened up on what fame has done for her. She noted that fame has given her the opportunity to see the joy in ...

Ogun state extends lockdown for the 4th time

08:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended the lockdown of the state by one week more with the Monday, Wednesday and Friday window periods sustained to enable residents re-stock their home with basic necessities.<br />
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Abiodun said that the current lockdown amid Eid-L-Fitr would lapsed on the 31st May, stressing the phase two of it will commence on June 1st while the extended ease of lockdown will be subsequently announced.<br />
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The Governor made this known on Friday evening at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office while addressing the state on the steps being taken by his administration to contain the spread of COVID – 19 pandemic in the state.<br />
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Abiodun lamented that community transmission of the dreadful virus is on the increase in the Gateway State, saying while 25 cases were recorded on a particular day, 49 positive cases were recorded in the last one week.<br />
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He, however, said the good news was that 97 people have been discharged, representing 53% of the total positive cases listed against the state as of 7pm Friday this week since first index case was discovered last February 27.

Latest-News Ogun state extends lockdown for the 4th time

Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended the lockdown of the state by one week more with the Monday, Wednesday and Friday window periods sustain...

Nigeria records 245 new cases of Coronavirus, total now 7,261.

08:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
There is no respite for Nigeria, as the nation ramped up 245 new Coronavirus infections on Friday.<br />
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The overall total is now 7,261.<br />
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Lagos, the epicentre of the virus took the lead again with 131 new cases.<br />
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Jigawa came next with 16 fresh infections, in the figures released by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on Friday.<br />
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Ogun recorded 13 new Coronavirus cases and Borno 12.<br />
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Kaduna, Oyo, Ebonyi and Rivers have nine cases each.<br />
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Kano registered eight new cases; Kwara, seven; Katsina, five, Akwa Ibom and Sokoto, three.<br />
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Bauchi and Yobe logged two cases each , while Anambra, Gombe, Niger, Ondo, Plateau, FCT and Bayelsa recorded one case each.<br />
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The nation recorded 10 new deaths from the virus on Friday, taking its total deaths so far to 221.<br />
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So far, Nigeria has discharged 2007 COVID-19 patients.

Latest-News Nigeria records 245 new cases of Coronavirus, total now 7,261.

There is no respite for Nigeria, as the nation ramped up 245 new Coronavirus infections on Friday. The overall total is now 7,261. ...

Africa's COVID-19 cases now over 100,000

08:55 Unknown 0

<br />
The COVID-19 pandemic on Friday reached a milestone in Africa, with more than 100,000 confirmed cases.<br />
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The virus has now spread to every country in the continent since the<br />
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first case was confirmed in the region 14 weeks ago.<br />
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Despite crossing this threshold, the pandemic, which has struck with such devastating force in much of the world, appears to be taking a different pathway in Africa.<br />
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Case numbers have not grown at the same exponential rate as in other regions and so far Africa has not experienced the high mortality seen in some parts of the world. Today, there are 3.100 confirmed deaths on the continent.<br />
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By comparison, when cases reached 100,000 in the World Health Organization (WHO) European region, deaths stood at more than 4,900. Early analysis by WHO suggests that Africa’s lower mortality rate may be the result of demography and other possible factors.<br />
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Africa is the youngest continent demographically with more than 60% of the population under the age of 25. Older adults have a significantly increased risk of developing a severe illness. In Europe nearly 95% of deaths occurred in those older than 60 years.<br />
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African governments have made difficult decisions and were quick to impose confinement measures, including physical and social distancing, which will have significant socio-economic costs. These measures, which along with contact tracing and isolation, expanded or increased hand washing have helped to slow down the spread of the virus.<br />
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“For now COVID-19 has made a soft landfall in Africa, and the continent has been spared the high numbers of deaths which have devastated other regions of the world,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “It is possible our youth dividend is paying off and leading to fewer deaths. But we must not be lulled into complacency as our health systems are fragile and are less able to cope with a sudden increase in cases.”<br />
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The continent has made significant progress in testing with around 1.5 million COVID-19 tests conducted so far. However, testing rates remain low and many countries continue to require support to scale-up testing. There is a need to expand the testing capacity in urban, semi-urban and rural areas, and provide additional test kits.<br />
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<br />
Cases continue to rise in Africa and while overall it took 52 days to reach the first 10,000 cases, it took only 11 days to move from 30;000 to 50 000 cases. About half of the countries in Africa are experiencing community transmission.<br />
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More than 3.400 health care workers have been infected by COVID-19. It is important that health authorities prioritize the protection of healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection at medical facilities and communities. There is also a need to provide enough personal protective equipment to health care workers and raise their awareness as well as increase infection prevention and control in health facilities.<br />
<br />
“Testing as many people as possible and protecting health workers who come into contact with suspected and confirmed cases are crucial aspects of this response. Despite global shortages, we are working hard to prioritize the delivery of testing kits and personal protective equipment to low- and middle-income countries that have the most vulnerable populations, based on the number of cases reported,” said Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.<br />
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Despite the relatively lower number of COVID-19 cases in Africa, the pandemic remains a major threat to the continent’s health systems. A new modelling study by WHO predicts that if containment measures fail, even with a lower number of cases requiring hospitalization than elsewhere, the medical capacity in much of Africa would be overwhelmed.<br />
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Now that countries are starting to ease their confinement measures, there is a possibility that cases could increase significantly, and it is critical that governments remain vigilant and ready to adjust measures in line with epidemiological data and proper risk assessment.<br />
<br />
WHO has offices in every country on the continent and is working closely with the Africa Centres for Disease Control, Ministries of Health, United Nations agencies and other partners to support the scale-up of the response through coordination, technical expertise, the provision of much needed medical supplies and assisting with data collection and analysis.<br />
<br />
WHO has trained more than 7000 health workers, including 1000 district health teams to support the decentralization of the response. So far, more than 225 experts have been deployed to over 39 countries in Africa and over 900 staff have been repurposed at the regional and country level to support the response.

Latest-News Africa's COVID-19 cases now over 100,000

The COVID-19 pa...

Kaduna prohibits congregational prayers, mandates security agents to arrest violators

11:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>The Kaduna State Government has mandated security agencies to prohibit any sort of congregational worship and  ban any large gathering or social activity during Sallah.</b><br />
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The government urged the security agencies to strictly enforce the extant Quarantine Orders on all other days, except Wednesdays and Thursdays this week.<br />
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Mr.Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said in a statement on Thursday that residents were urged to continue to comply with lockdown conditions, including the restriction of movement.<br />
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“The Kaduna State Security Council wishes to remind all residents of the state that the restriction of movement is relaxed only for Wednesday and Thursday of this week.”<br />
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“The Kaduna State Government has explained the public health considerations that have informed these measures and appealed to citizens to endure the sacrifices required to protect everyone from Covid-19.<br />
<br />
“As part of confidence-building measures to reassure residents and uphold law and order, security agencies will be undertaking enhanced patrols across the state. Measures against interstate travel will also be robustly enforced at the boundaries of the state.”<br />
<br />
“Security agencies will be professional in undertaking these public safety operations. Members of the public can report any instances of misconduct by calling the following numbers: 09034000060 and 08170189999.”<br />
<br />
“The Kaduna State Government appeals to all residents to continue to conduct themselves peacefully and to cooperate with the security agencies,” he said.

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Rohr accepts new two-year deal to coach Eagles

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<br />
<b>Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, on Wednesday agreed to terms of a new two-year contract sent to him by the Nigeria Football Federation, our correspondent has learnt.</b><br />
<br />
A member of Rohr’s backroom staff, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Eagles coach had already agreed to the terms of the new deal.<br />
<br />
He said the draft sent to the Franco-German was agreed on and the federation would send the contract document to the coach to sign latest next week.<br />
<br />
“He (Rohr) has accepted the new terms and it’s just a matter of days before the deal is sealed. He loves Nigeria and he is excited to coach the Eagles again,” our source said.<br />
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<br />
Rohr, whose contract with the NFF expires in June, had been in contract renewal talks with the federation since the beginning of the year.<br />
<br />
NFF president, Amaju Pinnick had listed some of the conditions the federation gave Rohr before his contract could be renewed, which states that he must live in Nigeria and also watch the Nigeria Professional Football League matches to scout for home-based talents.<br />
<br />
The Franco-German would also be paid in Nigerian currency, the naira.<br />
<br />
The 66-year-old first took the Eagles job in August 2016, before signing a two-year contract renewal in January 2018, after qualifying the national team for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.<br />
<br />
He led the side to a group stage outing at the World Cup, before winning bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.<br />
<br />
He has 59.18 win ratio with the Eagles, winning 29, 11 draws and losing nine out of 49 matches.

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Herdsmen Attacks: Our kingdoms are under siege, Delta monarchs cry out

10:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, yesterday, lamented that their kingdoms were under siege by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen, who have established camps in far away bushes from where they launch attacks on their subjects.</b><br />
<br />
They also applauded the state government for its decision to establish an independent security outfit to be known as ‘Operation Delta Hawk’ to tackle rising security challenges, saying they were in full support of the joint security taskforce.<br />
<br />
The state government had on Tuesday announced its decision  to set up the security outfit to complement effort of conventional security agencies in the state in the task of effective policing of the state.<br />
<br />
Chairman of the traditional rulers’ council and the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, who addressed newsmen,  said: “These people who have camps in the bushes, they should be made to leave the bushes where they have set up camps across the state. They should not be allowed to live in the bushes from where they come to commit crimes. They should be chased out of the bushes where they camp and launch attacks over the people.<br />
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“We have these invaders in our bushes. They set up camps, rape our women, destroy crops in our farm lands, kidnap our people, kill security agents and royal fathers. So everybody should be involved in ensuring security.<br />
<br />
“That is why we are calling that those who set up camps in the bushes of Delta State, they don’t live with us in the town, they are not registered voters, they don’t partake in community development, they settle in the bushes knowing that the communities don’t have guns to confront them, it means that all persons in the society must join hands to ensure that they leave.<br />
<br />
“These herders carry out these evil acts uncontrolled. We are calling for a concerted effort that will rid the state of these criminal elements and the traditional rulers are ready to give our 100percent support to the initiative by the governor to set up an independent security outfit which is long overdue.”<br />
<br />
Efeizomor, who spoke alongside the Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, Obi of Issele-Uku, Obi of Atuma, Obi of Idumuje-Unor, Obi of Umunede, and Obi of Akumazi, enjoined the police to redouble their crime fighting efforts, especially with respect to the havoc being wrecked on Deltans by suspected herdsmen.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Chairman of  Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr Ndukwe Louis, has issued an executive order given owners of illegal structures located in forests belonging to  Akwukwu-Igbo, Ibusa, Okpanam, Illah, Ebu, Ukala, Ugbolu, Atuma and Aninwalo communities to within one week clear out from the camps.<br />
<br />
The move is an attempt  by the council, a hotbed of attacks and abduction of residents in recent times by suspected herdsmen, to destroy criminal hideouts in the bushes.<br />
<br />
Louis in the executive order, Wednesday,  addressed to all Seriki and Igbo camp leaders in the affected communities, said,  “Be informed that due to the security challenges we recently face as a council and the need to rid our area of all secret hideouts where criminals use as safe havens, we herewith communicate that you vacate, advise others considered your wards within our council  to move out and take up rents with our people, live with our people, or build permanent structure that shall be registered and owned by you, your proxies or wards like every other Nigerian, who live and do business in our council.’’

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Pulev to Anthony Joshua: You either fight or vacate world champion title

10:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
<b>Kubrat Pulev has said that he will not step away from his shot at the world heavyweight belts and warned Anthony Joshua “you either fight or vacate the title”.</b><br />
<br />
The Bulgarian is mandatory challenger for Joshua’s IBF title but their planned bout on 20 June was postponed.<br />
<br />
It led to talk of Pulev being paid to step aside so Joshua could face Tyson Fury for all four heavyweight belts.<br />
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“I can’t understand why we are still postponing instead of fixing a date and venue and getting to work?” said Pulev.<br />
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“Enough is enough. I can’t wait to win this fight. I see how people are afraid of me and are trying to face someone else before me.<br />
<br />
That’s not how a real world champion should act.”<br />
<br />
Pulev was due to face Briton Joshua in 2017 but withdrew because of injury and was also in mandatory position when Joshua lost to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019.<br />
<br />
Joshua holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts and has talked of his desire to face WBC champion Fury, who is due to face Deontay Wilder for a third time when boxing returns after the coronavrius pandemic.

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Hard times surface as Federation Account records N125bn revenue shortfall in Q1

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<br />
<b>The Federal Account recorded a sharp revenue shortfall in the first quarter of 2020.</b><br />
<br />
Finance, Budget and National Planning Minister Hajia Zainab Ahmed also warned that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP), might shrink this year to -8.94 per cent unless there is economic stimulus.<br />
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Speaking with State House Correspondents after the meeting, Mrs Ahmed, said with 40 per cent of Nigeria’s population classified as poor, the looming economic crisis would worsen their misery.<br />
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According to her, the global economy would also be dealing with the sharpest reversal since the Great Depression, as a result of the health crisis.<br />
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<br />
She added that the projected oil and gas revenue for the country, in the first quarter of 2020 suffered a 31% shortfall, representing about N125.52 billion.<br />
<br />
“It is not news any more that these are very difficult and challenging times. We are facing a very significant economic downturn; a time that we have not seen in the history of our country.<br />
<br />
“On the economy, COVID-19 has resulted in the collapse in oil prices.  This will impact negatively, and the impact has already started showing on the federation’s revenues and on the foreign exchange earnings.<br />
<br />
“Net oil and gas revenue and influx to the federation account in the first quarter of 2020 amounted to N940.91billion. This represented a shortfall of N125. 52billion or 31% of the prorated amount that is supposed to have been realized by the end of that first quarter.<br />
<br />
“The economic growth in Nigeria, that is the GDP, could in the worst case scenario, contract by  as much as –8.94% in 2020.<br />
<br />
“But, in the best case,  which is the case we are working on, it could be a contraction of –4.4%, if there is no fiscal stimulus.  But with the fiscal stimulus plan that we are working on, this contraction can be mitigated and we might end up with a negative –0.59%”, she said.<br />
<br />
“The Federal Government is committed to supporting the financial viability of states, including the suspension of payments in respect of commitments, debts that have been secured with ISPOs by the states at the federal levels.<br />
<br />
“So, we have already implemented suspension of deductions of a number of loans that have been taken by the states from April and also in May.<br />
<br />
“The Economic Sustainability Committee is responsible for providing overall strategic vision, policy direction and general oversight of the implementation amongst others”, she said.<br />
<br />
Mrs. Ahmed assorted that the World Bank view is that the impact of the COVID-19 on Nigeria will lead to severe amplified human and economic cost, which will move the country into a recession.<br />
<br />
“The World Bank planned a proposed package for immediate fiscal relief for the federal government.  This will also involve policy-based policy budget support for the FG, focusing on measures to maintain macro financial stability and create fiscal space for proposed stimulus.<br />
<br />
“The World Bank package has also got a proposal of $1.5billion for the states and this package will be dedicated to the states.  And it will be a programme for results which the states are already used to implementing.<br />
<br />
“So, the immediate fiscal relief for the states, as stated in the presentation, will include the acceleration of an existing programme to enable disbursement by end of September.<br />
<br />
“So, the proposed $1.5billion plan will by end of September it would have been disbursed to the states. We are looking at an average of between N150billion to N200billion based on the plan to the 36 states. These are states that have already made some particular commitments and achievements so that they will be able to get immediate disbursements of parts of these funds”, she said.<br />
<br />
Giving details of the balances in the various national accounts, the Minister disclosed “in the Excess Crude Account, as at 21 of May, 2020, we reported a balance $72.04 million.<br />
<br />
“We also reported to Council that in the Stabilization Account, as at today, we have a balance of N39.337 billion. In the Natural Resource Development Fund Account, as at today, we have a balance N125.19 billion”.<br />
<br />
Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar told reporters that council received an update on Polio Eradication and support to Community Transmission of COVID-19(CTA) presented by the Minister of Health.<br />
<br />
He said: “updates indicated that Nigeria is moving towards polio eradication and on course to be certified as Wild Polio Free by the World Health Organistion(WHO) African Region next month.<br />
<br />
“It also indicated that no wild polio cases was reported in Nigeria for 44 months.<br />
<br />
“The NPHCDA adopted the Polio structure which is the Incident Management System to tackle the COVID-19 at the PHCs and community levels in all the states and FCT.<br />
<br />
“States governments, governors are urged to facilitate the establishment of structures to coordinate efforts to stop community transmission of COVID-19.<br />
<br />
“The report of NEC’s Adhoc committee to Review Status of Ownership of Structure of Electricity Power Distribution Company(DISCOs) headed by the Kaduna State Governor was received.<br />
<br />
“The report was delivered, adopted and now being implemented but due to the lockdown not all members have signed the report.<br />
<br />
“We also discussed COVID-19;  Council set a NEC Committee to work with the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 to work out modalities for the reopening of the national economy.<br />
<br />
“The committee comprises governors of Ekiti, Lagos, Anambra, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau and FCT Minister as members and chaired by the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.<br />
<br />
Asked if the states can pay salaries as at when due is the Federal Government has suspended deductions from bailout fund, he said, “I think most of the states are paying salaries already. But we have not seen the worst yet, I may not be able to answer this question correctly until we see what comes up in the next part, that is when we expect the worst-case scenario on the fallen oil prices.<br />
<br />
“And at that time we will do the calculation and all the scenarios will come up and that will determine whether we will be able to pay salaries or not”, he said.

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MI Abaga, Naeto C to battle for supremacy on IG Live

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<br />
<b>MI Abaga and Naeto C shocked many of their fans when they announced that they will battle one another on Instagram Live . The show will take place this Sunday 24th of May 2020.</b><br />
<br />
The announcement came via MI Abaga‘s Instagram page  on May 21, 2020.<br />
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<p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdyRBUpTd9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Had a great talk with my brother @naetosuperc on the culture and making sure it is represented properly with respect.. so we are proud to announce Sunday evening we go live in a 10 vs 10 all Hits vs battle to start of the series.. let’s celebrate our African music history properly!!!!</a></p>
<p style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mi_abaga/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank">mi_abaga</a> (@mi_abaga) on <time style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2020-05-21T21:42:41+00:00">May 21, 2020 at 2:42pm PDT</time></p>
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<script async="async" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>He wrote, “The actual official real authentic verses battle between me and my brother @NaetoC is happening Sunday.. we had a great convo last night and after this we both want to put this on for the culture with other artists.. please RT share and prepare.. who y’all got?? #10for10.”<br />
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Recall that on May 20, 2020, Twitter user,Tola Sarumi also known as AfroVII took to her Twitter account to ask her followers to tweet to MI Abaga hits. When Noble Igwe  joked that all MI Abaga‘s songs might be hits, Sarumi replied that, “He’s a top top rapper, that’s not the question. Lol but against Naeto? 10 joints each? I don’t see him winning.”<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
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Naeto C is known for hit songs like ‘You know my p’, 10 over 10 and so on. M.I on the other hand , also has hit songs like ‘Anoti’ etc.

Latest-News MI Abaga, Naeto C to battle for supremacy on IG Live

MI Abaga and Naeto C shocked many of their fans when they announced that they will battle one another on Instagram Live . The show will ta...

Nigeria Customs seize the largest single seizure of cannabis in Nigeria's history, worth N1.2 Billion

02:55 Unknown 0

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<br />
Operatives of the Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) have intercepted drugs suspected to be Cannabis Sativa valued at N1,002,050,000 during a seagoing patrol on Lagos waters.<br />
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The Controller of the command, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters, revealed this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.<br />
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Peters described the seizure as the “largest single seizure” of such drugs on the waters in the history of the Nigeria Customs.<br />
<br />
He said that his men relied on intelligence and carried out round the clock surveillance for a period of three days before swooping on the target area where the seizure was made.<br />
<br />
According to him, the suspected smugglers seen from afar with the drugs dived into the water to escape upon sighting customs officers approaching to make the seizure.<br />
<br />
“The drugs were suspected to be coming from Ghana and had passed other countries by water before getting to Shashi area of Lagos where it was seized.<br />
<br />
“Since no suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure, it will be liable to destruction in collaboration with relevant government agencies like National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Police,” he said.<br />
<br />
Peters said that the command had achieved 39 seizures within the first four months of the year, which is higher than 12 seizures made within the same period of 2019.<br />
<br />
He said that the command made seizures with a total duty paid value of N1,063,427,800 which was higher than DPV of N36,420,481.46 achieved within the same period of last year.<br />
<br />
He listed the breakdown of the 2020 seizures made so far as 1,816 bags of rice valued at N38,134,375; 733 cartons of poultry products worth N7,421,625; and 104 bales of second-hand clothing worth N4,393,400.<br />
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He also listed 665 bales of textile materials worth N2,094,400 and 112 kegs of 25-litre petroleum products valued at N112,000.<br />
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Other seizures listed are, 25 bales of second-hand shoes and belts worth N8,019,000; 25 cartons of chewing gum worth N1,203,000 and the unprecedented seizure of cannabis<br />
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The Comptroller attributed the seizure recorded to the renewed spirit of work amongst officers and men of the command to achieve the Comptroller General of Customs strategic plan of zero tolerance to smuggling.<br />
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He also attributed it to a high level of intelligence gathering and enhanced customs community relations.<br />
<br />
Peters said this was in addition to close collaboration with other government agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police, among others.

Latest-News Nigeria Customs seize the largest single seizure of cannabis in Nigeria's history, worth N1.2 Billion

Operatives of the Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) have intercepted drugs suspected to be Cannabis Sativa valued at...

75-year-old woman dies of COVID-19 in Ekiti

02:55 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_S0GwXsajUkyp2UDUDreHd8AQT5itUUAH6nLk4LVTlM5aobayJFfh3zCajdJX6XJrNY0d0wHc1ehwPFJbV-44JVUkU5Mz9qdWKMg6HaM-JFpJ8g8juEX95PJ_-wLBd-qKsRRz8HqRJCr/s1600/ekiti-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="180" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_S0GwXsajUkyp2UDUDreHd8AQT5itUUAH6nLk4LVTlM5aobayJFfh3zCajdJX6XJrNY0d0wHc1ehwPFJbV-44JVUkU5Mz9qdWKMg6HaM-JFpJ8g8juEX95PJ_-wLBd-qKsRRz8HqRJCr/s400/ekiti-map.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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A 75-year-old woman has died of coronavirus-related complications in Ekiti State.<br />
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This was confirmed by the state government on Thursday.<br />
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With the new fatality, the number of COVID-19 deaths has increased to two in the state.<br />
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“We can confirm that one of the samples sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control-accredited laboratory for testing returned positive of the #COVID-19 virus infection.<br />
<br />
“The new positive case, a 75-year-old female, has died from complications of the virus,” it tweeted.<br />
Earlier, the NCDC announced that 284 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Ekiti and 12 other states.<br />
<br />
NCDC said, “Two hundred and eighty-four (284) confirmed cases were reported in the last 24 hours in thirteen (13) states – Lagos (199), Rivers (26), Oyo (19), Borno (8), FCT (8), Plateau (7), Jigawa (6), Kano (5), Abia (2), Delta (1), Ekiti (1), Kwara (1) and Taraba (1).<br />
<br />
“No new state recorded a confirmed COVID-19 case in the last 24 hours.<br />
<br />
“The total number of states including FCT that have reported at least one confirmed case in Nigeria is still 35 (34 states + FCT).<br />
<br />
“163 cases were discharged in the last 24 hours in 10 states – FCT (27), Bauchi (18), Lagos (17), Zamfara (17), Kwara (13), Kaduna (12), Jigawa (10), Taraba (9), Kano (2) and Oyo (1).<br />
<br />
“Ten (10) deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours in eight (8) states – FCT (2), Lagos (2), Adamawa (1), Delta (1), Ekiti (1), Gombe (1), Kaduna (1) and Rivers (1).”

Latest-News 75-year-old woman dies of COVID-19 in Ekiti

A 75-year-old woman has died of coronavirus-related complications in Ekiti State. This was confirmed by the state government on Thursd...

DPO arrested for alleged murder in Lagos

02:55 Unknown 0

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the Divisional Police Officer of Ilemba Hausa, Ojo Local Government, CSP Yahaya Adeshina, and Inspector Charles Okoro over the alleged murder of two persons – a cleric, and a police officer.<br />
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Okoro, attached to the Ikotun Division, was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a 28-year-old cleric, Fatai Oladipupo, at Igando in Ikotun, Lagos.<br />
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Adeshina was arrested over the alleged murder of his colleague, Sergeant<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a>Onalaja Onajide, while dispersing crowds that gathered in front of the station.<br />
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This was contained in a statement signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, on Thursday.<br />
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Elkana said the inspector was arrested in connection with the deadly shooting incident reported on May 20.<br />
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“The inspector has been subjected to internal disciplinary procedure, known as Orderly Room Trial at the State Police Command’s Provost Department.<br />
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“If found guilty, he will be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba for prosecution in a conventional court.<br />
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“Investigation is going on to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident,” he said.<br />
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Elkana noted that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, has commiserated with the families of the deceased and called for calm.<br />
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He added, “This decision followed the reports received by the Command alleging the Divisional Police Officer Ilemba Hausa, CSP Yahaya Mohammed Adeshina, of shooting the Sergeant while dispersing crowds that gathered in front of the Station.<br />
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“The DPO is arrested and detained at the State CID for investigation. His rifle is retrieved for forensic examination. The Command has ordered that autopsy be carried out on the deceased person.”

Latest-News DPO arrested for alleged murder in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the Divisional Police Officer of Ilemba Hausa, Ojo Local Government, CSP Yahaya Adeshina, and...

Massive jubilation in Rivers as Wike relaxes lockdown

02:55 Unknown 0

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHP_F9x74FHNMzwo1jeWTaV3i8r64gYhd3EWix1Jd7ozh4H08Q2A9uc354wEOPKYvPR1XPr0B5VmfCt4pPl-3ajioREOLh9KC-Ug6PijkZzIyIGzP1De9mSBmpDuQSYLxmuqi8pFIU1JDw/s400/wike11.png" width="400" /></div>
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Some Rivers residents in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs on Thursday expressed joy over the announcement of a six-day suspension of the total lockdown by the state government.<br />
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The state Governor, Nyesom Wike, had on Wednesday evening announced the suspension.<br />
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The residents said they were becoming desperate before the latest development.<br />
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One of the residents of Elioparanwo in the Obio/Akpor LGA, Michael, said, “To be honest with you, I almost died of hunger yesterday. All shops and chemists were closed; the lockdown this time around was very severe, streets were empty as if everyone had travelled out. I have run out of cash and I was stranded. I even had to plead with my landlady to assist me with something to eat.<br />
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“By tomorrow, I am out of the city to my village in Abua. Do you know what it means to live in an isolated place and you don’t have enough money to buy what to eat? Even if you have money, where to buy is not available.”<br />
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Another resident, who identified himself as Felix, said he exhausted the money.<br />
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Felix, who lives in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, said “When Wike earlier suspended the restriction of movement in my area for some days, as a taxi driver, I managed to gather some money to sustain myself for a while. After buying garri and rice, my money finished.<br />
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“What I had left was just to buy kerosene, water and other little things at home. When I heard that Wike had given us another six days, I just prayed that God should bless him for that.”<br />
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Our correspondent, who went round Port Harcourt, observed that traffic had built up on major roads, while shoppers were seen in front of supermarkets and banks.

Latest-News Massive jubilation in Rivers as Wike relaxes lockdown

Some Rivers residents in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs on Thursday expressed joy over the announcement of a six-day suspension of t...

FG asks churches, mosques, others to submit guidelines for reopening

02:55 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1140" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mVUB8_C3qcPsh4uo94L9g2OG-kATVBpwXx04oaUvfPMDVCiFfMLNbx_BEdH8GGYwEdlyfumr09ODOPXj0HWKFkqRoJq4QJ9TLionZBACUQXRdPEPVpu79cKk1yvbSKAZ9NdP8Lp3qARM/s640/lagos+nigeria+lockdown.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Thursday said COVID-19 patients, who spent a long period at isolation centres were at the risk of depression.<br />
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Ehanire, who stated this in Abuja at the press conference of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, said government planned to deploy psychologists in isolation centres to take care of such patients.<br />
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At the press conference, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the task force was reluctant to adopt home treatment it once proposed because of conditions under which Nigerians live.<br />
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He also asked professional groups and faith-based organisations, including churches and mosques, to submit guidelines for reopening to the NCDC to review and advise.<br />
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But explaining effects of long treatment on some patients, the health minister stated, “On the mental health issue of those in isolation, who have stayed a little bit longer, some people do get a little bit of mental depression. This mental health issue is under consideration. It (a policy) is also being developed in states to have psychologists create things to engage those in isolation.”<br />
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He also said the Federal Government had intervened in the sit-at-home protest embarked upon on Wednesday by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, following harassments by the police, who were enforcing a nationwide curfew imposed by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)<br />
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The minister stated, “With regard to the industrial action by doctors in Lagos, I spoke with the NMA Chairman of the Lagos Chapter on Wednesday to dissuade the doctors from the planned sit-at-home protest in the state, and I listened to their complaints too on harassment at security check points.”<br />
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The health minister said the Federal Government’s team sent to Cross River State on Monday had returned and its report stated that there was no confirmed case yet in the state.<br />
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Besides Cross River State, Kogi State has not recorded any COVID-19 case, but the NCDC officials, who were sent to the North-Central state went back to Abuja without accomplishing their mission following the insistence of the state government that they must be in isolation for 14 days.<br />
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On Thursday, the minister noted that an analysis of the 200 COVID-19 deaths recorded so far in the country revealed a 70-30 per cent ratio for males and females.<br />
<br />
Ehanire said, “A finding from our analysis of deaths shows the ratio is 70 to 30 for men and women respectively. About 70 per cent were over 60 years of age, while the majority of positive cases were between 29 and 49 years of age, being the most outgoing segment of any society. I also advise all who have taken the test and are awaiting result to self-isolate at home, wear face masks and observe hand and respiratory hygiene until the result is out.<br />
<br />
“The fact-finding team to Calabar is back to Abuja with a report. We have identified areas in need of upgrade to include laboratory facilities. No case of COVID-19 was reported by the state as at May 20. Also, 16 suspected cases have been tested, with all being negative.”<br />
<b><br />
Don’t disobey 14-day compulsory quarantine agreement, minister warns returnees</b><br />
<br />
He said Nigerians who were being evacuated from other countries should not disobey the 14-day compulsory quarantine agreement they signed as a condition for their evacuation.<br />
<br />
He said, “On the issue of evacuees, there are issues with compliance. Although part of the conversation we have had with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is that those who are leaving the foreign countries must understand that they are going to be in quarantine for 14 days.<br />
<br />
“It is a requirement for the country and it is something they signed for. It is part of the agreement.”<br />
<br />
The PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, at the press briefing, advised state governments to ensure restriction of movements between local government areas except for healthcare.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>NCDC asks churches, mosques, others to submit guidelines for reopening</b><br />
<br />
“This is what we’ve been advising every society, organisation, community, be it faith-based, cultural based, professionally based, to come up with guidelines for themselves. We are happy to advise and engage, but this needs to be led and owned by the leaders of those organisations.”<br />
<br />
The NCDC DG added that every stakeholder in society needed to take responsibility of the part it owned and managed.<br />
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On testing in the country, he said the Federal Government would deploy 17 Gene Xpert machines next week.<br />
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The device, which is one of the most widely-used tuberculosis diagnostic tools in the world, has been deployed in some countries for conducting rapid COVID-19 tests.<br />
<br />
Ihekweazu said, “We have about 400 Gene Xpert machines across the country. Not all of them are appropriate for COVID. We need those that have a safety cabinet where they are located. We also need those that are functional. Some of them have been around for quite a while.<br />
<br />
“We have to prioritise, so we continue to do this. Seventeen of them are immediately ready for deployment in the first phase, which will start next week. I’m happy to announce that our first set of Gene Xpert cartridges will arrive in Nigeria on May 25.”<br />
<br />
He added that there were criteria for deciding which state would get the machines first.<br />
<br />
According to him, the primary recipients will be states without any laboratory at all, followed by states with high numbers of cases.<br />
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On the criteria for discharge of COVID-19 patients, Ihekweazu stated that the policy had been reviewed from two negative tests to one.<br />
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The NCDC DG also addressed concerns that the agency’s national database on COVID-19 cases and deaths did not reflect the mysterious deaths in Kano State, which are still under investigation.<br />
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Last month, hundreds were said to have died in strange circumstances within two weeks.<br />
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Ihekweazu said, “In terms of adding the deaths in Kano to our national database, our national database, at the moment, is based on biologically confirmed cases, that is, cases confirmed on PCR (polymerase chain reaction).<br />
<br />
“Once the results of the Kano study are completely verified, we will note them but we will not include them in our database because of the difference in methods in estimating the number of people infected and have died in that particular context.”<br />
<b><br /></b><b>He also advised Nigerians to accept the fact that COVID-19 is real.</b><br />
<br />
He said, “An issue that has led to a bit of conversation and consternation in some places are visuals of people in treatment centres in relative comfort, and the anxiety that has led to discussions, comparing those images to the images we also see on TV of very severe cases in different parts of the world.<br />
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“This is an imagery we don’t want to see in Nigeria, but if we have to, we will deal with it. It’s always important to remind people of the full spectrum of clinical presentation we see with this new virus.<br />
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“We see a new disease that, in 80 per cent of cases, people are mildly or completely asymptomatic, i.e. they don’t have any symptoms at all. Under normal circumstances, there won’t be any reason for these people to be in hospitals and isolated.”<br />
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While explaining that isolation was to prevent transmission to others, the NCDC boss noted that many countries carried out a similar policy when the outbreak first started.<br />
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He stated, “They treated all the severe cases in hospitals and isolated every single person that was infected in temporary isolation centres, some of which you saw being built in two weeks.<br />
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“In other countries in the world, in Germany, Western Europe, the US, they’ve made a decision to treat all asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic people at home. That’s a decision they have made in that context.

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Sultan to muslims in Nigerian - "Observe sallah prayers at home"

01:55 Unknown 0

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The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has asked Nigerian Muslims to observe the congregational prayers for this year’s Eid-el-Fitri in their homes.<br />
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This year’s Eid-el-Fitri to mark the end of the Ramadan amid coronavirus outbreak is slated for Saturday or Sunday and the Sultan had urged Muslims to look out for the sighting of the moon.<br />
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Abubakar, who is the leader of Nigerian Muslims, also suspended all prayers, gatherings in the outskirts of towns and cities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />
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The Sultan, who spoke through the JNI Secretary-General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in a statement in Kaduna, however, noted that in states where government had reached decision to mark the Eid-el-Fitri, Muslims should observe social distancing, wear face masks and use hand sanitisers provided for worshippers to check the spread of the COVID-19.<br />
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The Sultan also warned Muslim leaders against unguarded utterances for the overall interests of the Nigerian Muslim community.<br />
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The statement read in part, “The Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto, in a mandate to the JNI Fatwa Committee, under the leadership of Sheikh Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh Alhusainy, CON, to come up with Fatwa regarding the year 2020 ‘Eid-el-Fitr prayer, and the committee after due consultations, as well as considerations of the current state – COVID-19 pandemic and the serious threat it poses to life, reached the following decisions:<br />
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“‘Eid-el-Fitr congregation in the outskirts of towns and cities should be temporarily suspended.<br />
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“That the said ‘Eid-el-Fitr Prayer be observed at home with family members or alone at home.<br />
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“However, in states where governments have reached concrete decisions to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayer, based on their medical experts advice, strictest measures of distancing, face masks and sanitisers be taken to protect worshipers. In this case, neighborhood mosques can be utilised if it becomes necessary.<br />
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“Ulama should fear Allah, the Most High and be mature enough in guarding their utterances and actions for the overall interest of the Deen and the Ummah.”<br />
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The JNI statement added, “Nigerian Muslims are therefore called upon to reflect their minds to the good virtues of the month of Ramadan and keep to its teachings all through their respective lives, as the Lord of Ramadan is still and shall remain the Lord of other months, above all keeps the records of our actions and inactions. More so, Muslims are reminded to keep to the ordinances of the glorious Qur’an, for the prestige of the Muslim Ummah.<br />
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“JNI wishes all Muslim faithful an accepted Ramadanand successful ‘Eid-el-Fitr.”

Latest-News Sultan to muslims in Nigerian - "Observe sallah prayers at home"

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has asked Nigerian Muslims to observe the ...

Nigeria's confirmed COVID-19 cases shoot up past 7,000

01:55 Unknown 0

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<b><br /></b><b>Nigeria’s Coronavirus infections have jumped to 7,016, with 339 new cases recorded on Thursd</b>ay.<br />
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Lagos has continued to record a spike in infections, ramping up 139 new cases, while Kano and Oyo came a distant second with 28 new cases each.<br />
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Edo, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Plateau and FCT recorded 25, 22, 18, 14, 13, 13 and 11 new cases respectively.<br />
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Others are, Gombe, eight cases; Ogun, five cases; Bauchi and Nasarawa, four cases each; Delta, three cases; Ondo, two cases, while Rivers and Adamawa recorded one case each.<br />
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The nation recorded 11 deaths on Thursday to take the overall deaths so far to 211, while 1,907 patients who recovered from the virus have been discharged.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="tl" xml:lang="tl">339 new cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>;<br />
<br />
139-Lagos<br />
28-Kano<br />
28-Oyo<br />
25-Edo<br />
22-Katsina<br />
18-Kaduna<br />
14-Jigawa<br />
13-Yobe<br />
13-Plateau<br />
11-FCT<br />
8-Gombe<br />
5-Ogun<br />
4-Bauchi<br />
4-Nasarawa<br />
3-Delta<br />
2-Ondo<br />
1-Rivers<br />
1-Adamawa<br />
<br />
7016 cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in Nigeria<br />
Discharged: 1907<br />
Deaths: 211 <a href="https://t.co/tSmPZvB7gs">pic.twitter.com/tSmPZvB7gs</a></div>
— NCDC (@NCDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCDCgov/status/1263602566346260481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<b>AS STATES STAND...</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">A breakdown of cases by state can be found via <a href="https://t.co/Z5x7UFXpXd">https://t.co/Z5x7UFXpXd</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeResponsibility?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeResponsibility</a> <a href="https://t.co/B8GEVGnE02">pic.twitter.com/B8GEVGnE02</a></div>
— NCDC (@NCDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCDCgov/status/1263607954798006275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Latest-News Nigeria's confirmed COVID-19 cases shoot up past 7,000

Nigeria’s Coronavirus infections have jumped to 7,016, with 339 new cases recorded on Thursd ay. Lagos has continued to record a spike in...

Man demands N10 Million from DSS as damages after he was detained for buying SIM card previously owned by Buhari’s daughter

01:55 Unknown 0

<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyjJNXuxRlKV7jjM2N6JoPI0OjFs5fKSnRKqfS2GlQb7Yvau00yVzqnbfA3FoMUF3ZPIKu7UzrOVjc44n4v1Xhyphenhyphen7PR5qIIx1zp5rDNLvencEgefm1yKd-ADSZnkTks92ToDlGjthIFenD/s1600/buhari+daughter+Anthony+Okolie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyjJNXuxRlKV7jjM2N6JoPI0OjFs5fKSnRKqfS2GlQb7Yvau00yVzqnbfA3FoMUF3ZPIKu7UzrOVjc44n4v1Xhyphenhyphen7PR5qIIx1zp5rDNLvencEgefm1yKd-ADSZnkTks92ToDlGjthIFenD/s640/buhari+daughter+Anthony+Okolie.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b>Delta-based trader, Anthony Okolie, has written a letter to the Department of State Services demanding the payment of N10m to him as ordered by a Federal High Court in Asaba last week.</b><br />
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Justice Nnamdi Dimgba had last week ordered the DSS to pay Okolie N10m for illegally detaining him for 10 weeks after purchasing a SIM card previously owned by the President’s daughter, Hanan Buhari.<br />
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In a letter addressed to the Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi, the trader said a cheque of N10m must be issued to him within 24 hours.<br />
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The letter dated May 21, 2020 was signed by Okolie’s lawyer, Tope Akinyode, and was acknowledged and received by one Mafala on behalf of the DSS.<br />
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The letter read in part, “We have been instructed by our client to recover the said debt of N10, 000, 000 from you. You are therefore requested to forward your cheque to us forthwith in settlement of the judgment debt.<br />
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“Take notice that unless we receive our cheque in settlement within 24 hours’ receipt of this letter, we shall have no choice but to take all steps available under the law to recover the said sum.”

Latest-News Man demands N10 Million from DSS as damages after he was detained for buying SIM card previously owned by Buhari’s daughter

Delta-based trader, Anthony Okolie, has written a letter to the Department of State Services demanding the payment of N10m to him as order...

Nigerian military quarantines Boko Haram members, give them masks

01:55 Unknown 0

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The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has said its troops now quarantine and give face masks to Boko Haram, bandits and other suspects arrested in the line of operation.<br />
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The Coordinator of the DHQ’S Media Operations, Maj Gen John Enenche, stated this during a press conference in Abuja.<br />
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Enenche said the military would be training a total of 300 medical personnel and will deploy them to 21 military hospitals nationwide to support government’s efforts at tackling COVID-19.<br />
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He said, “We quarantine; we have these facilities. The COVID-19 has changed the way things are done. Before two weeks into the pandemic, we already produced our face masks and it is a mixed family when you are on operation – the domestic and the extended.<br />
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“The extended family are the visitors you will get, the captured enemies and surrendered enemies and you have to treat them. So, again for the overall safety, these measures have to be put in place. If someone is surrendering, the best you do is to first maintain social distancing.<br />
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“Once you maintain social distancing, you give them the directive to move forward, and then you give them the face masks to wear. We have many face masks as produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria. The army ordered for several thousands of face masks too and sent them to the North-East.”<br />
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He added, “We don’t just get the suspects and carry them raw like that. No, those are the measures we put in place. So, COVID-19 has changed the face of our operations and made us compliant with the new health standards.”<br />
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The coordinator noted that the armed forces would be conducting further medical COVID-19 training for personnel in eight military centres nationwide.<br />
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“The Armed Forces of Nigeria COVID-19 case management training will be conducted in eight centres which are Headquarters 1 Division, Kaduna; 6 Division, Port Harcourt; 7 Division, Maiduguri; 81 Division, Lagos; and Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu.<br />
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“Others are Headquarters Eastern Naval Command Calabar, Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi and Headquarters Guards Brigade, Abuja. At the end of this training, the total number will be 300 personnel,” he added.<br />
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On the allegation of abandonment of communities in Sokoto and North-West to bandits, Enenche said the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and the DHQ-led Operation Hadarin Daji were taking care of the situation.<br />
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He noted that some communities and tribes in the North-West have relations in Niger Republic and thus, the Nigerian military was collaborating with the Niger Republic forces.