Non-medical face mask made of clothes does not prevent COVID-19 – NAFDAC warns

AgegePulse Magazine

 Fikayo Olowolagba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made clarifications on the use of non-medical face masks to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

The agency in a statement made available on its official Twitter page, said face masks which include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of clothes does not prevent spread of diseases but reduces chances.

It advised Nigerians to perform a simple test to know if the mask is protective.

The statement in part reads: “Simple test: If wearer can put off a flame from a cigarette lighter that is placed in front of the wearer, the mask is protective enough.”

According to NAFDAC, “Barrier face masks do not prevent you from contracting disease but, they have been found to contribute to reduce spread of infections when used widely in conjunction with other measures. Such measures include social distancing, not touching the face, eyes or mouth, washing of hands with soap for 20 secs or use of alcohol based hand sanitizers.”

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Nigerian Governors Agree On Two-week COVID-19 National Lockdown

The decision was reached at a meeting of the governors on Wednesday.

The 36 state governors in Nigeria have recommended a national lockdown over the next two weeks to further curb the spread of Coronavirus.

The decision was reached at a meeting of the governors on Wednesday.

Chairman of the forum, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, in a statement said the inter-state lockdown had become necessary following a continued rise of in number of infected persons and fatalities recorded. 

Fayemi said the governors also resolved to set up COVID-19 committees at the regional level to be headed by health commissioners.

The governors also expressed concern over the rising infection among health workers in the country.

COVID-19: Nigerian Breweries Announces N600 Million Support

AgegePulse Magazine

Nigeria’s foremost brewer, Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced a donation of Six Hundred Million Naira (N600,000,000.00) to the Federal and some state governments, as part of efforts to support the fight against COVID-19, the Corporate Affairs Director of the company, Sade Morgan, said in a statement sent to the Media.

According to Ms Morgan, details of the donation are contained in a letter to Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the federal government and chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

The Company’s Managing Director, Jordi Borrut Bel, who signed the letter, confirmed that the N600 million donation comprised of the following:

A N250 million cash donation to the Federal Government, through the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CA-COVID), the private sector led special intervention fund managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); N250 million cash donation to eight State Governments’ Task Force Against COVID-19. Lagos and Ogun States will receive the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100M) and Fifty Million Naira (N50M) respectively being COVID-19 frontline states while five other states of Kaduna, Oyo, Enugu, Abia and Imo will get N20M each.

N100 million worth of relief materials comprising:

Provision of 5 double-cabin vehicles for use by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja, Lagos, Ogun and Kaduna States.

This is to help meet their critical operational needs, especially contact tracing and movement of materials/personnel to isolation and treatment centres.

The cost of fuel, maintenance and driver’s salaries will also be covered by Nigerian Breweries.

Personal Protective Equipment such as face masks, 500 gowns and 141,000 units of hand sanitizers for nationwide distribution to our key states.

Supply of malt, energy and soft drinks to the various Covid-19 NCDC centres nationwide. This will be done over a period to ensure steady support and to meet the nourishment needs of the centres during the crisis.

COVID-19: Lagos Partners First Bank to Provide One Million E-Learning Tools for Students

. . . Engages Students Through Teaching Via Radio, Television

. . . As Commissioners Give COVID-19 Intervention Updates

AgegePulse Magazine

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has disclosed that Lagos State Government is currently engaged in talks with First Bank of Nigeria Limited  and private sector organisations to provide one million digital devices to aid the teaching of students in Lagos State.

Speaking at the interactive media briefing held at JJT Park, Alausa on Thursday, Mrs. Adefisayo, said the State government is also exploring the option of online classes for pupils across schools in Lagos to prevent a disruption of the ongoing academic session.

According to the Commissioner, discussions are ongoing with the Bank as well as private education consultancy firms to teach students who are currently at home and prepare them for various examinations, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

The Commissioner averred that “We have been exploring the option of moving our students to e-learning and we are cognisant of the fact that our pupils may have or may not have access to digital devices to go on the e-learning platform. Therefore, we’ve entered into a very exciting collaboration with First Bank to provide a million devices for students”.

She explained further that the government is “working with a technology firm that will provide devices, which has Nigerian curriculum, tests and quizzes on them. I am also glad to announce that MTN has given us airtime on these devices. The First Bank has set the ball rolling with 20,000 pieces. EdFin Microfinace Bank has also given us devices for our teachers and we are open to other private firms that may want to support this initiative. Lagos Government will be funding part of the project.”

The Commissioner said the government leveraged on mass media to deliver lessons to students at home since the pandemic, disclosing that the method commenced two weeks ago with Senior Secondary pupils who will be taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Disclosing that nine general subjects were being taught at the moment through interaction between teachers and their pupils via live programmes on television and radio, Adefisayo explained that each week’s lessons usually end with a panel session where the pupils ask questions.

“Last Friday, we received a thousand responses on a WhatsApp number dedicated to our panel of discussion. Apart from this, we have started classes for our pupils in Junior Secondary classes. This is being taken on Naija FM 102.7, and we are working in conjunction with South Saharan Social Development Organisation. They have given us their materials and our teachers have streamlined the materials with our own curriculum,” Mrs. Adefisayo explained.

She also mentioned that Eko FM 107.5 also airs local language programmes such as "Kokoka" and "Labe Igi Orombo" for primary school students.

Giving an account of his Ministry’s activities, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, said all youth development activities had been postponed indefinitely, following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive on social distancing.

He said that movement was also restricted in and out of the various neighbourhood parks, noting that officials had been visiting youth rehabilitation centres to sensitise the inmates on precautionary tips to stop COVID-19.

“We have restricted movement of people into our rehabilitation centres and we are in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to constantly make relief materials available to those in the centres. They are not lacking anything at the moment but we take measures to ensure their welfare is attended to in this period of emergency”, Dawodu averred.

The Commissioner advised parents to use the opportunity of the lockdown to sensitise their wards on guidelines issued to stop the spread of the pandemic and cautioned parents against abusing their children, saying the lockdown will not stop the government from protecting the rights of children.

Presenting activities of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi gave an overview of interactive sessions held with Christian and Muslim religious leaders to ensure their members adhere strictly to the directives handed down by the Ministry of Health to prevent an increase of Coronavirus.

Elegushi praised the religious leaders for supporting the Lagos State Government, pointing out that at one of their meetings, there was a general consensus among the clergymen and clerics that gatherings of any kind should be suspended in worship places.

“The only area, where we had a problem, was a mosque in Agege where the worshippers violated the order, and the place was shut down as directed by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Aside from that incident, we have received cooperation from all religious organisations”, Elegushi stated.

Also speaking on the expectations of the State government from citizens, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale asserted that residents have a responsibility of complying with the directives given to stem the spread of COVID-19.

She said that activities of the Office of Civic Engagement to battle the Coronavirus disease include community sensitisation, advocacy and public enlightenment.

While giving details of the programmes embarked upon in various localities, Princess Adebowale observed that people tend to wear gloves as they move around without disposing the item after a single-use, saying, however, that such practice should be discouraged because the unchanged gloves could contaminate other persons who come in contact with the dirty hand gloves.

In closing, the Special Adviser advised residents that “when the lockdown is over, go to LASRRA to register for your card because that is one of the ways you can benefit from the dividends of the government”.

COVID-19: Agege Born Football Star, Sly, Felix Ajanaku, Chief Imam Ogba put smiles on the faces of their People

AgegePulse Magazine

A maxim that says "Givers Never Lack" has always been the portion of the following individuals, the Chief Imam of Ogba Central Mosque, Alhaji Rafiu Salaudeen Metta and that of Mr. Felix Ajanaku who has contributed to the development of our dear community in his own capacity.

Felix Ajanaku fondly called "Lasu" recently distributed scores of relief packages as parts of his support to cushion the effect of stay at home directives in preventing the spread of coronavirus in Agege community.

"This Relief materials  is to give succour to the elderlies, widows and indigents who feel the impact of this stay at home directives directly". Adding that, this is the best time to show love and extend our generosity to our nearest neighbours.

Ajanaku who maintains social distancing while distributing the stimulus package, urged residents to keep regular hand washing and use of sanitizers as precautionary measures to combat the spread of corona virus disease.

Recall,  Agege Nigerian football star, Sylvester Emeka Igbonu, sly yesterday distributed the second batch of his economic stimulus package for over 200 most vulnerable citizens in his community, Agege.

In the same vein, The Chief Imam of Ogba Central Mosque, Alhaji Rafiu Salaudeen Metta yesterday also shared free fresh meat to his community people in Ogba Ashade Area of Agege.

According to the duo, the gesture was aimed at reaching out to the people that cannot have access to that of government packages and to also complement the effort of the state government in providing relief materials to cushion the effect of stay at home policy on below average citizens of our dear community.

COVID-19: Sylvester Ighonu Sly Donates Food Package To 200 Vulnerable Households In Agege

AgegePulse Magazine

Following the recent Government stay-at-home directives to residents, in order to curtail the spread of the pandemic coronavirus, Nigerian professional football player, Sylvester Emeka Igbonu, has donated food items (grain rice) as economic stimulus package for about 200 indigents and the most vulnerable citizens in his community, Agege.

The Agege born star, Sylvester Igboun who currently plays as a striker or an attacking midfielder for the Russian Premier League club FC Dynamo Moscow said that this stimulus package is very essential following the government 14days stay at home order.



Igbonu Nicknamed 'Sly' who's currently not in the country but has extended his feelings for humanity and care for his people through one of his representatives in Nigeria, Mr. Segun Adesina.

According to Segun Adesina, Sly, the CEO/Chairman of K&M Classic Event Centre in Lagos "is a very sensitive, listening and responsive individual having considered  what people of his community would have been facing during the lockdown in Lagos".

"This relief materials in terms of foodstuff (Rice) is part of our commitment to give back to our community at this trying times, and it is also aimed at reaching out to about over 200 vulnerable households as parts of activities to cushion the effect of stay at home directives in preventing the spread of coronavirus in our dear community.

"Coronavirus is real, and we urged our people to stay indoor and manage their resources as we are all in this fight together to combat the pandemic corona virus." Segun concluded.

#Covid-19: NURTW Boss, MC Olu-Omo Distributes Food Items To Masses In Lagos

...Urges Lagosians To Stay Indoor

AgegePulse Magazine

It is in the spirit of solidarity with the stay at home order of the state government that the NURTW chairman, Lagos State Council, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Mc Oluomo shared food items to the masses at various motor parks across the Lagos State

In a statement, the NURTW Boss, said that "there is no denying the fact that this is a tough time, not only for the masses but also to the elite in the society. Both the employers as well as the employees are feeling the negative impact of the dreaded virus popularly called Coronavirus. We can only pray for God's quickest intervention in curbing this epidemic in Lagos and Nigeria in general".

MC Olu Omo noted that majority of Lagosians are aware of the existence of the virus in our society. They are also aware that to stop the spread, there is urgent need for people to stay at home but in a situation where there is nothing to eat at home, one would definitely be forced to go out to look for means of survival.

"It is in bid to ensure the effectiveness of the stay at home directive of the state government that the NURTW Boss shared some food items".
AgegePulse learnt that Items shared include rice of different sizes, Noddles, to mention but a few. The beneficiaries of the kindness of the NURTW boss was full of praises and prayers for the philanthropist.

It should be recalled that few days ago when Mc Olumo kicked-off the rehabilitation of Boladade street in Oshodi, he pledges to assist the people to the best of his financial ability. The distribution of these food items is yet another testimony of the magnanimity of the NURTW boss.

He enjoined the people to maintain the highest level of hygiene by constantly washing their hands, use hand sanitizer (if they can afford it), if not, they should wash their hands thoroughly and frequently. He also urged them to stay indoor pending when this period will be over to prevent the spread of the virus.

COVID-19: Community Media Pledges Support For Government Efforts To Combat Pandemic

AgegePulse Magazine

L-R: Patron, Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM), Hon.Kehinde Bamigbetan; President, Mr. Dayo Akintobi; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho; Vice President, Mr. Leke Adeseri; and General Secretary, Mr Lekan Lawal, during a courtesy visit of the association to the commissioner at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos

Members of the Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria (APCOM) have offered to support the efforts of Government at all levels to contain the corona virus pandemic.

The association made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, in his Alausa Secretariat office recently.

Led by their patron and immediate past Information Commissioner of the State, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, and the association's president, Mr. Dayo Akintobi, members lauded the State Government's efforts to date in combating the spread of the disease.

The APCOM patron, himself a community newspaper publisher, informed the Commissioner that the association is well placed to disseminate timely updates about the pandemic to the populace. According to him; "The media outlets of the association's members are the voices and conscience of their communities; they are always relied upon for fast and authentic information.”

In his contribution, the association's President, Akintobi, said the body exists to ensure the information needs of communities across the country are served comprehensively, diligently, professionally, and truthfully.

He then pledged APCOM's support for the Lagos State Government’s initiatives to keep the public informed about Covid-19, and also called on all other arms of government to capitalize on APCOM’s widespread reach into communities across the country.

Responding, Mr. Omotoso expressed his profound appreciation to the leadership of APCOM for arranging the visit and for offering to partner with the State Government at this trying time.

"I believe in grassroots journalism such as you practice,” the Commissioner told his visitors. “Community media portrays society in its true colour.” He assured the association’s members that their pledge to support the government will be reciprocated.

COVID-19: Egunjobi Earmarks Salvation Army School, Dopemu as Isolation Center

AgegePulse Magazine

The Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State has earmarked Salvation Army School, Dopemu, as Isolation centre as a proactive measure to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the community.

Mr Ganiyu Egunjobi, the council Chairman, made this known on Wednesday while sensitising the market traders, religious and community leaders on the danger of further spread of the pandemic.

“We have earmarked Salvation Army School, Dopemu, as Agege Isolation Centre, in adherence to the state government’s directive.


“The last few months will go down in infamy as one of the periods the human race was under threat by the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic, which is claiming lives across the globe per second per second.

“ln Nigeria, the casualty may currently be low, but we must not be deceived. The reality is that we are in for a tough time.


“We must scale up our personal hygiene and environmental sanitation to stand any chance of winning this battle against this dreadful disease.

“It also behooves us to maintain adequate social distancing and adhere to the government’s directives in order to combat this disease of biblical proportion,” Egunjobi said.

According to him, as government, it is our resolution to do our bit by sensitising the public on the pandemic and ensure strict enforcement of environmental regulation to contain the spread of the virus.

Egunjobi, however, advised the residents to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to curb the spread of the pandemic in the state.

“In case of any emergency bordering on the pandemic, either in the form of a sick person exhibiting symptoms of the disease or a gathering beyond 25 people, I urge residents to call the following phone numbers: 08168468026, 07025554634, 07038111828, 08032300969 and 07060465220.". 

COVID-19: Ikeja Electric closes offices partially to safeguard customers, staff

… Assures continuous power supply, fault clearing

AgegePulse Magazine

 Ikeja Electric has announced that no physical transaction of business will take place across its offices in its franchise network for the next one week. This partial closure is in line with ongoing efforts nationwide to prevent further spread of the Corona Virus/COVID-19 and protect customers and staff of the Company.

The DisCo said the partial closure, which begins today (Tuesday March 24, 2020), is part of precautionary measures that have become necessary in order to safeguard the health of customers and staff by limiting their exposure to COVID-19.

The spread of the virus, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), is believed to be mainly through person-to-person contact which enables respiratory droplets from infected individuals who exhibit or later show symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulty, fever etc. to be transmitted to other persons.

Meanwhile, the Company has reassured customers that services including supply of electricity to customers, fault clearing, online channels for purchase of energy credits and payment of bills are unaffected by the temporary closure. Customers can continue to make enquiries or complaints to its Customers Care Team via email, live chat or phone calls.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ikeja Electric, Mrs Folake Soetan, noted that the safety and health of employees and members of the public is a priority to the organisation. Therefore, necessary preventive measures have be taken to avoid possible contact and spread of the virus.

According to her: “In line with our Customer First, Technology Now policy, all staff carrying out essential services will continue to deliver services in line with globally accepted safety and health requirements while staff carrying out non-essential services will hereby rely on our remote working channels throughout this period”.

She said, “As a responsible organisation, we hold our customers and staff in high esteem. So, their wellbeing and safety must be prioritized under the circumstance confronting our country and the entire world. The ongoing efforts to control the further spread of the COVID-19 virus is in line with efforts of governments globally to contain the virus.

“At this point, we all need to carefully observe precautionary measures and other safety protocols stipulated by government agencies and health organisations that will protect ourselves and loved ones from the virus. These involve, but not limited to, observing high hygiene by washing our hands often, using sanitizers where soap and water are not available, ensuring social distancing, avoiding handshakes and gatherings, as well as promptly contacting government agencies in the event of close persons displaying symptoms of the virus.

“Earlier in the month, we had set up specific control measures across our offices to ensure customers and staff are protected from possible exposure to the virus by providing sanitizers at the entrances and using hand-held infra-red thermometers to screen customers/visitors and staff. We are keenly following developments across the country and the advice of our government and health institutions as part of concerted efforts to safeguard everyone and to make sure our workplaces remain safe,” she added.

The DisCo noted that throughout this period, customer experience will not be impacted as it continues to deploy technology to provide seamless services and improved customer experience.

Customers can access their bills using the IE ebilling service, which is available viaeservices.ikejaelectric.com or and the IE Mobile app, which can be downloaded on the Android Playstore. By the adoption of this technology, the company have greatly reduced interaction between customers and employees as far as bill distribution and collection matter Customers can also make use of all available online channels to get their required services including making enquiries or complaints, payments of bills or recharge of prepaid meters and escalation of faults.

For complaints or enquiries, customers are advised to contact the Customer Care viacustomercare@ikejaelectric.com or 01-7000250, 09087940825. Other transactions can be done via quick teller, internet banking, mobile App banking, USSD *565*6# and Ikeja Electric website:www.ikejaelectric.com.

According to the DisCo, technical operations such as fault clearing will continue; hence all the field staff must continue to ensure that they are completely kitted for their daily operations.