Oyo Govt. Discovers 84 Suspected Coronavirus Cases, Impose Dusk To Dawn Curfew

AgegePulse

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced stringent measures to halt the coronavirus spread in the state after three new confirmed cases and 84 suspected cases were discovered in the state.

Makinde’s announcement came hours after Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), claimed that Oyo now has three confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. Among the cases, Theguild gathered, was fiancee of the hip-hop star, David Adeleke popularly called Davido.

In a statement the governor personally signed, he said: “As a result of this, I have directed that the following additional measures be put in place: dusk to dawn curfew (7 PM to 6 AM); no gatherings of more than 10 people should be held anywhere in Oyo State,”.

The governor added: “From Sunday night, March 29, 2020, all markets will be closed except those selling perishable food items.”

Makinde, also suspended inter-state transportation, incoming and outgoing, except for vehicles carrying food items, medical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products, saying, this takes effect from Sunday night, March 29, 2020. All measures will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

According to the Governor, 84 other suspected cases have been identified in the state as contact tracing and collection of samples commence.

“The state’s diagnostic centre set up in collaboration with the University College Hospital is now ready,” Makinde said. “The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) certification is still pending but the Director-General of NCDC has made a pre-statement about the molecular laboratory in Oyo State.”

He noted that the state’s “index case remains stable and is still under observation in the isolation unit at Agbami Chest Centre, Jericho.”

The Guildng

#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: RRS embarks on Law enforcement on Religious Gathering

Agegepulse magazine

Today, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) led by its Commander, DCP Olatunji Disu continued the enforcement on religious gatherings with visits to several mosques in Ikeja and Agboyi – Ketu areas

Mosques like Alausa Secretariat Central Mosque, Alapere Central Mosque, Tawakalitu Central Mosque, Rahmat Islamiyya Mosque e.t.c were visited.

In all the mosques, there were no Jumat services and most of the mosques management members met, attributed the suspension on congregational prayers to compliance on State Government’s directive.

One of the them even hanged banners and notices on the entrance warning faithfuls to pray at home.

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu To Provide FoodStuff For 200,000 Lagosians

AgegePulse

Few days after the Lagos State Government issued a stay-at-home directive to residents, in order to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled economic stimulus package for the indigent and the most vulnerable in the society.



The stimulus, which comes in food packs, to be distributed to every local government in the State is aimed at cushioning the effect of the fourteen days stay-at-home directive.

Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment of one of the State-owned food banks, located inside the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Agege, Sanwo-Olu said the economic stimulus will reduce the burden of the temporary economic downturn on the citizens caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.



The Governor said the food packs, which were put together by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives will reach the most vulnerable communities and households across Lagos, saying that the indigents who rely on daily wages will be given priority.

He said: ‘‘We are here for an on-the-spot assessment, of our readiness, to see how we can fast track some of our stimulus package for our citizens. We are all aware that this is a trying time for our citizens and since the partial drop in economic activities, our government deemed it necessary to reach out to the vulnerable ones in the society. These people are those that fall below the pyramid, the aged and the physically challenged who need to move from one part of the city to another for them to have a living. We felt that as a government, the least we can do is to identify them and give them these stimulus packages immediately.’’



The Governor stated that the package will touch at least 200,000 thousand households in the first phase, saying the food packs are produced for a size of six people per household and would last for at least fourteen days.



“We have packaged dry food stimulus for about two hundred thousand families in the first instance for a household of husband, wife and about four children. We would be giving bags of rice, bags of beans, garri, bread, dry pepper and we are trying to see if we can add water and some elements of vitamin C. Each ration, we believe is going to be able to last them at least minimum 14 days just so our advocacy around stay at home, stay with your loved ones will be respected.



“This is a catalytic initiative of our administration with the hope that well-meaning corporate organisations and private individuals can step up to complement the efforts of the government’’ Sanwo-Olu said.



The Commissioner of Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal earlier said the Government would be working with the existing database of the state - using the Lagos State Social register and 4000 community development association register in 377 wards.



He said the economic stimulus is part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s initiatives tailored towards ensuring that food security is sustained in Lagos.

Coronavirus: Egunjobi embarks on street-to-street sensitisation, visits Sarkin Hausawan, Mosque

AgegePulse Magazine

Executive Chairman of Agege local government, Alh Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi (JP), on Wednesday continued the ongoing sensitisation of the people of the area on coronavirus by the council with a street-to-street education.

Immediately Nigeria recorded her first case of the ravaging virus, the council hit the ground running with series of sensitisation programmes with the first leg held at the main market and graced by stakeholders from community, and faith based organisation leaders, to traders.

The council's sponsored an advertisement in which it appealed to residents to abide by orders issued by the state government in the fight against  the pandemic was also aired on popular Yoruba newspaper review programme, Koko Inu-iwe Irohin, on Bond FM for days.

On Wednesday, Egunjobi took to the streets in Agege in order to bring the message home and monitor residents' compliance with the directives of the state government on precautionary measures to curb the spread.

The Council boss went around preaching personal hygiene and environmental sanitation including social distancing.

He urged people to wash their hands with soaps most times even as he generously distributed hand sanitizers.

Egunjobi however expressed his displeasure at the level of public compliance with government directives, especially on social distancing and hygiene.

Among the places he visited were the palace of Sarkin Hausawas and a mosque belonging to Hausa community at Moricas where he met with Sarkin Hausawan, HRM Musa Muhammed, and the Imam respectively.

Lagos Councilor, Obanla Distributes Free Hand Sanitizer To Combat Corona Virus

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to combat the pandemic corona virus ravaging our country and to also to take a preventive measures, Councilor representing Ward C, Oko-Oba,  Orile Agege LCDA, Alhaji Otunba Ishola Ibrahim Obanla has embarked on COVID-19 sensitization program in the nooks and crannies of Oko Oba, where he engaged residents and educates them on how to be free from corona virus disease.

The sensitization campaign which includes free distribution of hand sanitizers, hand gloves, face masks and flyers to his people.

Obanla urged residents of his ward to abide by the directive of the Lagos State Government and  health officers' guidelines to stop spread of the disease.

During his sensitization program, he educated residents on regular handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, social distancing and avoid gathering of 25 people.

The sensitization campaign drives were also extended to APC stakeholders, Community leaders and youth leaders

Some area visited were, Mrs Iyabo Akinbinu Adeogun JP { APC Woman Leader}, High Chief S. O. Itogbe {Baale TabonTabon },  Alhaja Mojisola Alabi, Baala Agege Kingdom, Chief Osanyipeju, Comr. Femi Susu, Comr. Olajide Adebayo Pa Esigba and others.

According to Hon. Obanla, "this is my own quota as we are all in the era of coronavirus.

"It shouldn't be the time of electioneering that people will be seeing Hon. Obanla as their representative, but at this trying time of CoronaVirus, which is going to be  in extinction soon is among the time to show sympathy, love and come with the preventives measures for the good people of Oko Oba.".  Obanla asserted.

Breaking: Lagos Assembly lifts suspension of lawmakers

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday lifted the suspension of two lawmakers, Moshood Oshun and Raheem Kazeem.

Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, made the announcement at the start of plenary activities on the floor of the House.

According to Obasa, the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, called a meeting earlier in the week to intervene in the matter.

The Speaker said at the meeting, it was agreed that the House should reinstate the suspended lawmakers.

Recall that aside the suspension of the two members, two other principal officers, Olumuyiwa Jimoh and Rotimi Abiru, who were the former Deputy Majority Leader and the Chief Whip, respectively, were relieved of their offices.

Recall also that the sanctions was slammed against them by their colleagues on Monday March 9.

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: Pastor Paul Enenche Donates Safety Items, Medical Equipment

 AgegePulse Magazine

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, on Tuesday, visited the Federal Capital Territory Authority, FCTA, where he donated safety items and medical equipment and non-medical to combat the deadly coronavirus.

Items donated by the church included
8 units of hospital beds and mattresses.
2 units of height measuring sticks
1 unit examination couch
2units diagnostic sets
3 units sphygmomanometers
1standard unit Micro Haematoent centrifuge
1standard unit Gynecologic couch
2 units infant weighing scales
2 units sets of oxygen cylinders
5 packs of oxygen face masks
5 cartons of regular face masks
1 unit of automatic stretcher
6 pieces of drip stands
1 standard unit of ultrasound machine
20 liters of methylated spirit
Personal protective equipment collective
20 liters of dettol
1 standard unit of hospital screen
10 pairs of medical boots

In addition were other non medical equipment which included
7 units standing fans
1 unit of 5 KVA generator and
2units water dispenser and other items.

Native Reporters

Mushin local government records first Covid-19 case

• Family members quarantined

AS Lagos state government continues with its measures to contain the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19), Mushin Local Government has recorded its first case of the killer disease.

   According to a statement by Executive Chairman Mushin Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, and released by the Special Adviser on Media, Sanusi Rasaq, last weekend a case of the COVID-19 was reported at Takuro Street, in Idi-Araba of area of Mushin. Immediately the medical team of the local government led by Dr. Wale Akeredolu, MOH, was informed, the patient was transferred to disease/virus control centre at IDH, Yaba.

   Bamigboye explained that the patient is already receiving treatment at Yaba, Lagos, adding his family members have been quarantined to contain the virus. He enjoined residents not to panic as the COVID-19 case recorded is now contained.
 

He stated emergency meetings were held on Monday, March 23, at the Council Secretariat, with executive members, management staff, Community Development Associations (CDAs) leaders and market leaders to address the issue of the recorded case at Takuro Street.


   The council boss told residents that the COVID-19 is real and it spread so fast.

 He, however, task residents to follow the directive of the government (local, state and federal) by: regularly washing our hands, use hand sanitizers, avoid gathering of more than 20 people, practice social distancing, self isolate, stay at home if no business out there, cover mouth when coughing and sneezing, use medical mask, and if not feeling well due to COVID-19 symptoms visit the nearest hospital for diagnosis, but call first.

#Coronavirus: Egunjobi Addresses Agege Residents...Read Speech

*Speech Delivered by the Executive Chairman, Agege LG. Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi (JP) at an event to provide update on Coronavirus Pandemic in the area*

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 behoves us to maintain adequate social distancing and adhere to government's directives in order to combat this disease of biblical proportion.

As government, it is our resolution to do our bit by sensitizing the public on the pandemic and ensuring strict enforcement of environmental regulation to abate the spread of the dreaded virus.

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

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 twenty five persons, I urge residents to call the following phone numbers: 08168468026, 07025554634, 07038111828, 08032300969 and 07060465220.

In our bid to continue to promote social distancing, we implore persons who want to have anything with the council to call these lines: 08034538194, 08077352644, 08028453363 & 08068496472 for enquiries and correspondence.  We have suspended all official activities that require physical contact with humans except at our clinics.

We call on traders and all business owners to comply with the latest directive of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on all markets and shops.

 It's only those selling essential commodities such as foodstuffs and water vendors and pharmacies that are allowed to operate.

It has however, come to our notice that some madrassas Qur'anic schools) are still operating in our community, a reckless and pointless defiance of the state government’s order.

Apart from the fact that this is against all known canons of self-preservation, in these days of coronavirus, this act also flies in the face of the order banning congregation of not-more-than twenty five people and the one that has to do with school closure.

We will bring the full weight of the law on any erring group or individual who indulges in acts capable of spreading coronavirus.

On our part, we have set up a taskforce to monitor public gatherings and ensure full compliance with all government's orders on precautionary measures to stem the rising tide of the ugly virus.

The ban on school closure does not exempt madrassa and we are resolutely committed to ensure that all Agege residents abide by it.

Anyone found flouting the order on gathering irrespective of tribes, tongues, and creeds will face the consequences.

 We call on state security apparatus to co-operate with the council in this battle against the scourge.

Thank you for listening

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu Shuts All Markets, Says Lagos Not On Lockdown

…Drug Shops, Food Sellers Not Affected By Directive

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, took more restrictive measures to break the cycle of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed all markets and stores trading in non-essential commodities to close for seven days.

The directive takes effect from Thursday, March 26.

Also, the Governor reduced the number of people that must participate in a public gathering at any given time from 50 to 25.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that he had instructed the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, to close all High and Magistrate courts across the State from Thursday to support the efforts being made to stop the epidemic.

Other public places shut by the Government include parks, playgrounds and recreational centres within the State, regardless of ownership.

In a televised briefing after the State’s Security Council meeting held at the State House in Marina, Sawno-Olu said the restrictive measures were necessary, given the rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lagos. He said the directive should not be seen as a lockdown on business activities in the State.

The directives, the Governor said, did not affect pharmacy shops and all markets where food stuffs are traded. Eateries and restaurants must not accept eat-in customers; they are to serve food in take-away packages, the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu said the Government would be opening markets in schools across the State where food items could be purchased in the restrictive period to prevent panic buying. He said the guidelines would be reviewed after it lapses for next line of action.

The Governor said the State had been proactive and prompt in tracking, isolating and managing the suspected cases, adding that the conditions of all confirmed cases were stable at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Yaba.

He said: “Today, we are taking further measures and giving new directives and guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus in our State. All open markets and stores are directed to close for seven days, except for sellers of food and medicines, medical equipment and other essential life-saving products. For those that fall into the aforementioned categories, it is imperative that they observe necessary precautionary measures of social distancing.

“The Chief Judge of Lagos has been directed to ensure that all Magistrate and High Courts in the State close immediately to the public and suspend all court sittings. As may be possible, all essential services should be transacted electronically.

“Also, all public parks, including those in private and residential estates, swimming pools, gyms, beauty salons, and all such public places are expected to shut down at this time, until further notice.”

The Governor urged inter-state commuters, either by air or road, to refrain from travel this period. This, he said, falls within the Federal Government’s guidelines.

“As much as possible, let us all refrain from inter-state travelling of any kind, until the worst of the crisis is behind us,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu advised the organised private sector to take drastic steps as done by the Government of the public sector and allow non-essential workers to work from home.

Banks and other financial institutions, Sanwo-Olu advised, must prioritise online channels for their services to the public, saying only essential and key senior staff should be allowed to work in the office during restriction period.

The Governor said anyone caught flouting the new directives, as well as the previous guidelines, would face the full wrath of the law.

He said: “Law enforcement agencies and other relevant Lagos State protection agencies have been given clear orders to deal with recalcitrant offenders. We will not relent in ensuring strict compliance with our directives.

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.

Breaking: Gov. Sanwo-Olu Orders Closure of All Markets In Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic disease of Corona Virus, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, today has ordered the closure of all markets and stores in Lagos State.

According to the Governor the directive would affects all market in the state except markets that sell food, water, drugs and other essential life saving items from Thursday 26th March 2020 for 7 days.‬
‪#Covid19Lagos

Recall, Lagos State has recorded numbers of Corona virus cases and this has also served as part of precautionary and preventive measures.

Good news to Nigerians as #Coronavirus medical supplies arrive Nigeria today

AgegePulse Magazine

Some level of respite is finally here for Nigeria as medical supplies donated to Africa from the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation to help fight Coronavirus will be arriving today.

These donations will be coming in, less than hours after the federal government reversed it’s decision to ban cargo flights from coming into the country.

BusinessDay’s checks show that on 22nd March, 2020,  an Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight loaded with a large batch of medical supplies donated to Africa from the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation departed from Guangzhou, China and landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The flight carried 5.4 million face masks, kits for 1.08 million detection tests, 40,000 sets of protective clothing and 60,000 sets of protective face shields.
The supplies will be transported on and distributed throughout the rest of the continent.

The remaining shipments of medical supplies are expected to reach Addis Ababa and be distributed to more African nations over the next few weeks.


Business Day

Lagos NURTW Boss, MC Olu Omo Issues Strong Warning To Transport Operators, Others Over Corona Virus

AgegePulse Magazine

The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Musiliu  Akinsanya, MC Olu Omo has directed all transport operators, branches and  Motor-parks as well as commercial buses and cars in state to have temperature reader to test each passenger before boarding the bus as a measure to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Olu Omo made this statement while addressing the newsmen at the secretariat in Ladoje Agege.

As part of the efforts by the Lagos State Government to prevent the spread of the virus within the State, this directives become imperative.

1. All transport operators/ branches are expected to sanitize their parks and garages regularly and continuously (at least before and after each trip).

2. All motor parks are expected to have  washing hand equipment with soap and water.

3. All vehicles operators are expected to have alcohol based sanitizers in their Vehicles for the use of drivers, conductors and passengers

4. All operators are not allowed to over crowd/over load their vehicles from this point forward.

5. No standing in all BRT and LBSL bus operations. All buses are to operate at 60% loading capacity.

6. All Air Conditioning System in public transport must be put off

7. All public transport Operators/Company/Branches/ Units must have temperature reader to test each passenger before boarding the bus.

8. All drivers and conductors should always wear hand gloves and nose guides while in transit.

 As we look forward to our members adhering strictly to the aforementioned directives, we equally enjoined our esteemed passengers/Commuters to:

9. Maintain highest level of hygiene by constantly washing their hands/ sanitizing themselves before and after each trip.

10. Operators/ transport companies and passengers are expected to report any suspected case of COVID-19 to Chairman office NURTW Lagos Council or the Ministry of Transportation or better still report promptly to the nearest hospital for proper medical attention.

Any Union members found to be violating these directives will be seriously dealt with.

Together we can stop further spread of the virus in Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

Coronavirus: Nigeria record first death from COVID-19

The 1st #COVID19 death in Nigeria has been recorded.

Ex-PPMC Managing Director, Suleiman Achimugu, Becomes First Person To Die Of Coronavirus In Nigeria | Sahara Reporters

Achimugu, who returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom two weeks ago, started showing symptoms of the virus last Tuesday, according to findings by SaharaReporters.


The case was a 67 year old male who returned home following medical treatment in UK.

He had underlying medical conditions- multiple myeloma & diabetes & was undergoing chemotherapy.

Our thoughts are with his family

Atiku’s Son Tests Positive For #Coronavirus

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has announced that his son tested positive for coronavirus.

He made his known via his verified Twitter handle on Sunday, 22 March, 2020.

“My son has tested positive to coronavirus,” he tweeted.
According to the former Vice-President of Nigeria, his son has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment.

“The @NCDCGov (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) has been duly informed, and he has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management.

 I will appreciate it if you have him in your prayers. Stay safe, coronavirus is real,” he added.

Details later…

Source: Punch

COVID-19: Work from Home, Sanwo-Olu directs Civil Servants from Level 1 to 12

…Workers On Essential Services Must Not Leave Duty Posts

…Governor Urges Private Companies To Take Similar Measures

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State has introduced more preventive measures to break the cycle of transmission of the novel coronavirus among residents.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, directed the State’s civil servants from Grade Level 1 to 12 to stay off office for 14 days.

They are to work from their homes, the Governor said at a press conference held at Lagos House in Marina.

The latest directive came two days after the State Government shut down schools and suspended public gatherings of more than fifty persons.

The measure followed confirmation of additional coronavirus cases across the nation on Sunday, with three more confirmed in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said the stay-at-home directive did not affect the civil servants on essential duties and first responders whose levels fall in the cadres.

He said: “I am hereby directing that all public officers in the entire unified public service from Grade Level 1 to 12, which constitute about 70 per cent of our entire public workforce should stay at home from March 23, 2020 and this will last for 14 days in the first instance.

“We will review this measure as time goes on. Members of the public are advised to refrain visiting any of our public offices. They are to transact any businesses as it is possible on the phone or online channels. This stay-at-home order does not affect our first responders. Medical personnel, fire fighters, members of emergency services, those in waste management operations and all those on essential services are meant to still be at their duty posts.”

The Governor pleaded with private companies across the State to employ similar measures in curtailing the spread of the virus, urging them to allow non-essential staff to stay off duties for the same period.

He said the Government was not unaware of the economic impact that had attended the outbreak of COVID-19 in the State, promising that his administration was ready to cushion the effects on the vulnerable residents.

Sanwo-Olu, however, frowned at non-compliance to social distancing order by some organisations, including religious houses, stressing that disobedience to the Government’s measures may aggravate the spread of the virus.

The Governor said law enforcement agencies would be embarking actions that would drive strict compliance to measures initiated by the State to protect members of the public.

He said: “I want to reiterate that the Government will frown at any organisation, whether public or private, that is not obeying this directive. The social distancing directive is not a religious matter; it is a matter of morality and civic responsibility. Times like this call for heightened commitment to doing the right thing. Our law enforcement agents are to ensure that there’s strict compliance to this important public health tips.”

Sanwo-Olu re-assured residents that there was no cause for panic, saying his administration remained fully prepared to work with the Federal Government and international healthcare agencies in containing the spread of disease in Lagos.

He said the treatment and eventual discharge of the index COVID-19 patient from Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Yaba was a testimony to the commitment by the State Government to break the cycle of transmission of the virus.

As part of proactive steps being taken in the case of escalation in number of patients, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had identified locations across five traditional divisions in Lagos to build isolation centres where patients can be treated.

He disclosed that other secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in the State would be deployed to support the capacity of IDH in Yaba, adding that the Government had started to set up isolation centre in Gbagada General Hospital.

He said: “As part of our strategy to strengthen our efforts, more health workers are also being trained and we have put some of our retired nurses and doctors on notice, who will come to support health personnel who are working tirelessly at this time.

“We will not relent in our determination to battle this coronavirus to a standstill. We are sure that we will win this battle as we have always won in Lagos. With the cooperation of the people towards obeying the public health guidelines, I believe this epidemic will also pass by us in no time.”

Coronavirus: Oyedepo Attacks Govt Over Closure Of Schools, Malls. ...Shuns Directive on Religious Gatherings, Held Service on Sunday

Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel has criticized the government over the closure of schools in Nigeria.

Most states in Nigeria as at Friday ordered the closure of schools till further notice as the country battles the spread of Coronavirus.

Also, Lagos government cancelled gathering of more than 20 person after new cases were recorded on Saturday bringing a total number of cases in Nigeria to 25.

But, Oyedepo who held a service on Sunday and shunned government directive on religious gatherings, said the closure of schools was not a right decision by government in curbing the spread of Coronavirus.

According to him, the only disease that has no cure is hunger.

Oyedepo said: “May God help our policy makers to make the right decision in finding solution to this scourge called Coronavirus.

“How can you close school and ask them to go home.

“You are sending them for where they are more secured to where they would be exposed to the disease.

“You are sending them away from where they are not more than 20 back home to go and sell pepper for their mothers in the market where there are more people.

“You block people from having access to malls in the name of preventing a disease but you don’t know that the only disease that doesn’t have cure is hunger.

“May God help our leaders to make the right decision in search of solution to this pandemic.”

Oyedepo had earlier said the cure for COVID-19 will be out soon and nations will rejoice.

Lagos Reporter

#COVID-19; LASG MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION SET NEW RULES

AgegePulse Magazine

COVID 19: Public transport preventive measures guidelines to curb further spread of corona virus in buses, cabs, motor parks and garages.

As part of the efforts by the Lagos State Government to further prevent a State- wide spread of COVID-19 especially in motor parks, garages and other public transportation related environment, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation is hereby notifying the general public through this statement that the following guidelines are henceforth compulsory for all stakeholders in public Transportation in the State to comply with:

1. All Transport Operators/Companies are expected to sanitize their parks and garages regularly and continuously (at least before and after each trip)

2. All Transport Operators/Companies are expected to have at the entrance to their respective parks/garages, washing hand equipment with soap and running water.

3. All Operators are expected to have alcohol based sanitizers in their Vehicles for the use of Drivers, Conductors and Passengers

4. All Operators are not allowed to over crowd/over load their vehicles at this point in time, Passenger's spacing must be fully observed. NCDC recommends that at least 2m (5feet) distance is required between anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

5. No standing in all BRT and LBSL bus operations

6. All buses should be at 60% capacity and not 100% (i.e danfo and other commercial buses)

7. All Air Conditioning System in public transport be put off

8. All public transport Operators/Company must have temperature reader to test each passenger before boarding the bus

9. All drivers and conductors should always wear hand gloves and nose guides while in transit

10. All passengers are also required to sanitize themselves before and after each trip

11. Passengers are also required to regularly wash their hands with soap and running water before and after each trip

12. Operators/Companies and passengers are expected to report any suspected case of COVID-19 to the Ministry of Transportation or call 08000CORONA

13. Passenger are also expected to report any Operator/Company that does not comply with these guidelines to the Monitoring Officer at sight or write to the Ministry, stating the Vehicle Registration Number, Park and Time.

With this directives well disseminated to you our transport Stakeholders and the men of the realms of fourth estate, we are confident that together we can put off this ranging fire of COVID-19.

Together we can stop further spread of the virus in Lagos State and Nigeria.

LAGOS EXPLOSION: Governors Pay Condolence Visit to Sanwo-Olu, Donate N200M to Abule Ado Relief Fund

AgegePulse Magazine

Representatives of the Nigeria Governors' Forum on Saturday visited the Abule Ado explosion site in Lagos for an on-the-spot assessment of the devastating effects of the recent gas explosions that claimed many lives and destroyed several properties worth billions of naira.

Led by the NGF chairman and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the three-man team comprised the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and were received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Fayemi expressed shock at the magnitude of devastation in comparison to the casualty figures. He thanked God that the number of casualties did not exceed what was recorded, saying with what they met on ground, more lives would have been lost.

The NGF chairman praised the Lagos State Governor for his prompt response to the disaster and for setting up a relief fund that would help mitigate the hardship of the victims.

He also commended the Lagos State Government for the decision to take immediate action and ensure that the issue of building on pipelines corridors are averted.

The NGF chairman however blamed the incessant explosions on the disagreement between States and Federal Government on ownership of land.

While commending the Lagos State Government for the attention given to the place, he promised that such issues would be addressed going forward.

While announcing a donation for the sum of N200 million on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Fayemi expressed satisfaction that a more decent and modern community will evolve from the misfortune.

The Governors sympathised and commiserated with those who lost loved ones and properties destroyed by the unfortunate incident and expressed hope that it never occurs again.

Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu took the visiting Governors round the explosion site, explaining in details what led to the disaster and how the State Government plans to avert a re-occurrence in the future.

Also in the delegation were the Director General of the NGF, Asishana Okauru and NGF’s Head, Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo.

Lagos Govt. Deploys Law Enforcement Team After Social Gatherings, Parties, Others

AgegePulse Magazine

In order to prevent spread of coronavirus in Lagos, the State Government has deployed an enforcement team after residents engaging in a social gathering, parties, and clubs, to disperse and arrest perpetrators.

The deployment came hours after the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced discharge of the Italian coronavirus index case and directed law enforcement agencies to disperse and arrest any large gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

A top government official, who spoke with newsmen on Saturday, stressed that the enforcement team would be moving around the state to ensure residents do not violate the directives.

According to him, the team includes officials from Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Safety Commission and Policemen attached to Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency (Task Force).

The official noted that the enforcement team would be moving across the state to monitor how residents were complying with the new directive targeted towards curbing spread of coronavirus in Lagos.

Earlier, Sanwo-Olu, while justifying the need for the restriction, said: “In South Korea, and Singapore, the disease spread largely through organized religious gatherings. The issue is of course not cause religion, but that the virus can spread through any large assemblage of people or gathering”.

He said: “To protect and save lives, law enforcement agencies, especially the Police, have been directed to enforce compliance with the directive against any assemblage of a large number of people at any location.

“You will all agree with me that these times call for us all to act responsibly and abstain from all large outings or gatherings of any kind, be they academic, family, professional, political, religious or social”, the governor added.

The governor, however, cautioned residents against panic-buying of the Chloroquine drug, foodstuff, and other household items.