Just In: Lagos records second death from Coronavirus; 1 evacuated

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Sunday said the state has recorded the death of a 36-year-old Nigerian man, who died of COVID-19 in the state.

Abayomi announced the death through his Twitter handle on Sunday.

He said it was the death of the second COVID-19 patient recorded in the state.

“We lost a #COVID19 patient; a 36-year-old Nigerian, male, who died in a private facility on April 4, 2020.

The total number of #COVID19 patients who have died is now two,” he said.

Abayomi, however, did not disclose further information about the medical history of the patient.

He added that one of the state’s COVID-19 patients had been evacuated, making it two COVID-19 patients evacuated from Nigeria back to their country.

The commissioner disclosed that one COVID-19 patient was discharged on April 4, bringing the number of COVID-19 patients who had fully recovered and discharged from the state’s facility to 24.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had earlier confirmed 10 new cases of COVID-19 in Lagos, Abuja, and Edo.

Pmnews

BREAKING: LAGOS MAY EXTEND LOCKDOWN, says Sanwo-Olu

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that lockdown order may be extended in the state beyond 14 days.

He said this during a media briefing on Saturday.

He said that the lockdown would be extended depending on the situation of things, adding that the number of patients discharged in Lagos has risen to 24.

It was reports that 109 of the 209 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria were recorded in Lagos.

The governor, however, assured residents that palliatives would be provided.

He said, “If there’s a need to extend the lockdown, I will. We got one discharged patient today (recovered from the coronavirus). We are going to sit down with the committee that is working on the community markets and see if we can announce more next week.”

On alleged assault of residents by enforcement agents, Sanwo-Olu said, “There’s been no backlash on the handling of people by the security operatives so far. I always tell them to ‘wear a human face’.”

Abuja and Lagos had been shut down for at least two weeks to curb the spread of COVID-19.

BREAKING: Six Coronavirus Patients Escape From Isolation Center

AgegePulse Magazine

The Osun State government has launched a manhunt for six persons with confirmed infection of COVID-19 who escaped from an isolation center in Ejigbo on Friday night.

The six persons belong to a cluster of COVID-19 cases who returned to their hometown, Ejigbo, from Ivory Coast last week and were quarantined by the state government.

A statement from the government which disclosed this gave the names of the six persons with their phone numbers.

Detail soon.

Native Reporters

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: RRS Storms Mosques In Agege, Ikeja, Ogba, warns Leaders On Religious Gatherings

AgegePulse Magazine

Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) DCP Olatunji Disu today appealed to Muslim faithfuls gathering for Jumat ptherayers in two mosques in Agege Lagos to comply with the Lagos Order on religious gathering and social distancing as a way of preventing the spread of COVID 19.

The two mosques which are less than 100 meters from each other and located at Isale – Oja, Agege Motor Road, Agege had more than 25 faithfuls each in attendance praying and performing ablution

The monitoring was prompted by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu’s directive that Commander RRS go after defiant religious group that are not complying with government orders on COVID 19.

DCP Disu appealed to some of the faithfuls to comply with the State Government’s directive on religious gathering and social distancing, adding that the order was given in the larger interest of the society.

The leaders thanked DCP Tunji Disu and departed the scenes peacefully.

Meanwhile, the team again sent to their different homes about 160 children who had clustered in Morkaz Street, Agege waiting at the gate of a prominent leader in the street for a dole out.

According to one of the religious leaders in the street, who did not want his name mentioned, stated that the children were waiting for Alhaji for a dole out but unknown to them, he had travelled to Kano State.

He added that he was the one that chased the children away from the entrance gate of the man last week because he is aware that he had gone to Kano. He noted that Alhaji usually give them money and goodies on Fridays whenever he is around.

He reiterated the readiness of the residents of Morkas street to comply with the order of the State Government acknowledging that the sit - at - home order was in the interest of the people.

Other places visited by the team included: Ikeja, Oba Akran, Agege, Iyana Ipaja, Abule Egba, Ile – Epo, Orile Agege, Ekoro Road, Ijaiye, Ajasa Command, Iju – Fagba, Ifako – Ijaiye, Ogba – Aguda, Omole and Agidingbi.

Lagos Records First Covid19 Death As Infected Renal Patient Died in LUTH

He didn’t disclose his travel, medical history
COVID-19 only detected after blood sample tested positive postmortem –Source
Tessy Igomu

A 55-year-old man who was admitted to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, has died in the facility.

A reliable source at the tertiary hospital said the man died of (complications arising from) the global pandemic COVID-19 disease.

The source said the hospital discovered that the patient had COVID-19 after he tested positive to the virus when Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test was done on his blood posthumously.

“Fingerprint antibody test was done on him, confirming his COVID-19 infection,” our source said.

According to our source, the man, a 55-year-old hypertensive and diabetic patient, had presented to LUTH’s emergency unit on Thursday night with “malaise, tremors, and fever.”

He was also diagnosed with acute chronic kidney disease and sepsis, our source said.

The source, a caregiver, said the man did not disclose his travel history, and had died “a few hours” after his admission to the Federal Government-owned facility.

“The man did not give his travel history, or the fact that he had contact with someone who had travelled overseas.

“(When asked) He told the doctors that he had no history of coughs, sore throat, joint pains or diarrhoea,” our source added.

The caregiver said when the patient arrived at LUTH on Thursday night, he was sent to the “spillover unit” because the hospital had run out of bed spaces.

However, when he developed complications, a junior doctor (Reg) at the Accident & Emergency Unit reviewed his case and notified the Senior Registrar of his suspicion.

“After the Senior Registrar reviewed his case and confronted him with their findings, the man revealed the true story about his travels and his fear that he might have contracted COVID-19, and died shortly afterwards.

“He confessed that he had been coughing and that he had returned from Holland two weeks ago, where he had gone for follow-up treatment after a renal transplant he also had there.

“When confronted after the man’s death, his family members said they withheld the information about his likely COVID-19 infection because they were afraid that LUTH would reject him if they disclosed his true state,” our source added.

The man died early Friday morning, and the Lagos State coronavirus emergency workers took away his body.

When PUNCH HealthWise put a call across to the Lagos State Emergency Helpline for COVID-19, a staff at the centre said a similar call had also been placed by someone earlier regarding the incident.

“I got a call in respect of this from somebody in LUTH and we are yet to confirm that.

“We are only at the call centre to receive calls and don’t know what is going on out there,” the officer, who identified himself as Tolani, said.

Asked if it was a LUTH staff that called the helpline, Tolani said he didn’t know the persons’ identity. “I just got a random call,” he said.

He, however, told our correspondent to call back at an unstated time.

Meanwhile, a text message to confirm the development was sent separately to the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode; and the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi.

The message read, “Good evening sir. Trust your day was good. My name is Tessy Igomu, a journalist with The PUNCH Newspapers. I learnt that a COVID-19 patient with travel history to Holland just died in LUTH. Can you kindly confirm?”

Replying to the text message, Prof. Bode Chris said, “Confirm that with the Hon Commissioner of Health, Lagos State.

“He is the only one who gives out details and figures during an epidemic.”

The Health Commissioner has yet to respond to the text message as of the time of filing this report.

When our correspondent called the Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi; and the Director, Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, their individual phones rang out without being answered.

peraNews

Lagos discharges four more COVID-19 patients

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government on Friday said four more Coronavirus patients have been discharged after they tested negative twice.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this at a news conference to give update on Coronavirus situation in Lagos at the Island Maternity Hospital on Lagos Island, Lagos.

He said of the four patients released, there were three female and one male, saying that one of the females was an eight-week-old baby.

Abayomi said the baby was hail and hearty with her mother.

This brings to 24, the total number of Coronavirus patients so far discharged in Lagos State.

The state government had on Thursday discharged 11 Coronavirus patients, after having discharged nine people earlier.

Abayomi said Lagos currently has 98 Coronavirus cases, out of which 24 patients had been discharged.

He added that the state now had 74 active cases after discharging 24 patients.

According to him, government was trying to flatten the transmission rate by asking Lagosians to embrace social distancing.

He said the state was currently tracing 2,450 contacts of infected patients.

The commissioner added that the Coronavirus cases being handled in the state were mild except for two patients who had moderate to severe issues, but noted that their cases had not reached a point where they need ventilators

The Nation

#Covid19: Lagos Council Leader, Fayemi Distributes Free Economic Stimulus package

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to reduce the impact of the envisaged shortage of food items during the COVID-19 rampage which resulted to the total lockdown of some States in the Country including Lagos State,
the Legislative Leader of the 4th,Orile Agege Legislative Arm, and Councilor representing Ward E, Hon.'Wale Fayemi has distributed thousands of loaves of breads to Orile Agege residents to support the compulsory stay at home order.

According to Hon. Fayemi "It's to give adequate support to the State Government just as Orile Agege Local Council Administration under the leadership of Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde and the Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon.
Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa  that joined hands
 in the battle against the deadly virus as well as give their widow's mite in the form of foodstuff, hand sanitizers, and continuous Fumigation  of Markets,Schools and open spaces of Orile Agege and Agege respectively".

However, Hon. Fayemi has promised continuous  distribution of loaves of breads till the end of the lockdown.

The Council Leader also appealed to residents to adhere strictly to the stay at home rules in other to prevent the spread of Coronavirus that has become a global pandemic disease.

Lagos Council seals mosque for violating order on Religious gathering

AgegePulse Magazine

Agege Local Government area of Lagos State has sealed a mosque in area for violating the state government’s order on religious gathering in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had banned gathering of more than 20 persons in one of the raft of preventive measures announced by the government to curtail the deadly disease spread.

The government equally outlawed congregational worshipping.

However, worshippers at Agege Central Mosque better known as Mosalasi Alhaja, located at Balogun Street, however, flouted the order on Tuesday during the Evening Prayer (Isha) and worshipped in hundreds.

Attempts by officials of the Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce, who arrived at the scene to enforce compliance following a tip-off was said to have been viciously rebuffed.

“A drama ensued when some of the Muslim youths sighted the team and became aggressive, unruly and started to attack the team. Others in the mosque, numbering about 300 rushed out chanting ALLAHU AKBAR and joined them in the attack by throwing stones at the vehicles. All entreaties to talk to the Imam failed as the youth were persistent. But the Police escort rose to the occasion by curbing further attacks and ensuring the safety of the team”,  a statement by the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and leader of the Taskforce, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe had said.

The Council on Thursday sealed up the mosque after a fumigation exercise led by the Executive Chairman, Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, was conducted at the venue.    

Speaking at the scene, Egunjobi said the shutdown became necessary to avert recurrence and serve as deterrent to other erring faith groups or worshippers.

“We cannot continue to condone act capable of spreading this dreadful disease. Even Saudi Arabia placed restrictions on the number of people who must worship in the two holy mosques, Haram and Nabawi and banned congregational prayers in all other mosques across the country. Honestly speaking, we cannot be more Roman than the Romans.  
 
“We have had engagement with the leadership of the mosque including the Sarkin Hausawa, HRH Musa Muhammed, and our resolution is that it should be shut down till further notice” the council chief said.

Recall, Egunjobi has recently embarked on the street to street sensitization program in some Hausas communities in Morkas Area of Agege Community.

COVID -19: Worshippers Attack Taskforce in Agege As LASG Condemns Act

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce, mandated by the State Government to monitor and enforce compliance against public gatherings exceeding 25 people, was on Tuesday attacked by some Muslim worshippers at the Hausa Community Agege Central Mosque, Moshalashi Alhaja, Agege.

Speaking on the incident, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and leader of the Taskforce, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe condemned the attack and described it as barbaric and uncalled for, saying “our people are out to protect the residents of the State and yet were attacked for doing their jobs”.

She stated that the State Government will not hesitate to sanction violators to serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was obvious the gathering did not comply with the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on public gathering and social distancing.

According to her, Taskforce team COVID-19, comprising of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos Safety Commission and the Rapid Response Squad, saw the Muslim faithful observing their evening prayer (Solatul Eshai) in a large congregation, contrary to the directive on total lockdown to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

“However, a drama ensued when some of the Muslim youths sighted the team and became aggressive, unruly and started to attack the team. Others in the mosque, numbering about 300 rushed out chanting ALLAHU AKBAR and joined them in the attack by throwing stones at the vehicles. All entreaties to talk to the Imam failed as the youth were persistent. But the Police escort rose to the occasion by curbing further attacks and ensuring the safety of the team”, she disclosed.

Fasawe revealed that the Agency has been enjoying support and compliance from religious houses and was surprised that the congregation of a mosque that was visited last week could default and also attack government officials trying to enforce compliance.

In her words, “The team has visited several places of worship and have been able to enlighten them and advocate the social distancing approach in all gatherings. But in this instance, the mosque was filled to capacity. The essence of social distancing is to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. The people are endangering their lives and those of their neighbours”.

While noting that the State Government remains committed to protecting all residents, Dr. Fasawe promised to escalate the matter to appropriate quarters because such gathering should not be allowed to continue in the interest of all.

In his own remark, the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission and Co-Leader of the Taskforce, Mr. Lanre Mojola observed that the leadership of the two prominent religious organisations in the State had been adequately sensitised and carried along in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But we won’t relent, we will continue to appeal to our people to heed advice. Prayers can be observed at home, businesses can be resuscitated but this deadly virus is dangerous if not well managed and timely controlled.  If not for us, but for our families, friends and neighbours, let us do the needful and observe safety measures at all times,” he added.

Majola, therefore, implored all Lagosians to comply fully with the directive as the present administration will not hesitate to apply the law when necessary.

Recall that the Lagos State Special Taskforce on COVID-19 was recently inaugurated by the State Government to enforce the executive orders toward curtailing the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Lagos Seals SPN Packaging, Supreme Brothel In Ikeja, Agege for Non-Compliance

AgegePulse  Magazine

The Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce, mandated by the State Government to monitor and enforce compliance with the Statewide restriction order, has sealed SPN Packaging, situated at Plot B, Israel Adebajo Close, Ikeja and Supreme Brothel, at 8, Omitola Panada, Street, Agege, among others, for violating the two-week stay-at-home directive.

The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, who spoke on the exercise, stated that the enforcement was carried out following a tip-off received from good-spirited individuals that some firms directed their workers to resume duties, despite the stay-at-home order announced by the Federal and State governments.

He described the non-compliance of some organisations as unpatriotic, noting that the essence of the directive was to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos.

In his words, “In following one of the tip-offs to the factory of PSN, a Chinese packaging firm, the team discovered that some Chinese nationals and their Nigerian workers were inside the factory while production was ongoing, contrary to an earlier claim that the premises was empty. They were immediately directed to stop production before the company was eventually sealed”.

Majola decried a situation where some business owners forced their employees to come to work in clear defiance of a presidential directive, adding that the State Government enforcement team will not be deterred by the antics of some selfish people who are determined to endanger the lives of others through their unbridled greed.

He also disclosed that Jumia, an online marketing warehouse situated at 1B, Surulere Industrial Road, Off Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, was initially sealed by the Taskforce but was, however, reopened on Wednesday, after it was established that its activity/line of production is classified as essential goods/suppliers as enshrined in the infectious Disease Regulation signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on March 27, 2020.  

While revealing that the enforcement team also dislodged a group of over 50 commercial sex workers at Supreme Brothel before sealing off the premises, Mojola warned residents of the area to abstain from patronising such crowded locations to prevent the spread of diseases, especially the lethal Coronavirus.

On her part, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe revealed that her agency has been receiving lots of tip-offs from concerned citizens about the activities of some unscrupulous organisations contravening the lockdown directive in the State.

She declared that there is no hiding place for violators of government directives because the enforcement team is working round the clock to ensure total compliance, urging every Lagosian to abide by the stay-at-home directive in support of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19: FG Commences N20,000 Conditional Cash Transfer To Poor Households

 AgegePulse Magazine

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of N20,000 Conditional Cash Transfer to indigent households (poor) at the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

This is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to help reduce the effect of President Muhammadu’s lockdown order following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadia Umar-Farouk, said on Wednesday while kickstarting the disbursement that due to the scourge of COVID-19, the Federal Government is giving out N20,000 per person for the next four months starting from March 2020.

She explained that the President during his broadcast last week directed that the Conditional Cash Transfer should be given in advance of two months.

“We have directed immediate cash transfer to the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country,” she said.

“Because of this COVID-19, the vulnerable groups have to expand, because we are aware that there are people who live on daily wage, so we are also going to look at those groups of people to see how we can get this food relief intervention to them in this period.”

ChannelsTv

COVID-19: Ikeja Electric suspends disconnection of electricity during lockdown

AgegePulse Magazine

Nigeria’s electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric Plc, has announced that non-paying customers within its franchise network will not be disconnected during the two-week stay-at-home period enforced by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

According to the Disco, the decision to suspend all disconnection activities was taken to allow all its customers enjoy electricity supply during the lockdown period, while giving consideration to those who cannot afford to pay their March 2020 bills due to the closure.

While making the announcement in a statement on Wednesday, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company, Folake Soetan, said, “At Ikeja Electric, we recognise the fact that electricity supply is critical to our ability to stay safe, clean and indoors.

“Therefore, we have also taken a decision to suspend all disconnection activities of non-paying customers for a period of two weeks starting today.

"This is to ensure that customers who cannot afford to pay their March bills due to the closure continue to enjoy supply until the stay at home order is lifted. Customers who also wish to pay their bills can also do so using any of our designated online payment platforms. Our prepaid customers can buy energy online using any of your preferred online banking or merchant platforms. You can also visit our website to purchase vending units."

Speaking further, she noted that Ikeja Electric has put measures in place to ensure that engineers and technicians are available to clear all forced and unforced outages, while also continuing with the preventive maintenance programmes.

Punch

BREAKING: FG reduces petrol pump price to N123.50 litre

AgegePulse Magazine

The Federal Government has announced a reduction of the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N123.50 per litre.

According to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Executive Secretary, Mr. Abdulkadir Saidu, the new price takes effect from today, April 1, 2020.


In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday night, he said: “PPPRA, in line with the Government approval for a monthly review of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump price, hereby announces Guiding PMS pump price of N123.50 per Litre.

“The Guiding price which becomes effective 1st April 2020, shall apply at all retail outlets nationwide for the month of April, 2020.

“PPPRA and other relevant regulatory Agencies shall continue to monitor compliance to extant regulations for a sustainable downstream petroleum sector. Members of the Public and all Oil Marketing Companies are to be guided accordingly.”

The Nation

JUST IN: Nigeria suspends plan to increase electricity tariff

AgegePulse Magazine

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will not proceed with the increment of the electricity tariff scheduled to take effect from April 1.

The latest announcement on Tuesday by the regulatory agency on its Twitter handle says, “There shall be no increase in tariff of end-use customers on April 1, 2020.”

The NERC spokesperson, Usman Arabi, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the agency authored the post on its Twitter handle.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the plan to increase the electricity tariff.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement, said that such an action would only add more pains to Nigerians amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact.

NERC had in December 2019 disclosed that it would increase tariff from April 1, 2020.
A large part of Nigeria is on lockdown as the country joins the rest of the word to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools have been shut nationwide while many state governments have restricted movements in their states.
Nigeria has recorded 135 cases of the virus at the time of this report.

PremiumTimes

Lagos lockdown: We don’t know how to survive without working for two weeks – Residents

AgegePulse Magazine
     



Policemen mount a road block with a stick to prevent the movement of motorists in compliance with lockdown by the authorities to curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Lagos on March 31, 2020.

‌
Africa’s largest city Lagos was deserted Tuesday after Nigeria locked down its economic hub and shuttered its capital, in the continent’s latest effort to brake the juggernaut of coronavirus.

Businesses were closed, markets abandoned and streets empty as the usually chaotic megacity of 20 million, along with the capital Abuja, shuddered to a halt on the first full day of a two-week shutdown.


Police in protective equipment manned checkpoints, trucks carrying non-essential items were turned back and youths were spotted playing football on a usually traffic-clogged highway.

“It is like putting people in prison,” said minibus taxi driver Mutiu Adisa.

“I don’t know how people can survive for two weeks without working to make money.”

Nigeria embarked late Monday on one of Africa’s most ambitious efforts at social distancing after recording 135 confirmed cases and two deaths.



5'

NEWS
Lagos lockdown: We don’t know how to survive without working for two weeks – Residents
Published March 31, 2020
     



Policemen mount a road block with a stick to prevent the movement of motorists in compliance with lockdown by the authorities to curb the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Lagos on March 31, 2020. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)
‌
Africa’s largest city Lagos was deserted Tuesday after Nigeria locked down its economic hub and shuttered its capital, in the continent’s latest effort to brake the juggernaut of coronavirus.

Businesses were closed, markets abandoned and streets empty as the usually chaotic megacity of 20 million, along with the capital Abuja, shuddered to a halt on the first full day of a two-week shutdown.


Police in protective equipment manned checkpoints, trucks carrying non-essential items were turned back and youths were spotted playing football on a usually traffic-clogged highway.

“It is like putting people in prison,” said minibus taxi driver Mutiu Adisa.

“I don’t know how people can survive for two weeks without working to make money.”

Nigeria embarked late Monday on one of Africa’s most ambitious efforts at social distancing after recording 135 confirmed cases and two deaths.


READ ALSO: COVID-19 survivor urges Nigerians to stop stigmatisation

Enforcing the stay-at-home order in the overcrowded slums of Lagos will be a mammoth challenge as millions of poor depend on their daily earnings to survive.

Officials insist the draconian measures are needed urgently to ward off an explosion in infections that could easily overwhelm the weak health system in Africa’s most populous nation.

“To reduce the number of people with coronavirus, we know they need to stop movement,” 60-year-old engineer Ogun Nubi Victor said.

Punch

Coronavirus Not A Death Sentence - HOR Member, Dr. Samuel Adejare

...Urges Residents To 'Stay At Home' As He Rolls Out Relief Materials

...Commends Gov. Sanwo-Olu For His Proactiveness

AgegePulse Magazine

Federal House of Representatives Member, representing Agege Federal Constituency, Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare has revealed that being tested positive for the ongoing pandemic disease corona virus is not a death sentence.



Dr. Samuel Adejare who is a professional doctor and politician allayed fear of his constituency saying the is a global challenge, reiterating that though corona virus is real but not a death sentence.

Dr. Adejare revealed this while briefing AgegePulse Magazine in his Constituency Office in Agege.



He urged people of his constituents to comply with the directives of health officers. "It is important to embark on regular hand washing, use of sanitizer, avoid touching your eyes, nose mouth and keeping social distancing as best practice to avoid the spread of the pandemic.



Recall, President Muhammadu Buhari has just made some pronouncements on the nation’s battle-plan against Coronavirus while addressing the nation in a national broadcast. Buhari announced that as from 11pm on Monday 30th of March 2020, movement will be restricted in Lagos State for 14 days. Only people rendering essential services, such as health workers, manufacturers and distributors of health equipment and drugs, food and water companies are expected to go out.

Adejare continued: "This is the time to be more focused on our responsibility in this battle. Let us continue to obey the simple rules prescribed by the experts. These include social distancing, even as we remain indoors, washing of our hands with soap and water as many times as possible, covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough and avoiding any gathering for whatever reason".



Adejare urged the good people of Agege and Orile Agege to abide by the directives of States and Federal Governments as part of precautionary measures to avoid spread of the virus. "Our relief materials in terms of hand sanitizer, and food items to vulnerable homes will be out soon to cushion the effect of 'Stay at Home' measure and also compliment the effort of the Lagos State Government.



"I must commend the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu for his proactiveness and leadership in containing this deadly disease. Also, worthy of recognition is our council chairmen in Agege and Orile Agege, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Hon. JS Babatunde for their activeness in sensitisation campaigns, fumigation and disinfection of major areas in our dear community.



"As Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Health, when the green chamber reconvene, with the help of Honourable colleagues, we will sponsor a bill that will "alleviate pain from our people" in regards to health infrastructure with at least 15% of National budget to health sector". Dr. Adejare Asserted

Lockdown: Sanwo-Olu Charges Security Operatives On High Level of Professionalism

…Enforcement Will Be Done With Human Face - CP

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged security agents to be friendly in enforcing the lockdown order announced on Sunday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Governor urged those who will be carrying out the enforcement to show high professionalism in dealing with erring persons, cautioning that high-handedness may lead to violation of human rights of residents.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Monday in a discussion with commanders of all security formations in the State during a Security Council meeting held at the State House in Marina.

President Buhari announced 14-day cessation of movement in Lagos, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Ogun State as part of the steps to break the cycle of the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Lagos is the worst hit among the three states locked down by the Federal Government.

Briefing the press after the meeting, Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who spoke on behalf of the Council, said the presidential directive would be fully implemented, stressing that commanders of each security agency had resolved to comply with the Governor’s entreaty.

He said the enforcement of the restriction order would be executed with human face, but pleaded with residents and inter-state commuters to exercise self-compliance with the presidential directive.

He said: “We have just concluded a Security Council meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and as commanders of security agencies in Lagos, we have fully digested the presidential directive on COVID-19. We have all resolved now to comply and enforce all the restrictions.

“The enforcement of the restrictions and all directives will be done with human face. We want to appeal to members of the public; what matters most is self compliant. They must try as much as possible to comply voluntarily to the laid down regulations, so that we can collectively defeat the pandemic.”

The Lagos police boss said those who had been exempted in the presidential directive would be allowed to move unhindered at any time of the day in the containment period, but added that the exemption was not blanket.

Odumosu said some other professionals and government officials on essential duties would be allowed to move, but said their leadership must obtain clearance from security agencies before sending out staff to work.

He said: “The exemption is not blanket. Some other measurements will still be attached to it and sent to various government ministries in the state. The Commissioners in charge of these ministries will have review and confirm those who are exempted are actually qualified to be exempted.”

Historic As Sanwo-Olu Holds EXCO Meeting Online

Lagos EXCO Makes History with First-Ever Virtual Meeting

Banters here and there, waving of hands and laughter.

“Can you see me?” Am I connected?” “Yeah, I’m here”.

AgegePulse Magazine

Suddenly, at about 11.05am, the Chairman enters and announces his presence by calling the house to order. All is quiet.

It was an exciting moment this morning at the Lagos State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting – the first-ever virtual meeting in the history of governance in the State. Nigeria? Well, not clear.

The Chairman is no other person than Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. The Deputy Chair is Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said the meeting was held via Zoom, a free HD meeting application with video and screen sharing for up to 100 people.

It was all in compliance with the directive against gatherings as part of the anti-Coronavirus battle-plan.

“The meeting was slated for 10.45am but almost all EXCO members had hooked up to the system by 10.00am, awaiting the arrival of Mr. Governor to kickstart deliberations for the day,” Omotoso said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu came online at about 11.05am. On top of the agenda was the review of the management of COVID-19, especially the provision of additional isolation centres; the fumigation of the State against the spread of the virus, and the package for the less-privileged and daily income earners, the indigent.

“The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal briefed members on the distribution of the relief packages to local governments and local council development areas. Members reviewed areas where teething problems occurred and proffered ideas to solve identified problems,” he added.

There were comments by some members. As the debates and clarifications went on, the Chairman announced that those eager to speak should spend a minute each.

While acknowledging the excitement of members for being part of the first virtual meeting of the Lagos State Executive Council, the Commissioner said the feat affirmed that governance in Lagos will proceed seamlessly despite the 14-day restriction announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja are on a 14-day lockdown.

“Members were in high spirits. Some of us were in our offices; others attended the online meeting from the comfort of their homes. With this historic achievement, residents are assured that governance in Lagos State will continue, irrespective of the situation around us,” Omotoso asserted.

The idea of the online meeting was mooted by Governor Sanwo-Olu, who directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to facilitate it. The Special Adviser (Innovation and Technology), Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, moderated the meeting, reading out the dos and don’ts of the session which Science and Technology Commissioner, Hakeem Fahm described as “historic”.

“We should let our people know about this,” Waterfront Infrastructure Development Commissioner, Kabiru Ahmed said excitedly after the meeting.

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu Receives N1Billion Donation from UBA

...Gov Commends The Bank's Initiative

...Says Fund Will Assist Govt To Fight Spread Of Virus

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received a cheque for the sum of 1billion naira from the United Bank for Africa as part of the bank's commitment to help curb the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State.

Presenting the cheque to Mr. Governor at the State House, Marina on Sunday evening, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Kenneth Uzoka, said the one billion naira donation is also in fulfilment of the five billion naira commitment made by the UBA Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, early last week.

Uzoka said that as a socially responsible institution, UBA cares for its communities and  for Lagos State, which has recorded the highest number of positive cases thus far, needing special attention.

He disclosed that the decision to give Lagos one billion naira was as a result of the important role that the state plays in the economy of not only Nigeria, but Africa as a whole, given its vast population and other key economic factors.

He said: “Given the population of this state and that it is the business nerve centre, we at UBA are committed to lending our support to the state government. So today, we are giving you and the state one billion naira to support your endeavour in fighting the Coronavirus disease.

“I will not fail to mention that this wasn’t an easy decision for us because Lagos is just one of the many states in Nigeria. However, we looked at the importance of Lagos to Nigeria, but more importantly, we looked at the fact that Lagos has set up the right structure to administer whatever it is that we are giving to the state. So, we are rest assured, because we believe without an iota of doubt that the state will use these funds effectively and efficiently,”

The Governor expressed appreciation to the financial institution for the support, saying that the money will go a long way to assist the state in kicking out the pandemic.

He said: “We appreciate UBA. This is not the kind of money that we would want to take for granted. This is really an important intervention and this fund will go a long way to meet all of our needs both now and in the future, to ensure that Lagos continues to remain safe for business.

“And so, we are indeed happy that you decided to make this very bold move to support the health facility infrastructure in Lagos. You can be rest assured that once the structures have been developed, we will call you again to see what we have put these resources to.

Last week, the bank announced a donation of over 5 billion Naira (USD14 million), through the UBA Foundation, to catalyse a comprehensive pan-African response to the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

LAWMA DISTRIBUTES PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO SWEEPERS, PSP OPERATORS

AgegePulse magazine 

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), today, 29th March, 2020, distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, to its sweepers and PSP operators across the state to protect them from infection in the course of their duties.

Items distributed included hand sanitizers, liquid soap, safety goggle, rubber work gloves, and re-useable nose masks, among others.

Speaking at the presentation of the materials at LAWMA Headquarters, Ijora, the Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the move was in compliance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive that all necessary steps be taken to arrest the further spread of corona virus.

He said that the over four thousand PSP employees and fifteen thousand street sweepers must be adequately protected because of the hazardous nature of their public sanitation service which may expose them to infection by the corona virus. 

According to him, “We are kitting our sweepers and PSP operators as we have always done, in line with the directive of the incident commander, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has repeatedly stressed, that all precautionary measures must be taken, to curb the spread of corona virus”

“We have more over fifteen thousand sweepers and four thousand waste handlers working with private PSP operators, and they all must be adequately and properly protected from infection. Our move is also in line with the instructions of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that all preventive measures must be taken”, he added.

Speaking further, he said: “These PPE kits will protect their mouth, nose and eyes from possible infection from the waste they handle”.

Dr. Gbadegesin said the sweepers and PSP operators must keep working throughout the stay-at-home period since they are essential workers and the city must be kept clean during the pandemic. He added that additional measures that will be taken including sanitization and disinfection of LAWMA operational depots, dumpsites, transfer loading stations and waste bin locations across the state. 

In his remarks, the president, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria and chairman of Lagos State chapter, Mr. David Oriyomi, thanked LAWMA and the state government for the protective items, promising that they would be put to good use, while also urging other states to emulate the Lagos example.

LASG Engages CDAs, NGOs to Distribute Stimulus Package

The Lagos State Government, on Sunday, disclosed that it has engaged no fewer than 4,000 registered Community Development Associations (CDAs), Non-Governmental Organisations and Religious Leaders to distribute the economic stimulus package unveiled 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 effects of the fourteen-day stay-at-home directive of the State Government.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who revealed this in Lagos today, explained that since the exercise began on Friday, six local government areas including Eti-Osa, Oshodi-Isolo, Epe, Badagry, Agege and Ibeju-Lekki have received their stimulus packages, adding that the remaining local government areas would be covered within the next 10 days.

Lawal averred that the stimulus package of the State Government is quite unique and different from many that are being posted on the social media, pointing out that the items distributed by the State Government are sealed and branded.

“If you receive any produce from any other source that is not branded, they are not from us. Our rice is the 5kg rice, sealed. Our garri is 5kg, sealed; beans, 3kg, sealed. Other finished products are also coming like the sachet pepper, tomatoes and onions. That is what the State Government is giving out”, Lawal said.

He urged residents to exercise patience as the stimulus package would get to the targeted people, just as he urged them to maintain social distancing and good personal hygiene to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

“Again, it is important for us to let Lagosians know that social distancing is something we are advocating; people should just relax, the food will get to them because we understand what the economic situation is. I am sure you are aware that 200,000 households in the first instance have been earmarked and we are working with the community development associations, religious leaders and organisations, councillors and non-governmental organisations, in collaboration with the State govErnie.

ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC SUNDAY 29TH MARCH, 2020

AgegePulse Magazine

1. Fellow Nigerians,

2. From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a world-wide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.

3. The whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.

4. Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.

5. By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to ninety-seven.

6. Regrettably, we also had our first fatality, a former employee of PPMC, who died on 23rd March 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time. We also pray for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.

7. As of today, COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.

8. We are in touch with these institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.

9. For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.

10. As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.

11. Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.

12. Indeed, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of ten global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians.


13. Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.

14. Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.

15. In Nigeria, we are taking a two step approach.

16. First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.

17. To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.

18. Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.

19. In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.

20. Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

21. I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.

22. As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.

23. This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.

24. We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change. This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.

25. Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.

26. So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of adhoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.



27. I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.

28. This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.

29. As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation. All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.

30. As I mentioned earlier, as at this morning we had ninety-seven confirmed cases. Majority of these are in Lagos and Abuja. All the confirmed cases are getting the necessary medical care.

31. Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.

32. The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.

33. We are therefore working to ensure such inter state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.



34. Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

35. All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

36. The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

37. We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

38. This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.

39. Furthermore, commercial establishments such as;
a. food processing, distribution and retail companies;
b. petroleum distribution and retail entities,
c. power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and
d. private security companies are also exempted.

40. Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.

41. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.

42. All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.

43. Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.

44. Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.

45. Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.

46. We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain.

47. However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will therefore ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice.

48. As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19. Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.

49. For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.

50. Furthermore, although schools are closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies. The Minister will be contacting the affected States and agree on detailed next steps.


51. Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.


52. I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.

53. For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.

54. For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.

55. We also call on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.

56. As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.


57. This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.

58. My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.

59. We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.

60. At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.

61. I want to assure you all that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.

62. Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus.

63. I will therefore implore you again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support Government and the most vulnerable in your communities.


64. I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, health care workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication and commitment. You are true heroes.

65. I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all.


President Muhammadu Buhari
29th March 2020.

COVID-19: Doctors, nurses flee as suspected cases hit Lagos hospital

AgegePulse Magazine

..................





There was pandemonium at the  Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, on Thursday when four white men suspected to have coronavirus were brought to the emergency ward of the hospital for treatment.

According to sources at the hospital, the men said to be Egyptians, were brought in a private vehicle around midnight,  with one of them coughing uncontrollably and showing other symptoms of coronavirus.

One of the sources, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH,  said, “It was around midnight that they came to the hospital and I was on duty that day.


“So, when they got to the emergency ward, nurses and doctors on duty came out to attend to them. But upon getting to the vehicle, they noticed that the four occupants were whites with one of them critically ill and coughing uncontrollably.

“Immediately the nurses and doctors saw them, they all took to their heels.

“Some of the nurses began to shout ‘this is coronavirus! Coronavirus is not my portion. God forbid! Here is not IDH (Infectious Disease Hospital), Yaba, please go there. Where is security? Security, please come and send these people out of this place.’


“When the screaming became too much, some of the security guards on duty that day summoned courage from afar and ordered them out of the hospital, because they too were afraid and they drove out.

“They were not allowed to come down from their vehicle.

“Everybody ran because some of the doctors said the symptoms that they saw were clearly that of COVID-19.

“Their visit truly caused commotion  at the hospital.”

Punch

FAKE NEWS ALERT: FG is Not giving Nigerians with BVN N30,000-Femi Adeshina

FAKE NEWS ALERT: FG is NOT giving Nigerians with BVN N30,000

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, says the report that Nigerians with bank verification number (BVN) will be given N30,000 as relief fund is false.

The report, which went viral on Friday, said Adesina issued a statement to that effect.

The said amount was to help Nigerians “stock up their home during the stay-at-home order by the government”.

As a way of reducing the spread of COVID-19, both federal and state governments placed restrictions on public gathering.

In a tweet on Saturday, Adesina asked Nigerians to disregard the information.

“Fake news peddlers have concocted a statement, purportedly issued by me, saying FG will pay N30,000 to each Nigerian with BVN, to help them stock up before an impending national lockdown. Not me. The so-called statement is hereby disclaimed,” he tweeted.

The pandemic has led to a lockdown in some countries where relief materials are provided for citizens.

Taking on Adesina’s tweet, some Nigerians asked if the government has any plan to help its citizens at this time. 

Below are some responses to Adesina’s tweet:

The Cable

Breaking: Covid19: 89 confirmed cases In Nigeria, See the Breakdown State by State

89 confirmed cases
1 death

For a breakdown of cases by states in real time, please see http://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng

Currently As at 04:00 pm 28th March, there are:

Lagos- 59
FCT- 14
Ogun- 3
Enugu- 2
Ekiti- 1
Oyo- 3
Edo- 2
Bauchi- 2
Osun-1
Rivers-1
Benue- 1

#Coronavirus: Dr. Mojeed Balogun Embarks On Fumigation of Major Areas In Ikeja

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Dr. Mojeed Alabi Balogun has embarked on sanitation/Fumigation exercise by disinfecting major areas, parts and spots in Ikeja Local Government Area.

"This became necessary as there is a need to put more  conscious efforts in the fight against COVID-19 spread which has been spearheaded by the Lagos State COVID-19 Incident Commander, Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu.

Dr. Mojeed Balogun therefore advised all residents in Ikeja, and the State at large to keep to the 'Stay at Home' order given by the State, and also endears everyone to stay safe and keep taking necessary precautions against COVID-19 spread.

He further added that the fight against COVID-19 is not solely the responsibility of the government, but that of each and every individual in the country, and world at Large.

COVID19: Ikeja, Eti Osa Lead In Lagos Confirmed Coronavirus Cases

Of the 52 confirmed Coronavirus cases in Lagos, Ikeja and Eti Osa Local Government Areas are the most hit by the pandemic, The Gazelle News.com reports.

The state Governor disclosed this on Friday, 27 March, 2020 while giving update on the pandemic in the state.

Although the Governor did not state the brakedown of the cases in the local governments, he confirmed that they were the worst hit in the state adding that the government is focusing attention in the two local governments.

Gazelle news

No curfew in Lagos State, Says Gov. Sanwo-Olu

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has dropped the idea of imposing a curfew in the state meant to allow the fumigation exercise of public space.

Relying on experts advice, the Governor said the disinfectant is non toxic, noting that the exercise has commenced.

He said: "I am pleased to note that we have taken possession of over 200 disinfecting machines, and starting today, we will be disinfecting all major highways, bus stops, markets, parks and other public areas.

AgegePulse Magazine learnt that, the Governor has made pronouncement  during a live press conference that if there is a need for curfew, government will not hesitate to impose it.

For now, everything remains the way they are.