How to collect federal government N20,000 Cash Transfer

AgegePulse Magazine

 The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of N5000 to over 1millioin indigents across the country  – Submit CV here!

The disbursement came following the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately to beneficiaries.

The disbursement was done on Wednesday in Kwali Central Area Council of FCT by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq.

The Minister disbursed N20,000 as payment for four months to over 190 beneficiaries at the payment point in Kwali.

The beneficiaries were handed their stipends after their payment cards were verified and scanned by government-approved mobile money operators.

Speaking during the disbursement, the minister said: “The exercise commenced about five years ago and it is geared towards supporting the poor and vulnerable households of our society.

“We give them monthly stipends of N5000 every month and now that we have these restrictions, Mr. President has directed that we give them two months advance payment and we are here today to carry out that directive of paying the two months advance payment.”

On the number of beneficiaries, Farouq said: “We have over a million people across the country. For the FCT and this particular area Council, we are giving about 5000 households in this area.”


How to collect federal government N Cash TransferOn how the beneficiaries were identified, she said: “It is a very long process and many people like religious leaders, community leaders, and different groups all came together to identify the poorest and vulnerable households in their community.”

On the claim that the beneficiaries were members of a particular political party, she said: “It is untrue and you can confirm from the beneficiaries of the process of selection.”

Also speaking, the National Programme Coordinator for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Dr. Temitope Sinkaiye said the additional 1million beneficiaries would be added to the programme before the end of the year.

Explaining how the programme works and how it has impacted beneficiaries, Sinkaiye said: “The process of identification is a long process that involves community members themselves identifying those who are poor and vulnerable in their sight. So, the team moves from community to community and the community members determine what poverty means in their village and those who fall within their definition of poverty.

“Here, we are not talking about book or academic definition, we are talking of community members themselves deciding what poverty means and then identify people who by their perception fall into the category and then we collect the names from the community.”

On the impact of the cash, she said: “It has improved their livelihoods because they are now able to send their children to schools, they can feed with a better diet, they can attend clinics and for some communities where water is their problem, they have dug wells and renovated health centres. Some communities have also put up a classroom for their children because the children used to go to neighbouring communities to access education.

“Beyond the money, this programme also trains them on how to be self-sustaining, how to take care of their hygiene, we teach them on nutrition, environmental sanitation, and others. So, it is a full package for the households.”

On the number of people that have benefitted from the programme, she said: ‘The number of people currently on our register is 1.2million and we are going to enroll into the programme, another 1million for this year.”

OperaNews.

Ogun Robbery: Govt. Reacts, Says We'Re On Top of The Situation, Arrests Suspects

AgegePulse Magazine

The attention of the Ogun State Government has been drawn to incidences of violence, alleged robberies and related crimes resurfacing in the State, especially in the Sango-Ifo axis.

The Government has not only moved swiftly into action, the affected towns including but not limited to Sango, Ijoko, Ifo, among others are currently under substantial security surveillance.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this, as he disclosed that he had communicated with all relevant agencies and mandated them, especially the State Command of the Nigeria Police to ensure law and order in all the affected areas, as well as the entire state

The Government had earlier seen to the arrest of some suspects, as carried out by the Police, is in connection with the chain of unrest in the affected localities.

Initial arrests notwithstanding, the State Police Command yesterday is not leaving any stone unturned as the command has arrested more suspects, and investigation is currently ongoing. Suspects in custody continue to provide helpful information.

The State Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to the security of lives and property.

We wish to assure the entire citizenry of adequate security and our dedication to safety of the people, and we urged everyone not to panic, as the situation is under control.

COVID-19 Lockdown: FG Flags-Off Cash Transfer in Lagos, says Sanwo-Olu

AgegePulse Magazine

The Federal Government has begun the conditional transfer of N20,000 to residents of Lagos State as part of efforts to reduce the effect of the coronavirus lockdown.

This was revealed on Friday night by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who said he received the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, in his office.

Over 160 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Lagos State out of the over 300 infections reported in Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu said the minister’s team was in Lagos to flag-off the conditional cash transfer and supply of relief food materials for the poor and vulnerable including the elderly, internally displaced persons, persons living with disabilities, petty traders, hawkers, labourers, amongst others.

The governor tweeted, “Today, I received the Hon Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq who was in Lagos with her team to flag off the conditional cash transfer and supply of relief food materials for the vulnerable.

“Our state is the epicenter of COVID-19 in Nigeria. We appreciate all the support we have received from the Federal Government. Again, I appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership and for his invaluable support. We will not rest until Lagos is free of COVID-19.”

The FG had said beneficiaries of its conditional cash transfer had received it in Federal Capital Territory Abuja and some other states across the country.

Similarly, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said on Friday that he received the minister of humanitarian affairs in his office in Abeokuta.

“The Honourable Minister handed over five truckloads of rice and one truckload of vegetable oil, as part of the relief materials that the Federal Government is donating to the state for further distribution to the poor, vulnerable and elderly.

“She gave her word to speed up the process of the FG’s cash transfer to the less privileged in Ogun State, in order to ensure that these beneficiaries remain well during the COVID-19 lockdown period, which was directed for the common good of everyone,” Abiodun wrote on Twitter.

- ThePunch

BREAKING: Lagos Records Another COVID-19 Death

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State government has confirmed another death from the COVID-19 disease.

The state Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Saturday in a series of tweets.



As of Friday, April 10, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had confirmed 17 new cases of coronavirus in the country, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections recorded so far to 305.

Of the 17 cases, Abayomi confirmed that eight were in Lagos, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 166.

The commissioner also noted that three of the confirmed cases have been transferred to Ogun State which is their place of residence.

Channels

RRS Storms Computer Village, Ojodu Berger, Impounds Five Vehicles For Violating #Covid19 Lockdown Order

AgegePulse Magazine

A team of operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) led by its Commander, DCP Olatunji Disu in continuation of its monitoring of compliance of government’s stay at home order today, impounded five vehicles.

The vehicles impounded include: two buses, two cars and a Sienna space bus.  Four were handed over to Lion Building Division and a bus brought to its Headquarters.

The figure brings to 10 the number of vehicles handed over to divisional police offices between recently.

The agency had in its enforcement drive, impounded 5 vehicles yesterday on the Island and mainland.

Areas monitored yesterday include Ojodu – Berger, Isheri, Omole, Computer Village, Ikeja, Shogunle and Lagos Island.

Meanwhile, Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) today led his team to Computer Village, Ikeja where people loitering around the area were warned to either stay away from the ICT hub or risk being arrested.

The warning was handed down when the team met over 250 people at the entrance of the Computer Village, Ikeja.

After enlightening some of them, he reassured them that the team would be returning to the ICT complex and anybody caught loitering around would be arrested and charged to court.

Hearsay

NURTW Chairman, Sentenced To Death For Killing A Policeman

AgegePulse Magazine

On Wednesday, an Ikeja High Court sentenced Saheed Arogundade, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Boundary/Aiyetoro Unit, Lagos State to death for the murder of a 32-year-old policeman, Gbenga Oladipupo.

Justice Olabisi Akinlade discharged and acquitted Arogundade’s five co-defendants Mustapha Layeni, Adebayo Abdullahi, Seyi Pabiekun, Sikiru Rufai and Yusuf Arogundade of a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

In a three-hour judgment which started at 2.35p.m., the judge held that the prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Arogundade murdered the policeman. Before delivering the judgment, for security reasons and to avoid disruption of proceedings, the judge ordered that the courtroom should be locked and the keys kept in her possession. The prosecution has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the ingredients of conspiracy to commit murder and murder against the first defendant convict.

I therefore pronounce the first defendant guilty as charged on the counts of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

I hereby pronounce the sentence of the court upon you Saheed Arogundade that you be hanged from the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon your soul, Akinlade said.

On hearing the sentence, Arogundade collapsed in the dock while his relatives wailed in the courtroom gallery.

According to the prosecution led by Mrs C. Rotimi-Odutola, the convict committed the offences on April 10, at Gbara Junction, Aiyetoro, Ajegunle, Lagos. The deceased was on a commercial motorcycle to visit his mother, Mrs Mojisola Martins, in her home on Olayinka Street, Ajegunle, when they were ambushed and attacked by four men at Gbara Junction.

Oladipupo was held down by three men and the convict stabbed him multiple times before fleeing with his accomplices.

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

. . . Engages Students Through Teaching Via Radio, Television

. . . As Commissioners Give COVID-19 Intervention Updates

AgegePulse Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID 19: Lagos Commences House to House Search for Infected Persons

… Discharges Seven More Patients
AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government has commenced a house to house case identification to detect possible cases of COVID-19 in the State.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this during a joint Ministerial Press briefing on COVID-19 intervention held today in Alausa, Ikeja, stated that the Coronavirus case identification campaign tagged the ‘Community Active Case Search’ commenced on Monday 6th April, 2020 and is expected to run for two weeks in the first instance across the State.

He explained that health workers during this time will move from house to house, including health facilities, in pairs to administer electronic questionnaires on citizens, adding that the questions to be administered border on COVID-19 symptoms.

Abayomi stressed that the officials carrying out the exercise can be identified with the COVID-19 Outbreak Response tags and letter from the Local Government.

According to him, “In the coming days, some of our health workers will be moving around in pairs to administer an electronic questionnaire at homes and healthcare facilities to make inquiries about symptoms of cough, cold and fever”.

“This is in a bid to intensify our search for possible cases of COVID-19 in different communities across the State. I implore you to give them your maximum support by providing accurate information that would help in containing this pandemic quickly”, he added.

Answering questions on the number of patients discharged so far, the Commissioner disclosed that seven more patients have fully recovered having tested negative twice consecutively and have been discharged today to join the society.

He averred that the patients discharged included one female and six males, stressing that three of the discharged male patients are foreign nationals; two from Ukraine and one Italian. This according to him brings to 39 the total number of discharged patients in Lagos.

He said “Today, we have discharged seven more persons to join the society having fully recovered and tested negative twice consecutively to COVID-19. This brings to 39 the number of discharged patients in Lagos. The patients include one female and six males; three of the discharged male patients are foreign nationals, two Ukrainian and one Italian”.

While noting that the COVID-19 outbreak in Lagos State is seemingly under control, Abayomi noted that the State has had 100 percent recovery on case management. He added that the three COVID-19 related deaths recorded in Lagos are not from the State's isolation facilities.

The Commissioner also disclosed that Lagos has 280-bed isolation capacity with 100-bed occupancy, leaving it with an excess of 180 isolation beds, maintaining that more isolation facilities under construction and rehabilitation will be opened for use for the management of cases in the event of a spike.

Giving assurance that the State remains committed to deploying necessary strategies to win the battle against the virus, Abayomi implored residents to continue supporting the government by complying with directives and measures put in place to curtail the spread of the diseases in Lagos State.

Covid19 Relief Package: Our Distribution Strategy'II Help Reach More Households In Agege -Egunjobi

...Rolls Out Contact of CDAs, others, As Group monitor the sharing process

AgegePulse Magazine

The Executive Chairman, Agege Local Govt., Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi JP, today  distributed foodstuffs to indigent residents as a palliative measure to cushion economic effect of COVID-19 stay at home policy.

Egunjobi in a statement said that, his administration has continually embarked on sensitisation programmes on the deadly disease about residents' personal hygiene and social distancing in curtailing the spread of the pandemic.

He added that, he had carried out fumigation and disinfection exercise across the community earning him the sobriquet, "Mr. Terminator".

"We have also provided several palliative measures to ensure the indigents in our midst are not totally foodless during this stay at home directives by the state government".

According to him, "Today, another token effort is being made to support indigent/vulnerable families with 400 50kg bags of rice, 150 50kg bags of beans, 600 2kg bags of Semovita, 150 bags of garri, and 100 gallons of cooking oil to be shared within the community.


On distribution, "We have implore the leadership of Community Development Associations under the supervision of Baales who we have already been taken care of, are tasked with the distribution of the foodstuffs"

Speaking with the Chairman of Community Developments Committee, CDC, Alhaji Ayo Adesiyan said the distribution channels were well mapped out to ensure almost every homes within Agege community have it share of Egunjobi's food Relief package.

"To start with having considered the league of imam, Agege Christain Association, CAN, Agege Chapter, Traditionalists, Artisan with numbers of 50kg bags of Rice, Semovita, Beans, Garri and Vegetable Oil to share among themselves.

"For example, Ward A, comprising of 6 CDAs are going home with 30bags of 50kg of Rice, 15bags of Beans, 36 bags of Semovita, 6 bags of Garri among others.

On the part of monitoring, a group, Voice of Agege who volunteered to be part of the sharing process to ensure the relief materials get to the direct vulnerable residents of Agege.

The group said we have gotten contacts of CDAs in various Communities to monitor the sharing formula.

Morcas CDA: Alhaji S.K. Amao, 08084252006, Ire Akari CDA, Alhaji Sikiru Odebiyi, 07066312539, Alhaja Sifau CDA, Wale Sana, 08032944935, Manjoro CDA, Ojedele Taofeek, 08055908550, Iloro CDA, Alhaji Salawu, 070871992240, Onipetesi CDA, F.S. Ogundimu, Otubu CDA, Chief Mrs. Olasoji, 08160436611


Others include, CAN Association, 07023210860, League of Imam, 08023210860, Artisans, 08023591505 it was also need that all Baales in various communities are part of the monitoring team.

"We believe with this strategy if duly distributed without greed, and with fear of God majority of vulnerable households in Agege will have access to this food relief package". Egunjobi concluded.

Commissioner for waterfront Infrastructure, Arch. Ahmed Kabiru, APC Leaders, Chief Safari Adaranijo, Chief BIsi Odeomu, Agege APC Party Chairman, Alhaji  Tunde Disco,  Agege Women Leader, Alhaja Aminat Abdulsalam were all present.

Others include, Executive Vice Chairman, Prince Abiodun Ogunji, Agege SLG, Hon. Gbenga Abiola Agbelebu, Leader of the House, Alhaji Muyideen Kola Anigbajumo and other councilors, Supervising Councilors, Council Management, CDC Chairmen, Alhaji Ayo Adesiyan, Alhaji moruf Omodele among others.

Lagos RRS Impounds 13 Vehicles … Intensifies Enforcement of Stay-At-Home Directive

AgegePulse Magazine

… Intensifies Enforcement of Stay-At-Home Directive

The Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), DCP Olatunji Disu, on Wednesday, led a team of Police Officers to impound 13 vehicles in Alapere area of the metropolis for not complying with the stay-at-home order  of the Federal Government, just as the team dispersed a group of over 150 youths engaged in physical exercise at Ketu area of Lagos.

Speaking on the exercise, DCP Disu stated that the impounded vehicles, which included three cars, seven buses and three 4-Wheel Drive Jeeps, were caught carrying passengers without a valid excuse, thereby violating the directive of the Government.

While noting that motorists on essential services and those with a valid reason for being on the road despite the directive were allowed passage, Disu said all the vehicles impounded have since been handed over to Alapere Divisional Police Station for further investigation.

The Commander explained that his men had earlier dispersed over 150 youths who had equally converged in front of Samuel Gbadebo Adegboyega Village, beside the Apostolic Church, Alapere, claiming to be residents of the village and Ketu-Alapere axis undertaking early morning physical exercise.

Disu disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu had, on Tuesday evening, directed the intensification and enforcement of the stay-at-home directive, reiterating the determination of the RRS to ensure that Lagosians comply with the government directive.

Why we withdrew charges against Naira Marley, Gbadamosi ― LASG

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government today gave conditions for withdrawing the charge brought against controversial hip-hop star, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley, former Lagos governorship aspirant, Babatunde Gbadamosi and his wife Folashade for flouting the state Coronavirus social distancing directive.

Naira Marley was represented in court by Damilola Ayinde-Marshall alongside Afeez Olabisi while Olawale Akoni SAN alongside Dr Bayo Adaralegbe represented the Babatunde Gbadamosi.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN alongside O. Awonuga represented the 3rd def, Folasade Gbadamosi.

After the announcement of appearance, the DPP, Yakub Oshaola told the court that even though the state has filed a charge before the court, …a few minutes before the court sat, the AG & Comm for Justice, Moyo Onigbanjo SAN forwarded a directive to him that having considered the remorsefulness of the three defendants, he has considered diverting the case out of court based on the defendants fulfilling three conditions.

(1) They have to write a formal apology to the Government of Lagos State which will solidify the remorsefulness shown by them.

(2) They have to give an undertaking in writing that they will continue to comply with the directives of Mr President and Mr Governor which is the subject matter of the case before the court.

(3) In view of the danger which the state believes they’ve put themselves by attending a gathering exceeding 20 persons, they must agree to go on 14 days isolation to protect other members of the public from any likely danger.

Mr Oshoala also submitted that this is absolutely necessary “in view of the fact that some individuals who travelled from endangered countries where present at the party. He stressed that the state is not a persecutor but it is always ready to enforce the laws that benefit the interest of the public.

“If they agree to these conditions, the 4 count charge will be withdrawn and that will be the end of the matter. We will keep it in abeyance.” That’s our submission.

In his submission, Akoni said: On behalf of the 2nd def, we wish to express our appreciation to the state, the DPP and to confirm to the court that we accept the three conditions.

On his part, Adegboruwa said: ‘On behalf of the 3rd def, we express our appreciation to his excellency, Mr President and the Governor, the AG, The DPP & his team, the Police and most of all the court.

The third def is a law-abiding citizen and accepts all that three conditions as stipulated by the DPP.

Also speaking, Ayinde-Marshall said: “On behalf of the first defendant, we say a big thank you to the police, the President, Mr Gov and the DPP. My client is a law-abiding citizen too and a strict supporter of government policies.

We undertake that we will fulfill the three conditions given to them.


Vanguard

Flash: Lagos Records death of another COVID-19 patient

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State has recorded another COVID-19 patient dies in Lagos
A 66-year-old citizen of the United Kingdom has died of the deadly of coronavirus, COVID-19, in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made this known via Twitter handle on Wednesday.

He also confirmed that cases of coronavirus had increased to 130 in the state.

He tweeted, “Lagos recorded another #COVID-19 related death: a 66-year-old Briton, who travelled from India via Dubai to Lagos on 17th of March, 2020.“As of 7th of April, 2020, there are 10 new cases of #COVID-19 confirmed.”

“The total of #COVID-19 cases in Lagos rises to 130.“Another #COVID-19 patient was discharged after full recovery. This brings the number of discharged patients to 32.”

Food Relief Package is for the Indigent, Vulnerable Only – LASG

AgegePulse Magazine

In the past few days, the social media have been awash with biased opinions about the welfare package initiative of the Lagos State Government to support  the indigent and the vulnerable.

The welfare package was one of the various decisions taken by the Lagos State Executive Council to ease the discomfort thrust on Lagosians  by the lockdown announced by the Federal Government, especially on those who earn daily income.

It has become necessary to reiterate the modus of distribution of the welfare package as well as the category of beneficiaries of the  government’s compassionate gesture, which is deliberately being distorted by mischief-makers.

For the avoidance of doubt, the first stage of the welfare package was designed to cater for 200,000 households, comprising of a father, mother  and four children across the 20 local governments and the 37 local council development authorities. It is a misconception that it was meant for all Lagosians. No.

All aged residents who are above 60 years old and registered with the Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency, LASRRA, were sent text messages and requested to confirm the accuracy of their details, such as name and home address. They have since responded to the text messages so as to benefit from the package.

The food relief materials for the above 60 group are being delivered directly to the beneficiaries by representatives of the State Government based on the data with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency.

The other category of beneficiaries comprises the indigent and vulnerable within the various communities at the grassroots.

As part of strategies to ensure that the relief packages reach the deserving beneficiaries, the State government involved Community Development Associations and their Committees as well as Community and Religious Leaders to collate the names of community members who deserve to benefit from the palliative measure. The CDAs were also tasked to ensure the items were judiciously distributed.

As part of strategies to ensure that the relief packages reach the deserving beneficiaries, the State government involved Community Development Associations and their Committees as well as Community and Religious Leaders to collate the names of community members who deserve to benefit from the palliative measure.The CDAs were also tasked to ensure the items were judiciously distributed.

The government is constantly monitoring the process and has observed some lapses that gave rise to the negative comments on some social media platforms.

The issues are being addressed to fine-tune the strategies adopted in getting the food items across to the intended recipients of the package.

In all, about 100,000 households across the State have been reached since the exercise started.

Lagosians should remain confident that the State Government is working to ensure that the lapses are Lagosians should remain confident that the State Government is working to ensure that the lapses are addressed so that the vulnerable  who Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu said will not suffer will benefit from this laudable  intervention.from this laudable  intervention.

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

AgegePulse Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funke Akindele, husband charged to Court for violating restriction orders in Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

Popular Nollywood Star, Funke Akindele Bello and her husband Abdul Rasheed Bello were today  arraigned in Chief Magistrate Court 1 Ogba on one count charge .

They were brought to Court by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department Yaba led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigation, DCP Yetunde Longe. The prosecuting team was lead by the Hon Attorney General of Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN. The charge was read to the accused persons by the Court and they pleaded guilty.

 The Court found them guilty as charged and sentenced as follows:

 The defendants are to pay a fine of 100,000 each, sentenced to 14 days community service, three hours per day, excluding Saturday and Sunday; each Defender shall visit 10 important public places within Lagos State to educate the public on the consequences of non compliance with the restriction order; and they must submit the names and phone numbers of every person who attended the party. They shall be placed on isolation by the State Government to determine their COVID-19 status. Failure to abide by the above directives shall attract more severe punishments.

2. The brief facts of the case as contained in the charge are: On 04/04/2020, the two accused persons held a party at their residents with over twenty persons in attendance contrary to the social distancing directives made in pursuant to Regulation  8(1)(a) and (b) & 17(1)(i) of the Lagos State Infectious Disease (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020 and therefore committed an offence under Section 58 of the Public Health Law Cap P16 Vol. 9, Laws of Lagos State 2015.

3. The suspects were arrested by operatives of Lagos State Police Command following a viral video showing a large number of persons mainly in the entertainment industry in an Estate, along Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki axis, Lagos celebrating a birthday party organised by Funke Akindele Bello and her husband Abdul Rasheed Bello.

2. Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley is now in Police custody. He will also be charged to Court for violating the restriction orders.

The Command  has launched a manhunt for the remaining persons who attended the party. The Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu psc expressed his profound gratitude to Lagosians and other well meaning Nigerians that speak up against the violations. Together we can stop the spread of COVID-19.

BREAKING: Funke Akindele pleads guilty

AgegePulse Magazine

Actress Funke Akindele has pleaded guilty for defying the orders of the Lagos state government which had ordered Lagosians to stay at home.

Akindele and her husband Abdulrasheed Bello popularly known as JJC skills were arraigned before a magistrate court, Samuel Ilori in Lagos.

Details later

The Nation

BREAKING: Ejigbo Local Government Chairman is dead

AgegePulse

The Chairman of Ejigbo local government in Osun State, Hon Gbenga Ayegbayo is dead.

Ayegbayo, who has been battling with an undisclosed illness for months, had his last breath in the early hours of Monday, April 6th.

It was gathered that he died at a private hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Ayegbayo was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and was elected Chairman of Ejigbo LG in 2018.

Lagos reporters

#StayAtHome Order: Lagos CP Arrests Ritualist, Paedophiles, Advises Parent On Proper Monitoring

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Police Command has arrested two paedophiles and a ritualist in the wake of the on going state stay – at – home order.

The paedophiles, Christain Chikezie and Dako Aron (52) were arrested in Ikorodu and Olanrewaju Street, Okokomaiko respectively. The duo were alleged to have had carnal knowledge of 9 year old and 13 year old girls respectively.

Chikezie, according to the statement released by the command PRO, DSP Bala  Elkana, was said to have had sexually abused his victim twice while Aron, an ‘habitual paedophile and a security guard in a private company in Okokomaiko was also alleged to have dragged his victim into his security post twice.

According to the statement, Dako was last charged to Court on 22, February, 2017 for raping a minor. The two suspects are to be charged to court while the two victims have been taken to the hospitals for medical treatment and forensic examination.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has therefore advised parents to Monitor their Wards to avoid them from being preyed on by  paedophiles during this stay – at – home.

Meanwhile, a Ritualist, Dona Asogbo, 30, has been arrested by the command. He was arrested when some residents of Panuse area, Oko – Afo, Lekki reported at Morogbo Police Station that one Dona Asogbo  and Peter Alogbo have turned an uncompleted building in the community into a rituals’ den.

 Their activities were alleged to have instilled fear and panic in the community. The principal suspect, Dona Asogba was arrested while his partner took to his heels.

A mini size wooden coffin and all sorts of fetish items were recovered from the shrine. The shrine is suspected to be used for criminal purposes.

BREAKING: Police arrest Funke Akindele over house party

AgegePulse Magazine

Funke Akindele Bello has been arrested for hosting a house party to celebrate her husband JJC Skillz birthday in their home despite lockdown order in Lagos state.

According to reports, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, confirmed that Funke Akindele has been arrested and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba.

“Yes, we have (arrested) Funke Akindele and we are looking for the others. She has been taken to SCID, he said”

This comes after Nigerians on social media called for the arrest Akindele, popularly called ‘Jenifa’ who is said to be an ambassador for the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Dettol.

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.


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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