#COVID-19: Pay relief funds to households through BVN, Tinubu tells FG

AgegePulse Magazine

National Leader of All Progressives Congress , Bola Tinubu , has urged the Federal Government to make cash payments to households through Bank Verification Numbers to cushion the effects of COVID - 19 pandemic on Nigerians .

Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State , gave the advice in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday .

He said payments could be made quickly by using the BVN of prospective recipients to make direct deposits into individual bank accounts.

The APC leader said the use of BVN would also be safer and not lead to violence and crime that might follow physical cash transfers .

Tinubu said this would encourage those without bank accounts to establish such accounts, adding that it would further bring millions of people into formal banking .

“The money-less family still needs food , water , shelter and, to a lesser degree , utilities . In a compassionate society, they should not be made to do without .

“Most families need relief . If relief is not forthcoming , these families risk hunger and its attendant suffering and woes,” Tinubu said .

He said the palliative measures would blunt hunger, maintain aggregate demand in the domestic economy and help sustain private -sector markets to the extent possible .

Tinubu explained that such payments could be done in either one or in a combination of three ways .

He said , “First , we can designate a stipend for every household . The amount should be enough to pay for the monthly needs of an ‘ average’ household for food and other basics .

“While this may somewhat penalise larger families , perfection cannot be had at this time .

“Second , the stipends could be given as a form of emergency unemployment insurance to those who can prove they were relieved of employment due to the crisis.

“This will be more targeted at the actual victims of the crisis but harder to administer . This stipend will also have to be extended to owners of small and medium - sized businesses.

“Third , the government can render some form of payroll support to companies and businesses that seek to retain workers albeit they may not be fully employed .

“The stipend can help companies stay in operation while maintaining workers on their payroll. By maintaining workers , the company can more swiftly return to full operation when normalcy returns. ”

Tinubu said payment of these stipends would require hiring additional government workers to augment the existing bureaucracies to implement that programme .

According to him, this administrative requirement will help boost employment and aggregate consumer demand .

He said that activating Trader - moni and other programmes would help many small -scale traders but not the average wage earner who just lost his job .

NAN

Lockdown Extension: Sanwo-Olu To Transfer Cash To Indigents, Plans To Feed 100,000 Youths Daily

...Rolls out Bumper Palliatives as Lagos begins Extended Lockdown


…Governor Addresses Security Breaches In Border Communities, Declares War On Hoodlums

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, introduced a bumper scheme to cushion the effect of the ongoing lockdown of the State on its residents. The new palliatives were rolled out by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu less than 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari, in a nationwide broadcast on Monday night, extended the cessation of movement in Lagos, Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sanwo-Olu announced the social intervention programmes during a briefing that followed Security Council meeting held at the State House in Marina, on Tuesday.

The new scheme came on the heels of the commencement of the second part of Food Stimulus Packages being distributed to 250,000 vulnerable residents since the lockdown directive came into effect.

The Governor disclosed that the State Government was moved by the need to support and ameliorate the inconvenience being experienced by vulnerable people as occasioned by the extended lockdown.

The Government is opening food kitchens in all the local councils in the State with a target to provide one meal per day to 100,000 youths. Sanwo-Olu also announced unconditional cash transfer of undisclosed amount to 250,000 vulnerable residents and economically challenged persons who have identification numbers with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).

Besides, the Governor granted three months moratorium to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs that got repayable loans from Lagos State Employment Trust Funds (LSETF), deferring the payment of accruing interests by the loan beneficiaries.

Sanwo-Olu also ordered immediate release of all private and commercial vehicles impounded from March 1, 2020 for minor traffic offences by the police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Agency to date.

The Governor said the new palliatives were carefully drawn out to bring succour to greater number of indigent people and those eking out living from daily wages.

He said: “Before the first set of stay-at-home directives, I announced a welfare package for the indigent and vulnerable segment of the society.  Though we encountered some hitches along the way, we have since revised the process and have now seen a mark of improvement in the distribution of the relief packages that is being carried out in a dignifying manner and in full compliance with all public health directives and guidelines.

“Today, I am pleased to announce additional palliatives for our citizens to further ameliorate the inconvenience occasioned by this extended lockdown. In the next couple of days, we will commence a daily ‘Food Kitchen’ programme with the target to feed about 100,000 people daily.  This will largely target the youths.

“We are also cleaning up our data from our various social registers to get a clean list of truly vulnerable and economically challenged persons to enable us remit some cash to them.  We aim to do these cash transfers by the end of the week to a minimum of 250,000 indigent citizens.

All the MSMEs and SMEs that took LSETF loans and got supports from other Government’s financial incentive programme will enjoy a three months moratorium. With immediate effect, I have ordered the police, LASTMA and the VIO to release all impounded vehicles arrested for minor traffic offences from the 1st of March. All these palliative measures, we believe, will further help to cushion the effect of the lack of economic activities in the State occasioned by the lockdown.”

Sanwo-Olu shared the successes recorded in the medical palliative introduced by the State Government earlier this month, disclosing that the State footed the medical bills of over 18,000 people who accessed free medical services at all 67 Grade “A” primary health and secondary healthcare centres. He added that Lagos recorded over 600 childbirths, of which the costs were free of charge.

The Governor urged for calm among residents, saying the additional 14 days extension would afford the frontline health workers to ramp up contact identification, testing, isolation and admission of suspected and confirmed cases.

Sanwo-Olu declared war on criminals taking the advantage of the lockdown to engage in armed robbery and cause unrest in boundary communities, directing the security operatives not to spare anyone caught.

The Governor disclosed that over 100 miscreants have been apprehended by the police on account of disturbances, adding that the Inspector General Police (IGP) had already deployed a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) from Abuja to lead a special force to burst criminal gangs breaching the peace in the affected communities.

He said: “As an administration, we will live up to our responsibility of ensuring the security of the lives and properties of all citizens. We will not abandon this responsibility at any time. There is no room whatsoever in Lagos for criminal gangs or miscreants of any kind. The IG of Police has deployed a Deputy Inspector General of Police, who is a seasoned crime fighter, to Lagos as our Intervention Squad Coordinator to help devise and superintend over a superior strategy to curtail and stem the perceived and actual threat of violence.

“With this revised strategy, you will see an increase in mobile police deployment in all trouble spots in the metropolis; as well as the police intensifying their patrols around residential areas, boundary communities, and other critical areas of activities during this lockdown period. I urge all residents to obey the directive in all its entirety. Let us not be found wanting. Those who insist on flouting these directives will have no one but themselves to blame.”

In the last one week, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had started an active search for cases in communities across the State, with the aim to disrupt cases of community transmission. He observed that Lagos had witnessed a trend of community transmission in the number of recently confirmed cases, adding that the need to identify and manage cases was imperative, given the State’s population density.

He said: “It will not be unexpected for the residents to be visited by a team from the Lagos State Ministry of Health. Please give them accurate information in response to the questions they may ask, which will be related to your health and travel history. Note that they will not ask you for any money.  COVID-19 testing and treatment is free and will remain so. Do not allow anybody into your home without seeing valid identification and a letter from the Local Government Area.”

Buhari Extends Lockdown For Another 14 Days

Here is the address from President Muhammad Buhari in a live broadcast

ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE EXTENSION OF COVID- 19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
MONDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2020

1.   Fellow Nigerians

2.   In my address on Sunday, 29th March, 2020, I asked the residents of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory to stay at home for an initial period of fourteen days starting from Monday, 30th March 2020.

3.   Many State Governments also introduced similar restrictions.

4.   As your democratically elected leaders, we made this very difficult decision knowing fully well it will severely disrupt your livelihoods and bring undue hardship to you, your loved ones and your communities.

5.   However, such sacrifices are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our country. They were necessary to save lives.

6.   Our objective was, and still remains, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and to provide space, time and resources for an aggressive and collective action.

7.   The level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued has been generally good across the country. I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the great sacrifice you are making for each other at this critical time.



8.   I will take this opportunity to recognise the massive support from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.

9.   I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.

10.       I must also thank the media houses, celebrities and other public figures for the great work they are doing in sensitizing our citizens on hygienic practices, social distancing and issues associated with social gatherings.


11.       As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown.

12.       We implemented comprehensive public health measures that intensified our case identification, testing, isolation and contact tracing capabilities.



13.       To date, we have identified 92% of all identified contacts while doubling the number of testing laboratories in the country and raising our testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day.



14.       We also trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control while deploying NCDC teams to 19 states of the federation.



15.       Lagos and Abuja today have the capacity to admit some 1,000 patients each across several treatment centres.



16.       Many State Governments have also made provisions for isolation wards and treatment centres. We will also build similar centers near our airports and land borders.



17.       Using our resources and those provided through donations, we will adequately equip and man these centres in the coming weeks. Already, health care workers across all the treatment centers have been provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to safely carry out the care they provide.



18.       Our hope and prayers are that we do not have to use all these centres. But we will be ready for all eventualities.



19.       At this point, I must recognise the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers and volunteers across the country especially in frontline areas of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.



20.       You are our heroes and as a nation, we will forever remain grateful for your sacrifice during this very difficult time. More measures to motivate our health care workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks.



21.       As a nation, we are on the right track to win the fight against COVID-19.



22.       However, I remain concerned about the increase in number of confirmed cases and deaths being reported across the world and in Nigeria specifically.



23.       On 30th March 2020, when we started our lockdown in conforming with medical and scientific advice, the total number of confirmed cases across the world was over 780,000.



24.       Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally was over one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand. This figure is more than double in two weeks!



25.       In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died due to this disease.



26.       In the same period, we have seen the health system of even the most developed nations being overwhelmed by this virus.



27.       Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.



28.       This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.



29.       Most of our efforts will continue to focus in these two locations.



30.       Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.



31.       By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.



32.       The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.



33.       At this point, I will remind all Nigerians to continue to take responsibility for the recommended measures to prevent transmission, including maintaining physical distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home.



34.       In addition, I have signed the Quarantine Order in this regard and additional regulations to provide clarity in respect of the control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic which will be released soon.





35.       The public health response to COVID-19 is built on our ability to detect, test and admit cases as well as trace all their contacts. While I note some appreciable progress, we can achieve a lot more.



36.       Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.



37.       Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps - First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.



38.       With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.


39.       This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We can not be lax.

40.       The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.

41.       This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.

42.       The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.

43.       We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.


44.       I will therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to notify the relevant authorities if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. I will also ask our health care professionals to redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.



45.       No country can afford the full impact of a sustained restriction of movement on its economy. I am fully aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, dayworkers, artisans and manual workers.



46.       For this group, their sustenance depends on their ability to go out. Their livelihoods depend on them mingling with others and about seeking work. But despite these realities we must not change the restrictions.



47.       In the past two weeks, we announced palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers to ease the pains of our restrictive policies during this difficult time. These palliatives will be sustained.



48.       I have also directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks. This means we will support an additional one million homes with our social investment programs. A technical committee is working on this and will submit a report to me by the end of this week.





49.       The Security Agencies have risen to the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation with gallantry and I commend them. I urge them to continue to maintain utmost vigilance, firmness as well as restraint in enforcing the restriction orders while not neglecting statutory security responsibilities.



50.       Fellow Nigerians, follow the instructions on social distancing. The irresponsibility of the few can lead to the death of the many. Your freedom ends where other people’s rights begin.



51.       The response of our State Governors has been particularly impressive, especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the Federal Government.



52.       In the coming weeks, I want to assure you that the Federal Government, through the Presidential Task Force, will do whatever it takes to support you in this very difficult period. I have no doubt that, by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic.

             

53.       I must also thank the Legislative arm of Government for all its support and donations in this very difficult period. This collaboration is critical to the short and long-term success of all the measures that we have instituted in response to the pandemic.





54.       As a result of this pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. The way we interact with each other, conduct our businesses and trade, travel, educate our children and earn our livelihoods will be different.



55.       To ensure our economy adapts to this new reality, I am directing the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Transportation, Aviation, Interior, Health, Works and Housing, Labour and Employment and Education to jointly develop a comprehensive policy for a “Nigerian economy functioning with COVID-19”.



56.       The Ministers will be supported by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Economic Sustainability Committee in executing this mandate.



57.       I am also directing the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Security Adviser, the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and the Chairman, Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ensure the impact of this pandemic on our 2020 farming season is minimized.



58.       Finally, I want to thank the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all their hard work so far. Indeed, the patriotism shown in your work is exemplary and highly commendable.



59.       Fellow Nigerians, I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.



60.       I thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu Appears in Live Video, Sends Easter Greetings to Health Workers at Isolation Facilities

…Gospel Artiste Sings To Cheer Up, Uplift Patients
…‘Gesture To Show Gratitude, Boost Frontline Personnel’s Morale’ - Governor

AgegePulse Magazine

They deserved to sit in the midst of their family members and feast in this festive period, but the current national healthcare emergency occasion led by the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has robbed these frontline medical workers in Lagos State of the Easter celebration.

However, in a show of gratitude to the medical personnel, who are attending to various health emergencies in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu went on live video on Instagram to mark the Easter holiday with the medical workers at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Yaba and the Onikan Isolation Centre, Lagos Island.

In the live video streamed at the isolation facilities, the Governor appeared with a gospel artiste, Abolaji Banjoko, popularly known Beejay Sax, sending greetings and lifting the spirit of the medical personnel with songs of praise, even as they attended to medical emergencies.

As the music played on, the health workers and volunteers excitedly trooped out of the isolation wards, dancing towards the gospel band positioned at a safe distance in the facilities.

The health workers joined the Governor and the saxophonist to pray for divine strength to raise the capacity of the State Government in putting the ravaging pandemic under control.

Patients in the isolation facilities were not left out of the excitement; some of them in the advanced stage of treatment danced to the tunes in their wards. Others stayed by the windows and waved intermittently to acknowledge the gospel artiste’s musical ministration.

Mrs. Bimpe Arowolo, a volunteer nurse, who could not hide her excitement, described the gesture as “motivating”. She thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for sharing the Easter moments with them, noting that the gesture lightened the mood of the workers and patients in the gloomy period.

She said: “This is the least thing everyone of us expected here today. The atmosphere in this environment has been devoid of any form of cheerfulness, because of the nature of the pandemic we are dealing with. We are all taken by surprise when the band started setting up its equipment. We didn’t know what they were up to until they started singing.

“This has lightened up our spirits and it will motivate us to give our best to this important assignment, which requires everyone joining hands with the Government of Lagos State to stop coronavirus in the State. Thank you Governor Sanwo-Olu for keeping our spirits up in this rather gloomy Easter period.”

The Governor said the gesture was informed by the need to personally demonstrate his gratitude to the health workers and to boost their morale, describing all the frontline health workers engaged by the State Government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as “heroes”.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Today being Easter, I take a moment to identify with all our health workers; the heroes who deny themselves of personal wellbeing and comfort to attend to emergencies we are grappling with at this period. I left every other thing I am doing and thought it necessary to share this moment with those who endure great pain and discomfort to save all of us from the agony of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.”

Lockdown nightmare: How 200 armed gangsters invaded, robbed Ogun, Lagos communities

AgegePulse Magazine

Residents of some communities in Ogun and Lagos have lost sleep over robberies in the neighbourhoods by a gang of roaming hoodlums seizing the coronavirus lockdown to unleash terror on the two states.

There have been overwhelming complaints by residents of Owode, Ilepa, Ifo, Arigbajo, Itori, Dalemo, Ijoko, Ogba Ayo, Mosa, Joju, Sango, Ota, Oniyale among other communities in Ifo and Ado-Odo Ota local government areas of Ogun State over how hoodlums have been dispossessing them of their valuables day and night.

There was also unrest in FESTAC Town, Jankara and Ifako-Ijaiye areas of Lagos State on Saturday afternoon as hoodlums besieged the populated areas to rob residents and loot shops.


The incidents have marred the 14-day lockdown order of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the two states.

Sunday PUNCH had reported that a gang led by an ex-convict identified simply as Felix aka Confidence, sacked a police checkpoint in Dalemo, Ogun State on Tuesday and robbed residents.

Although a reinforcement team later dispersed the robbers, it was gathered that they struck again around 10pm on Friday at Agbado Crossing and Randle in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Many residents said they had resorted to keeping vigils and making bonfires to secure their communities from the hoodlums which they said numbered about 200.

“We need help in Ogun State. People are being robbed not only at night but in the afternoon too. Ijoko, Ifo, Sango and the likes have been under robbery attack since this (last) week. We can’t sleep; residents take turn to do vigilantes,” a youth, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

Outcries of residents within the troubled communities have also flooded the social media, calling out police authorities with the hashtag, ‘#Ogununrest.’

“The people of Sango Ota, Owode, Ilepa, Ifo, Arigbajo, Itori, Dalemo, Ijoko, Ogba Ayo, Mosa can no longer sleep or be at peace because of incessant armed robbery every day even (in) broad daylight. They are ransacking house to house. I am a victim this afternoon. Help,” one Prince Afolarin twitted on Saturday.

PunchNewspaper

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