Covid19: No Plan To Reopen Schools Now - LASG

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government has asserted that all private and public schools will remain closed to protect pupils from the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining that rather than reopening schools and endangering the lives of students, efforts will be intensified on the ongoing free teachings on various media, especially radio and television.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, who disclosed the government’s stance on the reopening of schools for the third-term academic session, urged proprietors aiming to commence academic session for third-term amid the Coronavirus outbreak to abandon the plans.

Adefisayo said, “The Ministry wishes to state categorically that all schools in Lagos State remain closed and have not yet been opened for the third term. The State continues to offer free teachings on various media, especially radio and television”.

She gave assurance that the State government will continue to improve its distance learning programmes, expressing satisfaction that students across private and public schools are taking advantage of the free service.

“Plans are also underway to ensure that our children in public schools are able to complete their term whenever the lockdown is lifted”, she added.

While noting the government’s awareness of the challenges of staff wages and other issues confronting school owners during the lockdown, Adefisayo appealed to the proprietors to persevere and adopt the online teaching strategy to keep their students busy while staying at home to avoid contracting Coronavirus.

The Commissioner disclosed that some secondary schools in the State have commenced online teaching to engage their students charging discounted tuition fees, while some schools were charging full tuition rates.

“Parents are concerned about the cost of this programme, ranging from fees charged by schools to the cost of data and devices as well as the cost of fuelling generators to ensure steady electricity power supply. Parents also have to supervise online teachings to guard against the exposure of children to pornography, in addition to online harassment and bullying”, Adefisayo advised.

She called for continuous dialogue between school administrators and parents to seek ways to resolve issues related to the inability of parents to earn income during this period, the need for schools to pay their personnel who provide online teaching as well as the purchase of devices for teachers, including the provision of data to prepare for the daily teaching activities.

“In view of the aforementioned, we ask that schools consult extensively with parents and find a win-win solution that will be acceptable to all stakeholders”, the Commissioner added..

Undergraduate commits suicide over SARS harassment

AgegePulse Magazine

An undergraduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Seyi Akinade, has reportedly committed suicide.

The victim, in a lengthy post on Twitter before his death, said he could no longer live with the continuous harassment by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, which he claimed led to his decision to kill himself.

His stepbrother, Toye Salawudeen, who announced the death on the social media, told PUNCH Metro that the family did not know about Akinade’s ordeal until after his demise.

The deceased had narrated on his Twitter page, @Akinadeoluwa17, how he plunged into $20,000 debt after he was arrested by the SARS personnel, who allegedly extorted money from him.

According to the 23-year-old undergraduate, who was also a forex trader, his encounter with the SARS personnel gave him constant nightmares.

He had tweeted, “It happened again tonight, I had the same nightmare that’s been reoccurring for months now since the incident happened, same faces. SARS officials in their black uniform carrying us away in the dead of the night and I wake up with serious chest pain from fear of what I was about to experience.

“It happened on the 2nd of February 2020 I was in my hostel working on my post data slides because I had to present the next day when all of a sudden these SARS officials entered my room. It was around 10pm and I still had my generator on maybe that was why they came to my room first, they just collected my laptop and phones, my friends were also in my room, we were all told to dress up and come outside, one of my friends was given a dirty slap for practically not dressing up fast enough ‘what did we do?’ I kept asking.
“They didn’t say anything and they threatened to waste me if I didn’t stop asking silly questions. We were handcuffed like armed robbers, all 17 of us, we were squeezed into small cars like goats to the slaughter, and from camp Abeokuta, we were taken down to Ibara Police Station. 

Immediately we got there I decided to plead with who was in charge that I had a presentation in school the next day, that they should please let me go early because at that time it was 12 in the midnight already, he said I will pay 200k! Ha! For what?


“I told him to go through my phone that I am not a fraudster, that I am a forex trader and he went through my phone and my friends’ phone nothing was implicating there, except for the bank alerts and that money were not even mine, I told him they were investors money. I forgot to mention I opened a trade on my trading platform before they came to arrest us, I also pleaded with them to give me access to my phone so I can close the trade or something they thought I wanted to call someone and they slapped me for requesting for my phone, the trade kept running till the next day.

“I slept in a cell that night for doing nothing, police will slap you and beat you, and prisoners will beat you when you enter the cell too! I cried till the next morning not because I was sleeping in a cell for doing nothing, but because I was on a losing trade with thousands of $ on the line and also because I was going to miss my project presentation which cannot be repeated. I was paraded like a thief in the morning and they were asking us what we did, with tears in my eyes I said ‘nothing’ they still slapped me and told me to admit I’m a fraudster without having anything incriminating on my phone!

“That day I lost almost 20k$ trading and I missed my presentation in school. They still wanted to collect bail after beating and harassing us for nothing. Since then I’ve been in massive debt, I couldn’t complete my education and my life has been in shambles and suicide has been the only thought on my mind every day. So in case I hurt myself and anyone is curious as to why I did it. This is my story.”

Akinade’s death has led to the creation of the #justiceforseyi hashtag on the social media, with Nigerians calling for the prosecution of the officers involved.

He said, “Seyi was the quiet type and based on the kind of relationship we had, we were not very close. This morning (Wednesday), my mum called me that Seyi was dead and when I asked her what happened, she said he was vomiting and crying of stomach pain and asking for palm oil.

“He was rushed to three hospitals before he could be accepted, but he died this morning; we didn’t know what happened until I went to his Twitter page to check his last post and I saw his tweet and what he tweeted five days ago about what caused him nightmares. We want justice to be served and the police officers who caused this to be brought to justice.”

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said he was not aware of the case but would find out.

“I’m not aware of the matter, but there is no way policemen  from Ibara will go and arrest in FUNAAB, but I will find out,” he stated.

He had yet to get back to our correspondent on his findings as of the time of filing this report.

Punch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three One Million Boys suspects thrown into Canal

AgegePulse Magazine

Three robbery suspects alleged to be members of the 1 Million Boys have been thrown into a canal after they were killed by Igando residents after they invaded the community.

The bodies of the three robbery suspects were found floating on a canal by the link bridge between Igando/Abaranje, on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, Vanguard reports.

A resident, Mr Ojo Majekodunmi, explained how the men were caught and killed.

He said:

“On Monday night, there was an uproar everywhere that these bad boys were approaching our area. We armed ourselves with cutlasses and took positions. But we did not see them until 5am when we heard they were at Sadiku Olowora street. By the time we got there, the vigilante group whose members are OPC had already overpowered three of them.

“Cutlasses and a lighter was found on them. During interrogation, one of them said the lighter was meant to burn victims’ window nets, in order to gain access into their apartments”.

Another resident, Kelechi Nwamobi, said:

”One of the suspects said they didn’t mean to kill anyone. In his dying state, he begged everyone he had stolen from since the lockdown started, to forgive him, saying, they were forced to burgle homes because of hunger”.

It was later discovered that the robbers who were lynched were not members of the One Million Boys gang, but were hungry burglars.

Seven people who formed the vigilante group that apprehended the three burglars have been arrested by policemen from Ikotun division. They were faulted for taking laws into their hands by carrying out jungle justice on the suspects, who were said to have been without any gun, as initially claimed by residents.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered for further investigation into the matter.

Lagos Reporters

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu Commissions 70-Bed Eti-Osa Isolation Center

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, today, unveiled a 70-bed COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre located within the premises of Landmark Exhibition Centre in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the State.

The 70-bed Eti-Osa Isolation Centre, which was constructed by the Young President Organisation (YPO), Lagos State Chapter, has a dedicated 10-bed intensive care isolation unit, four ventilators, monitors, respirators, mobile x-ray, ultrasound and oxygen facilities.

Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the commissioning, said the facility will provide additional capacity to support the already existing isolation facilities in the State, adding that the birth of the facility signifies a working and fruitful collaboration between the public and private sector.

He explained further that the unveiling of the facility is a clear demonstration and commitment of the present administration to an all-inclusive system of governance.

“What we have seen here today is another demonstration of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) collaboration between the State government and a Consortium, the Young President Organisation which is peopled by a crop of professionals from different  fields coming together to fund this laudable project”, the Governor said.

While commending YPO for the project, Sanwo-Olu said the facility has been taken over by the State government but will be operated in collaboration with the organisation.

He expressed satisfaction at the level of preparedness of the medical professionals who will work at the facility, stressing that it is ready to commence patient admission.

“We have taken over this facility but it will be operated in collaboration with the private sector. I am happy with the level of preparedness I have seen. I am happy with the level of professional staff that will be operating this facility. This facility is ready to go and I am sure either today or tomorrow we will start admitting people into this facility”, Sanwo-Olu said.

Earlier, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo coordinated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the operation and management of the facility between the Lagos State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi and representative of  YPO, Tatiana Mousalli.

80 clinical and non-clinical staff including doctors and nurses and intensive care professionals who have been trained on Infection Prevention and Control as well as COVID-19 case management will work at the facility.

Also present at the event were the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye and Health Service Commission, Dr. Muyiwa Eniayewun.

COVID-19: Nigerian Breweries Announces N600 Million Support

AgegePulse Magazine

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

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

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

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

N100 million worth of relief materials comprising:

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

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

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

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

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

#Covid19: Morcas Suspends Ramadan Lecture, Other Activity

AgegePulse Magazine

Due to the global pandemic situation around the world (COVID-19) and Government directives to curb the spread, Morcas Agege under the tutelage of Mudeer-Ul- Morcas , Sheikh Habeebullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory, OON has officially announced that this year Ramadan lecture would be suspended.

Below are the official statement from the office of the Mudeer, that :

* Ramadan as scheduled to begin on Saturday the 25th of April as announced by the league of imams and alfas of yorubaland hasn’t changed.

* In respect to practicing the rule of social distancing as ordered by the government; the annual Ramadan tefseer seatings will hereby NOT HOLD this year in as much as we also want to help curb the spread of the deadly virus.

* however; the indefinite suspension does not only cover the seatings! PLEASE NOTE that other related activities are also put on hold till further notice.

* any further development from the office of the director will be duly delivered and communicated to the ummah with due process.

* please ALSO NOTE that the institution have and has always being a respecter of the shariah and constitutional law.. so therefore; this has being put in check.

* The above institution should not and will not be held responsible for any breach in law of the state perpetrated by ANYONE during these times.

•finally, we urge the Muslim ummah to bear with us this trying times as we pray to God to ease this burden on the world while we also urge everyone to obey the rules and guidelines stated by the government in practicing social distancing and staying at home to help curb and stop the spread of COVID-19. May the peace and blessings of Allah be with each and everyone of us. #StaySafe
 #StayAtHome.

Maa salaam.

WAEC, NECO postponed for 2020 indefinitely – FG

AgegePulse Magazine

The Nigerian government has postponed the Senior School Certificate Examination organised by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) for the year amid coronavirus outbreak.

Emeka Nwajubu, Minister of state for education announced this during a press briefing monitored by DAILY POST on Channels Tv.

“WAEC and NECO for the year have been postponed indefinitely.

“The students can learn online, we have made a lot of provision for that. The director of FCT has also opened a portal for the process

“We are working with the ministry of information to escalate education content to provide for everyone at home.

“Our biggest challenge is to reach children who do not have devices but we are working with radio corporations to instil some of that for primary and secondary students .”

BREAKING: Four dead as car rams into commuters in Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

At least four people reportedly died in Lagos on Tuesday when a car rammed into commuters standing at a bus stop.

It was gathered that the accident happened at Ogudu, inward Third Mainland Bridge.

According to an eyewitness, no fewer than four people died in the accident.

The eyewitness said the accident, which saw some persons injured, also involved children.


Reacting, the Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Nosa Okunbor, confirmed the incident.

He, however, said LASEMA had sketchy details on the accident.

Okunbor said, “Indeed, an accident occurred earlier this morning at Ogudu that left a few people dead.

“However, the distress call was a call escalated through the 767/112 Lagos emergency toll-free lines and was attended to by LASAMBUS. Therefore, LASEMA does not have a report or statement on it.”

PunchNewspaper

Lagos Council Chair Flag Off Covid19 Free Test Centre, Submits Self To Test

AgegePulse Magazine

Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, JPhas flagged off the COVID-19 screening centre in Agege area of Lagos State.

 The centre located inside the council's maternity at Sango is one of the twenty sample collection centres set up by the state government in the battle against the global pandemic to scale up testing capacity.

Egunjobi on Monday 20 April, 2020; kicked off activities at Agege branch of the centres, an occasion he used to submit himself to the test and  awaiting the result as at the time of this publication.

Speaking during the exercise, the council boss urged residents of Agege to seize the opportunity of the centre's proximity to them to know their coronavirus status by undergoing the free test.

He appealed to Agege residents to abide by all precautionary measures put in place by the government to curtail the pandemic spread while reiterating his administration's commitment to the growth and development of the community.

Suspected kidnappers’ hideout uncovered in Lagos

• Three suspects nabbed, victim rescued

AgegePulse Magazine

Men of the Lagos State Police Command arrested three suspected kidnappers in the Shogunle and Ladipo areas of the state on Monday.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the activities of the suspects were discovered by residents when they were allegedly dragging a street sweeper into a drainage channel in the Shogunle area, off the Agege Motor Road, near Oshodi.

It was learnt that the victim raised the alarm and passersby and residents of the area rushed to the scene to rescue the woman.

The alleged kidnappers, upon sighting the people rushing towards them, were said to have abandoned the street sweeper and fled from the scene of the incident.

However, some good Samaritans, who rushed to rescue the victim, reportedly gave them a hot chase.

PUNCH Metro learnt that some of the suspects were arrested while trying to escape through the drainage channel, while two others were apprehended around the Ladipo bus stop in the Oshodi area.

An angry mob reportedly beat and stripped the suspects naked before handing them over to some soldiers in the area.

An eyewitness, Segun Gbadegesin, told PUNCH Metro, “What I gathered was that someone was arrested on the allegation that the place was being used as a kidnappers’ den and that a woman was being dragged into the drainage before people responded to her cry for help and apprehended the suspect.

“Some of the rescuers went into the drainage channel and saw used clothes, bags and police walkie-talkie. Over 80 people, including soldiers and policemen, gathered at the scene of the incident.”

Lagos To Begin Strict Enforcement Of Face Masks Next Week

 ...As Gov Sanwo-Olu Threatens Patients Who Conceal Travel History With Prosecution

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government will commence strict enforcement of face masks as part of measures to flatten the curve of #Covid19 pandemic from next week, the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.

The Governor said wearing of face masks would be made compulsory for residents, just as he expressed optimism that the move would help to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The Governor said this during a media briefing on COVID-19 updates held at Lagos House, Marina.

He said: “From next week, we are going to be making face masks compulsory in Lagos state. We have commissioned more than one million face masks to be distributed in the state.”

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has said patients who lie about their travel history will be prosecuted.

“These patients do not only endanger their lives but the lives of our front line medical personnel. We already have some names and they will be prosecuted duly.

“We would therefore like to appeal to our health workers to raise alarm as soon as they notice anything of sort,” he stated.

‘Sleep with your Eyes Closed, No Armed Gang Coming’ - Lagos CP Assures Residents

…Sanwo-Olu Charges Police To Intensify Security Patrol

…We’ve Neutralised ‘One Million Boys’ Since - Odumosu

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government has reassured residents of its commitment to protect lives and property, stressing that the responsibility will not be compromised.

The re-assurance came just as the State Police Command, acting on the orders of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stepped up its surveillance, following the panic generated by threat letters purportedly written to some communities by a faceless criminal group, “One Million Boys”.

The group allegedly threatened that it would carry out armed robbery attacks in some listed neighbourhoods.

The police described the group as “non-existent”, adding it had strengthened its surveillance across neighbourhoods.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, who led squadrons of anti-robbery policemen to various tension-soaked communities on Friday, allayed residents’ fear, saying the criminal gang called “One Million Boys” had been disbanded in several operations.

Odumosu said a new set of criminally minded people may be hiding under the gang’s name to scare the public, but he assured all that the police, in conjunction with other security agencies, would neutralise such threat.

He said: “Today, we have come out in full show of force to give you assurance that there’s nothing like ‘One Million Boys’; they are criminals. Be assured that Government is out to protect you. The police are out there to guarantee your safety and we are doing this in conjunction with soldiers, Navy, Air Force and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

“So, we are asking you not to panic. Go about your lawful engagements. When it is time for you to sleep, you should sleep without nurturing the fear that some faceless criminal gangs will come and attack you. Faceless people are sending letters around only to put fears in your mind. We will respond swiftly to any attack and we shall be patrolling round the State.”

Odumosu gave out emergency numbers to call in case of armed robbery attacks and cautioned residents not to burn tyres on roads because such acts damage and pose health risks to children and the sick.

The numbers are: 09010512385, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288.

The police chief said the security agencies had been carrying out land and aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of residents during the lockdown imposed by the Federal Government to tackle the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Some of the areas visited by Odumosu and his team of combat-ready policemen include Ikotun, Pako-Ijesha, Igando, Mushin, Surulere, Festac Town, Idimu, Ikeja, Ojodu, Berger, Ogba, Fadeyi, and Onipanu among others.

ABBA KYARI'S BODY LAID TO REST AT GUDU CEMETERY, ABUJA

AgegePulse Magazine

According the Femi Adelina, The remains of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, arrived in Abuja Saturday morning from Lagos, and have been buried at Gudu cemetery after funeral prayers at his residence.

"As advised by the protocols put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health on social distancing, the burial marks the end of all ceremonies and there will be no condolence visits to family and the Presidency"

"Well-wishers and all other Nigerians are instead advised to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Chief of Staff".

"A condolence register will be opened at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) from Sunday for those who are able to use the window permitted for movement by the FCT administration". Femi  Adesina, asserted.

BREAKING! Lagos State Government To Relax Lockdown In 7 Days After Meeting With Business CEOs

 AgegePulse Magazine

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, says his government will review the nearly three weeks-long lockdown in the state in the next seven days.

THISDAY reports that the governor, at the second virtual meeting with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) on the COVID-19 Business Challenges and Support, assured them that “strategic relaxation of the lockdown may be implemented.”

The meeting was convened under the aegies of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and attended by 28 managing directors/CEOs of organised businesses and companies in Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu also promised the CEOs that he would speak to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to address the issues of charges on cash deposits and cheque clearing, especially during the lockdown.

The governor would also speak with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, to facilitate the fast-tracking of clearance of essential raw materials from Lagos ports as well as speaking with his colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to enhance the ease of access to passage for businesses in their states.

“More assistance will be given to (business) organisations involved in packaging to enable them to support other essential sectors,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor, however, sought the assurance of the captains of business community that supply and distribution of essential goods and products would continue in the state.

He urged them “to ensure stability of prices during this critical period and post COVID-19 period as the purchasing power of the masses would likely be weakened and adversely impacted by the scourge.”

Sanwo-Olu also urged businesses to “endeavour to ensure that job security is guaranteed.”

He assured them that his office would “be open to further collaboration and suggestions in writing from organised businesses on how to drive growth and development in Lagos State.”

“The government has set up the Post-COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Agenda with the view of fast-tracking economic recovery,” he said, adding that he “will invite organised businesses to a breakfast or lunch session within one month after the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss and review how to strengthen the collaboration.”

Sanwo-Olu also addressed the security challenges threatening the distribution of food products in the state and assured the members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) that “from today (Wednesday) there will be additional deployment/presence and patrol (24/7) of mobile policemen, the military and paramilitary personnel in Lagos State.

“The security architecture is being led by an Assistant Inspector General of Police. The security agents have been briefed to act professionally and responsibly while businesses were encouraged to be more security-conscious and take pro-active steps to protect their staff and properties.”

The OPS members commended the governor for the proactive steps he has taken to address the challenges facing businesses in the state and briefed him on emerging threats to business continuity during the lockdown.

The issues brought to the governor’s attention included security, the stimulus for businesses, the need for banks to scale up/increase operation scope and the fact that “most of the police checkpoints are now extortion points.”
According to the CEOs, businesses in the state are faced with the worsening problem of security situation and the risk of escalating civil disturbance.

They noted that “risks of attacks on the branded company trucks by hoodlums in highly populated” have dwindled supply to retail malls and outlets.

“For the retail markets, the inability of suppliers to transport supplies to shopping malls and retail outlets have remained a big concern in view of the worsening security situation,” the CEOs said.

They also called on the state government to intensify the publicity of the 28 emergency markets set up in different schools to boost patronage.

The CEOs asked the state government to consider specific stimulus and palliatives for businesses, noting the need for banks to scale up their services instead of the current skeletal services they are rendering during the lockdown, which has hindered smooth business operations.

“Also, with the volume of cash transactions that is ongoing, it will be necessary for the state governor to speak to the governor of the CBN to suspend the charges on cash deposit and also relax the embargo on cheque clearance,” the CEOs said.

The CEOs added that companies in need of packaging materials, especially pharmaceutical, were facing a paucity of materials as all the companies producing the packaging materials were not allowed to operate by the lockdown order.

“It is important for the Nigeria Customs Service to give priority to the clearing of foods raw materials, drugs, pharmaceuticals. This is presently not the case.

“There have been reports of frustration of company trucks and delivery vans by the police, even when necessary means of identification are provided. There is an urgent need to stop the excesses of the police.

“As most of the markets are closed, there is the need to assist wholesalers to take their products from warehouses in the closed markets to the retail outlets.

“There is the need for Lagos State governor to assist in reaching out to other state governments on the lockdown to ensure free movement of essential goods and provision of security for organisations,” the CEOs said.

They also expressed concern about whether the foods and materials donated by corporate organisations and individuals would reach the targeted group of most vulnerable and elderly people.

The governor, however, assured them that there “is ongoing engagement with over 200 local food vendors in Lagos to provide at least one meal a day to people in densely populated neighborhoods.

He added: “Government has identified religious and political leaders in all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). They will serve as distribution points for bulk food stuff. This is to decentralise the food distribution activities of Lagos State Government and also complement the efforts.

“Data collection is ongoing using the telcos and other means with the view of facilitating cash-transfers to youths and residents of Lagos State. Interest waiver for three months for all the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

All arrested and impounded vehicles during the period of the lockdown will be released at the end of the lockdown without payment of any penalty/free of charge,” adding that “day-to-day food delivery to the most vulnerable and elderly is still on-going.

NECA director-general, in his concluding remarks, appreciated the governor and his team for providing leadership and supporting the organised businesses in this critical time.

The director-general, however, “noted that the business community will be willing to host the governor rather than him hosting the business community."

“This is to allow for a more inclusive attendance/for other CEOs that could not attend the meeting to participate in the breakfast or lunch meeting,” he said.

He also appreciated the management of the Nigerian Breweries Plc for its support that made the virtual meeting possible.

Source: This Day online

‪BREAKING: The President Chief of Staff (Abba Kyari) is dead. ‬

AgegePulse Magazine

The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.

May God accept his soul.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
April 18, 2020

It's Official: Saudi Arabia Suspends Ramadan Prayers Globally, Tells Muslims What To Do

AgegePulse Magazine

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced the suspension of Taraweeh prayers in Mecca and Medina during the Ramadan.
Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is expected to begin on April 23.

However, owing to increasing cases of COVID-19 globally, Saudi’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, in a statement, announced that the suspension of the important prayer during Ramadan is to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The minister of Islamic affairs, Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, said the prayers will be performed at home for health safety.

In Islam, Taraweeh prayers are very important and rewarding during the Holy month.

“The suspension of performing the five daily prayers at mosques is more important than the suspension of Taraweeh prayers.

“We ask Allah the Almighty to accept Taraweeh prayers whether held at mosques, or homes, which we think is better for people’s health. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept prayers from all of us and protect humanity from this epidemic that hit the entire world.

“This is a precaution in line with the prohibition of gatherings, so that funeral prayers take place at cemeteries should not exceed five to six of the deceased’s relatives, and the rest pray at their homes,” the statement read in part.

As of Monday, Saudi Arabia has 4,934 cases and 65 deaths related to Coronavirus.

Obasa's Breakfast Bread Receives A Boost With N10m From Donors

AgegePulse Magazine

The breakfast gesture by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has been boosted with a donation of N10 million.

The individual donations came from well-meaning residents of the state, who said they were encouraged by the Speaker's single-handed assistance to the people at a time of economic distress caused by COVID-19.

The donors include Lagos businessman, Adebiyi Olalekan, who contributed N5 million and another popular businessman, Taiwo Elegbede, who donated N200,000.

Other donors include Sunday Babatunde, who dropped N1 million, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya and Afolabi who contributed N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

On their parts, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Gbolahan Yishawu and the Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Ganiyu Egunjobi, supported the gesture with N1 million each while Hon. Fatai Mojeed contributed N300,000.

Obasa, who had shared 10,000 re-bagged rice at the inception of the lockdown in the state caused by COVID-19, initially started with the distribution of 26,000 loafs of bread around the Agege area of the state.

Following wide demand by the residents, the Speaker continued with a daily distribution of loaves of bread across the area which also houses his constituency.

Meanwhile, residents of neighbouring Local Government Areas as well as Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) have called on the Speaker to extend the gesture to their areas.

The residents said the plea follows their understanding that Obasa is not just the Speaker of his constituency or Agege area, but the entire Lagos.

While commending the Speaker for the gesture, which they say has a way of meeting an aspect of the daily needs of the beneficiaries, especially during the lockdown, they said they would remain grateful if he extended the palliative to them.

Police Arrest Killers Of Pa Fasoranti's Daughter, Funke

- IGP assures diligent prosecution of culprits

- declares gang leader, Tambaya, wanted

AgegePulse Magazine

Police Operatives have arrested the killers of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the leader of the PAN-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasorantin.



The suspects are:

     i.          Lawal Mazaje ‘m’ 40yrs from Felele area of Kogi State

   ii.           Adamu Adamu 'm' 50yrs from Jada area of Adamawa State.

  iii.         Mohammed Shehu Usman 'm' 26 years from Illela area of Sokoto State

  iv.          Auwal Abubakar 'm’ 25yrs from Shinkafi area of Zamfara State



Recall that on 13th July, 2019, following the attack and murder of Mrs Funke Olakunrin by unknown persons between Kajola and Ore along Ondo-Ore road in Ondo State on 12th July, 2019, the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni deployed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), CP Fimihan Adeoye, to coordinate the team of Police Special Forces and seasoned investigators from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Federal SARS, Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) from the Force Headquarters, Abuja to carry out massive manhunt for the killers with the aim of arresting and bringing them to justice.



Meanwhile, after months of relentless efforts to apprehend the killers, the Police Team, on 4th March, 2020 during a follow-up action on a case of a high-profile armed robbery and kidnap for ransom that occurred in Ogun State, arrested one Auwal Abubakar ‘m’ 25yrs, an accessory after the fact of the crime, along Sagamu-Ore expressway in Ondo State. The arrest of Auwal Abubakar led to the arrest of two (2) other members of the gang, Mohammed Shehu Usman and Lawal Mazaje in Benin, Edo State from whom cache of ammunition was recovered and one other Adamu Adamu in Akure, Ondo State.



        Having established sufficient physical and forensic evidence linking the suspects to the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the investigators, determined to clear all doubts relating to their findings, on 8th April, 2020, conducted an Identification Parade at the Federal SARS Headquarters, Lagos which led to the positive and physical identification of three (3) suspects, Adamu Adamu, Lawal Mazaje and Mohammed Shehu Usman by a survivor of the earlier crime. The survivor gave a clear description of the roles each of the identified suspects played in the killing. At this point, the suspects capitulated and voluntarily offered a no-holds-barred confession on how Mrs Funke Olakunrin was killed.



         Investigations so far reveal that the operation that led to the killing was carried out by eight (8) fully armed kidnap/robbery suspects led by one Tambaya (other name unknown) who is currently at large. While four (4) of the suspects (mentioned above) are in custody, effort is being intensified to arrest the four (4) others still on the run. The 8-man gang has their operational base and membership spread in the south-western part of the country and Edo State. Investigations have also revealed that they are responsible for series of high-profile armed robbery and kidnap operations in the region. They also attack, vandalize and steal components of critical national infrastructures such as electrical and telecommunications installations.



Consequently, the Inspector General of Police hereby declares the principal suspect, Tambaya (other names unknown) wanted for his involvement in the death of Mrs Funke Olakunrin. Tambaya, a Nigerian, speaks Hausa, Fulfulde and Pidgin English languages. He is fair in complexion and in his late 20s - between the age of 27 and 30. His last known address is Isanlu, Kogi State. He has visible scar from stitches on his forehead down to his nose and mouth.



Meanwhile, the IGP appreciates Nigerians for the patience and support to the Police throughout the period of the investigations into the unfortunate incident. He assures that the suspects will be diligently prosecuted on completion of investigations and that the Force will not relent until every member of the gang, still at large, is arrested and brought to book.

#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.