With over two hundred thousand cases of covid-19 in the United States of America and over one hundred thousand each in Italy and Spain, Coronavirus disease cannot, for now, be said to be on the decline. Even in Nigeria, the discovery of 43 new positive cases on Wednesday April 1, 2020 which brought the total number of cases in Nigeria on that day to 179 does not suggest that the disease has slowed down from spreading. Unless the situation that prompted total lockdown imposed on two states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) improves in the next 48 hours, the ... more
As the Covid-19 spreads, more persons are reported to be infected while hospitals are being over stretched beyond limits. Personal Protective Equipment such a face masks and sanitizer are becoming scarce. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other government agencies have sent out guidelines on movement of persons during this period. The consequences of these guidelines have resulted in organisations asking staff to work from home (WFH) or remotely. In an attempt to address the challenges, managers need to understand factors that can make remote work demanding. This is because high-performing employees may experience decline in job performance ... more
As the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, spreads across the world, with more than 113,000 cases and 48,000 deaths globally; health and government officials are scrambling to get a handle on what the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared a pandemic. Much has been said about the importance of staying at home and maintaining social distance, but has it sunk into our heads? No. I will tell you why. I read a tweet a few days ago that said: ‘We are fighting two viruses in Nigeria: COVID-19 and Ignorance”. I agree wholeheartedly. Now more than ever, is the time to address ... more
24 so far discharged 18 Chinese doctors coming 6,700 contacts traced Cases hit 190 in 12 states and FCT FG cautions security agents A total of 24 people who were earlier confirmed to be infected with Coronavirus have so far been treated and discharged discharged from the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Yaba Lagos after testing negative twice, the state Commissioner for Health said yesterday. Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos yesterday, said four more patients were ... more
‘We’re not bothered about washing hands, let’s get water to drink first’ Days after the lockdown order in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), residents who live on the lower rungs of the social ladder have begun to fret about how they would get food to eat and portable water. Most of Abuja’s suburbs do not have portable water and residents depend on vendors to get their supply from boreholes. Grace Ijeoma lives in a slum at Abattoir, Karu, a suburb of Abuja, with her three children. She is one of millions of Nigerians who ... more
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian Army to join the police to flush out bandits from forests around the country, particularly in the areas that witnessed recent attacks. Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said Buhari gave the order following the recent killing of 22 people in Sokoto State during an attack by armed bandits and the killing of 10 people in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Shehu said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had already got in touch with the General Officers Commanding army formations in the affected states, ordering them to reinforce the police ... more
Friday prayers were held in all Juma’at mosques in Bauchi metropolis and other towns across the state yesterday despite having three confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state. Our correspondent who went round the metropolis observed huge attendance in mosques amid the new trend of keeping sanitizers, water and detergents at the entrance for washing of hands. Although the state government has not banned juma’at prayers and church services, it earlier banned congregations of more than 50 persons. The Deputy Governor and Chairman, Taskforce Response Committee on Covid-19, Senator Baba Tela, on Thursday disclosed the suspension of the lockdown while ... more
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has generated N1.12 trillion in tax revenue in the first quarter 2020, representing about seven percent increase in the same quarter of 2019 when it collected N1.04 trillion. This was disclosed yesterday by the Director, Communications and Liaison Department in the FIRS, Dr. Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad. A breakdown showed that it recorded an impressive 568% increase in Capital Gains Tax from N96,408,740.90 in Q1 2019 to N643,935,849.06 in Q1 2020 which gave the service’s revenue its biggest lift. Dr. Ahmad said the gains recorded was a direct result of blockage of leakages in the ... more
The Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Istifanus Gyang, has described as “sad and disturbing”, fresh bandit attacks in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Ten people were killed by armed bandits who attacked Hukke and Kyle Borough villages on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 31 and April 1, and set houses ablaze. The attack came barely two weeks after two soldiers attached to the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and two other persons were killed in Katummai village of the same Bassa. Senator Gyang, who represents Plateau North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said it was an “unfortunate ... more
Sounds of heavy gunshots caused panic in Wukari, Taraba State early yesterday, following an attack by a suspected militia group. Soldiers and policemen however repelled the attack. Daily Trust gathered that the Old BB area of the town along Chankai road came under attack from gunmen suspected to be Tiv militia. Though it was gathered that nobody was killed, many residents fled the town. A resident, Mallam Idiris Baba, said on telephone that the gunmen invaded Old BB area but Jukun youths were quickly moblized for a counter attack. The chairman of Wukari Local Government Council, Mr. Adigrace Daniel, also ... more
The Ondo state government has confirmed the first case of coronavirus. The state commissioner for information and orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo ,confirmed the case in a statement on Friday evening. He said “it is with great concern that the Ondo State Government announces the first index case. A suspected case tested positive to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We thank God for His protection thus far. Ours has been a case of anxiety while we enjoyed a COVID-19 free State status. “This development has, however, repudiated that enviable status even as we urge all to be vigilant and keep ourselves within the ... more
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed all its missions abroad to compile lists of willing nationals who want to come back to the country in the wake of of the Coronavirus pandemic. This was contained in a statement by the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Friday. She said interested Nigerians are advised to inform the missions in the various countries they are in, who will then collate and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She, however, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed that the financial implications will be borne by ... more
Hundreds of Americans who were scheduled to be evacuated from Nigeria on Friday were stranded for hours at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos when the aircraft which was to convey them did not arrive, Daily Trust on Saturday has learnt. 4,000 United Kingdom citizens in the country have reportedly applied to be evacuated back to their home country. The Americans whose number could not be ascertained eventually left the airport frustrated for their respective homes and hotels. It was learnt that the chartered flight to be operated by Omni Air International which was coming from Dulles Airport ... more
The Deputy Chief Whip of House of Representatives, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has called on government at all levels to ensure that more people have access to laboratory tests for Covid-19. The lawmaker, who stated this in a press statement which she personally signed, also urged security agencies and all Task Force set up by Federal and State Governments to treat people with dignity and respect. “It is needless to stop people from getting coronavirus tests by harassing and shouting at them” she said. Onyejeocha enjoined the people of Abia state to adhere strictly to the preventive measures against the spread of ... more
Nigeria’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic has caught the attention of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who described it as remarkable. Speaking during a virtual news briefing in New York on Friday, Guterres singled out Nigeria as one of few developing countries that have “shown a remarkable capacity to respond. “I have to say that some of these developing countries have shown remarkable capacity to respond. “I was quite impressed to see, for instance, Nigeria putting in place immediately in a stadium a hospital. “And I saw difficulties in countries that are much more developed to do quickly the same. ... more
The Federal Government has said that it has 6,700 contacts in the country over the COVI9-19 global pandemic. The Director General Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said this on Friday in Abuja at the fifth joint national briefing of the Presidential Taskforce Force (PTF) on COVID-19. “Nigeria has been tracing a total of 6,700 contacts in all, 71 percent of them have been followed up as of yesterday (Thursday). Some people were ‘graduated’ out of contact-tracing after 14 days, if they showed no symptoms of the virus. “All the focus of the agency for this week ... more
The Federal government would be willing to evacuate Nigerians abroad who wish to return home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, said this on Friday in Abuja at the fifth joint national briefing of the Presidential Taskforce Force (PTF) on COVID-19 headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. According to him, the ministry had sent words across to embassies to ascertain how many Nigerians would indicate interest to return. On Nigerians willing to return home, the minister said “We have sent communications to all our Embassies ... more
The Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir ( APC-Sokoto), on Friday condemned the bandits’ attack on Sokoto community just as he noted the need to accord a top priority to training, retraining and motivation of security operatives. He also made case for massive recruitment of qualified youths into the Nigeria Police Force, adding that the military should be withdrawn from performing any internal security duties such as the ongoing fight against banditry, insurgency, kidnapping , cattle rustling and other related security challenges. “This is because, it is not their responsibility to provide internal security ... more
As part of efforts to check the spread of the dreaded COVID-19, the Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma has opened six different isolation centres in the state. The Governor, while unveiling one of the centres along Amakohia-Orlu road on Friday, reiterated the government’s preparedness to combat the dreaded disease. Uzodinma, who said there has not been any case of the virus in the state, added that the government has mounted surveillance for possible cases in the state. He said, “Imo government is not relenting in its efforts to prevent the virus from entering the state.” “The government has deployed ... more
Sergio Rossi, one of the most famous Italian shoe designers, has died of the coronavirus disease, an Italian official said on Friday. Several Italian media reported that Rossi, who was born in 1935, died on Thursday in a hospital in Cesena in the northern Emilia-Romagna region. Luciana Garbuglia, the Mayor of San Mauro Pascoli, confirmed the death and its link to the novel COVID-19 to dpa. San Mauro Pascoli is Rossi’s birthplace in Emilia-Romagna. The Sergio Rossi Company was founded in 1951 and gained fame in the 1960s. Its shoes featured in the Italian film classic “La Dolce Vita”, as ... more
Terrence Kuanum, a researcher with renowned internal humanitarian group, Global Amnesty Watch, has applauded the Nigerian Army’s recent redeployment of its senior officers. According to the foremost author and activist, this exercise will positively boost the war against terrorism. In a major shakeup on Tuesday and approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Army announced the appointments and new postings of no fewer than 13 senior officers. Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya was appointed as the new Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) to take over from the erstwhile theatre commander, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi. Yahaya, who ... more
The Federal Government has urged security and law enforcement agencies to deploy tact and caution in the course of enforcing the lockdown rules, even, in the face of provocation. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Taskforce Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha made the appeal on Friday in Abuja at the fifth joint national briefing of the committee. He also appealed to all Nigerians to be law abiding, exercise patience and self-restraint. “The message from Mr. President is that no Nigerian should on account of these rules suffer any harm or pains during this ... more
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that another four patients have recovered and have been discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) at Yaba after testing negative twice consecutively to the virus. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on his official twitter handle @jidesanwoolu, saying, the discharged patients include three females and one male bringing to 23, the number of discharged patients in Lagos since the index case was reported. He tweeted, “More great news from our Infectious Disease Hospital as four patients including three females and one male have recovered fully, tested negative twice and have been discharged.” This he ... more
Could a common vaccine used for decades to protect against tuberculosis help shield health workers from COVID-19? While developing a specific immunisation against the coronavirus sweeping the planet will likely take many months, researchers are studying the potential benefits of the BCG shot, which many people around the world receive as children. Laboratories and pharmaceutical firms are racing to find medicines to tackle COVID-19, which has infected more than a million people, killed at least 50,000 and for which there is currently no known treatment, vaccine or cure. They are also looking at repurposing existing drugs. – Experts remain cautious ... more
Fire has razed down vital documents at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) oil exploration site in Keana Local Government of Nasarawa State. Witnesses said the fire started on Thursday evening and was contained around midnight. Member representing Keana Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Mohammed Adamu Omadefu paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the site on Friday. Adamu Omadefu, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Information sympathised with the people of Keana, the state and the Federal Government over the unfortunate incident. The lawmaker said, “I was informed that the fire destroyed some containers, computers, vital documents ... more
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has collected the sum of N1,123,377,654,135.14 in the first quarter of 2020, representing a 10.4% above its collection in the corresponding period of last year, totalling N1,046,889,787,060.27. The Director of Communications and Liaison Department, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad, in a statement on Friday indicated that the collections in Q1, 2020 reflected a 568% increase in Capital Gains Tax from N96,408,740.90 in Q1 2019 to N643,935,849.06 in Q1 2020. He reported that the Service recorded a 522% increase in collection from the NITDEF which collected the sum of N690,532,855.85 in Q1 2020, compared to N111,037,797.16 in ... more
Men and women cluster around plastic wash basins hastily set up outside one of northeast Nigeria’s sprawling displaced persons’ camps, lathering their hands with soap under the gaze of security personnel. The makeshift hygiene facilities are among urgent efforts aimed at warding off the spread of coronavirus among the 1.8 million people displaced across the region by the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency. Northeast Nigeria has yet to register any confirmed infections, but aid workers fear the virus could rampage through the overcrowded camps — a catastrophe for a population already living on the edge. Around the regional capital Maiduguri, hundreds ... more
Tunisia’s interior ministry has deployed a police robot to patrol the streets of the capital and enforce a lockdown imposed last month as the country battles the spread of coronavirus. Known as PGuard, the ‘robocop’ is remotely operated and equipped with infrared and thermal imaging cameras, in addition to a sound and light alarm system. In images and a soundtrack posted on the interior ministry’s website last month, PGuard calls out to suspected violators of the lockdown: “What are you doing? Show me your ID. You don’t know there’s a lockdown?” Tunisia has been under night-time curfew since March 17 ... more
A heavy downpour which lasted for just about 45 minutes on Thursday destroyed houses, shops, electrical poles, a health centre as well as churches and mosques in about three towns in Akoko area of Ondo state. In Ikare town, the rainstorm was said to have affected places like Ugbe and Jubilee road, where markets had been closed down as part of preventive measures to contain the spread of corona virus in the area. Also in Arigidi Akoko the rainstorm affected places like Semu Semu, Olokun Agbaluku and others. Properties worth millions of naira was said to have been destroyed while ... more
UEFA and Europe’s top clubs have stated their determination that the current football season should be played to a conclusion and threatened that teams may be excluded from the next Champions League if their domestic competitions are ended prematurely. In a joint letter released late on Thursday, UEFA, the European Club Association (ECA), and the European Leagues body representing nearly a thousand clubs in 29 countries, said that they were working on the possibility of playing on into July and August if need be. The Champions League and Europa League — both of which are frozen in the last-16 stage ... more
Police in Edo arrested a ward chairman of APC, Sunday Erhabor, on allegations he was collating names and bank details of unsuspecting residents under the pretext of providing stimulus package to cushion the effects of Covid-19 lockdown on the state. Erhabor had claimed he had the mandate of the state government and was acting on the instruction of the local government party executives. The governor’s media aide, Crusoe Osagie, said the state government was not party. “Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s relief package is meant for the poor and vulnerable persons only, the details of which would be made public soon. ... more
A member representing Bogoro Constituency at the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Musa Nakwada has donated his one-month salary, some N476,000, to the State Taskforce Response Committee which is fighting the spread of Covid-19 in the state. The lawmaker said that his action was to assist the taskforce financially to curb the spread of coronavirus which has forced the state Governor Bala Mohammed into self isolation after he tested positive. Similarly, the Body of Bauchi Lawyers of Conscience and Bauchi Assembly of Youths Actors have donated N500,000 to Bauchi State Government to manage the spread of coronavirus disease in the ... more
The Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Dr. Abdulrazaq A. Garba has lauded the Inspector General of Police IGP Mohammed Adamu for setting up the Joint Investigations Team to probe the issues surrounding the recent explosion that occurred at Ilu Abo, near Akure in Ondo State. In a statement signed by the Director General, he assured the IGPl of the full compliment of the Century old Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s technical and human resources. The DG however called for caution from the scientific community and others, to refrain from making public statements on the matter, as it is ... more
China will hold a national mourning event on Saturday to commemorate those who died in its fight against the deadly coronavirus, including 14 frontline workers. Starting at 10 am, all people nationwide will observe a three-minute silence and cars, trains and ships will sound their horns, alongside the wails of air raid sirens, said the State Council in a statement Friday. The national flag will also be flown at half mast across the country and at embassies and consulates overseas. China will suspend all public entertainment activities as well, as it mourns the lives lost in its virus battle. On ... more
More than 900 people died in Spain over the past 24 hours for the second day running, government figures showed on Friday, although the rate of new infections and deaths continued to slow. Spain has the world’s second-highest death toll after Italy with the virus so far claiming 10,935 lives — 932 in the past day — from 117,710 confirmed cases. But health ministry figures confirm a consistent downward trend in the rate of new cases and fatalities. The latest number show the rate of infections up by 6.8 percent, compared with 7.9 percent on Thursday and 20 percent in ... more
As he watched the world trying to raise awareness about the new coronavirus and convince people to stay at home, Palestinian baker Eyad Abu Rezqa cooked up an idea. The head of the Al-Nada bakery in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza has created a ‘corona cake’ depicting a woman wearing a blue face mask, aiming to remind people of the importance of social distancing. He first posted the design on social media and now dozens of people are ordering them each day in the impoverished Palestinian enclave, he said. “Straight away it got great interest, customers starting saying ‘I want ... more
Six new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Osun State, bringing the country’s total number of confirmed cases to 190. The announcement came hours after Lagos health commissioner Akin Abayomi announced Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his family and aides tested negative for coronavirus. As at 11:00 am 3rd April, there are 190 confirmed cases 20 discharged 2 deaths For a breakdown of cases by states- https://t.co/zQrpNeOfet Currently; Lagos- 98 FCT- 38 Osun- 20 Oyo- 8 Akwa Ibom- 5 Ogun- 4 Edo- 4 Kaduna- 4 Bauchi- 3 Enugu- 2 Ekiti- 2 Rivers-1 Benue- 1 — NCDC ... more
The Presidential Task Force for the Control of Coronavirus (Covid-19), says it is yet to receive any money from the funds donated by the private sector towards the fight against covid-19 pandemic. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, a member of the committee and the Minister of Information and Culture, disclosed this on Friday when he appeared on News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum to give update on the activities of the task force in the fight against the pandemic. Mohammed expressed dismay over reported calls by some Non-Governmental Organisation seeking the probe of the task force over the deployment of monies gathered ... more
Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu tested negative for COVID-19, health commissioner Akin Abayomi said Friday morning. While congratulating the Governor on his twitter handle, Abayomi wrote, “I am happy to announce that COVID-19 Lagos Incident Commander, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the first Lady of Lagos, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and their immediate family members as well as aides have all tested negative to COVID-19.” #COVID19Lagos Update I am happy to announce that #COVID19Lagos Incident Commander, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu, the first Lady of Lagos @jokesanwoolu and their immediate family members as well as aides have all tested negative to #COVID19@NCDCgov@MBuhari@Chikwe_Ipic.twitter.com/jqI1e99f5I ... more
We have no commitment without remedy – NAHCONOperators, airlines worry over impending lossesS/Arabia imposes 24-hour curfew in Makkah, Madinah There is uncertainty over this year’s Hajj exercise following the advisory from Saudi Arabia asking intending pilgrims to delay preparations for the exercise amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Saudi Arabian Hajj Minister Mohammed Banten said on Wednesday that the Kingdom was concerned about the safety of pilgrims, urging those getting ready for the spiritual journey to delay concluding contracts. “Saudi Arabia is fully ready to serve pilgrims and Umrah seekers in ... more
Nigerians abroad still returning through land borders NCDC insists on A’Ibom confirmed cases The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has reported10 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number to 184 as of 8pm yesterday. It said seven of the cases were in Lagos and three in Abuja. The NCDC said 20 patients had been discharged; while two had died. Earlier yesterday, the Minister of Health, Osagie, Ehanire, said coronavirus cases would rise dramatically as the government continued to trace over 5,000 people who had contact with confirmed cases. Speaking in Abuja yesterday at ... more
A doctor treating COVID-19 patients at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, is said to have contracted the disease. The president of the National Association of Resident Doctors, Aliyu Sokomba, disclosed this yesterday on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’. “Just yesterday again, one of our doctors in ISTH, Iruaa, had tested positive for the COVID-19 disease. What that means is that these doctors that are testing positive to various diseases are being left alone to take care of themselves. “There is no form of life insurance for them. There is no form of compensation. To say the least, what these ... more
The Presidency says the daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, who had been on 14-day self-isolation following her return from London, a hotbed of the coronavirus pandemic, joined the family yesterday. Her mother, Aisha, had on March 19 disclosed the development on her Facebook page. Aliyu Abdullahi, Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the First Lady, told our reporter last night that: “I’m happy to inform you that the young lady in question, Mr President’s daughter, has successfully completed her isolation period of 14 days and she’s normal, very healthy and well. “She has since this ... more
The National Directorate of Employment has given a grace of two months to about 72, 000 beneficiaries of micro loans for repayments. NDE Director-General, Dr Nasir Mohammed Ladan Argungu, said the beneficiaries were expected to continue with the payment from June. The disbursement had been carried out through the NDE’s Micro Economic Enhancement Scheme in which the beneficiaries were given N10, 000 each. The scheme is aimed at reaching out to the grassroots people who have a capital of not more than N5, 000. The NDE urged the over 40,000 beneficiaries, who were about to be empowered with loans, to ... more
This is no right time for agitation — FG Health workers attending to coronavirus patients at the isolation centres at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada and the National Hospital, Abuja, are seeking allowances. The workers, comprising doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and cleaners, are also lamenting that they are not covered by life insurance. Many of them, who spoke to our reporters, alleged that they were yet to receive allowances for managing COVID-19 patients. One of them said: “We keep hearing of huge sums allocated for COVID-19 or received from partners or the private sector, but none ... more
The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, says everyone should repent in order to overcome the global coronavirus pandemic. The Osun State’s monarch, in a statement on Thursday, described the pandemic as “a strong warning of God’s supremacy above everything.” He specifically challenged world leaders to reframe their working constitutions “to give natural law a breathing space.” According to Oluwu, people must repent from bestiality, homosexuality, corruption, idolatry, ritual killings, arbitrary use of power, among others. He said: “Our sins cannot put God to limit. The chicken has come home to roast. People have contradicted and thought they can ... more
Coronavirus may see pilgrimage scrapped for the first time since the founding of Saudi Arabia, but 2020 may join a long list of years that have missed the annual event Saudi Arabia on Tuesday laid the ground for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to be cancelled, calling on pilgrims to defer preparations and travel bookings due to fears of the coronavirus pandemic. Around two million people visit Mecca to perform the annual pilgrimage, which this year was set to begin in July, but plans have been thrown into doubt as the kingdom has recorded 1,563 coronavirus cases and 10 deaths. ... more
For decades, powerful Nigerians could ignore the government’s failure to invest adequately in the health-care system by seeking medical treatment abroad. The coronavirus pandemic means they can no longer escape. Since Nigeria identified its first case in late February, President Muhammadu Buhari has responded by closing the borders and imposing a lockdown on two key cities and the state of Ogun, an industrial hub. Commercial flights and private jets have been grounded. Like most African countries, Nigeria is now largely cut off from the world. The pandemic has forced much of Africa’s elite into a unique situation where it’s no ... more
Dear friends, I greet you warmly in the hope and prayer that you are safe and well in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the challenge and scale of this strange and sudden infestation, Coronavirus has left the world in a combination of fear, confusion and indignation. The responses have also been a combination of tentative, measured and unmeasured initiatives as the world throws all it knows at a problem that we know so little about. So, having recently arrived from two “high risk” and “hot spot” locations in Europe, I decided to self-isolate last week and observe the ... more
It’s no longer news that the COVID-19 is ravaging both the international communities and the local ones. It is just a matter of time before the world experiences a global recession which we all know the impact in our lives and the economy. But the question is, how can youths maximize this period to be a better version of themselves? You should note that most organizations will take a new shape once this COVID-19 is over, thus needing more hands in terms of labour and workforce to restore it to its former position. Experts say there may be need for ... more
It was a chilling story that the first Nigerian who died from COVID-19 is a retiree, a pensioner, a 67-year old. The death of Mr. Sulaiman Achimugu, a retired oil-industry operative, was separately announced by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and his bereaved family. The NCDC, the report runs “has confirmed the death of a 67-year-old male Coronavirus patient, Sulaiman Achimugu, who returned home following medical treatment in the UK.” Mr Achimugu was a Managing Director of one of the subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The news item disclosed more about his health background thus: ... more
The National Association of Retired Paramilitary Officers (NARPO) has expressed readiness to deploy its activated 10,000 members as volunteers to contain COVID-19 in Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinator, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, made the disclosure in Abuja recently. Prof. Adesoji said retired paramilitary officers, who have worked on several missions both within and outside Nigeria, would be of great bearing in coordinated attempts to roll back the disease. He said COVID-19 is a global pandemic that is threatening entire human existence and all hands must be on the deck to contain it. While appreciating the measures so far taken ... more
A total number of 308,298 pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) received an average monthly pension of N14.03 billion. This was disclosed in a document by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) seen by Daily Trust. PenCom disclosed that pensioners retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme since inception up to December, 2019. PenCom also revealed in the document that monthly pension payment under the Life Annuity Scheme has averaged N4.08 billion as at December, 2019. It disclosed that the total premium paid to insurance companies for the monthly Life Annuity was N407.31 billion as at December, 2019. “This has significantly ... more
It is no longer news that everybody has been asked to stay at home in the effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease, otherwise called COVID-19 pandemic, that is ravaging the entire world. Before the two-week lockdown announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on two states – Lagos and Ogun – and the FCT as a result of high cases they have recorded, schools had already been shut down and pupils and students across the nation sent home as part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus. Interestingly, only a couple of days into the lockdown, many ... more
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Plan International Nigeria, has called on the federal government to be all-inclusive and strategic in its approach and consider women, children and other vulnerable members of the country in combating the ravaging coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The organization, which made its position known in a policy briefing on the pandemic, stated that there is need for an “Inclusive ‘People-Centric’ Approach” towards curbing the pandemic. The country director, Plan International Nigeria, Dr Hussaini Abdu, said it is critical that all containment and mitigation policies, systems and actions pay adequate attention to concerns of the poor, voiceless and ... more
Some Lagos State residents have faulted the distribution pattern of the stimulus package Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu announced, saying it is not reaching the people it is intended for. The residents expressed disappointment on the quantity of the items contained in the package, labelled ‘Lagos State Government COVID-19 Emergency Food Response’, which they argued negated what the governor promised. They also accused those distributing the package of bias. It was gathered that some Community Development Associations (CDA) leaders got only a few packages that cannot go round the houses/families in the community and consequently refused to distribute the items in ... more
Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was yesterday a beehive of activities as residents prepared for the commencement, today, of the total lockdown of public activities as the state government intensifies its efforts on curtailing the coronavirus crisis. Daily Trust correspondent reports that residents besieged major markets like Kuto, Lafenwa, Omida and Olomore to stock their homes with essential commodities like foodstuffs, beverages and toiletries. Commercial banks ATM stands equally witnessed huge numbers of customers making withdrawals, preparatory to the lockdown. While a handful of customers at both the markets and ATM centres wore face masks and hand gloves, many others ... more
The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested seven suspected armed robbers and cultists for allegedly attacking traders and passers-by at Itupate, Ikorodu. The suspects, according to the police, were believed to be members of the dreaded Aiye cult gang that had been involved in many robbery attacks in the area. Among those arrested are two teenage girls the police described as the gang armourers. Those arrested were identified as Seun Opanusi, 25; Ahmed Tajudeen, 21; Emmanuel Olowu, 18; Jimoh Balikis, 18; Mariam Owolabi, 18; Ayomide Omotosho, 18; and Rabiu Suleiman, 18. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ... more
Faxx Stores and Trading Nigeria Limited has donated assorted personal protective equipment to health workers in the Federal Capital Territory to aid them in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. Delivering the items to the FCTA, the Chief Executive Officer of Faxx Stores and Trading Limited, Francis Abu, said the donation was in appreciation of the Administration and Federal Government’s prompt response to curtail the spread of the coronavirus since its outbreak in Nigeria. “In times of unforeseen and unexpected crisis of this nature and magnitude, it is imperative that we come together as a community to assist ... more
The Police in Sokoto on Thursday confirmed the death of 22 villagers in the state following sporadic shooting by suspected bandits in Gangara community. Police Public Relations Officer, Sokoto Command, ASP Muhammad Sadiq, told Daily Trust on Thursday that the attack happened on Wednesday. “On 01/04/2020, information received from Gangara Police Post posits that large number of armed bandits stormed Gangara village at about 1630hrs on motorbikes. “Upon receipt of information, joint Operation Puff Adder and military patrol teams were drafted to the scene; efforts were made by the bandits to ambush the response team but were unsuccessful, due to ... more
Following the confirmation of five suspected cases of the coronavirus in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom Emmanuel has announced a total cessation of movements and prohibition of all events of any nature for 14 days in the State. This is to enable a thorough process of contact tracing to identify those who may have been exposed to the five confirmed victims. In a statewide broadcast Thursday afternoon, Governor Emmanuel explained that the Covid 19 suspects, mostly healthcare professionals who are in good health with no symptoms, have been moved to the state isolation centres for proper management. “There will be ... more
The Federal Government’s directive to pay-TV service providers to make signals of local channels on their platforms free for one month has been complied with by many of them, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said. Daily Trust reports that this is to enable viewers in the country get adequate information and directives throughout this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBC, in a statement on Thursday, said many of the pay TVs have announced unrestricted access for customers during this lockdown. The post COVID-19: Pay TVs complied with directive on free local channels – NBC appeared first on Daily ... more
Ten new cases of emerged on Thursday, raising the country’s total burden to 184, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has said. Seven of them are in Lagos and three in Abuja. It comes as 11 patients being treated for Covid-19 were discharged from the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Lagos on Thursday. Some 20 patients have been discharged so far. Ten new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria; 7 in Lagos and 3 in the FCT. As at 08:00 pm 2nd April there are 184 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Twenty have been ... more
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday said 11 more patients have fully recovered and have been discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) at Yaba in the state after testing negative twice consecutively to the coronavirus. The discharged patients, he said, include two females and nine males. Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Incident Commander on COVID-19 in the state, said that the 11 patients have been allowed to return home to their families, bringing to 19, the number of discharged patients in Lagos since the index case was reported. “That the tests results of these patients came out negative ... more
Eleven more patients treated for Covid-19 have been discharged from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba, in Lagos after testing negative to two consecutive tests, Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said. The patients include two women and nine men, bringing the number of patients discharged to 20. Sanwo-Olu who is also the Incident Commander while giving an update on COVID-19 said that the 11 patients have been allowed to return home to their families. “That the tests results of these patients came out negative twice is a big assurance that they pose no threat to the community. We are, therefore, releasing ... more
In a bid to augment government’s efforts and capacity in curbing and containing the impact of novel coronavirus in Kano should it hit the state, a team of engineers in Bayero University, Kano (BUK) have been commissioned to fabricate ventilators for use in the state’s Treatment and Isolation centres. A statement signed and issued to journalists in Kano on Thursday by the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Professor Salisu Dan’Azumi, said already, a seven-man committee had been set up with a view to producing prototype ventilators for emergency use in hospitals and other isolation centres in Kano. According to Dan’Azumi, ... more
The number of coronavirus infections is expected to rise in coming days as public health officials continue to trace nearly 6,000 people who may have had contact with any of the 174 people who have tested positive for COVID-19, health officials said on Thursday. “As contact tracing and testing capacity are being ramped up, more and more cases will be found and the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases is expected to rise initially,” said health minister, Osagie Ehanire. Lagos and Abuja have been on lockdown. Nasarawa declared a 24-hour curfew on Karu, a council area on the border with ... more
Residents of Karu council area, which borders Abuja, thronged markets Thursday for last-minute shopping of foodstuff and provision before the start of a 24-hour 14-day curfew came into effect. The state government ordered the curfew on Wednesday, but police officers in the council area said they were yet to receive signals to enforce it, minutes before 6pm on Thursday when the curfew was to start. Muhammad Tasiu, a civil servant, said, “I rushed to the Orange market to buy food items as the lockdown should not be taken for granted.” Momoh Yusufu bought foodstuff and carried them on his head, ... more
Several customers, including children, on Thursday afternoon escaped death when a massive signboard allegedly belonging to Spar shopping mall fell and damaged 13 vehicles belonging to its customers. The incident happened at 3pm on Thursday, according to the mall manager, Mrs Kemi Daniel, who added that the collapse was with a terrifying bang, which sent thousands of customers scampering for safety. The signboard placed atop the roof of the massive mall fell on the vehicles, blocking the exit section of the mall. Mrs Daniel said they were still investigating what would have caused the signage to collapse suddenly, adding that ... more
The Edo State Government has suspended all forms of revenue collection from transporters for the month of April as part of measures to cushion the economic effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on residents. A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, on Thursday said the move will enable transporters comply with the government’s social distancing guideline aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. “The seating guidelines for transporters following the revenue suspension are that cars must carry one passenger in front and two at the back, while buses carry one passenger in front and two ... more
The Commissioner of Water Resources in Kogi State, Abdulmuminu Danga, has been accused of allegedly abducting, assaulting and raping a woman over a Facebook post. The mother of one, Elizabeth Oyeniyi, had appealed to the commissioner to assist his family member who is also a friend of the victim on her Facebook wall. “Honourable Abdulmuminu Daga, your kid-sis DC Adoke Lesh needs your help, you are in the right position to help especially members of your family. Sorry Sir, charity begins at home,” the posts which was circulated on the social media reads. The former beauty queen claimed she made ... more
The governors of the 36 States of the Federation under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have called for urgent fiscal measures to safeguard the liquidity of State governments, including the acceleration of an arrangement to suspend all State deductions and restructure all debt service payments on federal government and CBN-owned debts. This was part of the resolutions reached after the governors’ meeting held on Wednesday to deliberate on the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, a statement signed on Thursday by Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, Head, Media and Public Affairs, NGF Secretariat, Abuja, read. A communiqe signed by NGF Chairman, ... more
From being a killer in the shadows, to having its own international day and UN programme, HIV’s emergence into a global reality can offer many lessons in how to respond to COVID-19, the head of the International Aids Society told AFP Thursday. Kevin Osborne, who has lived with HIV for nearly half his life, says that beating the pandemic requires a drastic upscaling in testing, private sector funding for research, and a new approach to life as normal. Q: What is the main thing HIV can teach us about COVID-19? A: Something we learned belatedly with the HIV response was ... more
The World Health Organisation on Thursday reiterated its warning that children can also be affected by the new coronavirus, which has claimed the lives of several young people. “The very notion that ‘COVID-19 only affects older people’ is factually wrong,” the head of the WHO’s European branch, Hans Kluge, told reporters during an online briefing from Copenhagen. “Age is not the only risk for severe disease,” Kluge insisted. Severe cases have been reported among teens and young adults, with some requiring intensive care and several deaths, he said. In Europe, the youngest victim is a 12-year-old girl who died in ... more
President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the Kaduna Traditional Council in mourning the passing of Emir of Jere, Dr Sa’ad Usman, saying that his wise contributions will be sorely missed. President Buhari, in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson Femi Adesina, commiserated with government and people of Kaduna State over his death. He also condoled with family members, friends and associates of the traditional ruler, who served the country extensively as a public servant, including working as Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State. The President, who urged them to find solace in his good works during his sojourn ... more
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday advised federal and state governments to back lockdown across the country with provision of everyday essential needs of the masses. The union warned that unless the needs of people are made available, the federal and state governments may face rebellion from people which will be counter-productive. ASUU said unless the essential needs of Nigerians are made available “the emerging lockdown of the country may not achieve its desired result of promoting ‘self-isolation’ and ‘social distancing’”. ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, in a release entitled “COVID-19: Together We Shall Win”, which was ... more
Coronavirus: Ondo state begins fumigation, this is in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. Coronavirus: Ondo state begins fumigation, this is in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. The post Ondo begins fumigation to curb the spread of COVID-19 appeared first on Daily Trust. ... more
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi, Mr Agunbiade Oluyemi-Lasore, has cautioned vigilante group and other voluntary security organisations against killing people based on mere suspicion. Oluyemi-Lasire gave the warning in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Nafi’u Abubakar, in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday. The commissioner said that he was “miffed and highly pained in the indiscriminate killing of members of the public.” “Members of the public are being killed based on mere suspicion and without recourse to judicial process by some members of voluntary security organisations in the state, especially Yansakai. “In ... more
Security agents mount road block at Mpape junction Abuja enforcing the the 14Day lockdown around FCT ON Wednesday afternoon 1st April 2020. Photo: Ikechukwu Ibe. Health officials at the boundary between Nasarawa state and the federal capital territory (FCT) along Abuja/Keffi express way check commuters temperature entering from FCT to Nasarawa in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon, 1st April 2020. Photo: Ikechukwu Ibe Health officials at the boundary between Nasarawa state and the federal capital territory (FCT) along Abuja/Keffi express way check commuters temperature entering from FCT to Nasarawa in order ... more
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said the Federal Government will cushion the impact of coronavirus induced lockdown on Information Technology (IT) firms and startups across the country. IT firms in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and other cities have all been shut down due to lockdown directives in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which is ravaging the world. But NITDA’s Director General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Wednesday inaugurated a committee to advise the Federal Government on how best to compensate the startups, a statement Thursday by the agency’s spokesperson Hadiza Umar disclosed. This ... more
The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged past 10,000 on Thursday after a record 950 deaths in 24 hours, with the number of confirmed cases passing the 110,000 mark, the government said. Spain has the world’s second-highest death toll after Italy, with the virus so far claiming 10,003 lives although the rate of new infections and deaths continued its downward trend, the health ministry figures showed. The number of new infections increased by 7.9 percent, compared with 8.2 percent on Wednesday and more than 25 percent at the start of last week. The daily rise in deaths also slowed to ... more
Police in Anambra arrested four people in Onitsha posing as government agents to sell locally manufactured hand sanitisers. Police also recovered 50 surgical masks and three cartons of sanitisers said to have been produced under unhygienic conditions. Police listed the suspects as: (i) Anthony Chidubem Oyatubo ‘m’ aged 30 years of Nimo,Njikoka LGA. (ii)Nwachukwu Chidi ‘m’ aged 31 years of Awka, (iii)Chris C.Okeke ‘m’ aged 30years of Awka and, (iv)Olisa Moura ‘m’ aged 25 years of Onitsha” The suspects claimed to be officials of the Ministry of health, fully kitted with reflective jackets and caps with inscriptions “FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19″. ... more
The Bank of Industry (BoI) has recorded a profit of N39.33 billion for the 2019 financial year. The bank has also disbursed ₦234 billion to 10,145 enterprises, thus facilitating the creating of an estimated 1 million direct and indirect jobs, according to the bank in its financial statement. The 2019 financial accounts of the Bank also indicates a total equity, as at year ended 2019, was ₦293.09 billion, showing a 13.4% increase over 2018 position of ₦258.24 billion. Profit Before Tax of the group grew to ₦39.33 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 7.2% over ₦36.66 billion of 2018. The ... more
Some parents in Jos, plateau state, said staying at home as part of the precautionary measures to contain COVID-19 has helped to unite families. Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos said that the order has become a blessing which has had helped them to bond better as family. Mrs Josphine Emeka, a mother of three teenagers, said that she gradually understood her children’s social dynamics more. “My children wanted to relate with me as a friend, they wanted more and I was just realising they were all grown, “said Emeka. Another parent, Mr Williams ... more
Officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) seals some petrol stations in Yenagoa for failing to adjust to the new approved pump price and for under-dispensing. 1 April 2020. Photo: Bassey Willie, Yenagoa Officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) seals some petrol stations in Yenagoa for failing to adjust to the new approved pump price and for under-dispensing. 1 April 2020. Photo: Bassey Willie, Yenagoa The post DPR sanctions petrol stations in Bayelsa over violations – PHOTO appeared first on Daily Trust. ... more
Chelsea have entered talks to sign Porto defender Alex Telles and Barcelona playmaker, Philippe Coutinho, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira. Telles, who is valued at £35million, recently hired super-agent Pini Zahavi having previously being represented by his family. It iss believed Zahavi’s long-standing relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich could prove hugely beneficial for the Stamford Bridge club. Schira says that talks to bring Barcelona forward Coutinho, 27, back to the Premier League are also underway with Tottenham also interested. “Chelsea are in talks to sign Alex Telles (Porto want €40M) and Coutinho (also Tottenham are interested in him),” ... more
3 test positive, 13 negative 39 ministers silent It’s a moral burden to declare – Lawyers CSOs react The COVID-19 status of 20 out of the 36 states governors in the country is not known, findings by the Daily Trust have shown. It would be recalled that the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had advised his colleagues to go for the test because of their exposure. The governors that are yet to make their status known are those of Akwa ... more
FG says 12 imported from Cote d’Ivoire or Ghana, 2,000 tested so far The federal government yesterday said it had tested over 2,000 persons for the COVID-19 across the country. The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said this in Abuja at the third joint national briefing of the Presidential Taskforce Force on COVID-19. He, however, said Nigerians had to be tested in one of the seven Nigeria’s molecular laboratories for the result to be valid and that no other test result would be accepted from any other place. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control yesterday ... more
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of 70,000 metric tons of grains from the National Grain Reserve to be distributed to the vulnerable as part of the palliative measures on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the third joint national briefing of the Presidential Taskforce Force (PTF) on COVID-19. He said 60,000 metric tons of the grains would be shared to the vulnerable in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States currently on lockdown, while the remaining 10,000 ... more
The Federal Government yesterday distributed N20,000 each to 190 beneficiaries in Kwali Area Council of Abuja, under the Conditional Cash Transfer programme. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, said that the CCT programme had been ongoing in the last six years and that President Muhammadu Buhari was determined to cater for the welfare of the less privileged especially during this period of Coronavirus pandemic. “We have about 5,000 households in the FCT enrolled in the CCT programme. It is targeted at the poorest of the poor in Nigeria, whereby government pays N5,000 stipend ... more
The Private Sector Coalition Against COVID19, a special purposes vehicle created by the Central Bank of Nigeria to galvanize private sector funds to support the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic has raised N15,325,000,000. The update of the contributors as of yesterday released by the CBN Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, indicated that the donations came from 37 corporate donations. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had on March 26 announced the constitution of the committee. A breakdown of the donations show that the CBN contributed N2bn, Dangote Industries LTD, N2bn; BUA Sugar Rifinery N1bn, GTBank N1bn, UBA Plc, N1bn, First ... more
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday presided over a meeting of Special Committee of the National Economic Council on COVID-19. The meeting was held via videoconference and anchored from the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting featured Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa; Mohammed Abubakar, Jigawa; Godwin Obaseki, Edo; David Umahi, Ebonyi; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; and Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi. The meeting was also attended by the Finance Minister, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze, and other top officials. Osinbajo said public enlightenment and sensitization on the seriousness of the coronavirus ... more
The number of coronavirus confirmed cases in Osun State has increased to 14 after 12 persons tested positive in two days. The 12 confirmed cases are among the 127 people that came to the state from Abidjan, Cote-devoire last Saturday, March 28. The state’s commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, told Daily Trust that the tests were done in batches, and out of the first 23 samples ran, three came out positive. In the second batch, he said 47 were tested and nine of them came out positive. Isamotu said the samples of the remaining 56 had been taken to ... more
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has directed immediate closure of all markets in the state, with effect from April 1, 2020. The governor, who gave the directives in an address, read by his Deputy Alhaji Haruna Manu yesterday, also suspended Friday Jum’ah prayers and Sunday church services. He said though no case of coronavirus had been reported in the state, the suspension was part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic to the state. The governor, however, said those offering essential services such as food items, pharmaceuticals and filling stations, would be allowed to operate. He ... more
A resident of Zaria, who returned from Lagos on Friday and was quarantined at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria on the suspicion that he has contracted coronavirus, has been discharged yesterday. This followed the receipt of his test result by the hospital management, which came out negative. Iliyasu Mukhtar, an indigene of Dorayi, a suburb of Zaria, came back to Zaria from Lagos with fever and breathing challenge. He was therefore rushed to the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital for attention where he was subsequently isolated for investigation. Daily Trust learnt that Mukhtar undertook the about 800 kilometer Lagos-Zaria journey ... more
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has warned traders against flouting government’s directive on the closure of all markets in the state. Ortom gave the warning yesterday during inspection of major markets in Makurdi metropolis to ascertain the level of compliance. He expressed dissatisfaction with traders at Wadata market for conducting commercial activities in crowded corners. He appealed to them to stay safe at home and lock up the market in their own interest. “We are here to warn you people and I’m begging you today as the closure was done with human face. By tomorrow, this market should be ... more
