COVID-19:I don't want visitors during Sallah-Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will be observing Eid El-Kabir prayers at home with his family owing to the measures put in place to curb COVID-19.

In a statement Garba Shehu, his spokesman, issued on his behalf, Buhari said he will not be receiving any visitor during the Sallah celebrations.

He said the decision is in line with directives from the presidential task force on COVID-19.

“President Muhammadu Buhari will observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during the Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago, in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19,” he said.

“In wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, the president reiterated the protocols as issued by the PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.

“Where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.

“In order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.”

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the president hosted different groups during Sallah

Just In:FG Declares July 30,31 As Public Holiday

The federal government has declared Thursday and Friday, July 30 and 31, 2020 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Internal Affairs ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Georgina Ehuriah, on Tuesday.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, while making the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians – both at home and abroad – on the occasion.

“He called on the Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Mr Aregbosola assured that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to battling the scourge with the cooperation of all Nigerians. He “emphasized that government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualizing the full potentials of the country.”

Gas explosion kills one in Lagos

Usman Bello, a 30-year-old man was killed while three others were injured in a gas explosion that occurred at Palmgroove Estate, Shomolu area of Lagos state, on Monday.

Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, director-general of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) who confirmed the accident, said the three injured people had been hospitalised.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency received an emergency call at about 6pm that a gas explosion had occurred at 13C Palmgroove Estate, Cappa Avenue.

According to him, upon arrival at the scene of the incident, a gas cylinder used in filling an outdoor air conditioner split unit of a storey building exploded as a result of gas leakage from the cylinder.

“This accident result in the death of a 30-year-old male, Usman Bello, while the other three men sustained different degree of injuries.

“The LASEMA response team, the Nigeria police and the Lagos State Fire Service are responders at the scene of incident,” he said.

“All the occupants in the building which belong to Mr Dayo Shofolawe, have been evacuated. The scene of the incident has been cordoned off to prevent any secondary incident.”

He asked the residents not to enter into the premises because there were visible cracks on the walls and pillars, adding that recovery operation was still in progress.

N-Power Volunteers Protest In Abuja Over Unpaid Stipends

Hundreds of N-Power volunteers on Thursday in Abuja staged a protest over their unpaid stipends and sudden  disengagement by the Nigerian Government without a substantial exit package.

The protesters besieged the National Assembly in large numbers chanting anti-government songs.

The volunteers are agitating for permanent employment or payment of the sum of N600,000 to each of them before disengagement.

 

They also demanded the removal of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar Farouk, for frustrating the programme.

The protesters, who came from 36 states of the country including Federal Capital Territory, also demanded payment of batch A and B beneficiaries until the transition was completed.

PHOTONEWS: @NPower_ngBeneficiaries From 36 Nigerian States Storm Abuja Over Unpaid Stipends, Demand Removal Of Minister Of Humanitarian Affairs, @Sadiya_Farouq | Sahara Reporters@FMHDSD 
SEE MORE PHOTOS: https://t.co/WNbFnwz148pic.twitter.com/zQR05owoWg

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 23, 2020

National President of the N-Power volunteers, Kabiru Aliyu Pelemi, said it would be a disaster for the country if the government pushed over 500,000 beneficiaries back into the labour market.

On his part, the FCT Coordinator of N-Power, Adeyeye Mojeed Adepoju, said many volunteers had not got their stipends for March, April, May and June.

The protesters after the submission of their letter to the leadership of the National Assembly, proceeded to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to register their demands.

Recall that the minister, Sadiya Umar Farouk, who is in charge of the N-Power programme, had sent a farewell message to the batch A and B volunteers ahead of their disengagement

Oyo announces school resumption date, cancels third term

Changes school calendar

The Oyo State Government has cancelled the third term for schools in the state this year as part of its readjustment to the challenges posed by Coronavirus.
As a result it has approved measures that would guide the resumption of schools and associated educational activities in the state.

This indication was given at the end of the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday.

According to the calendar, the third term of the 2019/2020 session has been cancelled.

As a result, promotion for all affected classes would be determined by the first and second term continuous assessment results.

Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 students are to proceed on holiday from July 30 and resume for their examinations in some weeks’ time.

The Basic Education Certificate Examination is billed to hold between August 10 and 18, while the Competitive Entrance Examination into the schools of science is to hold on August 19.

Placement and screening test into JSS1 is slated for August 20, while placement test into technical colleges is for August 28.

The SSS 3 class will resume for examination as soon as the West African Examination Council announces the examination date.
2020/21 academic session, according to the calendar indicates that the first term would hold between September 21 and December 18, while second term holds January 11 and April 9. The third term will be between May 3 and July 30.

2020/21 academic session, according to the calendar indicates that the first term would hold between September 21 and December 18, while second term holds January 11 and April 9. The third term will be between May 3 and July 30.

774,000 Jobs:Nigerian Senate Holds Session Over Commencement Of Job

Senators at the National Assembly are currently holding an emergency session over the commencement of the public works programme by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo.

Keyamo had announced that he had received the presidential nod to commence the recruitment process for the programme.

The senators, who had earlier ordered the minister to halt the commencement of the programme, went into a closed-door session to discuss further actions to be taken on the programme. 

Recall that Keyamo had engaged in a brawl with the senators when he was summoned to defend the programme.

After a heated argument, he accused the lawmakers of trying to seize the programme by getting undue slots in the recruitment process.

• On their part, the lawmakers accused Keyamo of hijacking the programme from the National Directorate of Employment after getting N52bn approval from the legislator to carry out the public works programme.

COVID-19:ASUU advises FG to lockdown schools until 2021

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has advised the federal government to allow schools remain closed until 2021 to ensure adequate preparations before reopening.

Schools have been closed since March 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was earlier reported on Friday that the federal government is in talks with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) on a new date for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) earlier scheduled to begin on August 4, 2020.

Biodun Ogunyemi, president of ASUU, told newsmen that government shouldn’t take such chances unless parents sign an undertaking.

“Look, Kenya has said they have closed all their schools till next year. They too have exams to write; safety first. If it means closing the schools until next year to safeguard the lives of Nigerian children and safeguard the health of all Nigerians, so be it,” Ogunyemi said.

“So, if that will help us to address cases that can lead to increase in mortality, I think Nigerians should go that way and all of us should see reason for it.

“If they need to cancel admission for the year, it is good for them. Life matters first, people must have life first before they can go to university. Are the universities ready to work now?

“Our position is that they should not experiment with the lives of our children. Nobody can tell; the situation may soon normalise and they can do their exams and there is another opportunity for external candidates around November. So, it’s not as if the door is totally closed.”

Ogunyemi added that ASUU has not seen any evidence to show that there are adequate safety measures in place for students to resume.

“The first thing that should be tackled is whether schools are safe. And if the schools are not safe, why do you want to carry out an experiment with the lives of our children?” he queried.

“An attempt to send back the children to school at a time there is a spike in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria is like experimenting with the lives of our children.

“If they put all the things in place, including social and physical distancing, sanitisers, kitting the children as we see in other places, decontamination with water flowing in the schools and all the gadgets, why not?

“So, if government can meet all these conditions, then they can reopen the schools. But if they cannot meet all these conditions, they should not experiment with even 10 students in any school.”

Just In: FG rolls out guidelines for schools reopening amid COVID-19

The Federal Government has given school owners in the country up to 29th July, 2020 to meet specific guidelines towards the reopening of schools at a date to be announced in due course.

Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who stated Friday in his office in Abuja, said the Ministry, having consulted widely, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control,(NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, developed and circulated guidelines for the reopening of schools.

According to the Minister, school owners are to prepare and comply with the guidelines.
The information was contained in a statement signed by Ben Bem Goong, a director of information in the education ministers office.
Hon. Nwajuiba said, schools are to undertake self-assesment and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July, 2020.

He stated that thereafter, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise.

The statement recalled that though the Minister having taken the painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders, to evolve a mechanism in order for it “to assess and monitor compliance shall be put in place. ”

According to the Minister, since Tuesday last week, the ministry “have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector, including Commissioners of Education in all the states of the federation, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria,(APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors, and development partners. ”

On the conduct of the West African School Certificate Examination(WASCE), Hon. Nwajuiba said we the ministry met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on a new examination date.

Said he,”We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter."

He urged parents to be rest assured that ” the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations. ”

Just In: FG reverses plan to re-open schools

The federal government has double-down on its earlier plan to re-open schools in the country.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu on Wednesday said Nigerian schools will not reopen any time soon until it is safe to do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Against earlier plans, he said final year students preparing for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) will not be allowed to return to school contrary to what had earlier been believed.

Adamu made the announcement while addressing State House correspondents after the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Minister appealed to States that have announced the resumption of school in their states to reconsider their position so as not to jeopardize the lives of the students, adding, “It is not safe to reopen schools now.”

He stated that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) cannot determine the resumption date of schools for Nigeria, adding that he would prefer that Nigerian students lose an academic year than to expose them to dangers.

• Details later…

Kogi swears in new chief judge

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Yahaya Bello, Kogi governor, has sworn in Henry Olusuyi as the new chief judge of the state.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the government house in Lokoja, Kogi capital, on Wednesday.

Edward Onoja, deputy governor, and Matthew Kolawole, speaker of the state house of assembly, were among the dignitaries at the event.

Olusuyi replaced Nasir Ajanah who died last week.

Ajanah died at a COVID-19 treatment centre in Gwagwalada, federal capital territory (FCT).

The late judge served as chairman, election petitions tribunal in Akwa Ibom state (2007), and chairman, election petitions tribunal in Rivers state (2008).

Also, Bello appointed Bayo Olowosegun as the acting president of the state’s customary court of appeal.

Olowosegun is replacing Shaibu Atadoga who died on June 22 — a week after Ajanah.

Senate tells FG to name Ibadan airport after Ajimobi

The senate has asked the federal government to name the airport in Ibadan after Abiola Ajimobi, former governor of Oyo state.

The upper legislative chamber also resolved to send a high-powered delegation to commiserate with his family.

The resolutions of the senate were sequel to a motion sponsored by Abdulfatai Buhari, senator representing Oyo north.

By the motion, Buhari officially drew the attention of the senators to the demise of Ajimobi.

The former Oyo governor died in June at the age of 70.

Ajimobi did not recover after he fell into a coma at First Cardiology Consultants Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, where he was receiving treatment for COVID-19.

His remains have since been buried according to Islamic rites.

In March, Ajimobi emerged deputy national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south-west but he was not involved in strategic meetings held ahead of the Edo and Ondo elections.

When an appeal court in Abuja upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman, Ajimobi was appointed in acting capacity.

Due to his absence, Hillard Eta, vice chairman (south-south), was asked to stand in for Ajimobi.

However, the APC national working committee (NWC) which he belonged to was coincidentally dissolved on the same day he died.

Also speaking on the floor of the senate, Ibikunle Amosun, senator representing Ogun central, said the late Ajimobi was a man who loved his people.

“He loved his people,” Amosun said while speaking on how he met Ajimobi.

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

WAEC exams will commence August 4-Nwajuiba

Education Minister of State,Emeka Nwajuiba has  announced  that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will now hold from August 4 to September 5, 2020.

He made this disclosure on Monday during the daily COVID-19 Presidential Task Force briefing.

After postponement for over four months as a result of Coronavirus diseases,the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will now hold from August 4 to September 5, 2020.

Education Minister of State,Emeka Nwajuiba made the announcement announced on Monday during the daily COVID-19 Presidential Task Force briefing.

“As soon as we conclude WAEC, we will take NABTEB and NECO,” he said.

The federal government last week approved what it called “safe reopening” of schools nationwide.

The government said the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes (Primary 6, JSS 3, SS3) resume preparation for examinations.

The federal government had earlier announced that final year students, including those to take the WAEC examinations, would resume schools.

Schools across Nigeria have been shut since March 19 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

However, the minister said local timing for the WAEC examination will be published soon.

“The idea is we have a month from now till August 4, so the states who are willing should make their schools available for their children to revise,” he said.

According to him, “the new WAEC date is part of our discussion with stakeholders which includes National Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) and Nigeria Union of Teachers tomorrow”.

He appealed to candidates to prepare for their examinations.

He said registration for the National Examination Council (NECO) continues.

“We are continuing registration for NECO, for those who have not concluded registration, please try to complete your registration.”

The federal government ordered the closure of all tertiary, secondary and primary schools nationwide over the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country on March 19.

The spread of the disease has also led to countries locking in millions of their citizens, closing social spaces, locking down entire regions and shutting their doors against travellers from other countries.

However, the closure of the schools stalled all examinations that should have taken place especially WAEC which holds in English-speaking West African countries at the same time. Others are NECO and NABTEB.

At least one of these three examinations is needed before a candidate is admitted into tertiary institution in Nigeria.

FG To Shut Third Mainland Bridge For Six Months

 The Nigerian Government is set to shut the Third Mainland Bridge for six months starting from Friday, July 24.

Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukayode Popoola, disclosed this to journalists on Monday.

Popoola said consultations are currently ongoing for another phase of repair works to begin on the 11.8 km bridge

He said the repair works would start on the outward mainland section of the bridge.

The bridge has gone through a series of repair works and was last shut in August 2018 for a three-day investigative maintenance check.

There have also been reports of some worn-out expansion joints on the structure, raising concerns over the state of the bridge.

This development will force motorists in Lagos, who ply the bridge to begin making arrangements for alternative routes.

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FG To Shut Third Mainland Bridge For Six Months

The Nigerian Government is set to shut the Third Mainland Bridge for six months starting from Friday, July 24.

Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukayode Popoola, disclosed this to journalists on Monday.

Popoola said consultations are currently ongoing for another phase of repair works to begin on the 11.8 km bridge. 

COVID-19: Abiodun extends weekend lockdown by two weeks

Ogun State Government has extended the lockdown of the state by two weeks just as it has directed that schools and worship centres remain closed to reduce the spread f the Corona virus disease.
In a press statement yesterday, Kunle Somorin,chief press secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun said the position was informed by governments resolve to guarantee public safety and maintain it’s efforts to ” flatten the curve of the dreaded COVID-19 virus in the State.
The Statement noted that available data and opinions of experts continue to indicate that the fight against the virus is far from being won.

He revealed that to date ” a total number of 4,072 people have been tested out of which 898 tested positive. Amongst the positive cases, 609 have been successfully treated and discharged. Sadly, there have been a total of 19 deaths with 270 active cases. One of our border Local Governments is one of the Local Governments with the highest number of cases in the country because of the level of testing. ”

The statement maintained that,”the high level of prevalence may also be obtainable in other Local Governments as we ramp up testing. All this emphasises the need for us to exercise high level of restraint as the State can neither afford more fatalities or allow the rate of sickness to outnumber the capacity to manage the sick.”
Below s the full statement:
Consequently, we are extending our current Phase of eased restrictions for another two weeks. As usual, we will continuously review and modify the guidelines in response to data from the field and expert opinions.

While noting the recent lifting of the ban on interstate travels by the federal government, the State will monitor this development to determine its impact on the COVID-19 situation and will not hesitate to make appropriate adjustment, in consultation with the federal government.

Schools are to remain shut. A committee has been set up to engage all stakeholders – public and private school owners – and develop Guidelines for a safe reopening of our schools, especially to allow certificate classes to resume and write their examinations.

The government reiterates that the following restrictions will remain in place.
 All 5 working days in the week (Monday to Friday) are still open for businesses and other economic transactions with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days;

 Commercial activities are not permitted on weekends

 Churches and mosques activities will remain closed;

 Observation of dusk-to-dawn curfew as directed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) i.e. between 10.00pm and 4.00am daily;

 Wearing of face masks in the public is still mandatory;

 Only one passenger is still allowed for motorcycles and two passengers only for tricycles.

 Taxi cabs and buses still have 60% limitation on their carrying capacity and the measure to arrest and impound any driver that contravenes this in our State is still in force;

 The COVID-19 Task Force in markets must continue to ensure physical distancing, availability of hand washing facilities, and use of gloves and facemasks for traders;

 Decontamination will continue in our markets and other public places;

 Limitation of all gatherings to a maximum number of 20, is still in effect;

 Gyms, event centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, nightclubs, swimming pools, barber-shops, spas, beauty Salons, and all public parks, including those in private residential estates, are still not allowed to operate;

 Restaurants are permitted to provide only take-away services and should also ensure that there are no more than 10-15 customers at a time with physical distancing measures in place. Guidelines for eat-in services are still being fine-tuned;

 All industries in Ogun State must continue to comply with the “Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Workplaces in Ogun State to Combat COVID-19” as issued by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments. Therefore, testing of staff for COVID-19 in all industries in the State must be sustained;

 The Task Force set up to conduct random spot checks on the premises of the industries, restaurants and other business enterprises to confirm compliance is still in operation.

Other precautionary measures still in force in Ogun State are:
 Funerals and wedding gatherings should not be more than 20 persons, including family members and officiating ministers/priests;

 There will still be restriction on sports and recreational activities;

 Bank/Financial Institutions are to continue their normal operations as allowed in Phase two;

The Governor appreciates the understandingand cooperation of the people of the State and emphasises that despite all the restrictions and government efforts, each individual taking personal responsibility is at the heart of this joint effort to combat a common enemy.

“We are confronted with tough choices in this fight with an invisible enemy.

Our Administration will always err on the side of safety and security of our people without whom there cannot be a future not to talk of Building Our Future Together Agenda. The inconveniences imposed by the pandemic are regrettable but are smaller prices to pay than the safety and health of our people”, the Statement concluded.

Kunle Somorin

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ogun State.