Naija News

09/05/2020

Imo elders condemn vandalisation of Owerri water scheme

May 9, 2020

Elder statesmen from Imo State on Friday condemned in strong terms the vandalisation of the Owerri Water Scheme at the Otammiri River by those they described as detractors bent on discrediting the achievements of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Chief Lemmy Akakem, who represented Owerri zone regretted that the vandals had chosen the peak of the hundred days in office celebration of the governor to perfect their action.

“Everybody must condemn the vandalisation of the Otammiri Water Scheme, these people who do not want to give peace a chance have been the ones responsible for the damages.

“We know they want to discredit the state government so that people would say the government is not working, but we would not allow this to continue, we would meet them headlong,” Akakem said.

He said that the state, particularly Owerri the capital city had been without pipe borne water for the past 16 years, adding that “today water is running and some people went there to destroy all the installations.”

Present at the meeting are Chief Earnest Ibejiako, Bob Njemanze and Chief Green Iheka.

09/05/2020

NDDC welcomes National Assembly’s probe

May 9, 2020

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed the readiness of its Interim Management Committee (IMC) led by Prof. Keme Pondei to appear before the National Assembly following an allegation of N40bn scam.

The commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, in statement in Port Harcourt on Friday, said though there was no N40bn fraud in the commission, the IMC and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, were ready to attend any public hearing on the matter.

He said: “The detractors of the commission are now hiding under the resolution of the National Assembly to trash the reputation of the Interim Management Committee, IMC. We wish to state that there is no N40 billion fraud in NDDC.

“As stated last week, the total sum received by the IMC is N33 billion, out of which it has spent N22 billion. The expenditure includes payment of staff salaries, service providers’ debts and contractual debts of N50 million and below.

“Can N40 billion be stolen when it did not exist? Is the payment of staff salaries and benefits, an act of corruption? Should poor helpless contractors who worked for the commission and were being owed for more than five years not be paid sums as low as N1 million?

“The commission concedes that the National Assembly has a constitutional right to investigate its operations, if and when it deems it necessary. However, we find allegations, which have no substance and serve no purpose other than generating adverse newspaper headlines unhelpful.

“These baseless allegations pose grave threat to the success of the forensic audit of the NDDC, directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, following widespread request by stakeholders, including Governors of the Niger Delta States.”

09/05/2020

Flush almajiris out of Igboland- Ohanaeze youths tell S’east govs

May 9, 2020

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC), has warned against smuggling of almajiris to the South East.

In a statement signed by the President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and the General Secretary, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike , the OYC appealed to the Southeast governors to flush almajiris out of the region.

“They should review the circumstances surrounding the decisions of Northern Governors on the ban of Almajiris from anywhere they are found back to their states of origin, and take decision to ensure that all Almajiris begging on the streets of the Southeast are sent back. This patriotic gesture will afford the Southeast governors the opportunities to help their northern counterparts to receive their wards and empower them, as there’s no better time for it than now.

“The OYC will not tolerate any kind of almajiris system in the South East. This obnoxious policy seen in some Hausa quarters in Igboland will no longer be entertained. We will accommodate any Nigerian especially from the North and West doing genuine businesses in the South East, but alternatively we are giving the almajiris an ultimatum and grace of 14 days to evacuate from Igboland or face the hostilities that will follow suit. Igbo youths will deal decisively with any street beggar anywhere in Igboland after 14 days.”

09/05/2020

Pastor defiles five minors

May 9, 2020

A cleric, Otobong Emerson, 48, has been arrested for defiling five minors.

Emerson, of Believers’ Ministry Church Incorporated, located at No. 146, Upper Owina, Off Evbuotubu, Benin, allegedly defiled Blessing, Doris, Rita, Igbinoba and Christabel, aged between six and 11 years. He was said to have perpetrated the act between December 2019 and February 2020.

Edo State Police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, onb Friday during a news conference at the command’s headquarters, Benin, disclosed that the cleric made statement and confessed to the crime, adding: “The case had already been charged to court and the suspect remanded in police custody, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he will appear again in court on June 11 this year.

Nwabuzor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), also shared the story of a couple who sold their two-month-old baby for N300,000 in the state.

He said: “On May 4, 2020, the Command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, while acting on credible information, arrested a couple, Mr. Joshua Aiworo ‘m’ aged 38 years and Blessing Ogieva ‘f’ aged 25 years, of Afua, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City for stealing and selling a baby of two months and seven days old to one Felicia Imaguomaruomwan ‘f’ for N300,000.00.

“During investigation, Mr. Joshua Aiworo and Blessing Ogieva confessed that they gave birth to the baby on February 24, 2020 at Oghosa Clinic, Independent Street, Off Nomayo, Benin City.

“They also confessed that one Joy Samuel, a.k.a. Mama Jennifer, who is based in Italy, linked them up with the buyer, one Felicia Imaguomaruomwan, who corroborated the first and second suspects’ statements that she bought the baby from them, because she was unable to bear a child.”

“The baby has been taken to Uyiosa Orphanage Home at Oka, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City for care, while suspects will soon be charged to court.”

09/05/2020

Ogun PDP gets new executive

May 9, 2020

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State on Friday inaugurated its new state executive members to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.

Two lawyers and notary public, Mr. Victor Owokoya and Oluwatoyin Omomehin, administered the oath of office on the executive members in batches at the state secretariat of the party in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Members of the newly inaugurated State Executive Committee also received cars from the Omo-Ilu Foundation, whose Grand Patron is a former Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu.

Although they were sworn in today (Friday) being the last working day of the week, the new State Exco will effectively take charge on Monday. The tenure of outgoing State Exco officially ends on Sunday, 10th of May, 2020.

09/05/2020

Kano state government has discharged 16 more COVID-19 patients from its facilities after they tested negative for the virus.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, indicated that this brings the total number of discharged patients in the state to 22.

He said among the discharged patients were Prof. Abdulrazak Garba Habeeb of the Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Bayero University, Kano who is also the co-chair, state Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, the state Commissioner for Health, among others.

The commissioner pointed out that all the patients have tested negative for the disease after the two follow-up tests and have therefore reached full recovery.

He advised the public to continue to observe the strictest personal hygiene through regular hand washing, use of face mask and social distancing.

28/04/2020

Aisha, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medical consumables and assorted food items to Kano State.

She presented the items to the state government through her Special Adviser (SA) on Administration, Hadi Uba.

The SA said the items were meant for about 500,000 households across the state to cushion the effect of the lockdown in the fight against COVID-19 spread.

Uba said 16 trailer loads of assorted food items, including rice, spaghetti, flour, cooking oil and milk would be distributed in collaboration with the state government to the needy.

He added that the PPEs included 300,000 hand gloves, 300,000 face masks as well as protective gowns.

Also included were 10 pieces of automatic dispensers, among other medical items.

28/04/2020

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), on Monday urged the Federal Government to back local efforts to find the cure for Coronavirus.

Agbakoba said as the virus had “exposed” the nation’s fragile health system, the government should explore available quinine medications in the fight against COVID-19.

According to him, the government needs to develop a Nigerian strategy in managing the pandemic and economic diversification because of dwindling oil revenue.

In a statement, titled: COVID-19 in Nigeria: Time to think globally and act locally, Agbakoba said: “On the need for a Nigerian strategy on COVID-19, I call on the Federal Government to interrogate available quinine medications and to engage Nigerian virologists and infectious diseases specialists, public health professionals and traditional and herbal medicine Institutions with a view to exploring local Nigerian solutions to COVID-19.”

According to him, this approach, which is in line with the local content policy, will also enhance Nigerian specialists’ capacity.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on April 13, 2020, renewed a two-week stay-at-home order on Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said the extension was the right thing to do to contain the spread of the pandemic.

But Agbakoba said total lockdown may no longer be sustainable, adding that a relaxation was necessary.

“While commending the Federal Government for the COVID-19 measures taken so far, I am concerned with the sustainability of the lockdown policy in view of lack of social welfare system and scarce financial resources.

“I, therefore, call on the government to lift the strict lockdown restrictions and allow some flexibility so as to allow some level of work and economic activities within some parameters,” he said.

28/04/2020

Fellow Nigerians
I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.
As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as a result of this pandemic.
The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.
Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.
I am using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share your grief.
Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.
This means that despite the increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.
The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.
Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake

28/04/2020

Kano State where COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate has been put under immediate total lockdown for two weeks by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the last two weeks, the state’s virus infection cases rose to 77 as at Sunday. Besides, there have been many deaths from “strange ailment” amid fears that they might not be unconnected with coronavirus.

The President said in his broadcast: “As we continue to streamline our response in the centres of Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days.”

He added: “I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the state in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighbouring states.”

The President said “although an in-depth investigation is still on-going, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts, with immediate effect.

“In Kano, and indeed many other states that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.

“Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.”

28/04/2020

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday dismissed reports that it had adjusted the timetable and schedule of activities for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states slated for September 19 and October 10, 2020.

INEC National Commissioner and chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye and the Chief Press Secretary to the commission’s chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, made the clarification in Abuja.

Okoye said in a statement, “The commission wishes to inform the general public that no decision has been taken to postpone the Edo and Ondo governorship elections or adjust the timetable and schedule of activities for the said elections scheduled for September 19 and October 10 2020, respectively.

“It will be recalled that the commission on February 6, 2020, released the timetable and schedule of activities for the two elections. Since then, the timetable has not been adjusted.

“If and when the need arises to adjust the timetable for the elections, same will be conveyed to the public in the usual manner.”

Oyekanmi said, “Let me state here that the decision to change the dates already announced for the two elections is a very serious matter. Only the commission can take that decision and it has to be officially communicated via a press statement,” he stated.

28/04/2020

Abba Kyari served with his heart, says NSITF boss

April 28, 2020

The late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari served Nigeria with all his heart, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has said.

The organisation said Kyari was a loyal friend of the President whose demise has created a huge vacuum that will be hard to fill.

NSITF’s statement was expressed in a condolence message to Buhari and signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Fund, Adebayo Somefun.

Kyari died on April 17 as a result of complications from coronavirus. He was buried the following day at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja by officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Somefun said the late CoS was a man “endowed with uncommon attributes of diligence, intelligence, hard work loyalty to all his endeavour and helper of the underprivileged both within his immediate environment and beyond.”

It added: “We understand how particularly painful this loss is to you, especially knowing that he was above all, your very loyal, dedicated and trusted friend who served you and the nation at a time he was most needed.

“We at the NSITF feel the pain and the loss, particularly in respect of wealth of his experience, professionalism and sterling leadership, leading us to having laudable achievements and successfully accomplishing some of the policies of your administration.

“While we cannot question the Almighty over his passage, we can only submit to His Sovereign will.

“As the entire nation mourns with you, we earnestly pray that the Almighty Allah solidify your faith and grant you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

24/04/2020

https://www.facebook.com/68793499001/posts/10158185916389002/?app=fbl

We know parents are facing a lot of difficult decisions right now. As COVID-19 disrupts normal life, you might be wondering if you should make a trip to the clinic when it’s time for your child’s regular immunization schedule. Our advice: if you still have access to immunizations, take the opportunity. Just keep up that physical distance and regular handwashing to minimise risks. This way, when your children eventually return to the playground or school, they’ll be safe from other diseases.

21/04/2020

CBN retirees seek pension review

April 21, 2020

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) retirees have urged the Governor, Godwin Emefiele and management to release their retirement benefits, to enable them cope with the national emergency triggered by COVID-19 pandemic.

The 1,500 pensioners, who belong to the ‘Pre-2001Group,’ said management should credit their accounts with the entitlements approved by the board of directors.

Former Secretary to Lagos State Government Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun said in a statement titled: ‘Charity Begins At Home’ that the entitlements were from the salary increase, which was done since 2010.

The elder statesman, who described himself as ‘Employee No.44 and Pensioner No. 224’, retired as Deputy Director, Domestic Operations in October 1979. He was employed by CBN on January 5, 1959.

He recalled that after meetings with the Pre-2001 Pensioners Club, the bank promised to release the details for their benefits after a headcount in January 2020.

Basorun lamented that despite the headcount held throughout the country four months ago; no positive action has been taken by the bank.

He recalled that he wrote letters of appeal to the CBN governor twice and sent four text messages, to no avail.

Painting an awful condition of the retirees, Basorun said many of his colleagues have fallen into the category of vulnerable persons, while some have died because of the harsh economic conditions.

Urging Emefiele to consider their plight, he said: “At these crucial and trying times in Nigeria whereby the Central Bank is offering a lot of useful advice to the government to cushion the negative effect of COVID-19 on sectors, I appeal to the governor and management to release for the credit of the accounts of all categories of pensioners of Central Bank of Nigeria (especially the Pre-2001 Group), the entitlements approved for them now.

“After all, our elders say: ‘Charity begins at home.’”