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Tuesday, April 14, 2020

COVID-19: CONFIRMED CASES RISES TO 343 AS NCDC ANNOUNCES 20 MORE

10:37 AM 0
COVID-19: CONFIRMED CASES RISES TO 343 AS NCDC ANNOUNCES 20 MORE
Twenty new cases of Coronavirus have been recorded in Nigeria taking the national total to 343, according to the new data released by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
A breakdown of the 20 new cases shows that, Lagos has 13, two each in Edo, Kano and Ogun while Ondo recorded one case.

Till date, 343 cases have been confirmed, 91 cases have been discharged and ten deaths have been recorded in Nigeria.

As at 09:50 pm 13th April there are 343 confirmed cases of  reported in Nigeria. 91 have been discharged with 10 deaths
Lagos is the epicentre of Coronavirus, with 189 cases, which doubles the cases in all states combined.
Earlier today, Lagos discharged six survivors of Coronavirus, an act that is almost on daily basis, but the state keeps receiving more positive cases.
Out of the 189 cases recorded, Lagos has discharged 61 survivors, five deaths, two others evacuated to their countries and three others transferred to Ogun State.
Lagos’ active Coronavirus cases moved from 108 on Monday afternoon  to 121 as at 10:20pm on Monday.

WHO: 5G MOBILE NETWORKS DO NOT SPREAD COVID-19

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WHO: 5G MOBILE NETWORKS DO NOT SPREAD COVID-19

World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose.

“People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose,” it said.
WHO added that COVID-19 was spreading in many countries that did not have 5G mobile networks.

It also said being infected with the new Coronavirus did not mean that the person would be infected with the virus forever, adding that people recovered from the disease.
“Most COVID-19 infected persons can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies.
“If you are infected by the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms.

“If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early, but call your health facility by telephone first.
“Most patients recover thanks to supportive care,” WHO said.
It added that exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees would not prevent COVID-19.

“You can be infected with COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19,” the organisation noted.
It said to be protected from the virus, people should ensure frequent and thorough hand washing and avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose.


How False Claims About 5G Health Risks Spread into Mainstream

5G is the fifth generation of wireless communications technologies supporting cellular data networks. Large-scale adoption began in 2019 and today virtually every telecommunication service provider in the developed world is upgrading its infrastructure to offer 5G functionality.

Anxieties over the growing coronavirus pandemic are making people increasingly susceptible to misinformation, with conspiracy theories linking 5G wireless technology to COVID-19 gaining traction in recent weeks.

The conspiracy has been spread by celebrities, including Woody Harrelson and John Cusack, as well as lesser known influencers and online trolls. And in the last 10 days, they’ve had real-world consequences, with at least 20 phone masts vandalized across the United Kingdom.

The unfounded conspiracy theories reportedly began when a Belgian doctor speculated to a national newspaper about 5G masts in Wuhan, China, where the new coronavirus originated.

Despite the article being removed after a few hours because the comments were baseless, the narrative was picked up by conspiratorial Internet personalities and has spread across the Internet as the coronavirus fans anxieties around the world. (Contrary to the conspiracy theories, which say 5G’s high-frequency waves are harmful, the scientific community agrees they are beneath the wavelength that can damage human cells.)

Conspiracy experts say that it’s understandable that misinformation like the baseless 5G theories would spread in such an uncertain time. “When there are periods of great anxiety about unknown events and unknown threats, people become more conspiracy minded,” says Quassim Cassam, a professor of philosophy at the University of Warwick and author of the book Conspiracy Theories.

The original 5G conspiracies, which existed in fringe areas of the Internet before the COVID-19 outbreak, focused on the idea that the new phone masts required by the technology are somehow causing health problems that are being concealed by governments.

When the coronavirus began to spread around the world in January, Cassam says, conspiracy theorists seized on the uncertainties surrounding the virus to spread the baseless theory to wider audiences searching for information about COVID-19.

“The classic form of a conspiracy theory is that there’s a small group of a small group of powerful individuals who are doing stuff behind the backs of the people and endangering our futures,” he says. “If you take that as a template, you see this 5G theory is basically the same theory being recycled. People were saying the same about 4G, just without coronavirus.”

My Take

“There is no scientifically credible evidence to link the introduction of 5G masts with the COVID-19 outbreak. This would be both a physical and biological impossibility

“5G is the future of the internet, we must be cautious about accepting it without proper testing, but rejecting it also is ignorance; Nigeria is already in Computer Age, Digital Age, and New Media Age. We live in an era where technology is advancing and we must move with the time. #EmbracedTheFuture.

Lesotho, a country of two million people. Lesotho is one of the two countries in Africa that has not been infected with Coronavirus. The other nation is Comoros.

Lesotho got connected with 5G in 2018 and there is no case of Coronavirus in that nation. On August 25, 2018, South Africa’s Vodacom launched what it said was Africa’s first commercial 5G internet service in Lesotho.

Vodacom, South Africa’s biggest mobile operator by market value, said the rollout of the 5G, or fifth generation, standards-based service would provide subscribers in the land-locked mountain kingdom with “fibre-like” internet speeds.

The company said its operation in Lesotho had been assigned spectrum in the 3.5GHz band, enabling the launch of a commercial 5G service.

How will one explain this? One expects that Lesotho would have been crushed by 5G right now as some people’s theory suggested

Monday, April 6, 2020

Makinde Tests Negative for COVID-19

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Makinde Tests Negative for COVID-19
Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, yesterday disclosed that he has tested negative for COVID-19.
The governor who had tested positive for the virus on March 30, said yesterday evening via his Twitter that he now tests negative for the virus.
He said he received his second negative test for the virus yesterday evening while appreciating those who supported him with prayers during the intervening period between when he tested positive and negative for the virus.
“I am deeply moved by your prayers and support throughout this period. I am so thankful. This evening, I received my second negative test result for COVID-19. I especially thank Prof Temitope Alonge, who acted in my stead as Head of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force.
“I am also grateful to all members of the Task Force for their cooperation during this time. I will be resuming my responsibility as Head of the Task Force from tomorrow,” he tweeted.

Ponzi Scheme Promoters to Face the Wrath of the Law -SEC

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Ponzi Scheme Promoters to Face the Wrath of the Law -SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC has said it will continue to work to protect investors and also ensure the promoters of Ponzi schemes are made to face the full wrath of the lawPonzi scheme is prohibited by the provisions of Section 38(1) of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, it does not allow people that are not registered by the SEC to collect money from the public.
Acting Director-General of the SEC, Ms Mary Uduk who stated this in an interview in Abuja weekend, said the Commission is stepping up its regulatory oversight to ensure that such illegal entities are sealed off quickly.
According to her, “ Ponzi Schemes are illegal and that is why we keep warning the public about the dangers of these outfits. Even on our website, we have videos enlightening the public on the dangers of Ponzi schemes
“Once we have information of anyone engaging in illegal fund management business, our enforcement department working with our police unit, shuts them down and the promoters are handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further actions”
According to Uduk, the capital market has been properly positioned to attract Nigerians and other investors and provide benefits to those who invest therein.
She stated that SEC has sustained its investor education programme to assist people to understand whatever issues they have around the capital market.
“But besides that, there are new products coming up every day in the Nigerian capital market. We have a lot of ethical funds, one of the safest areas to invest in is in Mutual Funds, Collective Investments Schemes and we encourage Nigerians to be part of these and others”.
Uduk said further that the SEC is presently undertaking various initiatives to make the capital market more user-friendly such that people can participate in it with greater ease, comfort and convenience.
She added: “There is the added and all-important purpose of ensuring that the gains of your participation, be these dividends, proceeds from share sales/transfers, etc. accrue to you seamlessly, without sweat and in the shortest time possible.
“The purpose is also to ensure that investors do not fall victims to the antics of fraudsters who purport to be able to double any amount of money you make available to them as investment value.
She said that is why the SEC and the entire capital market community have intensified efforts at investment education.
“People need to know that it’s easy to open a money market account, a mutual fund account, get stocks and things like that. We want the market to be easier, more accessible and we also want to have more products.
“We want a deeper market and we believe that with these combinations, we will reduce the number of Ponzi schemes coming up and reduce the number of investors putting their money into Ponzi schemes.
Recall that the Commission last week released a list of 12 unlawful/unlicensed investment schemes which are: Loom Nigeria Money, Box Value Trading Company Ltd, Now-Now Alert, Flip Cash Investment, Result Investment Nigeria Limited, Helping Hand and Investment and No Failure Development and Empowerment Nig. Ltd
Others are “MBA Forex and Investment Ltd, Federate Investors Trading Company, Jamalife Helpers Global Ltd, Flexus Global Solutions and Investment Ltd, United Capital Investment Company Limited”.
The Commission informed members of the public that by virtue of the provisions of Section 38(1) of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, only persons registered with the Commission can engage in capital market activities, thus making the actions of these entities listed above unlawful.
“Consequently, the general public is hereby advised to refrain from investing in any scheme of the entities listed above and WARNS that any person who invests in an unlicensed/unlawful scheme does so at his own peril.
The Acting DG said the listed outfits are not registered to carry out fund management functions of any sort, stressing that those who stubbornly patronize them would end up burning their fingers.
She, therefore, advised the general public to distance themselves from such schemes, adding, “Please note that anyone that subscribes to these illegal activities does so at their own risk.”

Coronavirus: Danbatta pays surprise visits to Kano, Kaduna Emergency Communications Centres

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Coronavirus: Danbatta pays surprise visits to Kano, Kaduna Emergency Communications Centres
In a bid to ensure that the toll-free 3-digit National Emergency Number, 112, is being put to effective use in this critical time of Coronavirus pandemic, and national objective of enhancing security of lives and properties, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, paid surprise visits to the Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) in Kano and Kaduna yesterday.Danbatta’s visits were informed by his realization that, with Coronavirus spreading across the globe and more people living in isolation, the NCC’s 112 toll-free number could play a crucial role of providing effective alternatives for people to reach out to relevant agencies with a view to securing help in times of emergency.
During his visits to the two centres, Danbatta had extensive interactions with the personnel on ground, as he asked various questions bordering on the incoming call traffic volume and how the calls are effectively dispatched to various emergency response agencies (ERA) connected to the centres for a prompt response, especially the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC).
He also took his time to find out if the centres were facing any challenges that needed to be addressed for their optimum efficiencies and effectiveness towards delivering on their mandates.
The EVC urged the personnel on duty at the two ECCs to see their work as national assignments on saving the lives of fellow Nigerians in terms of emergencies.
“As you all are aware, the country in on lockdown in Lagos, the Ogun States and FCT, and I will, therefore, enjoin you to always ensure you don’t miss any call that comes into the centre. You will also be expected to ensure prompt dispatch of calls received to the relevant emergency response agencies so that there is no any dereliction of duty that will result in loss of lives and property to our fellow Nigerians, who may even be our close relatives,” Danbatta urged the excited personnel.
Speaking further, the NNC boss advised the personnel to observe sanitary measures like hand washing and social distancing at the centres.
In both Kaduna and Kano centres, the managers told the EVC that they had been receiving coronavirus-related calls.
The personnel also appreciated the visits of the EVC to the centres which they variously described as ‘a morale booster’, ‘a good regulatory oversight’ and ‘an encouragement’ for them to be more committed to their assigned roles at the emergency communications centres.
As NCC project mandated in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, the implementation of the ECC got a boost when Danbatta became the country’s telecoms regulator-in-chief in 2015.
Till date, 18 of the centres have been built and are operational in all 17 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Each of the ECCs is equipped with 11 Workstations (10 for call taking and one for the Supervisor); a server system that receives and processes 112-calls from members of the public and then dispatches the calls to the appropriate Agency that has responsibility to attend to the specific emergency.
Facilities in the ECC also include power supply mix consisting of public power supply from the national grid, two (2) units of 100KVA generators; and two (2) units of 20KVA UPS powered by 160 units of 100AH inverter batteries and a 10KVA UPS powered by 16 units of 100AH inverter batteries; and six dispatch workstations for the Response Agencies.
The significance of the ECC project was underscored by President Muhammadu Buhari, on March 19, 2020, when unveiled the 112 National Emergency Number and ECC for the FCT, describing it as a project that will complement the Federal Government’s efforts enhancing the security of lives and property in the country.
Today, states, relevant agencies of governments and individuals Nigerians are making use of the 112 Number to seek help during emergencies, and more importantly, at this critical time when the government is working round-the-clock to curtail the spread of  COVID-19 pandemic.
In December last year, the NCC and Danbatta received separate awards of ‘Corporate Social responsibility Award in Security and Emergency Management’ and ‘Nigeria’s Goodwill Ambassador for Security and Emergency Management’ respectively during first-ever Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA 2019) held in Abuja by the Emergency Digest, in conjunction with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

The Captioned Photo: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Danbatta,

Five more patients discharged in Lagos as Two die in Lagos, Benin

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Five more patients discharged in Lagos as Two die in Lagos, Benin

WITH advice to Lagosians against stigmatisation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the discharge of an additional five patients who previously tested positive for COVID-19.
The governor broke the news through his verified Twitter handle @jidesanwolu yesterday in Lagos.
He called on members of the public to collaborate and support the discharged patients to get over their experiences as fast as possible.
Sanwo-Olu twitted: “Today, I am happy to inform you that five more patients, comprising two males and three females, including a 10-year-old girl have tested negative twice to #COVID-19.
“These five patients have been discharged to reunite with their families.
“This brings to a total of 29 the numbers of patients who have fully recovered and have been discharged from our facility at Yaba.”
“I need to reiterate that the result of tests conducted by our health workers on the recovered patients is a confirmation that they pose no threat to the community.
“I will like to use this opportunity to advise Lagosians against stigmatising the discharged patients as this act could bring feelings of shame, hopelessness and despair. We need to do all we can to support them in whatever form to get over the memories as soon as possible.”
The governor thanked the frontline health workers who have been taking care of patients and members of the Lagos State health family and the Emergency Operation Centre for their kindness and flexibility in managing the patients and checking the spread of the disease.
“As the disease ravages countries all over the world, Lagos State will continue to do what is necessary in terms of responding to emergencies in an effort to ensure the health and wellbeing of our people.
“We will do our best to make sure that other patients at the facility receive the best of care and attention so that they can return home to join their families and the community soonest.
“In order to contain the spread of the disease, I strongly advise you to continue observing social distancing. Let us remain indoors and shun the temptation to breach the presidential restriction that has been placed on our state so that the gains recorded so far are not eroded.
“You should regularly, and thoroughly, wash your hands with soap and clean, running water and where water is not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can be used.
“It has come to our notice that some of our youths still engage in sporting and related activities, this is very unfortunate. This act could jeopardise our efforts and the laudable intention of the lockdown. I therefore advise you to adhere strictly to our instructions so that together we can win the battle,” the governor advised.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had earlier announced the death of a 36-year-old patient (Nigerian). The man died of COVID-19 in the state.
Announcing the death through his Twitter handle Prof. Abayomi said the death marked the second COVID-19 patient recorded in the state.
He said: “We lost a #COVID-19 patient; a 36-year-old Nigerian, male, who died in a private facility on April 4, 2020. The total number of #COVID-19 patients who have died are now two.”
Abayomi, however, did not give further information about the patient’s medical history.
The Management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) said one of the three patients, who was confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Benin.
“The two surviving patients are currently being cared for by our dedicated staff in an isolation ward, with restricted access.

Tech Companies Summoned Because Of 5G

10:03 PM 0
Tech Companies Summoned Because Of 5G

UK Authorities will make sure social media companies will begin handling people linking coronavirus to 5G network in their platform with iron gloves. People has started setting mobile phone mask ablaze in the UK.
Oliver Dowden the UK Culture Secretary will hold a virtual meeting with all the representatives from tech companies next week to test the company commitment to free speech.
“We must… see social media companies acting responsibly and quick action needs to be taken to stop the nonsense spreading in their platforms which encourages people to attach mobile networks because of 5G.” This was confirmed to the BBC by the spokes man of the department of Digital, culture, media and sport.
The companies to partake in this meeting have not been confirmed

Femo Otedola shows his word is his bond.

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Femo Otedola shows his word is his bond.

It is no more news that one of Nigeria finest entrepreneur, business mugul, media influencer and a father to a talented Musician in the country – Femi Otedola, has been showing his patriotic, philanthropic and generosity towards his country.
The recent Covid-19 19 Outbreak has gone further to prove the above assertion.
He announced he was donating 1 billion Naira with other well meaning Nigerians such the former vice president of the country Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu etc.
As a man who keeps his word, he has proven to the people again that his word is his bond. The Billionaire in dollars took to his Instagram handle to show proof he has redeemed his pledge. Nigerian are undoubtedly thankful and grateful to this well meaning Nigeria.

The central bank of Nigeria CBN, released the number of people who have redeemed their pledge donated for the fight against Coronavirus which has infected more than 1 million people in the world.
Nigeria has recorded 224 infected cases and 5 dead across the country.
There is no medicine or vaccine to cure the disease or reduce its spread yet. Scientists are working hard around the world to find a lasting solution.

Friday, April 3, 2020

MIKE ADENUGA DONATES N1.5 BILLION TO TACKLE COVID-19

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MIKE ADENUGA DONATES N1.5 BILLION TO TACKLE COVID-19

In what appears to be the biggest donation by an individual towards stemming the rage of the global pandemic Coronavirus, the Mike Adenuga Foundation (MAF) has donated the sum of N1.5 billion to fight the scourge.

The breakdown of the N1.5 billion donation indicated that N1billion went to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which is coordinating efforts to raise funds from corporate bodies to support the initiatives aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, while the Lagos State Government which has recorded the majority of the cases got N500 million.

The cheque for the Lagos State Government was presented by the Executive Vice Chairman, Globacom, Mrs. Bella Disu, while representatives of MAF presented the N1billion cheque to CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in Abuja on Monday, March 30th, 2020.

Aside from the cash donation, MAF pledged that it would continue its efforts to assist various bodies and institutions in the country with the supply of essential items such as; Sanitizers, Masks, Test Kits, Personal Prospective Equipment (PPEs), Respirators and other necessary requirements to combat the pandemic.

“We are fully aware that our nation is indeed passing through very challenging times, with unprecedented impact on how we live, survive, stay in touch with each other and conduct our businesses. We feel the pulse of our people, appreciate the pains of those who are sick or have lost loved ones and the anxiety of all of us compelled to live under the shadow of this dreaded pandemic”, the Foundation said.

It further noted that the core values that connect people firmly with one another, including love for family, community and enterprise, seem the most threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, but enthused that the foundation and its founder, Dr. Adenuga were committed to the protection and promotion of those values.

MAF, therefore, appealed to Nigerians not to allow the pandemic to affect those values adversely while giving kudos to government at the Federal and other levels as well as the relevant agencies for their diligence and commitment so far in the bid to nip the pandemic in the bud.

The Mike Adenuga Foundation enjoined all Nigerians to adhere to prescribed measures by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to safeguard their health.

“These include regular hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, limiting non-essential travel and ensuring timely medical checkups. Our primary focus at MAF is to ensure that all Nigerians remain safe to support their families and the economy,” it said.

ENUGU GOVT. ORDERS CLOSURE OF POPULAR OGBETTE MARKET

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ENUGU GOVT. ORDERS CLOSURE OF POPULAR OGBETTE MARKET


Enugu State Government has announced the closure of popular Ogbete Main Market in Enugu metropolis following health concerns.
A statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chidi Aroh, said the decision to shut the market was a fallout of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s visit to the area.
Aroh said the governor had gone to the market with heads of security agencies to ascertain compliance with the government’s order closing markets and borders.
“Following the non-compliance by traders and the urgent need to start the fumigation of the market, the state government ordered the immediate closure of the market, including adjoining sections and Akwata,” Aroh said.

COVID-19: ABIODUN DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO WIDOWS, SINGLE MOTHERS

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COVID-19: ABIODUN DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO WIDOWS, SINGLE MOTHERS


In continuation of her good gestures towards the welfare of women and widows, in particular, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun has donated and distributed food items worth millions of naira to them in Sagamu axis of the state.
The event which took place at the Sagamu Town Hall in collaboration with Remo Development Forum and the Sagamite Babes attracted widows and single mothers from Sagamu and environs irrespective of their ages.
Mrs. Abiodun on the 24th of June, 2019, flagged off her commitment towards widows at the June 12, Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, where a total number of 1,000 widows were given donations of cash and food items and her commitment towards widows has since remained constant.
Mrs. Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Funmi Efuwape at the occasion said the donation was a means of relieving the hardship that may be caused as a result of the 14 days lockdown announced by the Federal government to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Mrs. Abiodun who expressed her determination to extend the gesture to other parts of the state advised women in the state to comply with the governments’ directives at flattening the curve of the virus for the benefit of all.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

FG disburses N5000 to over 1million indigents

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FG disburses N5000 to over 1million indigents



The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of N5000 to over 1millioin indigents across the country.
The disbursement came following the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately to beneficiaries.
The disbursement was done on Wednesday in Kwali Central Area Council of FCT by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq.
The Minister disbursed N20,000 as payment for four months to over 100 beneficiaries at the payment point in Kwali.
Speaking during the disbursement, she said: “The exercise commenced about five years ago and it is geared towards supporting the poor and vulnerable households of our society.
“We give them monthly stipends of N5000 every month and now that we have these restrictions, Mr. President has directed that we give them two months advance payment and we are here today to carry out that directive of paying the two months advance payment.”

On the number of beneficiaries, Farouq said: “We have over a million people across the country. For the FCT and this particular area Council, we are giving about 5000 households in this area.”
On how the beneficiaries were identified, she said: “It is a very long process and many people like religious leaders, community leaders and different groups all came together to identify poorest and vulnerable households in their community.”
On the claim that the beneficiaries were members of a particular political party, she said: “it is untrue and you can confirm from the beneficiaries of the process of selection.”

Nigeria records 12 new COVID-19 cases, total now 151

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Nigeria records 12 new COVID-19 cases, total now 151
FLASHBACK: 10 pandemics that ravaged mankind
Twelve new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Nigeria, says the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Nine were recorded in Osun State, two in Edo State and one in Ekiti State.
“As at 12:30 pm 1st April there are 151 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria,” said NCDC. Nine have been discharged while two deaths have been recorded.
The pandemic has been recorded in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Lagos State topped the chart of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria with 82 cases followed by the Federal Capital Territory Abuja with 28 cases. With the nine new cases in Osun State, the South-West state followed with a total of 14 cases.
Oyo State has eight cases including Governor Seyi Makinde while there are four cases in Ogun State. With the new cases announced on Wednesday, Edo’s cases jumped from two to four while Ekiti’s rose to two. Kaduna State has recorded three cases so far including Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Enugu and Bauchi States have two cases each including Governor Bala Mohammed while Rivers and Benue States have one confirmed case each.

Nigeria Generates N96bn From Treasury Bills Transactions, Records 59% Oversubscription

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Nigeria Generates N96bn From Treasury Bills Transactions, Records 59% Oversubscription

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday offered Nigerian Treasury Bills worth of N95.681 billion as a debt instrument through Primary Market Auction to the public.

The results of the auction seen at the end of trading showed that the fixed income instrument was over-subscribed by 59 per cent, as total demand was put at N161.385 billion. However, the central bank allotted only the total amount it had offered.

A breakdown of the transactions auction showed that for the 91-day bill, whereas the CBN offered a total of N10 billion, total subscription stood at N20.707 billion. Also, for the 182-day bill, while the regulator offered a total of N17.600 billion to investors, total subscription recorded was N28.819 billion.

For the 364-day debt instrument, whereas total subscription stood at N111.859 billion, the regulator offered a total of N86.080 billion.

The stop rates dipped across all tenors. While the 91-day bill closed at 2.20 per cent, lower than the previous rate of 2.6 per cent; the 182-day bill also closed lower at 3.2 per cent, from 3.4 per cent; while the 364-day bill closed at 4.3 per cent, lower than 4.6 per cent.

The AmehNews recall that CBN rose from monetary policy meetings last week to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as the benchmark interest rate at 13.5 per cent.

The meetings left both the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Liquidity Ratio unchanged at 27.5 per cent and 30 per cent respectively.

Given reasons to why above-unchanged decisions?, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the decision to keep all monetary policy tools unchanged was to allow previously announced interventions “time to permeate the economy and allow pandemic to wear out itself.”



“The MPR is the rate at which the CBN lends to commercial banks and often determines the cost of borrowing in the economy.”

We Expect Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus To ‘Keep Rising’ – NCDC

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We Expect Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus To ‘Keep Rising’ – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it expects the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country to keep rising.
NCDC Director-General, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who stated this on Monday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, was hopeful that Nigeria would be able to manage the situation and reverse the trend.
He said, “We have crossed the hundred mark and the reality is that there is a virus circulating in our midst and that is why Mr President came up yesterday to speak to Nigerians.
“In the short term, we do expect the numbers to keep rising but we also expect that we will be able to get on top of this and that is why some measures were needed and we met with Mr President.”


President Muhammadu Buhari addressed Nigerians over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Sunday, hours before the NCDC said the number of confirmed cases had risen to 111.
The President, in a broadcast, highlighted some of the measures put in place by the Federal Government to curtail the spread of the disease and mitigate its effect on the Nigerian economy.
He also ordered the restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
 Weeks Of Pain

NCDC Director General, Chikwe Ihekweazu.


For Ihekweazu, the President’s decision to restrict movement, especially Lagos and Abuja, was a tough one but necessary.
He also urged Nigerians to cooperate with the NCDC and others working hard to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
“He (Buhari) took a very hard decision to make the statement he made to institute the measures he did, you will see that this is really a call on Nigerians to come together and to support these measures,” the NCDC boss stated.
He added, “We know that these measures work, the challenge for us as a society are the side effects of these measures and which is why they were very difficult to make … it has not been an easy measure to carry out in Nigeria’s biggest (commercial) city and Abuja.
“From today, we will appeal to Nigerians to bear the few weeks of pain that will come. Stay at home as much as possible, unless you really really need to go out and let’s see whether we can get on top of this.
“At the moment, there is no vaccine, there are no treatments that work; so, our only hope in containing this outbreak is to prevent transmission from one individual to the other. The way we can do this is to stop contact with each other which is very difficult, and which is why those extra measures were needed.”



COVID-19: Hundreds of travellers stranded at entry points into Sokoto

11:40 AM 0
COVID-19: Hundreds of travellers stranded at entry points into Sokoto


Hundreds of travellers coming into Sokoto state have been left stranded at the various interstate entry points into the state as they are denied access into the state, multiple sources have revealed to Vanguard news.
Sokoto state government had earlier ordered the closure of all interstate routes into the state effective from midnight of Friday, 27th March 2020. The ban is part of efforts to curtail further spread of COVID-19 among Nigerians.

The sources said most travellers from the South West region are stranded at the Tambuwal, Alieo-Jega entry point into Sokoto state. While those coming from the Northern states are stopper at the Tureta and Isa entry points by a team of joint security personnel stationed to ensure enforcement of the closure order.
Many residents in Sokoto said they have received distress calls from relations that are stranded at various entrance points into Sokoto who travel out of the state before the ban was effected A banker who doesn’t want his name in print told our correspondents that a family member coming from Osun state was trapped at the entry points in Tambuwal local government area. “She started the journey from Osun on Saturday and arrived Tambuwal on Sunday, she is not aware of the order only to come to Tambuwal and they are not allowed into Sokoto by the security agencies because of the ban. ” I have received more than fifty phone calls from her, she is really worried, the journey is stressful and to make matter worse they are stopped from coming in to come is rest.

A security source told our correspondent that the number of stranded persons at the various entry points is massive and becoming too large to control. “At this end of ours, the crowd is becoming overwhelming, maybe some other measures may be taking to manage this situation to avoid this crowd since we are supposed to discourage large crowd and maintain social distancing.
Meanwhile, activities in Sokoto state is going on normal as religious centres are open for worship but in adherence to the social distancing and hand washing etiquette. Schools are closed and civil servants from Grade Level 12 and below are asked to stay at home for the initial two weeks as authority observed the trend of the virus in the state and country. It could also be observed that clerics in the state are preaching to adherents to obey the precautionary measures in other to curtail the spread of the virus.

Nigeria announces lockdown of major cities to curb coronavirus

10:30 AM 0
Nigeria announces lockdown of major cities to curb coronavirus
Nigeria has announced a sweeping quarantine for three major states that are home to almost 30 million people, in a bid to slow the spread of the new coronavirus in Africa's most populous country.
The lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun will kick in at 11pm local time (22:00 GMT) on Monday and will stay in place for at least two weeks, President Muhammadu Buhari announced on Sunday, a little over a month after Nigeria confirmed its first case.
"All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period," Buhari said in an address to the nation.
Home to an estimated 20 million people, Lagos is Africa's most populous city and Nigeria's financial hub. Abuja is the capital of the country and the seat of its government. Oil-rich Rivers state and Kaduna state in the north had earlier imposed similar lockdown measures. 
The restrictions announced on Sunday do not apply to hospitals and stores selling essential items such as groceries and medicine.
"We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases," Buhari said.

Fear of price rises

The announcement triggered panic among many in Lagos, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the country which has so far infected 111 people and caused one death.
On Monday, residents in Lagos flooded markets and stores to buy food and other items.
Bose Odumosu, a mother of five, told Al Jazeera that she will use the next hours to stock up on food for her family.
"I was expecting the government to give us a few days to sort out our domestic needs before the announcement. I feel the sudden restriction will cause the price of commodities to increase," Odumosu said.
Shop assistants wearing face masks to prevent against the spread of the new coronavirus take stock in a supermarket in Lagos, Nigeria Friday, March 27, 2020. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderat
Shop assistants wearing face masks to prevent against the spread of coronavirus take stock in a supermarket in Lagos [Sunday Alamba/The Associated Press]
Buhari said all branches of government have been mobilised "to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis", but the lockdown means additional financial pain for millions of informal labourers who rely heavily on their daily earnings to survive.
Olatunji Akintan, a bricklayer, and his wife, a petty trader, live in a two-room apartment with their two sons in Ojodu, a suburb of Lagos. Every day, Akintan commutes to different locations in the megacity in search of a job and only gets paid when he is hired by building contractors for the day.
Now, the 56-year-old faces a two-week home quarantine without any income.
"Since January, I have not done much work so I have no savings. I have been thinking of what to do with the little money I have for two weeks," Akintan told Al Jazeera.
"How do I raise money now that I won't be working for the next few days? Some of us will be forced to buy food on credit if we can find those willing to sell."
In his speech, Buhari announced a series of measures aimed at relieving some of the economic pain including a three-month moratorium on government loan repayments.
"For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks," Buhari said.
Financial analyst Oluwatosin Olaseinde said: "The biggest palliative obviously would be food."
"The president announced a few exemptions in terms of movement for agricultural produce, which should help cushion the effect," Olaseinde told Al Jazeera, citing exemptions related to food processing and distribution.
"Ideally, I would love to see some financial assistance to groups captured in initiatives like the Trader Money Scheme," she said, referring to a government project involving the distribution of loans to small traders to support their businesses.
Women sell face masks and gloves, to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, to passengers at a public minibus station in Lagos, Nigeria Friday, March 27, 2020. The new coronavirus causes mild or m
Women sell face masks and gloves, to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, to passengers at a public minibus station in Lagos [Sunday Alamba/The Associated Press]
Across the world, the outbreak of the new coronavirus has strained healthcare systems and hit economies hard, with few countries expected to emerge unscathed by the pandemic's financial effect.
Nigeria is already feeling the pinch with oil prices plunging. The country is the world's eighth-largest oil exporter, and almost 90 percent of its export earnings are tied to oil.
Shutting down the country's financial capital, Lagos, is expected to further add to an impending economic crisis.
"There will be a slowdown in the country's GDP for the first quarter of the year," Olaseinde said. "You have five key states in the country essentially grounded. That will lead to a loss of revenue for companies and individuals. You could also see supply shocks."
Meanwhile, electricity remains a major challenge in the country. Most people rely on costly diesel-powered generators to power their homes and keep businesses afloat.
"How do I sustain my job on generators for 14 days if we continue to experience chronic power shortages? That's almost impossible," IT system analyst Samuel Edeh told Al Jazeera.
"I hope they have factored steady power supply into the lockdown plan so that some of us can keep up with work at home," he told Al Jazeera.
Families are also hoping for regular power supply during the period of quarantine.
"With regular electricity, I can store my food and also keep my children entertained during the lockdown," Odumosu said.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA NEWS