BUHARI UNVEILS 'NIGERIA AT 60' LOGO!

As Nigeria approaches Diamond Jubilee, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday unveiled the logo which will be used in the celebration of the anniversary.

The unveiling took place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

It was witnessed by Federal Ministers and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Ministers at the meeting include the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Information and Culture, Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, among others.

The Federal Government had earlier in September called on Nigerians to submit creative ideas that can brand the anniversary which is themed “Together at 60”.

Nigeria’s Independence is usually celebrated annually on October 1.

Source: ChannelsTv

OYO GOVERNMENT RELEASES CALENDAR FOR 2020/21 SCHOOLS RESUMPTION.

The Oyo State government, on Monday, announced September 21, 2020 as the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic session for primary and secondary schools in the state.

It will be recalled that the new calendar was approved on July 21 at a meeting of the State Executive Council, to guide resumption of schools and other associated educational activities in the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected educational activities around the world.

A statement by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, indicated that the first term of the new academic calendar will run between September 21 and December 18, 2020.

The statement added that the second term of the academic session is expected to run from January 11 to to April 9, 2021, while the third term will run between May 3 and July 30, 2021.

The commissioner said: "The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology enjoins all stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the details of the academic calendar."

Signed

Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye

Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State

September 14, 2020.

BUHARI NAMES TRAIN STATIONS AFTER TINUBU, OSIBAJO, FASHOLA AND OTHERS.

President Muhammadu Buhari has named train stations along the Lagos-Ibadan and the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri corridors after “deserving Nigerians”, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said.

Presidency aide, Tolu Ogunlesi, revealed this on Monday in a tweet.

According to Ogunlesi, the Apapa station was named after Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the Agege station was conferred on the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.

Other personalities conferred with train station names include Lateef Jakande (Agbado station), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (Kajola station), and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Papalanto station).’

EKITI STATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.

The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ekiti State, Wale Fapohunda has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Fapohunda disclosed this on Sunday via Twitter.

The Commissioner also noted that he has gone into self-isolation and has delegated the duties of his office accordingly.

“The result of my second COVID-19 test came out positive today. In line with the established protocols, I have commenced a period of self-isolation.

“In my absence, all state legal matters should be referred to the Solicitor-General of the State,” the Commissioner said.

This comes a week after the state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, was infected by COVID-19.

BE RESULT ORIENTED - OGUNREMI ISRAEL

To every project or dream, there is a starting point as well the end or result. On what is your focus - the beginning, the process or the end? Every project must pass through these three stages;

1. Ideation Stage [beginning]

2. Process Stage [methodology]

3. Product Stage [result/endpoint]

Ideation begets Process, and the process begets Product!

Right from the ideation Stage, what your eyes should focus more on is the RESULT. The beginning of all things is always rough, but once the focus remains unshaken and eyes linger strongly on the result as well taking or following the right process, because not following due process will NEVER get you the actual/right result needed.

You passing through many things. Yes, everyone is passing through one or two. I have passed through some, I'm STILL passing through some and will STILL pass through many but eyes remain focused and heart resolute.

Let us look at a practical example. What I'm putting on in the picture attached to this post looks very GREAT on me, but never just became good and great but underwent several process before it came out good. The design [Ideation], the cutting, joining, sewing, stitching, and ironing [Process] and then FINALLY the ATTIRE [Result]. If the Tailor/Fashion designer has shifted his/her focus from the result a bit during the ideation or processes, this ATTIRE wouldn't have been wowed.

Yada! The same way about our dreams. We should remain steadfast. Hope should keep burning. We should keep striving. It may seem rough for the moment. The light might be dim for now, with hope alive, hard and smart work, consistence and persistence, we shall get the results as well structured and outlined.

Remember, "DO NOT WAIT [BE STAGNANT], DO NOT RUN [BE FASTER THAN SUPPOSED], KEEP MOVING."

HAPPY NEW WEEK TO YOU ALL!

Stay Safe and remain BLESSED. ❣️ &💡

EKITI STATE GOVERNOR, KAYODE FAYEMI TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

Earlier this morning, the Ekiti State Governor took to his Social Media pages to inform the populace about his result.

He issued the statement at exactly 9:59 a.m. on his Twitter handle.

"I took my third Covid-19 test yesterday and it came back positive. I'm generally ok and I'm already self isolating at home and receiving the best of care from my medical team. I'm delegating critical tasks to my Deputy but will continue routine duty from home." JKF

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS MAY RESUME BEFORE OCTOBER - SIRIKA

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Tuesday, said international flights in and out of the country may resume before October.

Sirika revealed this in a tweet while dismissing reports the resumption date has been set.

International flights have been suspended in the country since March 23 in a bid to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Domestic flights were also suspended but have since resumed in June as the country tries to roll back coronavirus-induced lockdowns.

“International Flight resumption date is not October,” Sirika said. “NAMA just issued a routine 90 day Notices to Airmen (NOTAM).

“In liaison with Health, Foreign Affairs & PTF COVID-19, we will announce the agreed date, regardless of the ban by Europe, UAE etc. May be earlier than October.”

NIGERIA'S SENATE CONFIRMS PROF. UMAR DANBATTA AS NCC’S BOSS FOR NEW 5-YEAR TERM

The Nigerian Senate has finally confirmed Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta has the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Second term of 5years at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). 

The announcement was read by President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan during Plenary on Tuesday after Sen. Oluremi Tinubu the Senate Committee Chairman on Communication represented by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) who presented the report of the Committee to the Red Chamber. 

Bamidele said Prof. Danbatta responded competently to the questions and answers asked and met the statutory requirements. He added that preliminary checks does not reveal any form of fraud or vices on Danbatta’s record.

“I hereby rise to present the report of the Senate Committee on Communication on the Screening of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta for reappointment as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Second term of 5years of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
On Tuesday the 14th of July, the Senate considered the reappointment of Prof. Danbatta as EVC/CEO of NCC for a second term and referred to the Committee on Communication for Legislative action. The Committee carried out the Screening exercise and the nominee (Prof. Danbatta) responded competently to the questions asked.

The nominee met the statutory requirements which also validates his competency. Preliminary checks does not reveal any form of fraud, or vices on Danbatta’s record” Bamidele Said…

The motion was seconded by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe( Kwara Central) also a member of the Committee.

Also, Senator Barau Jibrin(Kano Central) while commending the Committee for a job well done said Prof. Danbatta has done well in the past 5years and has stood out in every criteria urging the Senate to allow him for a second term.

“I commend the Committee for a job well done. Prof. Danbatta has done well, has intergrity, experience and every criteria needed. I thereby urge other members of the red chamber to allow him go for a for second term. The Lawmaker appealed.

During the screening, Danbatta, who demonstrated his indept knowledge of the industry, extensively discussed his scorecard since he assumed office as the EVC of NCC on August 4, 2015, following which the Committee members applauded him for his sterling performance and exceptional leadership qualities which, they said had helped in accelerating the growth of the telecoms sector.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS WILL BENEFIT FROM MSMEs SUPPORT SCHEME – OSINBAJO

Private schools, hotels, road transport workers, creative industries, are the target beneficiaries of the MSMEs Support Scheme, this is according to the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. 

Prof. Osinbajo made this known while speaking at the 2020 edition of the MSMEs Awards which held virtually on Thursday.

He said the Federal Government as planned in the Economic Sustainability Plan is now set to implement a number of schemes to keep MSMEs afloat, as part of efforts to support small businesses in Nigeria to survive the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Osinbajo said the survival fund would help provide payroll support to MSMEs with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 staff members.

Below is the Vice President’s full speech, as sent out by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande.

PRESIDENT BUHARI’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MSMES IN ESP VERY ROBUST – OSINBAJO

Survival Fund including payroll support for three months, guaranteed off-take scheme and many others

As part of efforts to support small businesses in Nigeria to survive the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government as planned in the Economic Sustainability Plan is now set to implement a number of schemes to keep MSMEs afloat, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The Vice President stated this on Thursday at the 2020 edition of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Awards which held via video conference.

According to Prof. Osinbajo “I am glad to note that this year has been an exception despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Locally, businesses are facing their most challenging time and the impact is particularly severe on MSMEs

“The central plank of our response as a government to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the Economic Sustainability Plan recently approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council.

“In that plan which essentially envisages an overall N2.3 trillion stimulus package, we made extensive provision for financial support to MSMEs, ranging from a guaranteed off-take scheme to a survival fund that includes a payroll support programme for qualifying businesses.

“The guaranteed off-take scheme seeks to provide support for MSMEs, manufacturing local products by guaranteeing the purchase from them of qualifying products such as face masks, hand sanitisers, PPE for medical workers, etc.

“These products will be distributed to Nigerians, Nigerian institutions and entities that would require them.

“The survival fund will help provide payroll support to MSMEs with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 50 staff. The MSMEs that qualify for these will make available their payroll for verification by government.

“Companies that meet the requirements will then be eligible to have the salaries of their verified staff paid directly from the fund for a period of three months.”

Continuing on the MSMEs support scheme, Prof. Osinbajo said: “the target beneficiaries of this scheme will include private schools, hotels, road transport workers, creative industries and others.

“The verification process will be very rigorous and painstaking.

“In addition we have a N200 billion fund which will be made available to MSMEs in the priority sectors such as healthcare, agro processing, creative industries, local oil and gas, aviation etc.

“This will be granted through a scheme jointly run by the Bank of Industry and Nigerian Export Import (NEXIM) Bank especially for export expansion.

“The CBN is also committed to creating a N100 billion target credit facility for MSMEs. Already the recently signed Finance Act already made provision for graduated company income tax rates with zero rates for small companies and a rate reduction for medium sized companies.”

The Vice President added that the Federal Government will continue to implement similar focused MSME interventions around the country.

“Kaduna state for example is working on a tomato paste production plant, Lagos is putting together a fashion hub, the FCT is equally set to launch a carpentry cluster while Anambra state is almost ready to commission its leather works cluster.

“All of these are scheduled for 2020.

“In 2021, Edo, Ekiti, Katsina, Ogun, Bauchi and Enugu States would commission shared facilities that will bring MSMEs together by cluster and provide shared equipment and resources and business support hub,” the Vice President added.

He commended the participants at the awards for their ingenuity in starting up and sustaining their businesses, urging those who were not shortlisted not to relent in what they are doing.

He specially commended all those who have started businesses in Nigeria, no matter how small, describing them as champions.

“Every person who has taken it upon themselves to start a business in Nigeria no matter how small is a champion and we as a government owe it to you to create an enabling environment for you to thrive.

“This is President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to MSMEs in Nigeria, that we will continue to stand by you and to support you and to create opportunities for you to grow and prosper,” the Vice President said.

Adejoke Lasisi of Planet 3R Limited won the MSME of the Year Award while Kaduna State was awarded the Best MSME Clinic Support State. The winners got cash and car prizes.

The event was attended by several State Governors and their representatives, the FCT Minister Mallam Muhammed Bello, the Industry, Trade and Investment Minister of State Ambassador Mariam Katagum and various heads of MDAS and captains of industry.

POLICE PARADES 3 SUSPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH AKINYELE LGA KILLINGS, OTHER CRIMINALS.

Oyo State Police Command has on Friday paraded three persons arrested in connection with the killing of five residents of Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State and other criminals.

Five persons were murdered in six attacks on residents of Akinyele LGA in June, 2020.

Among those who were killed were an 18-year old teenager, Barakat Bello; a pregnant woman, Azeezat Shomuyiwa; 21-year-old student, Grace Oshiagwu, Olusayo Fagbemi and a five-year-old boy, identified as Mujeeb.

Another 45-year-old woman, Adeola Bamidele and her daughter, Dolapo Bamidele, were also attacked in a failed attempted murder in June.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, while parading the suspects at a press briefing in Ibadan on Friday, gave the names of the suspects as Sunday Sodipe, Adedokun Yinusa and Shehu Usman.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects included one hand shovel, one techno mobile phone, one iPhone Xmax and one Itel Phone.

Enwonwu stated;

The assailants troubling the settled water at Akinyele local government area and some suspected criminal elements carrying out defilement of minors and teenagers in the state have been arrested and will be showcased here today.

On 4th June 2020 at about 2230hrs, unknown hoodlums who have been terrorizing members of the public in Akinyele, Ojoo and Moniya areas of Ibadan invaded the residence of one Azisat Shomuyiwa F, a 29-year-old pregnant woman at Ijefun, Adisa community, Ojoo Area Ibadan.

The CP added;

Meanwhile after a discreet investigation by a team of SARS operatives, one Shehu Usman was arrested in connection with the crime and one Techno mobile phone belonging to the slain woman was recovered from him. Upon interrogation, the suspect denied his involvement in the crime but gave useful information which subsequently led to the arrest of one notorious hoodlum who identified himself as Sunday Shodipe.

The suspect confessed to have single handedly masterminded the crime and explained in detail how he invaded the victim’s residence where she brutally attacked, robbed her before she was later murdered in cold blood.

Enwonwu also disclosed that the police has also arrested five persons in connection with armed robbery and one Indian hemp dealer.

The Police Commissioner while speaking further added that six other suspects were arrested in connection with defilements of some residents of the state.

He added that four people were arrested in connection with attempted murder of one Oluwasayo Fagbemi and her daughter.

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN BRUTAL KILLING OF TECH ENTREPRENEUR AND CEO FAHIM SALEH.

After initial reports that slain tech CEO Fahim Saleh had been the target of a professional hit on Tuesday, New York City police Friday arrested the entrepreneur’s 21-year-old personal assistant, who was expected to be charged with murder.

KEY FACTS

Saleh’s personal assistant, Tyrese Devon Haspil, 21, was arrested early Friday morning and is expected to be charged with second degree murder, among other crimes.

Detectives believe Haspil killed Saleh after realizing that the assistant had stolen tens of thousands of dollars from the CEO.

Instead of reporting Haspil to the authorities after discovering the theft, Saleh reportedly offered his assistant a type of repayment plan to return the money.

Investigators believe that Saleh was stabbed to death on Monday, after being immobilized with a taser.

Police believe the killer returned to Saleh’s apartment on Tuesday to dismember the body and cover up the murder, but he was interrupted and forced to flee when Saleh’s sister, who found the body, buzzed up to the apartment.

KEY BACKGROUND

Fahim Saleh, 33, was a tech entrepreneur and CEO of ride sharing apps in Bangladesh and Nigeria. Gokada, a motorcycle ride-hailing app based in Lagos, Nigeria and co-founded by Saleh, reportedly raised $5.3M in venture capital in 2019. 

Culled from Forbes News.

Ex-NIMASA ED, AGBA GETS SEVEN-YEAR JAIL TERM, FOR LAUNDERING N1.5BN

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, to seven years in prison for laundering the sum of N1.5 billion.

Justice Ibrahim Buba handed down the sentence on Wednesday, after convicting the former NIMASA ED.

In 2015, the EFCC had alleged that the convict while serving as the ED in charge of Maritime, Safety and Shipping, fraudulently conspired with the then-Director General, Patrick Akpobolokemi, to obtain the huge sum by false pretence from the Federal Government after which it was fraudulently converted.

Details later.

COVID-19 UPDATE: OSUN DISCHARGED 11, RECORDS 17 NEW CASES.

The Government of the State of Osun has discharged 11 patients who have tested negative from its Treatment and Isolation Centre.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health,  Dr. Rafiu Isamotu on Monday.

This is even as he confirmed the discovery of 17 new cases in the State, saying they were contacts from previous cases.

The Commissioner appealed to citizens and residents of the State to always observe all the precautionary measures laid down by the State against the spread of the virus.

He also revealed that with the latest development, the number of confirmed cases in the State, as at July 13, is 263 with 135 active cases, adding that the State has successfully treated and discharged 121 patients, while seven deaths have so far been recorded.

IFEANYI, WIFE AND DAUGHTER TESTED NEGATIVE FOR COVID-19.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Wife and daughter tested negative for COVID-19.

The Governor took to his social media platforms to inform the populace about the development concerning the novel virus which the family is battling with.

"My wife, my daughter and I have tested negative for COVID 19, along with other members of the family. We give God all praise and wish to appreciate all who have interceded for us in prayers. I appeal to all residing in Delta to obey all instructions/ regulations in our collective fight to stop the transmission of the virus. God bless you all".

Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa

GOVERNOR OKOWA, WIFE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.

Not fewer than five days after Governor Arthur Okowa's daughter tested positive for COVID-19, his wife and him received the results of their tests to be positive.

He took to his Twitter handle this morning, to inform the populace of Delta State about the outcome of their results.

"My wife and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are well and continuing with our isolation/medication. We thank you all for your continued prayers for us and our daughter."

GOVERNOR OKOWA, FAMILY GOES INTO ISOLATION AS DAUGHTER TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

The Governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and his family will be going into isolation in accordance with the NCDC rules and regulations, as they received the report of daughter who tested positive for the virus. He took to his Twitter handle this morning to inform the populace about the new development.

"Earlier today, Edith and I received the news that one of our daughters has tested positive for COVID-19. Hence, in-line with the laid out procedures, we are both going into isolation for the next 14-days."

We will continue to keep you all updated.

OYO STATE COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede took to his Twitter handle at the early hours of Friday morning to inform the populae of Oyo State that the result of his COVID-19 test came positive.

The statements issued was as given below;

"I tested positive for COVID-19 and I want you to know that there's no cause for any panic as I'm very well, safe and sound without any symptoms/breakdown.

Before the test result came in, I had no inkling that I was going to test positive. This was because, despite the demands of the office I occupy, I have been careful since COVID-19 crept into our world — I took the test just like others and didn’t nurse any fear. I was asymptomatic, I still am, and I remain fearless.

I have immediately followed and adhered strictly to the directives of the Incident Management for the Oyo State Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. COVID-19 is not in anyway a death sentence — So, while I acknowledge my Principal, Governor Seyi Makinde, for the efforts he has put in place to tackle the pandemic, I want to further urge us all to continue to do everything to minimize the spread of this virus. I will remain in isolation till I fully recover, I will fight this, victoriously — please continue to comply with all the directives of the COVID-19 Task Force.

Stay safe!"

SECRETARIAT WILL REOPEN ON 20TH OF APRIL - GOV. SEYI MAKINDE

Gov. Seyi Makinde held a press briefing this evening immediately after a meeting of the Oyo State COVID-19 Taskforce held at the Govt House, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Governor made it known that the government is working on the passage of a law that would compel the use of face masks as part of measures to contain the spread of Corona virus in Oyo state

He stated that the modeling of the state epidemiologist will influence the next step to take regarding the curfew and re-opening of schools.

He added that the state is considering rapid and mass testing of residents within the shortest possible time, with efforts to create two additional testing centres which will follow the NCDC’s protocol.

The Governor commended the members of the Oyo State COVID-19 Taskforce for their hardwork, while stating that isolation process has been initiated for the two cases of COVID-19 confirmed yesterday with contact tracing and collection of samples.

He made it known that an arrangement has been made to decontaminate the Oyo State Secretariat between Monday, April 13th and Wednesday, April 15th in which the secretariat will be opened on Monday, April 20th.

He pointed out plans to also decontaminate communities and private organizations as the team in charge have sent letters to religious leaders, traditional rulers and private organizations.

Gov. Seyi Makinde also said that the government will roll out palliatives for in dire needs in the state within a week.

He made it known that the state will seek home grown solutions and also defer to experts' opinion.

The governor also used the opportunity to extend appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Oyo state to private and corporate donors who have donated to Oyo State COVID-19 Endowment Fund which has amounted to almost Two Hundred Million Naira. 

He appreciated all intending  donors, while calling for more supports and donations.

COVID-19: SENATOR FOLARIN PLANS N5 MILLION CASH, OTHER PALLIATIVES DISTRIBUTION.

The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin on Monday announced his plans to distribute N5 million cash and other palliatives to the people of his Senatorial District to cushion effects of the lockdown caused by the ongoing fight against spread of CoronaVirus .

Senator Folarin in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday stated that he has raised a two man committee to handle distribution of the palliatives including food items to the people of his Senatorial District while he will personally supervise the distribution of the N5million cash himself.

According to Senator Folarin in the statement, the palliative committee members are Mr Biliaminu Oyedele from Egbeda local government and Akeem Olatunji.

The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial district are to handle the distribution of the cash while committee will handle the distribution of food items worth millions of naira to the people across the 117 wards in his Senatorial District.

Senator Folarin added in the statement that special arrangements are in place for the 6 local governments from Ibadanland in the Oyo Central senatorial district .

The Senator stressed that his gesture was part of his efforts towards alleviating the sufferings of the people in his Senatorial district and the state at large in this trying period.

COVID-19: BUHARI APPROVES RECRUITMENT OF 774, 000 NIGERIANS

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, says President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the engagement of 774, 000 Nigerians on Special Public Works programme in the country to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Ahmed disclosed this at a press conference on fiscal stimulus measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic and oil prices fiscal shock, on Monday in Abuja.

She explained that 1, 000 people were expected to be recruited from each of the 774 local government areas in the country.

According to her, the sum of N60 billion for allowances and operational cost has been earmarked from the COVID-19 crisis intervention fund for the initiative.

She disclosed that President Buhari had previously approved a pilot special public works programme in eight states to be implemented by the National Directorate of Employment, NDE.

She added that Buhari had now approved that this programme be extended to all 36 States and the FCT from October to December 2020 and the selected time-frame was to ensure that it was implemented after the planting season.

The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is also evaluating how best to extend the Special Public Works Programme, to provide modest stipends for itinerant workers to undertake Roads Rehabilitation and Social Housing Construction.

Ahmed said: “And also Urban and Rural Sanitation, Health Extension and other critical services. This intervention will be undertaken in conjunction with the key federal ministries responsible for Agriculture, Environment, Health and Infrastructure, as well as the states, to financially empower individuals who lose their jobs due to the economic crisis.

“Mr. President has approved the establishment of a-N500 billion COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund. The establishment of the Fund will involve drawing much-needed cash resources from various Special Funds and Accounts, in consultation with and with the approval of the National Assembly.

The N500 billion is proposed to be utilized to upgrade healthcare facilities as earlier identified by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and approved by Mr. President.

“This will help to finance the Federal Government’s Interventions to support states in improving healthcare facilities, finance the creation of a Special Public Works programme and Fund any additional interventions that may be approved by Mr. President”.

The minister noted that although similar challenges were experienced in 2008/2009 as well as in 2015/2016, Nigeria had considerably lower fiscal buffers now than in previous economic downturns.

According to her, the decline in international oil prices and domestic production may be magnified if a severe outbreak of COVID-19 occurs, despite ongoing efforts to curtail the spread of the pandemic through compulsory lockdown of Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the FCT.

The minister said to directly address these health and economic challenges, the president approved the Fiscal Stimulus Package among others as part of an Integrated Policy Framework to ensure that Nigeria’s healthcare system, fiscal position and economy were sufficiently supported to weather these shocks.

Source: NAN

OYO STATE GOVERNOR, ENGR SEYI MAKINDE TESTED NEGATIVE TO COVID-19

The Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, FNSE took to his Twitter handle to announce the result of his test on Sunday evening, by 11:20p.m.

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.

Funke Akindele arrested for hosting party

Nollywood superstar, Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa, has been arrested for hosting a house party that defied Lagos State Government’s restriction orders.

It was gathered Akindele was arrested on Sunday for hosting the party on Saturday in honour of her husband, Abdul Rasheed Bello a.k.a. JJC Skillz, a singer.

The party, it was learnt, attracted more than the permissible number in line with the restriction order to contain COVID-19 pandemic.

Social media had been agog with a viral video of the party, which attracted star artistes such as Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley, among others.

Lagos Police spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest of the actress.

In a statement on Sunday evening, he said: “Attention of Lagos State Police Command was drawn to a viral video showing a large number of persons mainly in the entertainment industry in an Estate, along Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki axis, Lagos celebrating a birthday party organised by Funke Akindele Bello and her husband.

“Police detectives from the State CID Yaba were promptly drafted to the location.

“Funke Akindele was arrested. Investigation is ongoing, efforts are intensified to arrest the remaining persons in the video, among whom are Azeez Fashola a.k.a Naira Marley and Abdul Rasheed Bello a.k.a. JJC Skillz.

“They are in their best interests urged to report at the State CID Yaba on Monday 6th April, 2020 or risk being declared wanted.”

 Source: The Nation

OYO STATE STUDENTS TO ENJOY FREE INTERNET SERVICE.

This new development was disseminated on Saturday evening through her Oyo State Ministry of Education Twitter account @oysg_edu as written below.

Oyo State Government has commenced the provision of free internet services to the students of the state.

The Hon. Commissioner for Education, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, making the disclosure today in Ibadan, declared that the Ministry of Education had secured the partnership of AIRTEL to provide free internet services to access the materials already uploaded on to  Ministry website.

https://t.co/lHwRxaR6Vs. 

According to the Commissioner, each student will have free internet up to 500MB per day courtesy of Airtel Nigeria throughout the period of the lockdown. The Commissioner advised the students to make good use of this gesture.

Textbooks: https://t.co/N9Zn36b9Fm

Videos: https://t.co/6sRjXw0VpP

Oyo State Government takes Education on Air due to the Pandemic COVID-19.

The Oyo State Government has announced that the pandemic won't hinder the education of her students. This announcement was made through the state's Ministry of Information and Culture official Twitter page on Friday evening.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL SSS3 STUDENTS IN OYO STATE

The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) will commence School on  Air video and radio broadcast, for the Secondary School students in Oyo State.

In view of the prevailing situation of COVID-19, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has made an alternative structure for learning at home for all students, particularly SSS3 students who are at the verge of sitting for the WAEC and NECO.

Also, the students will be able to take advantage of e-library via the Ministry of Education website, https://t.co/3eDWvHxLjq  to access learning materials and videos prepared by  competent and experienced teachers.

All stakeholders (teachers, parents, guardians and students) are therefore called upon to assist the students at this critical time to take advantage of the Ministry of education e-library, self-assessment questions, e-school and also watch BCOS Television and Radio daily for the Educational broadcast.

Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye.

Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology.

Below is the timetable shared by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Ṣeun Fakorede @TheSeunFakorede on his Twitter account on Friday evening as well.

The importance of Social Capital amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 - Dr Chinonso Egbemba

Dr Chinonso Egbemba is a medical practitioner, who is popularly known as @aproko_doctor by his fans and followers on Social Media especially Twitter.

He took to his Twitter page to discuss the topic.

Below are his tweets concerning the topic.

At the beginning of this COVID19 pandemic in Nigeria, I mentioned 3 things that the infection will expose;

1. Quality of governance

2. Quality of Healthcare

3. Social capital

So far, we have seen the results gotten from the first 2, but I want to focus on social capital today.

Social capital is simply how we rally around one another in times of stress, not just all about money.

For example, when you are admitted in the hospital, do people rally around you to get you things, be company or generally support you. That is social capital.

With the COVID19 infection, we knew that we did not have the quality of care that was obtainable in countries like Germany, and many people did not trust the government.

We had only one thing left: Social Capital.

 

Private companies started to give their part, donations came in.

One organisation that caught my attention was CACOVID - The Coalition Against COVID19.

This is a connection between private individuals, the Federal Government, WHO and the NCDC to help reduce the burden of this virus on the healthcare system of Nigeria.

So far CACOVID is supporting the fight with hospital beds, Nigeria has a low hospital bed to people ration and they are starting with Lagos (1,000 beds), Kano (500 beds), Rivers (210 beds), Abuja (200 beds), Enugu (200 beds) and Borno (200 beds)

This will help us a great deal.

DANGERS OF USING TOILET-ROLL TO CLEAN YOUR ANUS.

NEVER USE A TOILET-ROLL AFTER YOU SHIT.
NEVER USE A TOILET-ROLL AFTER YOU SHIT.

Can tear your anus,
Waste of time/money,
Leaves your anus dirty and smelly,
Can give you urine infection,
Stains your pant/boxers with shit.
Toilet rolls are bad for your anus.

The real problem with a toilet roll is that it actually does NOT clean your anus properly. What a toilet roll does is to take off the top shit and smear the rest of the shit across your anus (and anus hair if you have some).
This left over shit can cause you medical problem.

So what’s the BEST way to clean your anus after you shit?
Use soap and water!
Washing your anus with soap and water after you shit remains the MOST EFFECTIVE way of cleaning.
If no soap (or time),
The next best way is to use water only.
If no soap and water, Use WET WIPES.

If you use toilet at work,
Or you may use a public toilet where getting soap and water may not be available, may waste time or the water may be too dirty, Use WET WIPES.
Wet wipes are your best bet in that situation. Always carry wet wipes in your bag or car.
That’s the advice.

SO WHY IS TOILET-ROLL VERY BAD FOR YOU?

1. Toilet roll if you use it too hard because you want to “clean well”, can cause tears in your anus (medically called anal fissures). This can cause you very serious pain when next you poo and open up your anus area up for infection.
2. Toilet roll if you use it softly because you don’t want to hurt your anus, will leave leftover shit in your anus area which would make you have a smelly dirty itchy bottom that stains your underwear.
This is why many of you are always itching your bumbum- but you don’t know.
3. For women if you use toilet roll and you wipe from back to front- you are at risk of introducing bacteria inside the shit into your vagina area and this can cause urine infections.
This is why after a while you notice you start to have lower tummy pain and pain when you pee.
4. So in conclusion,
Toilet rolls are a waste of time, waste of money and a health hazard for you if you use them after you shit.
They will cause you harm and they actually do a very poor job of cleaning your anus.
NEVER use TOILET-ROLLS after you shit.
They are bad for you.

There’s NOTHING posh about TOILET-ROLLS.
There’s NOTHING classy about TOILET-ROLLS. I’m emphasising this for those who have been blackmailed into thinking washing your anus with water after you shit is “ghetto” or not classy.
Using a TOILET-ROLL after you shit is the real ghetto.

Please after you shit:
Wash your anus with SOAP and WATER, if you can and if you have the means.
Or Wash with water alone
Or use WET WIPES - if in a hurry and there’s no soap or water.

Please NEVER use TOILET-ROLLS after you shit. You are harming yourself and wasting your money.

For more of this health tips, you can follow @DrOlufunmilayo on Twitter.