Thursday, December 31, 2020

NEW YEAR SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

1ST JANUARY 2021

My fellow countrymen and women,

First, I would like to thank and praise the Almighty who saw us through the year 2020 and has given us the opportunity to witness the start of another new year. We especially thank God because the year 2020 was one of the most trying years since our existence as a Nation.

2. This can also be said about all other nations around the world, due to the challenges posed on our collective humanity by the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

3. While acknowledging that 2020 was a very tough year, we saw this year put to test our national resilience and ability to survive these tough times and also gave renewed hope that we will again brave any storms that lay ahead in 2021 and beyond.

4. As we celebrate the opportunity before us in this New Year 2021, we must also acknowledge the passing away of our brothers and sisters who didn’t make it into this New Year. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

5. We must remember that we also celebrated the historic occasion of our sixty years as an independent and sovereign country on October 1st 2020. In the spirit of hope and gratitude, I would like to remind us again that as a country on the difficult journey to nationhood and greatness, we have confounded the many pundits at home and around the world who never gave the newly-born country that emerged unto the world stage on 1st October 1960 a chance of surviving much longer than a few years.

6. Yet, here we are, 61 years by the next anniversary in October, and not only are we here, we are standing tall in the comity of nations as one country united under the will of God and also actively growing that indivisible Nigerian spirit that has enabled us, year after year, decade after decade, to weather all stormy waters and emerge stronger and better where others have fallen and disintegrated. This nation, this Nigeria will survive and thrive.

7. In this journey to nationhood, we have experienced the highs and lows. 2020 indeed came with a lot of challenges ranging from security and economic issues across the regions to understandable protests that were mainly led by our youths and served notice to the demand for police reforms and accountability. This government heard, this government listened and this government is committed to fulfilling the five demands of our youths, fully understanding that we all wish well for Nigeria.

8. In the midst of all these challenges, I had initially pledged that as your elected President and Commander-in-Chief, I would ensure that these ongoing challenges will be faced head-on with renewed determination and with all the appropriateness and urgency required. Your voices have been heard and we would continue to listen to you, and all the key stakeholders who are committed to the unity of Nigeria to ensure that every region of this nation is safe for us all, while guaranteeing that the future is also secure for the coming generation.

9. I wish to also use this occasion of New Year to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Nigeria, especially the youth who need our collective encouragement and support. In securing this nation we need to secure the future of our youth.

10. Our young people are our most valuable natural resource, at home and abroad. Their ingenuity, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit is evident to all. Many of our young people are excelling in various spheres of life including sports, entertainment, information and communication technology, commerce and are globally recognized as achievers.

11. As a Government we are committed to actively engaging with the creative energies of our young people. In this regard, we will partner with the legislature to develop an enabling environment to turn their passions into ideas that can be supported, groomed and scaled across regions. This will create vast opportunities in fintech, agriculture, business process startups and in the entertainment industry.

12. The year 2021 will indeed be a year where we will work to reinforce the hopes of fellow Nigerians in the vision of a united and progressive Nigeria. This administration would continue focusing on delivering key strategic priorities under our “SEA” – (Security, Economy and Anti-Corruption) Agenda. Some of the key priority areas we would direct our attention and strengths to include:

ON THE SECURITY:

13. Re-energizing and reorganizing the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police with a view to enhance their capacity to engage, push back and dismantle the operations of both internal and external extremist and criminal groups waging war against our communities in some parts of the country.

14. In line with the current security challenges, we are facing as a Nation, I would like to reiterate the promise I made recently when over 300 of our boys abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara were successfully rescued by our security operatives.

15. The professionalism shown by our Security Forces and the collaboration from all stakeholders across both State and Federal Governments that led to the successful rescue of the boys is proof that Nigeria has the internal capacity to decisively deal with terror attacks on our citizens.

16. However, we recognize that we rapidly have to move to a more proactive and preemptive posture to ensure that these sorts of traumatic incidents do not become a norm. Our administration is fully aware of the responsibility we have to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and we will not relent in learning and adapting to changing threats to our national security and civic wellbeing.

ON THE ECONOMY:

17. Our focus is on revamping the economy through the national economic diversification agenda that supports the primary goal of national food self-sufficiency. This has helped reduce the growing food related inflationary figures and have in considerable measure positively impacted our food security status during the long months of the pandemic lock down.

18. We are also currently rebuilding our national infrastructure base and, in the process, introducing transformation through the rehabilitation, modernization, and expansion of the railway system, national roads and bridges both in rural and urban centres, alongside the airports and seaports.

19. The reforms we have put in place in the power sector would guarantee increased efficiency in our drive to significantly expand the generation and distribution of electricity for use in homes and factories.

20. As an administration we are currently undertaking a series of special interventions designed to boost job creation and support the entrepreneurial drive of our youths.

21. With the recent opening of our borders, we expect that the pent-up demand of legitimate cross-border and international trade will boost the fortunes of the many small businesses and agricultural enterprises that depend on Nigeria’s trade and commerce.

22. The message to our West African neighbours is that Nigeria is once again fully open for those willing to conduct business in a fair and equitable way.

ANTI-CORRUPTION:

23. On the anti-corruption drive of our administration, we have recorded substantial gains so far and this year, we are committed to continuing along the path of eradicating corruption, through collaboration with all the arms of Government to effectively prosecute this fight.

24. While we would be working with the Legislature to enact laws that would strengthen this fight, we would also be looking at reviewing some of our laws which would ensure that this fight is more effective. On the part of the executive, we would ensure the diligent and timely prosecution of corruption cases, while appealing to the judiciary to ensure that corruption cases are dispensed with expeditiously.

25. The persistence of various forms of violence has meant that in the most affected parts of the country, the fabric of inter-communal harmony woven through years of investment of effort at building trust, mutual respect, and harmony has been threatened.

26. Insecurity as a challenge has direct repercussions on our national economic stability, growth, and development, setting us back at critical points through the destruction of public and private investments.

27. In parts of the country where chronic poverty, social exclusion, and disillusionment among sections of the youth were already a problem, the cycles of violence that have been unleashed by mindless groups like Boko Haram and others have thwarted the efforts of government to undertake the social policy and associated investments that could make a huge difference in the quality of life of our citizens.

28. I am aware that for some of our compatriots, the progress we have registered since the inception of this administration is not nearly as fast or as sufficient as they would wish. I do not begrudge them their views in so far as they signify a wish, in which we all share, for only the very best for our country.

29. Nevertheless, I call upon all Nigerians to carefully recall the circumstances of our coming to office, the facts on the ground and the resources at our disposal since 2015 with the accomplishments of this administration.

30. As a people, we have shown admirable resilience in the face of every adversity, an unmatched capacity to recover speedily from every setback, an unparalleled generosity of spirit when we resolve our differences, and a constant readiness to invest faith and hope in the destiny we share as a united country built on the diversity of its peoples.

31. It is these attributes that underpin the Nigerian spirit of “can do, will do” that gives me hope that we shall yet get to destination and fulfill our calling together, especially with the solid resolutions we are setting in this new year.

32. Keeping our country on a forward march is a duty which we all have and share. In this regard, keeping our country safe from a resurgent cycle of COVID-19 as this administration finalizes its plans to procure and efficiently and effectively distribute the COVID-19 vaccines, I urge you all fellow citizens to observe strict COVID-19 prevention protocols.

33. As your elected President, my pledge to you is the same as it has always been; I will play my part fully and without fear or favour. I invite all of us to do the same. It is what we owe to the founding generation of our beloved country and also to the coming generation. It is what we desire for national prosperity for all demands.

34. Long Live the Nigerian spirit of oneness, togetherness, and unity. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Woman delivered of baby from three-year-old pregnancy recalls 12-year battle with barrenness

Hers was a case of jumping from frying pan into fire. For 12 years after her marriage to Mr Isaac Audu, Mrs Gloria Audu and her husband searched unsuccessfully for the fruit of the womb until she got pregnant in October, 2017.

But just when they thought that they had triumphed over barrenness, another round of battle began as Gloria had to carry her pregnancy for more than three years before she was delivered of a baby last month.

Gloria and her husband share a lot in common. They are both of the Migili tribe in Obi Local Government area, Nasarawa State. Both of them are also primary school teachers in Keffi, Nasarawa State, where they live.

They had fallen in love as students of College of Agriculture Lafia; a relationship that culminated in marriage after they graduated from the school.

Gloria recalled the intense pressure she and her husband came under from both families in the 12 years she stayed without getting pregnant, saying that it was a miracle that their marriage survived the pressure.

The proud 40-year-old mother of a bouncing baby boy said: “I battled with infertility for quite a long time. It was much more a problem for me during the period than it was for my husband because he underwent fertility tests and the results showed that everything about him was normal.

“I know that most men are heartbroken and are not happy with their wives when they cannot conceive, but that wasn’t my experience because my husband loves me and wants me to be happy. Yet, my failure to conceive made me feel like I was not functioning as a woman

“When I got married after about three years of courtship, I thought pregnancy would happen straightaway as I was only about 28 years. It happened for all my friends without any concern and infertility should only be a problem with older people

“I felt guilt and anger every day having to wait for so long to get pregnant. I also felt angry with my husband for always asking me to wait for God’s time when we could have adopted a baby.

“On a number of occasions, I went to the hospital to carry out some tests but the results kept saying normal; that I only had fibroid which doctor said was not big enough to stop me from taking in.

“However, it was not long before the excitement of marriage turned into disappointment with tests after tests coming back negative.

“Initially, my cycle was irregular, so my period would come when I would least expect it. To me, this was a constant reminder of my failure to conceive.

“It was devastating. I cried many nights in my husband arms. I felt that as a woman, I was not functioning as I should.

“My husband reminded me that we were in it together, but that did little to comfort me as I started becoming resentful of others who got pregnant so easily.

“It became difficult for me to behold the pregnant women in the community, and

every baby I met was a reminder of what I wanted but didn’t have.

“I even found myself not wanting to socialise with my friends who had children, or attending functions where pregnant relatives or friends would be discussing the imminent arrival of their bundles of joy.

“The once outgoing, full of life lady which I was became one that was questioning every move she made in case it would reduce my chances of conceiving. I even started to refuse nights out in case people would ask why I wasn’t having an outing with my husband.

“I confided in some close friends, and Iam so grateful to those that have been very supportive. Others wouldn’t bring up the subject at all, most likely for fear of not knowing what to say. However, saying nothing made me feel even worse.

“I eventually knew something had to change. I couldn’t continue to live my life like that, but I didn’t know what to do.

“After about six years of my marriage, I started wearing my mask. My mask was my brave face; the invisible shield I wore when I left the comfort of my home.

“It allowed me to smile at others and congratulate them on their great pregnancy news. It allowed me to laugh off the big question, ‘when are you going to have a baby?’ It helped me to go to work and do my job.

“However, my mask would always come off when I got home, and tears of disappointment and frustration, the feeling of loneliness and isolation and confusion as to why this still hadn’t happen for us would take over.

“I was lucky that my husband and I have a solid relationship. However, we were suffering in silence, and it felt like we were carrying a great big secrete that no one understood.

“About four years ago, during an appointment in the hospital, I asked a question about fertility treatment and I was advised to go to a fertility clinic as they were the specialists. This was a real eye-opener for me.

“I also struggled to have a baby out of envy, especially when I saw other mothers carrying their babies. I felt we deserved the chance to become parents too because we are good people.

“But it never came and I continued to have my mask and go about my day to day life with the hope that someday, our dream of having a baby would come true.”

Asked how she felt the first time she realised that she was pregnant, she said: “When I first took in, I knew that I was pregnant with signs and test that confirmed that I was.

“Three months later, I went to the hospital for another test, but the result showed that I only had fibroid and not pregnancy. Subsequently, I began to experience bleeding at least once a day. Sometimes, my tummy would protrude in the semblance of pregnancy.

“I went to different hospitals but kept receiving the same result that nothing was wrong with me. But deep down in me, I knew that all was not well.”

She told our correspondent that she was taken aback when a middle aged woman in their church told her that she was pregnant.

She said: “Based on the tests that showed I had fibroid, I was angry with the woman for giving me false hope. Thereafter, I started going from one church to another and from one native doctor to another, but the result that I got from them was the same. I became so confused that I prayed for death to come

“I went again to the middle aged woman about one and a half years later and complained to her about the pains that I was going through. She told me again that I was pregnant. She prayed with me and advised me to be more prayerful so that God would deliver me from the hands of the devil.

“While I kept praying, I was also asking myself why the baby was not kicking if truly I was pregnant.

“I bought a lot of herbs based on advice from many people that they would cure the fibroid. I took a lot of local cleansers but to no avail and this went on for almost two years. This whole saga lasted for almost four years. Then God took pity on me and decided to wipe away my tears on the first day of November 2020.”

Recalling that she gave birth to a baby boy on that fateful day, she said: “Initially, I thought it was worms that were trying to come out of my body. I did not believe that it was a baby. That was what I told the middle age woman when she came to assist me at the hospital after praying for me and helping to examine and encourage me.

“I was in deep pains, so I ignored her advice that I should push. I later became unconscious for about 27 minutes. When I regained consciousness, I heard the cry of a baby. I was surprised and confused seeing my baby. I couldn’t believe my eyes. But I thank God for my life and that of my baby.”

Her husband, Isaac, told our correspondent on the phone that he and Gloria had been together as husband and wife for about 12 years.

He said: “We met in the collage and dated for about three years before we tied the nuptials knot and decided to throw away the birth control pills. It felt so incredible daring to do so particularly because both of us were young and we were both just graduating from the school.

“We knew it might take a few months to get pregnant and we figured it was best to start early. Little did we know that it would take much longer than a few months.

“I can’t even tell you how many tests we ran during the period. But thank God it finally came after 12 years.

“Within the waiting period, a lot of people told me stories. Some even suggested that I should quit the marriage for a fresh one. But today, God has answered my prayers. So I thank God, and that is all I can say.”

Lagos State Government Seals Queens Park Event Centre, Oniru for Contravening COVID-19 Protocols

Lagos State Government Seals Queens Park Event Centre, Oniru for Contravening COVID-19 Protocols.

... revokes operating license.

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture has revoked the license of Queens Park Event Centre, Oniru as the Lagos State Safety Commission also sealed the facility for contravening the COVID-19 protocols of the State.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf said the step to withdraw the license was taken in the best interest of the State and implored other event centres and venue owners to comply with the Government's laid down directives otherwise risk loosing their chances of doing business in Lagos. She reiterated that the fight against the virus can only be successful if we all follow the laid down public health and safety protocols.

The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola said it became necessary to take such steps following an event that was held at the venue on the 26th of December that contravened all safety protocols laid down by the State. He also sounded a stern warning to all other event centers and venue owners that flout safety protocols in the State, that it is not business as usual. As such, they should either fall in line with the State's protocols or risk losing their license to operate in the State. He further stated that the Commission has begun a legal process against some recalcitrant business owners who removed the government seal and continued operations.

He further stated that mass gatherings at restaurants, bars, cafes and public places without observing necessary safety guidelines will increase the spread of the virus and therefore urged the public to maintain and observe all the necessary safety precautions.

Finally, he sounded a note of warning to all Night Clubs, Bars and Lounges operating against the States established safety protocol, that the State maintains zero tolerance towards those that do not abide by the regulations. He maintained that people must take responsibility and urged all and sundry to co-operate with the government to effectively curtail the spread of the virus which is still very much with us.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

RRS PATROLS IKORODU, INJECTS MORE POLICE TEAMS TO COMBAT CRIME

In continuation of police reassurance building patrol of the state, the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Yinka Egbeyemi today led a team of policemen to Ikorodu.

The team, apart from visiting communities where robbers had reportedly announced their visit via posters and requested community members to co – operate with them, also toured Sabo, Eruwen, Ijede Road, Sagamu Road, e.t.c

CSP Egbeyemi thereafter directed the injection of additional patrol vehicles to reinforce the presence of RRS patrol teams while the Decoy Team of the squad complement the efforts of the patrol teams.

Most of the residents of the communities expressed appreciation for the team visit while assuring the Commander of their preparedness to assist the police in reducing crime in Ikorodu.

SANWO-OLU SHARES COVID-19 EXPERIENCE, AS GOVERNOR TESTS NEGATIVE TO VIRUS

•Governor Says Virus’ Second Wave Is Proving More Dangerous, Cancels Night Events At Worship Centres

•Face Mask Now Mandatory for Visitors Entering Public, Private Establishments In Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has gotten a clean bill of health; he has been certified free of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Governor, on Thursday afternoon, cheerfully walked out after 14 days in self-isolation, expressing his gratitude to all citizens for their prayers and wishes throughout the period of his public absence.

Sanwo-Olu shared experience of his personal battle against the dreaded virus in a briefing held at the State House, Marina.

He said: “COVID-19 is real”, apparently cautioning those still in doubt of the outbreak of the pandemic.

The Governor, on December 11, went into self-isolation after an exposure to an infected aide. His test result came back positive, the day after.

Sanwo-Olu, however, said he was fortunate to have had a relatively moderate experience in the course of his infection, but added that he experienced most of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, including cough, fatigue and loss of smell.

The Governor expressed concern about the new surge in the rate of infection, disclosing that Lagos was now recording 18 per cent in positive results from daily testing. He appealed to the residents to join in the effort to tame the virus by strictly adhering to the public health guidelines issued by the State Government.

The Governor said the second wave of the virus spread was proving to be more ambitious and dangerous than the first period of outbreak, urging the people to protect themselves and loved ones from the harshness of the virus.

He said: “Fellow Lagosians, let me sound this note of warning again, as I have done from the onset of this pandemic, COVID-19 is real. It is here with us, and it is not a respecter of anyone, or of social class, religious belief, or partisan affiliation. Not only is the virus here with us, this second wave we are currently seeing is proving to be more ambitious than the first wave.

“We are seeing infection figures that are surpassing what we saw at the peak of the first wave, and, just like then, Lagos remains the epicentre. As a densely-populated city, and a centre of international trade and commerce, this is not surprising in any way. But, it is also the reason we need to exercise an abundance of caution in this period.”

The Governor stressed that the State Government was not resting on its oars to halt the second wave of the pandemic, disclosing that the State had started to raise the capacity of its isolation centres and General Hospitals by installing Oxygen Kiosks, which are needed for treatment of COVID-19 patients with compromised respiratory tracts.

Sanwo-Olu said six Oxygen Kiosks out of the ten proposed in the first phase would be unveiled next week.

The Governor restated that the emergency required to tame the second wave of the virus would not permit public gatherings and crowding, especially in Yuletide when religious centres would be holding services and vigils.

He directed worship to suspended all night services, including vigils and crossover events, noting that the Federal Government-imposed curfew between midnight and 4am would be enforced.

He said: “All over the world, Christmas period is associated with gathering, merriment and traveling, which all, sadly, contribute to the spread of the virus. We must now seek to minimise as much of these activities as we can, at this time. Let this Christmas be a period of sober reflection.

“The quicker we are able to tame this raging virus, through responsible behaviour, the higher the likelihood that we will enjoy a 2021 that is not as restrictive and challenging as 2020. By acting responsibly, we are not doing only ourselves a favour, we are doing other people a favour as well, especially those among us who are elderly or medically vulnerable.”

As part of the measures to curtail COVID-19 spread, Sanwo-Olu strongly advised residents to cancel all non-essential travels, regardless of destinations.

The Governor directed all in-bound international passengers arriving into the country through Lagos must subject themselves to COVID-19 test on seventh day of their arrival. All business and social establishments in Lagos, the Governor ordered, must strictly enforce “No Mask, No Entry” policy.

Sanwo-Olu said there was no justification for socialising in the period of public health crisis without exercising caution, warning those who are bent on flouting the State’s regulations that the Government would bring the weight of the laws on them.

The Governor thanked frontline workers and medical personnel who attended to him during his period of isolation, saying: “I received very dedicated and competent care from the Lagos State COVID-19 Treatment Team, and I am extremely proud of the work they do.”

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

COVID-19: Gov Abiodun suspends carnivals, cross-over gatherings

…orders workers to stay at home till January 4

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for restraint in celebrations during the Christmas and New Year festivities as he announced the suspension of street carnivals, crowded cross-over night service, parties and similar gatherings in the Stat, amidst an increase in COVID-19 infections across the nation.

The governor on Wednesday also directed all civil servants and other government workers in the State to proceed on Christmas and New Year holiday from Thursday, December 24.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kunle Somorin, the directives were issued on Wednesday after a meeting between the state government and religious leaders from the League of Imams and the Christian Association of Nigeria as well as community leaders as part of the measures and guidelines for public health as the state prepares for a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor directed that all Schools in the State are to remain closed until January 18, 2021, while all bars, nightclubs, pubs and event centres, recreational centres in the state have also been closed down indefinitely.

The Governor further directed that the all markets are to open strictly between 8am and 4pm while maintaining social distancing and observing all COVID-19 protocols, including the use of face mask, provision of hand sanitizer and/or hand-washing equipment at every strategic point within their malls, shops, business premises etc.

Gov Abiodun further directed that religious and worship centres should not exceed 50 per cent of their capacity. All services must also be in compliance with all COVID-19 protocols.

In order to stem, the spread of the second wave of the disease, Gov. Abiodun advised that “there should be no gatherings of more than 50 people at any event or ceremonies, such as conferences, congresses, office events, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, cross-over nights, end of year parties, weddings, naming, birthdays, anniversaries, street carnivals, etc until further notice”.

He also called on motorcycle (okada), tricycle, bus, car, taxi and other transport operators to not to carry passengers above 50 percent of their capacity, in compliance with social distancing rules.

While urging citizens to celebrate in moderation, Gov. Abiodun wished the people a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2021, saying they should take personal responsibilities and stay within their residences and not embark on travels within and outside the State to ensure they neither transmit nor contract the virus.

For religious centres, the League of Imams and the Christian leaders adopted the earlier positions taken in the wake of COVID-19 earlier in the year such as:

1. All worship activities must be observed by not more than 50percent of capacity

2. All congregants must wear their face masks appropriately (that is, No facemask, No entry)

3. There should be reliable sources of running water

4. Worship centres should be adequately cleaned and disinfected before and after services

5. Household bleach solution should be adequately prepared for disinfectations

6. There should be adequate provision and supervision of multiple Veronica Buckets for handwashing (fully automated handwashing machines are preferable)

7. There should be provision of alcohol-based sanitiser which must be used before and at intervals of every 20 minutes as well as after service

8. Worship centre should provide adequate toilet facilities with water

9. It is paramount for Muslims to perform ablution at home and go to Mosque with their personal praying mats

10. Qualified Medical Practitioners or trained personnels should check the temperature of worshippers with infrared thermometer before allowing them to enter worship centres

11..There should be adequate medical support for sick persons

12. All services on Friday/Sunday and other week days must adhere strictly to COVID-19 Guidelines

13. There should be pre-designated standing position/sitting points to ensure not less than 2 meter distancing

14. The duration of religious services should not be more than one hour. In addition, same duration must be observed at intervals, where there are multiple services

15. The use of Air-conditioners should be discouraged while worship centres should be well ventilated with the use of fans

16. There should not be any handshake/hugs by worshippers

17. Proper awareness of the susceptibility of the aged and people with signs of ill-health should be adequately created among worshippers at all times

18. Constant sensitisation of COVID-19 and its dangers should be included in sermon and goodwill messages

19. Provision of isolation rooms is mandatory in all worship centres or facilities

20. Religious services and events should be recorded with digital camera for record purposes

21. Government will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions (including, but not limited to lockdown) on any Worship Centre that fails to comply with the laid down guidelines

22. No social gathering should exceed 50 people while 2 meters social distancing must be observed in such gatherings

23..Disposable elements should be used during Holy Communion instead of sharing cups

COVID-19: SANWO-OLU BANS CONCERTS, STREET PARTIES, NIGHT CLUBS OVER RISE IN CASES

...Says Lagos Cannot Afford To Relax Battle Against Coronavirus

...Governor Directs Civil Servants From Grade Level 14 Below To Work From Home

Following the second wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria and increase in number of coronavirus cases in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has banned carnivals, concerts and street parties in the State until further notice.

The Governor also returned the order restricting the operations of churches and mosques in the State, adding that no gathering must exceed 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the venue.

He also directed all public servants from Grade Level 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, to work from home for the next 14 days starting from next week Monday in the first instance.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a personal letter to Lagosians issued on Friday after a virtual Executive Council meeting on issues around the resurgence of COVID-19 and how to tackle it said Lagos State cannot afford to relax the battle against COVID-19 and therefore appealed that it should be tackled as serious matter.

Speaking about the present state of his health, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who tested positive to COVID-19 last week, said “Regarding my health, I am glad to inform you that I am getting better by the day, and all will surely be well. I thank Lagosians for their prayers and overwhelming kind thoughts. I am, indeed, very grateful.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who advised Lagosians to use the festive season to spend quality time in small but controlled gatherings with family and friends in the spirit of the season, warned that the State Government will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any person or organisation caught breaching public health regulations and protocols with regards to the Coronavirus disease.

He said: “The Lagos State Government is now sounding a clear note of caution to all residents on the importance of maintaining the guidelines that we have put in place to protect us from the ravages of COVID-19. We cannot afford a reversal of the gains we have made against this pandemic.

“The following measures must be noted and complied with: All public servants from GL 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, are to work from home as from Monday, December 21st for the next 14 days – in the first instance. All schools must shut down with immediate effect, and until further notice.

“Concerts, carnivals and street parties are banned in Lagos State until further notice. Night clubs have not been allowed to open yet. All night clubs in Lagos must immediately shut down, until further notice. The midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government remains in place.

“The protocol of ‘No Mask No Entry’ must be enforced by all public places: Offices, Businesses, Markets, Shops, and so on. Hand sanitizers or hand washing units are to be positioned at the entry point and various spots.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that: “All places of worship (Churches, Mosques, etc.) must ensure that no gathering exceeds two hours and also that no gathering exceeds 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the venue.

“Health, Safety and Environment Officers must be present at all public gatherings (religious or social) and must be trained in basic first aid procedures.

“The Safety Commission has been directed to visit event centres and gauge compliance with the established guidelines, to stop the virus from spreading. If there is evidence of lack of compliance at any Event Centre, it will be shut down immediately.

“Security agents have been mandated to ensure full enforcement, without exception. No one will be deemed to be above the law. Any and all breaches of these regulations and public health protocols will lead to immediate closure as well as attract heavy fines, and any other sanctions and penalties deemed fit, in line with the Lagos State Infectious Diseases Control Regulation 2020.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu while advising Lagosians to step up the battle against COVID-19, especially during the festival seasons, said: “Christmas is a commemoration of this supreme act of sacrifice by God. The least we can do in this Season is to emulate that spirit of sacrifice, by abiding with difficult but necessary protective guidelines, for the greater good of all of us.

“This is certainly not the time to lower our guard against the Coronavirus; it is instead time to step up our battle against this stubborn virus that has gripped the world for several months now.”

“Dear Lagosians, you will all agree with me that we cannot afford another lockdown of the economy. Amidst an economic recession we must find a way to delicately balance the imperatives of life and livelihood. With this in mind, the only solution available to us is to take responsibility for all our actions, and to understand that we must stay safe not only for ourselves but for the sake of the entire society.

“The Lagos State Government is now sounding a clear note of caution to all residents on the importance of maintaining the guidelines that we have put in place to protect us from the ravages of COVID-19. We cannot afford a reversal of the gains we have made against this pandemic.

“Fellow Lagosians, Let us take responsibility for the welfare and safety of all while we enjoy the festive season with friends and families. It is important that as a community we strictly abide by the regulations in the context of a global pandemic, without prejudicing our efforts to keep the economy running and maintain our means of livelihood to a sufficient extent.”

10 PERSONS ARRESTED FOR ATTACKING LAGOS TASKFORCE OFFICERS, AS GOVT IMPOUNDS 96 COMMERCIAL MOTORCYCLES

...Four Private Cars Confiscated for Driving Against Traffic

Ten persons have been arrested for attacking the men of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency (Taskforce) during an enforcement of the State’s traffic laws on Tuesday.

The suspects were picked up in the commotion that broke out in Ojodu and Obanikoro during the enforcement carried out by the Taskforce in several areas in Lagos.

No fewer than 96 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, operating on highways and in other restricted routes in the metropolis, were impounded in the Tuesday operation.

Also, four motorists driving against the traffic were arrested by the Anti-One Way team of the Taskforce.

It was gathered that some hoodlums teamed up with Okada riders around Ojodu Grammar School to resist the move by the Taskforce to take away motorcycles seized during the enforcement.

As the hoodlums, armed with iron rods and broken bottles, approached the Taskforce operatives, the policemen, led by the Taskforce chairman, Shola Jejeloye, a Superintendent of Police (SP), repelled the attack, and dispersed the mobsters.

Passersby and residents scampered for safety, as the Taskforce operatives chased the hoodlums. Five suspects were arrested.

There was tension in the area for several minutes, before normalcy returned. The Taskforce officers remained in the area for hours in a bid to ensure there was no reprisal on residents.

Also at Obanikoro, Okada riders, on sighting the enforcement team, pelted the Taskforce officers with stones. The policemen arrested four persons who took part in the attack. One person was arrested in Ojota.

Jejeloye said the Taskforce would not relent in its activities to restore sanity back on the roads. He warned commercial motorcycles illegally operating on restricted routes to stop defying the Government’s restriction order, advising them to limit their activities to roads they are permitted to operate.

He said: “We are not surprised about the attack on us by some hoodlums in Obanikoro and Ojodu for carrying out the mandate given to this team by the Lagos State Government. But, this will never deter us from extending the enforcement to other areas of the States where notorious road users and Okada riders have constituted nuisance.

“We are not after the commercial motorcycles operating in areas where their activities are permitted; we are after those breaking the restriction order and motorists who flout the State’s traffic laws. This is not the first time our men would be attacked, but we will not relent in carrying out the enforcement. Ten of those who attacked us were arrested and they will be duly charged.”

The Taskforce chairman maintained that the agency team would work round the clock during Yuletide to carry out the enforcement, warning offenders to desist from flouting the State’s traffic laws.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

LAGOS POLICE FOIL TRAFFIC ROBBERY, NAB SUSPECTED CULTISTS

The operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Friday 18th December, 2020, arrested two suspected Awawa cult members in Oko-koto, Agege, hours after foiling a traffic robbery around Otedola Bridge on Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.

The suspects, Rasak Babatunde, m, 22 year-old mechanic and Idowu Wasiu, m, 16-year-old tailor, were arrested at their hideout.

In compliance with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, the raid on suspected hideouts and black spots across the state, particularly in Agege and its environs, was part of the proactive strategies to minimize crime in Lagos State.

Some of the areas raided included Isokoko, Oke-Koto, Abattoir, Dopemu, Elere, Oniwaya and Pen Cinema, all in Agege.

In the same vein, a team of the Rapid Response Squad led by CSP Yinka Egbeyemi, Commader RRS, had foiled traffic robbery on Friday 18th December, 2020. The team ran into the suspected armed robbers around 11:00 p.m. at Otedola Bridge inward Ojota. The robbers hurridly abandoned their motorcycle, with Registration Number, NND 268 WZ, a toy gun and some dangerous weapons.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, has ordered for immediate investigation of the suspects while reiterating his commitment to get Lagos State rid of criminals and hoodlums. CP Hakeem Odumosu also admonished members of the public to be sensitive to their environment and be alive to their civic responsibility towards maintenance of law and order and public safety of the state.

SP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI(mnipr)

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

LAGOS STATE COMMAND

DATED 20TH DEC. 2020.

Saturday, December 19, 2020

920 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;

Lagos-308

FCT-207

Kaduna-179

Plateau-46

Niger-43

Adamawa-26

Sokoto-18

Rivers-16

Yobe-15

Enugu-13

Kano-13

Ogun-12

Delta-10

Edo-5

Osun-3

Oyo-3

Anambra-2

Ekiti-1

77,933 confirmed

67,784 discharged

1,218 deaths

Thursday, December 17, 2020

REPS call for the suspension of the planned 774,000 job by NDE

The House of Representatives at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday urged the Federal government to halt the take-off of the 774,000 special works programme scheduled to commence in January 2021.

The decision was taken after delibration on a motion of urgent Public importance sponsored by Mr Olajide Olatubonsun who expressed concern that most Nigerians that have submitted their names to the NDE offices in their respective states have been unjustly excluded from the programme which the Minister of State for labour announced will start on January 5, 2021.

Olatunbosun further expressed Worry a bad precedence would have set if the programme is allowed to go ahead without following due process.

Contributing to the debate, Honorable Onofiok Luke said the decision of government to sack the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mohammed ladan Argungu was ill advised, expecially when the DG stood for the right thing to be done to ensure that the programme succeeds.

Luke also called for the reinstatement of the sacked director general with immediate effect as well as the suspension of the programme until adequate consultation is concluded.

LASG DIRECTS SCHOOLS TO VACATE ON FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2020

The Lagos State Government has directed public and private schools in the State to vacate on Friday, 18th December 2020, as the Y2020/2021 first term academic session comes to an end.

A statement released by the Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, said, “the Y2020/2021 First (1st) term academic session for public and private schools comes to an end on Friday, 18th December 2020. Therefore, all public and private schools below tertiary level in the State should close for the Christmas and New Year holiday on that day. Schools are to resume on Monday, 4th January 2021, in compliance with the Lagos State harmonised academic calendar”.

Mrs. Seriki-Ayeni noted that boarding house students are expected back in school on Sunday, 3rd January 2021, while academic activities will commence immediately.

The Director-General urged all schools to ensure that their operational, academic, health and safety, as well as data and communication plans, are uploaded onto the Office of Education and Quality Assurance website: www.oeqalagos.com as they complete the online registration process.

She also advised parents to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols at home while maintaining that all school proprietors and administrators must ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines when schools resume for the 2nd term on Monday, 4th January 2021.

LASU’S BEST GRADUATING STUDENT GETS SANWO-OLU’S N5 MILLION CASH PRIZE, POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

• Governor Offers Automatic Employment To Valedictorian, Gifts N5 Million Cash Reward To Best Master’s Student

• Lagos To Establish Artificial Intelligence Centres To Teach Tech-Driven Manufacturing Education - Sanwo-Olu

For finishing with the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.95 on a scale of 5.0, Oladimeji Shotunde, the best graduating student of the Lagos State University (LASU), has won a post-graduate scholarship to any university in the world and a N5 million cash prize.

All thanks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who rewarded the excellence attained by the valedictorian at the 24th convocation of the university.

Shotunde, a 22-year-old, who finished from the Department of Business Administration in the Faculty of Management Science, also got an offer of automatic employment into the State’s public service.

Besides, the Governor awarded a cash prize of N5 million to the Best Master’s Degree student of the school, Sola Olabanjo, who finished his Master’s Degree in Computer Science with the Grade Point of 5.0.

Sanwo-Olu, who is still on self-isolation after contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19), joined the event virtually from the State House, Marina. He is the Visitor to the University.

The Governor said Shotunde’s record-breaking feat had set a new academic standard for the school, stressing that cash reward was his personal effort at promoting academic excellence and honouring brilliance. He promised that his Government would continue to provide students with the best educational experience that will make them relevant locally and outside of Nigeria.

In his address, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos has started to brace itself for the opportunities in manufacturing driven by application of technology and artificial intelligence to raise the sector’s capacity and output.

He said the State Government had already set off the process of transforming the local manufacturing sector, with its collaboration with University of Pittsburg in the United State (U.S.) to establish manufacturing assistance centres across Lagos to train young people in modern manufacturing skills, using technology and knowledge of artificial intelligence.

The partnership, the Governor said, will overhaul education ecosystem through hands-on machining skills and mechanical engineering principles, thereby preparing trainees for immediate employment in manufacturing sector.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s education investment was to assist students in the Government-owned tertiary institutions across the State to harness their potential and talents for promoting excellence in industries, entrepreneurship and self-sustenance.

The Governor also said the State Government had donated a building and a piece of land in Victoria Island for the takeoff of an Executive Collaborative Programme to be run by LASU in partnership with Cornell University in New York, adding that his administration had expanded the capacity of School Jobs Initiative to accommodate the needs of students in eight tertiary institutions in Lagos.

He said: “As a Government, we have decided to raise our State’s manufacturing capacity by promoting and providing manufacturing education and training. We are prepared to overhaul our education ecosystem through machining and mechanical engineering principles that will prepare our graduates for immediate employment. This is being done in collaboration with partners like the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Our goal is to establish manufacturing assistance centres across the State for the purpose of improving our manufacturing capacity.

“We have also donated a building and a piece of land in Victoria Island for the LASU/Cornell University Executive Collaborative Programme, which will be ready in the next 18 months. In this fast-paced world, we cannot continue to bask in the euphoria of yesterday’s successes; if we do not step up our game, others will catch up with us and even overtake us. We, therefore, expect these programmes to further transform the economy of our State in the nearest future, since the majority of young people who will undertake the programme will end up as professionals, entrepreneurs and also become employers of labour. It is common knowledge that sound education is pivotal to economic growth.”

As part of the move to create conducive environment for learning, Sanwo-Olu approved the construction of a world-class Faculty of Education edifice for LASU, which will begin in 2021. This is in addition to the construction of 8,230-bed space hostel for students through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The Governor acknowledged LASU’s recently-attained recognition by World Bank as the Best African Center of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, and its ranking as the Second Best University in Nigeria by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020.

Sanwo-Olu applauded the feats, but urged the school management not to rest on its oars until LASU becomes the best in Africa.

He said: “With the limitless opportunities provided by technology, nothing stops the LASU from becoming renowned for competitive academic research, innovative breakthroughs, and seminal creativity that will put the institution at par with some of the world’s best universities. This administration will immediately set up a visitation panel for the school in line with statutory stipulations.”

“Like other State-owned institutions, I promise you that LASU will not be neglected. As we position the university to compete on the global stage, we will continue to make the needed investments to sustain the institution. With education as the third most critical component of our THEMES Agenda, we will strategically tackle all issues related to the growth of the education sector, while creating the enabling environment for our students, graduates, and youths to thrive and manifest their inherent greatness.”

Sanwo-Olu congratulated the graduands for their academic achievements, noting that their sterling performances in course of their programmes and zest for academic success had put LASU on an enviable pedestal.

Having been awarded certificates in their respective disciplines, the Governor said the onus was on the graduands to apply their knowledge and make positive differences.

The school graduated 6,197 students for first degree programmes, 916 for Post-graduate Diploma 916, 825 for Academic Master’s 825, 1,089 Professional Master’s and 47 for doctoral degrees.

Sunday, December 13, 2020

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS ANTHONY JOSHUA’S VICTORY OVER PULEV

President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates the decisive victory of Nigerian-born boxer, Anthony Joshua over Kubrat Pulev Saturday night.

The President says by retaining his IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, Joshua has given boxing lovers round the world, and particularly in Nigeria, something to cheer.

He recalls his meeting with the heavyweight champion in London earlier in the year, describing Anthony Joshua as a humble, well brought up young man, “who will still go places.”

President Buhari wishes Joshua all the best in his dream fight against Tyson Fury, saying he has the prayers and goodwill of Nigerians going with him.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

December 13, 2020

Saturday, December 12, 2020

LAGOS STATE COMMAND RECOVERS OGUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY STOLEN MACE

LAGOS STATE COMMAND RECOVERS OGUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY STOLEN MACE.

The police operatives attached to Trade Fair Station of the Lagos State Police Command today Friday 11th December, 2020, recovered the missing mace of the Ogun State House of Assembly at Abule Ado Area of the state at about 8.30am.

The police operatives, who were responsive, worked on an intelligence from the members of the community that someone in a moving vehicle, suspected to be Toyota Siena Space Wagon, threw out an object into the nearby bush and recovered the object which was later identified to be the Ogun State House of Assembly Mace.

The mace had been allegedly stolen from the House of Assembly compex , Ogun State recently. It has been handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, who later instructed the DCP State CID, Lagos State, Yetunde Longe, to protect the mace and liaise with the Ogun State Police Command on the return of the recovered mace to Ogun State.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu however promised to assist the Ogun State Police Command in the investigation into the incident that led to the recovery of the mace.

E-SIGNED

SP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI(MNIPR)

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

LAGOS STATE COMMAND

IKEJA

DATED 11TH DECEMBER 2020.

PRESIDENT BUHARI IN DAURA ON WEEK-LONG PRIVATE VISIT

President Muhammadu Buhari is in Daura, Katsina State for a week-long private visit.

The aircraft carrying the President from Abuja landed at 4:45pm on Friday at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina where he was received by the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, senior government officials and the heads of security agencies in the state.

In Daura to receive President Buhari at the helipad were the Emir, His Highness Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, leading the members of the Emirate Council and a parade of colourful horse riders and courtiers.

Shortly upon disembarkation, the President received the gift of a horse and a decorated sword in his capacity as Bayajiddan Daura from the Emir.

While in Daura, President Buhari will carry out a number of private engagements but is expected to participate virtually in the meeting of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, to be presided over by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

The President last visited his hometown in December 2019, having stayed away largely due to the global COVID-19 situation.

President Muhammadu Buhari is in Daura, Katsina State for a week-long private visit.

Shortly upon disembarkation, the President received the gift of a horse and a decorated sword in his capacity as Bayajiddan Daura from the Emir.

The President last visited his hometown in December 2019, having stayed away largely due to the global COVID-19 situation.

NDA-ISAIAH'S DEATH PAINFUL EXIT OF PATRIOTIC, DETRIBALISED NIGERIAN, SAYS SANWO-OLU

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the death of the Publisher of Leadership newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah as painful, saying Nigeria has lost another patriotic and detribalised citizen.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commiserates with President Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, the immediate family of the deceased, his friends and associates as well as the media industry, where the late Nda-Isaiah was a major player.

In a statement signed on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said the late publisher's eternal passage came at a time when Nigeria needed more of his knowledge and wealth of experience in different areas of endeavours.

The Governor added that the late Nda-Isaiah's Leadership newspaper, which has been at the forefront of fighting for a better society had just honoured him along with some prominent Nigerians for modest contributions to humanity and was looking forward to attending the event.

He said: "Death is not what anybody has control over. It will come when it's time. It is painful that the late Nda-Isaiah left at a time when some of us were looking forward to the Leadership newspaper event."

"It is my prayer that God will grant him eternal rest and grant his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He will be sorely missed."

The late Nda-Isaiah who trained as a pharmacist, was a renowned columnist, and one time presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He died yesterday at the age of 58.

SANWO-OLU UNDERGOES COVID-19 TREATMENT

Following Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19, a PCR test performed yesterday, the 11th of December, has confirmed that he has indeed been infected with the virus, which is supported by mild symptoms and fatigue typical of a mild case of COVID.

Mr. Governor is receiving treatment and is being closely monitored at home by the very experienced State COVID-19 clinical team from IDH Yaba.

Mr. Sanwo-Olu is doing well on treatment and rest and we are confident that he will recover quickly and clear the virus. We are seeing slightly increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in clusters in Lagos and all residents and visitors should strictly adhere to the prescribed advisories of safe distancing, mask-wearing, good hand and respiratory hygiene and avoidance of unnecessary or large gatherings.

The festive season is likely to create the opportunity for the virus to spread if we are not compliant with the regulations established by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) for inbound travellers and the festive season celebrations. All inbound travellers must be COVID-19 negative by PCR before they board a flight to Nigeria and must self-isolate on arrival and undergo a pre-booked test on Day Seven of arrival in Nigeria.

Lagosians should keep celebrations to a minimum and be observant and responsible in their interactions. The significant gains achieved to date in containing COVID-19 in Lagos, which has allowed us to carefully reopen the economy, must not be reversed.

No one is immune to this virus and it is certainly still circulating in the community.

Please join me in praying and wishing the Incident Commander of the Lagos State COVID-19 response, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, a speedy recovery so he can return to normal duties as soon as possible.

I will be keeping the public informed regularly of Mr. Governor’s recovery and wellbeing.

Professor Akin Abayomi

Honourable Commissioner for Health

12th December 2020

Friday, December 11, 2020

SANWO-OLU APPROVES FREE HEALTHCARE FOR 50,000 ORPHANS, ELDERLY, VULNERABLE

… Launches Rape Fund For Victims of Sexual Violence

… As Lagos Targets 3million Enrollees For Health Scheme in Y2021

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of funds from the equity of the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) to provide free healthcare for 50,000 orphans, the elderly and the vulnerable in the State.

The wife of the Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this on Thursday at the celebration of the Year 2020 Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) Day organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), said the development was in furtherance of the commitment of the government to expanding access to healthcare delivery, especially for the less-privileged.

Speaking at the programme held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, the First Lady, represented by a former Permanent Secretary in the State, Dr. Bola Balogun, said the decision became imperative because the government recognised that not everyone can afford to pay the premium of the LSHS.

“It is gratifying to note that Mr. Governor appreciates the fact that not everyone can afford the premium and has approved the release of funds from the Equity to provide free healthcare within the Lagos State Health Scheme for 50,000 Orphans, Elderly and Vulnerable”, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said.

She reiterated that the UHC Day is celebrated annually as the rallying point for the growing global movement for Health for All, and was being observed in Lagos State in line with the agenda of the State government to ensure access to quality healthcare services for all residents, irrespective of their age or social status.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Health For All: Protect Everyone”, the First Lady described it as apt and timely, coming at a time the world is still grappling with sordid realities of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, and the need to ensure that deliberate policies are put in place to safeguard the health of all citizens.

The First Lady revealed that plans are also afoot for the provision of a Sexual Violence Intervention Fund for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

She said with a higher incidence amongst the less privileged, the physical trauma is further complicated by the difficulty of paying for healthcare services; therefore, in line with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team's (DSVRT) recommendations, some medical services would be rendered as part of post-assault care.

Explaining the modalities, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said, “The LSHS covers some of the services required by survivors of sexual assault and as such enrollees can benefit from it. However, some of the services required are not covered by the scheme. For services not covered by the LSHS, the fund will cover the additional medical needs”.

“For survivors not enrolled in the LSHS, the fund will provide payment for the initial immediate medical intervention for the physical trauma including medical consultation, testing and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Pregnancy Test, Emergency Contraception, HIV Testing and Post Exposure Prophylaxis. The survivor will also be enrolled in the LSHS (as family or individual plan) to provide additional support for a possible consequence that may occur like pregnancy for 12 months”, she added.

On his part, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi said in view of the need to expand access, the government is finalising the crowdfunding initiative supported by all LASHMA partners, and that it would be launched early next year.

He said virtual clinics would also be established as standalone units, while Telemedicine Units will be set up within the Lagos Health Scheme empanelled Primary Healthcare Centres in collaboration with interested startups and NGOs.

“We would also register and enrol a target 1,000,000 households – which translates to approximately 3,000,000 residents in Lagos within an 18-month timeline - in the LSHS. We also plan to deliver 500 Ilera Eko Centres through strategic private providers by December 2021 and another 500 Centres by December 2022," he said.

In her remarks, the LASHMA Chairman, Dr. Ade Alakija said COVID-19 had underscored the need for universal health coverage, saying the pandemic clearly showed that a threat to one would eventually prove to be a threat to all, and “it would be gravely unwise to continue to think of quality healthcare as a tradable commodity; on the contrary, quality healthcare must be made available to all - now.”

#LASG

#RebuildingLagos

#ForAGreaterLagos

SANWO-OLU GOES INTO SELF-ISOLATION

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will go into self-isolation immediately, after one of his close aides tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday (10th of December).

Mr. Governor and other members of his team will be tested by the Lagos State biobank today but will remain in isolation until the results of the tests are available.

We are seeing slightly increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in clusters in Lagos and all Lagosians should adhere to the prescribed advisories of safe distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene and avoidance of unnecessary gatherings.

This is not the first time Mr. Governor is having the COVID-19 test. He has had at least three since May when he announced that 10 of his aides had tested positive for the virus.

Professor Akin Abayomi

Honourable Commissioner for Health

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Buhari Expresses Displeasure over Long ASUU Strike

Buhari Expresses Displeasure over Long ASUU Strike.

President Buhari has expressed displeasure over the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

He described as “amazing” the failure of the lecturers to suspend their eight-month strike.

The president was quoted as saying this in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, after a meeting with 36 state governors on insecurity.

The statement was titled, President Buhari charges governors to work with traditional rulers for local intelligence’.

On the eight-month-long strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the President was quoted as saying “lecturers had not taken into consideration the larger challenges facing the country”.

“Government conceded something. The problem is that they refused to look at the problem of the whole country.

“The Minister of Labour is working hard at it. It is amazing how ASUU will stay out of classrooms for so long. There’s a need for our elites to understand the challenges facing the country,” the president added.

ASUU has been on strike since March 2020 over demands for more funding for public universities and renegotiation of the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.

Others are outstanding earned academic allowances, the proliferation of universities by state governments and the constitution of Visitation Panels to Federal Universities.

ASUU also opposed the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System used in settling workers salaries by the FG and instead, developed the University Transparency and Accountability Solution which is currently undergoing test-run by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union had also proposed the University General and Peculiar Personnel and Payroll System in place of the IPPIS.

The government said it had agreed to pay N40 billion Earned Academic Allowance, N30billion for the revitalisation of the education sector, and the arrears of salaries to the university teachers, adding that the only outstanding issue was the disagreement over the payment platform.

Ooni receives Wife, Son into Palace after 21days Rites

Ooni receives Wife, Son into Palace after 21days Rites.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Tuesday, received his son, prince Tadenikawo, and his wife, Shilekunola Naomi, into the palace after 21-day rites.

A statement by the palace spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said the mother and child accompanied by friends and family members, were received into the palace by the chiefs and Ooni’s traditional aides.

...

Olafare explained that the prince and his mother after entering the palace, stopped at Ile Nla, where they were received by relatives and friends before they proceeded to Emese’s court, where the baby was handed over to Ooni Ogunwusi.

He said, “Ooni came out through the sacred ILE IGBO in accordance to the full culture and traditions of Ile-Ife as always observed whenever the reigning Ooni receives his newly born Prince into the palace after the necessary rites of 21 days.

“After receiving his son, Ooni accompanied by relevant spiritual aides swiftly took him straight into the inner chamber of ILE IGBO for the necessary spiritual confirmation as demanded by traditions.

“The monarch later came out from ILE IGBO with smiles and majestic dance steps welcomed by thunderous shouts “Kabiyesi ooooo!” “Kabiyesi oooooo!” from the waiting crowd who watched with excitements and jubilations as Ooni handed over the Prince to his elated mother who danced with the baby in her hands to her apartment at the palace.”

BANKING: SENATE MOVES TO CHECK LOAN DEFAULTERS

The Nigerian Senate is nearing passage of a law that will empower creditor banks to track the accounts of loan defaulters by means of the Bank Verification Number [BVN] to recover past and due obligations.

Galaxy’s Godfrey Eshiemoghie reports that the law will also prescribe penalties for breaches and violations of obligations to enhance loan recovery in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The Bill sponsored by Niger East Senator, Sani Musa, seeks to among other things put effective measures in place to prevent collapse of banks.

In their submission, a cross-section of the senators welcomed the Bill as it further underscores the need for safety measures in Nigeria’s banking sector.

Meanwhile, the Bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions with the mandate to report back in four weeks.

Buhari’s Summon: NASS Operates Outside Constitutional bounds

President Muhamamdu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has recorded tremendous success in containing the hitherto incessant bombing, colossal killings, wanton destruction of lives and property that bedeviled the country before attaining the helm of affairs of the country in 2015.

The confidentiality of strategies employed by the President as the commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not open for public exposore in view of security implications in probable undermining of the war against terror.

The fact that President Muhammadu Buhari was instrumental to the reclaiming of over 14 Local Governments previously controlled by the Boko Haram in North East is an open secret, the strategies for such achievement are not open for public expose.

While condoling the bereaved and sympathizing with the victims of the associated insecurity in the country, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN maintained that national security is not about publicity and the nation’s security architecture cannot be exposed for the sake of getting publicity.

He said Mr. President has enjoyed Constitutional privileges attached to the Office of the President including exclusivity and confidentiality investiture in security operational matters, which remains sacrosanct.

Malami added that the National Assembly has no Constitutional Power to envisage or contemplate a situation where the President would be summoned by the National Assembly on operational use of the Armed Forces.

The right of the President to engage the National Assembly and appear before it is inherently discretionary in the President and not at the behest of the National Assembly.

The management and control of the security sector is exclusively vested in the President by Section 218 (1) of the Constitution as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces including the power to determine the operational use of the Armed Forces. An invitation that seeks to put the operational use of the Armed Forces to a public interrogation is indeed taking the constitutional rights of law making beyond bounds.

As the Commander in Chief, the President has exclusivity on security and has confidentiality over security. These powers and rights he does not share. So, by summoning the President on National Security operational Matters, the House of Representative operated outside constitutional bounds. President’s exclusivity of constitutional confidentiality investiture within the context of the constitution remains sacrosanct.

Abubakar Malami, SAN

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice)

9th December, 2020.

BUHARI SWEARS IN PROF YAKUBU FOR A SECOND TENURE AS INEC CHAIRMAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for a second term as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

President Buhari performed the ceremony on Wednesday shortly before the commencement of the 27th virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Council Chamber of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Speaking to correspondents after the swearing in, the INEC boss said the commission has showed that the conduct of elections in the country is increasingly improving.

He said INEC will work with the National Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the electoral amendments, which he said will help to surmount the current challenges.