Issuesplus Daily

11 MORE COVID-19 PATIENTS TEST NEGATIVE, RELEASED FROM FACILITY

2020-04-02T20:15:00.002+01:00

Lagos State Governorn, and the Incident Commander of COVID-19, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,

The Incident Commander of COVID-19, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the epicentre of the corovirus scourge, has announced the release on Thursday of 11 more patients from the facility in Yaba. The released patients are the latest that have fully recovered and tested negative to COVID-19. After release, they were allowed to return home to their families. This latest figure has brought to 18 the number of discharged patients in Lagos since the index case was reported.

Below is the text of a release signed by the governor, Mr. Babajude Sanwo-Olu.

My dear Lagosians, greetings.

Today, I have some good news for you concerning our desperate battle against Coronavirus, the lethal disease that has changed our world and tested to the limit our resilience as a people.

Even as this battle continues, amid so much anxiety all over the world, I am happy to break to you, my good people of Lagos, the news of the release today of 11 more patients from our facility in Yaba. They have fully recovered and tested negative to COVID-19 and have been allowed to return home to their families. This brings to 18 the number of discharged patients in Lagos since the index case was reported.

The patients include two females and nine males, who were discharged after testing negative twice consecutively to #COVID19.

That the tests results of these patients came out negative twice is a big assurance to us that they pose no threat to the community. We are, therefore, releasing them in furtherance of our commitment for a disease free State.

May I use this opportunity to, once again, thank our frontline health workers who took care of the patients as well as members of the Lagos State Health family and the Emergency Operation Centre for their resilience and diligence in the face of the daunting challenges confronting our State in curtailing the spread of this pandemic.

It is a thing of joy that we have not recorded any mortality and we hope - and pray - that it remains so. We will not rest on our oars but continue to work assiduously for the full recovery of the other patients so that they can return home to their families and the community.

I am happy to note the excitement of the patients. They are full of gratitude to our dear State that has stood by them all the way, the health workers and all those who contributed one way or the other in the fight against this unseen but vicious enemy of mankind. The Health Commissioner and all members of the medical team got kudos.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: FG REVEALS HOW MUCH IT’S PAYING NIGERIA’S POOREST

One of the former patients said: “Initially, I found it hard to settle into the facility. In fact, the first two days I spent here were so lonely for me, but I gradually settled and found companion in my fellow ward mates. The doctors and other health workers who attended to us were amazing and we appreciate their sacrifices.”

May I warn that this is not the time to relax, but to maintain our vigilance against Coronavirus because of the community infection that we are beginning to experience. We should be sober as the battle continues.

I, therefore, advise Lagosians to remain steadfast as they stick to the rules of hygiene we have been told to practise. Let us continue to observe Social Distancing. Let us remain indoors, shunning the temptation to breach the presidential restriction that has been placed on our state so that the gains made so far in the fight against COVID-19 is not eroded. We should shun any gathering for whatever reason at this delicate period.

Reports of youths gathering for social and sporting activities - as well as those massing for religious purposes - are unfortunate. This kind of insensitivity could be a weak link in our collective effort to break the chain of transmission of the infection.

The order for law enforcement agents to ensure that residents comply with the directive to stay indoors remains. I enjoin members of the Organised Private Sector and others to read the Federal Government’s guidelines on the restriction of movement so that the directive is not breached in any way.

Again, I assure you that at the end of it all, we will hoist a flag of victory - with your co-operation and by the grace of The Almighty.

Thank you.

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

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COVID-19: FG REVEALS HOW MUCH IT’S PAYING NIGERIA’S POOREST

2020-04-01T16:01:00.000+01:00

It is no longer news that the Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of Conditional Cash Transfer to the poorest of the poor in Nigeria, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to help reduce the effect of President Muhammadu’s lock-down order following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country..

The progamme which is being supervised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has kicked off with the payment of N20,000 to indigent households at the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: BAUCHI GOVERNOR, BALA MOHAMMED, TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadia Umar-Farouk, said on Wednesday while kick starting the disbursement that due to the scourge of COVID-19, the Federal Government is giving out N20,000 per person for the next four months starting from March 2020.

“We have directed immediate cash transfer to the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country. Because of this COVID-19, the vulnerable groups have to expand, because we are aware that there are people who live on daily wage, so we are also going to look at those groups of people to see how we can get this food relief intervention to them in this period,” she said.

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LAGOSIANS, YOU’RE DOING WELL, SAYS SANWO-OLU

2020-04-01T15:35:00.001+01:00

A deserted busy road in Lagos.

The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended residents of the state for adhering to the 14-day restriction of movement ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to stop the Coronavirus pandemic.The president in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, 29 March, 2020, among others, gave the order which is expected to last for 14 days in some select sates including Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory.

Sanwo-Olu in a release he personally signed praised Lagos residents for the compliance of the order, noting that it has demonstrated that how much the residents have realised the enormity of the challenge that the Nigeria was facing currently and the choice that everyone has made, namely, fighting to stave off a massive attack of COVID-19 and staying alive to reclaim their lives that have been disrupted by the unseen enemy.

“I would like to note the high level of our people's compliance with this presidential directive. It has shown that we realise the enormity of the challenge that we are facing and the choice that we have made - fighting to stave off a massive attack of COVID-19 and staying alive to reclaim our life that has been disrupted by this unseen enemy.

“Lagosians experienced today (Tuesday) the beginning of the 14-day restriction of movement ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari in a bid to stop the Coronavirus pandemic. The restriction, I would like to remind us, is to contain the community spreading of this disease by enlisting everybody in the fight and ensuring that many more do not contract it. It is on this note that I would like to warn those who may wish to breach the restriction that their action is against the Public Health interest of all Lagosians,” the governor noted.

READ ALSO: WHY HUNGER IS MORE DEADLY THAN CORONAVIRUS –BY MONDAY UBANI

On the medical front, Sanwo-Olu said he has been informed that all the COVID 19 patients were stable, five of them having been discharged on Monday.

“And by the grace of the Almighty, more will soon be out of hospital. Our medical staff -- exceptional men and women all -- are doing their all to ensure that the patients do well, regain their health and return home to their families. We will be doing a lot to encourage them and lighten their burden by staying indoors,” Sanwo-Olu added.

Continuing, he noted that only those rendering essential services, who must be well identified; were allowed to go out when necessary.

Our Welfare Packages being distributed to the vulnerable in the state, he has this to say: “Our Welfare Packages remains on course. As I have often said, those at the bottom of the economic ladder, the underprivileged and the most vulnerable among us, will not be left to fend for themselves at this difficult time. Our Relief Package, which is to reach about 200,000 households in the first instance, has continued. Parts of the following local governments are being covered: Amuwo Odofin, Epe, Ikeja, Badagry, Ibeju -- Lekki, Agege, Oshodi-Isolo, Apapa and Lagos Mainland. Others will soon be reached.

“May I seize this opportunity to thank those worthy Lagosians, who have demonstrated the true spirit of A Greater Lagos by coming forward to help at this time.

“I salute our law enforcement agents who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the presidential directive is enforced. I enjoin them to continue in that spirit. They should be firm but courteous in discharging their responsibilities. Again, I have no doubt that if we continue to fight in unity, COVID-19 will be defeated and we will come out victorious as we always do.”

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CORONAVIRUS CLAIMS 70 YEAR WOMAN

2020-03-24T18:26:00.002+01:00

Health authorities in NSW have confirmed Australia's eighth coronavirus death — a female passenger in her 70s who had been on the Ruby Princess cruise ship.

NSW Health said the woman, who was among the first group of people infected on the ship, died in hospital on Tuesday morning.

There have been 133 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 aboard the Ruby Princess, which docked in Sydney last week.

Of those, 107 are from NSW, and 26 are from interstate.

According to ABC News, the woman is the seventh person to die from COVID-19 in NSW.

In the 24 hours to 8:00pm Monday, a total of 149 coronavirus infections were confirmed in NSW, taking the state's total to 818.

NSW Health said no cases of COVID-19 were found by doctors on board the cruise liner before docking.

"Five people who had displayed influenza-like illness were tested in Wellington, New Zealand on 14 March, and all were negative for COVID-19," a spokesperson said in a statement.

READ ALSO: WOMAN CHEATS DEATH AFTER TRUCK LANDS ON TOP OF HER CAR

It comes after reports of passengers spending days in the community before being asked to self-isolate following coronavirus detections on board.

On March 18, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt issued an emergency biosecurity order preventing any cruise vessels from docking in Australia for the next month.

There were 13 passenger cruise ships still at sea at the time the order came into force, including the Ruby Princess.

NSW Health said among the 149 new cases of COVID-19 were two teachers at Normanhurst West Public School, in Sydney's upper north shore. The school remains closed.

There have been a further three positive cases at Dorothy Henderson Lodge in Sydney's north, where 11 residents and five staff have been infected with the virus so far.

Three people from the aged-care facility have died after contracting COVID-19, an 82-year-old man, a 95-year-old woman and a 90-year-old woman.

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BREAKING: BAUCHI GOVERNOR, BALA MOHAMMED, TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

2020-03-24T17:12:00.002+01:00

Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to Channeltv, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

This comes a day after the governor took the test after he had contact with the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was confirmed to have been infected with the virus.

It will be recall that the governor went into a 14-day self-isolation as recommended by the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) a few days ago.

According to the information from Ladan Salihu, Former director-general of Radio Nigeria, Governor Bala Mohammed had contact with the son of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who tested positive to the virus on Sunday evening.

His tweet read, “Our Governor Bala Mohammed is in self-isolation following contact with Atiku Abubakar’s Son. Yes. We were on the same flight from Lagos to Abuja.

Details later…

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WHY HUNGER IS MORE DEADLY THAN CORONAVIRUS –BY MONDAY UBANI

2020-03-24T17:01:00.002+01:00

I called my cousin in London this morning and he informed me that he was in the office for national reason. He works in the social service sector of the economy - they provide succor to the unemployed, needy and poor.

They work 24/7 and in this terrible time of Covid-19 they are to ensure citizens who fall into the category outlined above are paid money into their accounts with no contact to papers for now as the issue of paper work will be dealt with when situation normalizes. The ultimate objective for now IS to keep citizens alive first.

He also informed me that food is delivered to the homes of the poor and the needy in Britain presently because of the total lock-down to avoid people dying of hunger. Most revealing is the contributions of the rich, stars and philanthropic persons and organizations to buying of kits, foods, medicines for those that need them urgently at these trying times. They are also contributing to research on the possible curative medicine for this destructive virus.

This act of love and care for the citizens I am told is not only in Britain but all over Europe, Asia and American continents. The African continent has no such plans and African countries are not even contemplating it. Very, very sad.

ALSO READ: ANOTHER LOOK AT THE HATE SPEECH AND FAKE NEWS BILLS -BY MONDAY UBANI

Not a normal time no doubt, but you will know a serious nation from its actions and inactions in times and seasons of emergency, especially its attitude and policies towards the vulnerable and needy within the jurisdiction.

I heard that the Minister of Information in Nigeria, Mr. Lai Mohammed was asking Nigerians to brace up for the worst times. You ask, when has there been any good time(s) for Nigerians? Evidence of our state of unpreparedness is everywhere.

The states apart from Lagos State are the worst unprepared at this time. One state Governor was heard allegedly boasting that his citizens will not fall victims of the scourge because the state's name is the only state written in the Bible and they are therefore immune from the disease! We more or less "compel" God to do things which ordinarily is our core responsibility and the reasons for our election.

The purpose of this write-up is to draw the attention of the federal and state governments to have deep thought for the poor and needy in these terrible times of this pandemic that will require citizens to be self isolated to stop the spread. But they need to be provided for as majority depend on daily businesses or trade for their self survival.

Believe me, hunger is more deadly than corona virus! I will do my little bit by sending stipends to some families that have called to say they have nothing in their homes but how many can I attend to in the light of my limited resources? Please friends, let us remember our neighbors at this trying times, we are our neighbor's keepers!

Monday Onyekachi Ubani, a Legal Practitioner and Human Rights Crusader is a one-time 2^nd National Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

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ICELAND, THE MOST PEACEFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD -BY GBADE ADEMOLA

2020-03-22T07:39:00.000+01:00

Iceland operates a parliamentary representative democracy.

Republic of Iceland is among the thirty-one countries in the world without a regular armed forces yet in the July 2019 Report, Global Peace Index, an effort of the Institute of Economics and Peace at measuring the degree of peacefulness in countries across the globe, rated Republic of Iceland as the most peaceful in the world, the position it had maintained since 2008.

It may interest the readers to know that it's more or less opposite in case of Nigeria as the 2018 Thomson Reuters Foundation expert surveys put Nigeria as the 9th most dangerous country in the globe for women in particular.

Aside being the most peaceful, Iceland has so many other firsts among the comity of nations;

i. World's oldest parliament established in 1845 with a democratic tradition dates back to more than one thousand years ago in form of a National Assembly known as Althingi.

ii. World's first elected woman President in 1980, Vigolis Finnbogulottr, a position she held for four consecutive terms until she chose not to run for re-election in 1996.

iii. World's first openly pronounced gay head of government, Johana Siguroarchoottr who was also the first woman Prime Minister in the country.

iv. One of the world's highest life expectancies with its high standard of public health.

v. One of the world's best welfare services system with its unemployment insurance scheme, old age and disability pensions benefits, family and child bearing allowances, sickness benefits etc.

Ironically, Iceland with the 2019 estimated population of 364,260 is among the least in the world, it's the 180th in the list of countries by population.

Iceland operates a parliamentary representative democracy. The country is divided into eight regions which are subdivided into 77 municipalities. The President who is the head of State is elected for a 4-year term. The President's term in office has no limit as far as he's physically and mentally fit to rule. The Prime Minister is the head of government while members of the Parliament known as Althingi are also elected every four years. Elections are through proportional representation from multi-member constituencies by universal adult suffrage for 18 years old and above. Though a unitary country; Icelandic Local Governments are responsible for primary education.

Education is a right for all citizens and also a right for all children who have stayed in the country for at least three months. It's funded by the Icelandic government and compulsory for students of 15 years and younger.

READ ALSO: WHY BUHARI MAY NOT MAKE HISTORY-BY MARTINS OLOJA

Pre-natal and infant medical care is provided without cost to all citizens as the Icelandic law provides the right to access to health care for all people who have been residing in the country for 6 months. Women hold equal rights as well as men under judicial and family law but citizenship is strictly by ancestry i.e. through Icelandic parents and not just by being born in the country while dual citizenship is not recognized.

The country Iceland, as small as it is, in its more than one thousand years of existence, has passed through stages of thin and thick of life. One historian summarises the experience of this country and the people thus.

“......frequently rocked by natural disasters… a turbulent and absorbing history of Norse settlement, literary genius, bitter feuding and foreign oppression. Life in this harsh and unforgiving landscape was never going to be easy but the everyday challenges and hardships have culminated a modern Icelandic spirit that is highly aware of its stormy past yet remarkably resilient, friendly individualistic, quietly innovative and justifiably proud."

Prior to 1918 that the country became a sovereign state , it had been under various foreign rule at one point or the other; Norway, Germany, Denmark and Britain. Twice in the 15th century, 1402-04 and 1494-95, Iceland witnessed devastating natural disasters and volcanic eruptions that killed approximately half of the population which led to serious migration of the people to mostly North American countries.

18th century was a period of decline and increasing poverty in Iceland when famine caused by volcanic eruptions and subsequent years of extremely cold weather plagued the country in 1780 and killed one fifth of its population.

Iceland was affected by both the 1st and 2nd world war. The country joined North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1949 and joined United Nations in 1946.

The history of Iceland particularly in the contemporary period could not be told without mentioning the 2016 Panama Papers scandal which shifted the global focus to the relatively small country.

Recall in 2016, a massive list of individuals and companies holding funds in small states in order to evade taxes in their home counties was released by Independent Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in Panama Papers on May 10, 2016.

In Iceland angry citizens took over the streets barely hours after it was revealed that their then Prime Minister Sigmunduv Davio Gunnlaugsson and two members of his cabinet were implicated in the Panama Papers for tax evasion. The Prime Minister resigned only 2 hours after the news of his financial crime broke, infact, he was the first casualty of the weighty exposure made possible through decades of information contained in the pages of the Panama Papers which eventually led to review of about 100 tax cases and 46 potential cases of tax evasion in Iceland.

READ ALSO: EDO APC FACTIONAL LEADERS ACCUSE OSHIOMHOLE OF BEING DICTATORIAL

The same fate befell America's top bailiff, Mihran Poghosyan, Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jose Manuel Soria, Australian head of State owned bank, Hypo Landesbank Voralbery, FIFA's Ethic Committee member, an Uruguayan Lawyer, Juan Pedro Damiani etc ; they all resigned from their respective public offices as a result of their being implicated in the Panama Papers scandal.

Many countries whose citizens and public officials were named either in the Panama or Paradise Papers launched series of investigations against those indicted. However, it was another ball game entirely in Nigeria; initially the government was silent neither did it show any will to investigate the allegations or punish anyone who had been indicted where about 110 Nigerians and companies were allegedly involved, Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, erstwhile Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, Sen Andy Uba, Late Ooni of Ife, Okunade Sijuwade and others were neither queried nor investigated rather about two years later the anti-graft agency mentioned it in passage that Nigerians indicted in Panama Papers scandal would be investigated. Nothing has happened since them while their counterparts elsewhere were made to face the music the alleged ones in Nigeria were pretending as if nothing happened, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku later contested the 2019 presidential election in the country. That's Nigeria for us where everything goes!

Iceland is a Sub-Arctic country located out in the middle of the North Atlantic. In the 20th century Iceland transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in Europe to one of the most developed. The country has become the fastest growing travel destination in Europe with all the benefits in terms of economic growth and employment.

Iceland's character reflects both its homogeneity and its isolation and its people take care to preserve their traditions and language. In fact, the Icelandic laws are crafted in the native language while the mode of communication in the official parlance is the same indigenous language.

One distinctive feature of the country is the preservation of its ancient traditions and customs. For centuries Iceland has been known for its traditional industries which produce knitwear and other ancestral craft. An average Icelander is passionate about chess, hence, various chess clubs abound in the country and this explains a series of world class grand masters produced by Iceland.

Icelanders are proof that a small and homogeneous population can develop a rich and varied cultural life.

For centuries Icelandic main industries were fisheries, fishing processing and agriculture. In the 19th century, 70-80% of Icelanders lived by farming but there has been a steady decline over the years as 5% of the population are in the agricultural sector in 2019 while the main sources of the country's earnings now come from tourism, fisheries, hydropower generations, agriculture and manufacturing.

In 1952 Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden came together to set up Nordic Council, a council with no formal authority but simply advisory in nature. However, in 1986 Iceland tread the path of other members of the Council by granting citizens of the Nordic group the right to vote in its local elections only after 3 years of residence in the country.

Culled from the website: https//www.gbadeademola.com

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BLAME ME FOR LAPSES IN CONDUCTING PDP S/WEST RALLY, MAKINDE, OYO GOV.

2020-03-20T08:34:00.000+01:00

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that he has taken responsibility for whatever lapses in judgment occasioned by the conduct of the Southwest Peoples Democratic Party rally in Ibadan.

Vanguard reports that the governor’s statement followed series of backlashes he received from members of the opposition in the state, over what they described as Makinde’s insensitiveness to hold a rally at a time the country is fighting hard to curb the continuous spread of Coronavirus through the banning of public gatherings in many states of the federation.

Makinde, who defended his action of holding the rally in Ibadan in a statement yesterday, said, he acted based on the information at his disposal at that time, that the state has not yet recorded an outbreak of Coronavirus.

This is how he put in: “My dear good people of Oyo State, it has become imperative to communicate directly about the COVID-19 situation in the state, and the measures that the Oyo State Government is taking to ensure the prevention, containment and control of this disease.

“Between yesterday and today, a lot has come to light in Nigeria regarding COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus Disease, which has been ravaging the world for the past few months.” At a point, some people thought we were immune to this disease. I know some among you may still hold that opinion. Although as stated by our Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello, at a press conference on Thursday, we do not currently have any confirmed case of Coronavirus in Oyo State; we still all need to be more proactive.

“I have received your complaints about the rally that was held yesterday, and I feel obligated to state in clear terms that we acted based on the information we had at that time. In retrospect, it should not have happened and I take responsibility for that lapse in judgment.” “On assuming office on May 29, 2019, I swore an oath to serve and protect you, I want to assure you that our administration is doing everything in our power and working with the agencies of the Federal Government, to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of this virus. I urge members of the public to not give in to any form of panic.

READ ALSO: 9TH SENATE WON’T PASS HATE SPEECH BILL – SENATE PRESIDENT

“As a people, we can take several measures to beat this virus. It has been shown that maintaining proper hygiene through frequent washing of the hands, scrubbing for 20 seconds with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers that are 90% alcohol based, is a key way to prevent the spread of this disease. I implore all citizens to make these practices a routine and a priority. Social distancing is also highly encouraged.”

“Therefore, as at this moment, the Oyo State Government is doing the following: Setting up the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force led by me. This task force will be holding its first meeting tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020. Immediately after the meeting, I will hold a press conference and update you on all decisions reached and so far, implemented.

“The Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday, March 16, 2020, will continue. The mission will be used as a vehicle for disseminating information about Coronavirus prevention and control. However, anyone who has shown any known symptoms of COVID-19 such as dry cough, fever, nausea, severe headaches, difficulty breathing and tiredness should please, isolate themselves and call the following Oyo State Ministry of Health helplines: ‪08038210122, ‪08023229267or ‪08073431342.

“Once again, I urge all citizens of Oyo State to remain calm and observe all preventive measures announced by the State and Federal Ministries of Health and their agencies,” Makinde stated.

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FEARS IN FACEBOOK AS COVID-19 OUTBREAK CAUSES WHATSAPP, MESSENGER CALLING SPIKE

2020-03-20T08:04:00.002+01:00

Facebook may face new challenges as the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has continued to witness an increase in WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger calling. And it is being feared that the new challenges may bring problems, especially if the pandemic worsens.

The Indian Express reported Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg as saying, they are seeing very high levels of calling via WhatsApp in countries which are facing the crisis.

“In terms of stats, we’re seeing very elevated levels of use in Italy and in all countries that have been affected. Calling, right — so in terms of WhatsApp or Messenger for calling is more than double overall what it normally is,” he pointed out in a call with the press.

Typically, WhatsApp calling spikes around New Year’s Eve, according to Zuckerberg, which makes sense given this is the time everyone wants to call their friends and family. For instance this year, WhatsApp revealed that there were 100 billion messages exchanged on New Year’s Eve, and India had 20 billion of these alone, which was a new record of sorts.

In the call, Zuckerberg also talked about how psychiatrists and doctors in Lombardy were using WhatsApp calling to reach out to people and “help them cope with the stress and anxiety of the quarantines.” But with COVID-19, there is a spike in traffic for both WhatsApp calls and Messenger calling, and while this might sound like good news for Facebook, it is actually not and comes with some worries.

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The reason: Facebook has to make sure this doesn’t crash their servers and they need to prepare for the extra load. “…we’re trying to make sure that we can stay in front of because of course right now this isn’t a massive outbreak in the majority of courtiers around the world yet, but it is – if it gets there then we really need to make sure we’re on top of this from an infrastructure perspective to make sure that things don’t melt down, and we can continue to provide the level of service that people need in a time like this,” explained Zuckerberg in the call.

Right now the outbreak is the worst in Italy, where the death toll has crossed China. But Zuckerberg has a point that as more and more countries come under the impact, there could be a major spike in the usage of its services. Especially in India, where the number of cases is still limited to 167, if the cases were to rise, one could see the WhatsApp usage go up further, which will put a strain on the company’s servers. The company has close to 400 million users in the market.

One obvious advantage of WhatsApp calling is that it is free, which makes it the preferred mode of calling for many in the country. And even in other impacted countries. Coronavirus cases are also rising in countries across the world and more people will likely end up relying on the free WhatsApp or other app-based calling services. In Spain and Iran there are more than 18,000 cases, Germany has 15,000+, the United States has more than 14,000 cases, France has more than 10,000 cases and the United Kingdom has close to 3,200 cases. These numbers are only expected to rise.

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ANOTHER LOOK AT TINUBU’S 2023 RUMOURED PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION -BY ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

2020-03-20T07:09:00.000+01:00

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Lagos State and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC.

Rumours are rumours! But, if, indeed, there is any substance or element of truth in the rumoured presidential ambition of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then, he will have to take some serious steps for it to become a reality.

Charity, they say, begins at home! For him to be sellable to the majority of Nigerians, Tinubu must metamorphose into that political leader and presidential candidate with the most intense national outlook, farthest outreach, and most acceptable leadership character! He has to start working on the homogeneity of the Yoruba aspirations for a start. And there is only one thing that can unite the race, which the late MKO Abiola got right! MKO, as he was fondly called, was able to reach out to the people through objective philanthropism; objective, because he has research fellows who did the subtle underground job for him! That the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader is a cheerful giver, who helps a lot, has never been in doubt! However, the notorious truth is that Tinubu funnels lots of money through channels which may not percolate to the nitty gritty of the people as anticipated! Of course, that’s an avoidable error! Any distribution mechanism adopted by a campaign organization must be pragmatic, driven and assertive! For affective effects, the core-but-voiceless Yoruba people must be reached, and their burden alleviated. Limitation of reach, the concomitant loss of confidence in government, and frustration of the mass of the people may be veritable reasons why a section of the race seems unimpressed by his philanthropy.

To make the job easier for Tinubu, the Southwest has to be one; and behind him. Impliedly, he has to come as the true Asiwaju of Yorubaland by going above all the structures to reach the core of the Yoruba race, reconciling factions, without necessarily relying on his long-known-but-now-not-so-effective approach. Impliedly, the former Lagos State governor needs image makers and people who can do scientific survey explorations that can help him take decisions that will be hard to fault. Yes, Tinubu remains a visionary and master planner who can come out with amazing things. However, he also has to showcase that true leadership quality and assurances that he can deliver to the people. On this, he has Lagos State to use as an example. As its Chief Executive for eight years, he didn’t construct or commission bridges or stadia while his tenure lasted but he laid the plans for a new Lagos. Today, the ‘Centre of Excellence’ is a megacity to behold.

In 2019, the margin of victory between APC and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the Southwest zone of the country was just 51% of the margin of victory between the former and the latter, incidentally, Nigeria’s main opposition party, in Jigawa State; and 28% in Katsina State. In 2015, it was much better: 82% and 49% respectively! This goes to show that Tinubu has a lot of work to do, first, in Yorubaland - which currently looks like a battleground - before going to other zones. For the party to make any meaningful impact in the 2023, APC, to which Tinubu subscribes, must embark on sincere internal cleansing. It must ‘conquer itself from itself’ in order to accommodate today's realities and dynamics.

READ ALSO: NO ONE OLDER THAN ME WILL SUCCEED ME IN 2023 — EBONYI GOV

That the ruling party currently behaves as if it has exclusive rights over Nigeria; and as if it is the only party which has solutions to Nigeria’s leadership-inflicted problems is no longer news. This is not only troubling, it is also capable of threatening this once-in-a-lifetime dream. Yes, Nigeria might have had leaders who became presidents without home support. However, with a man like Tinubu and what he has done for humanity in and outside the zone, a loss at home will not only demean his status, it will also cast a negative political slur on the collective negotiating capacity of the Yoruba race.

The truth of the matter is that all politics is local and political practice in this part of the world is a game for the highest bidder; which, again, boils down to prebendal politics currently threatening Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. The ruling party must rise above the rumblings and the grumblings currently troubling its Israel, with a view to becoming focused, cohesive and well-integrated. It is then that it can speak with one voice from the Southwest and negotiate with other regions on its choice of candidate. Otherwise, the party will not do well because structural problems and internal frictions within it could ruin everything!

For Tinubu himself to make waves, he must also have a firm grip on few of his trusted confidants, or kitchen cabinet. These men of honour must be willing and ready to work for him and in his interest. A system that carelessly empowers wrong hands and cronies who only end up as political liabilities and traitors is not only politically counterproductive, it is also suicidal. Incidentally, those who knew nothing about the struggle, or were even perhaps against the progressives when the struggle for the soul of Nigeria was hot and scorching, have, like a chameleon, worn the garment of the progressives and are now using our hard-earned democracy as identity vehicle to traumatize, even, demonize the real guys. And that’s why it can never be real because they were never progressives.

All said, Asiwaju’s rumoured presidential bid, if there is any meat in it, requires tact and diligent planning. It requires ability to do things right and do the right things. It demands being efficient and being effective. In this wise, the Jagaban of Borgu must consider an urgent need for a comprehensive Research Centre that has international standard. Nigerians will no longer tolerate leaders who are bereft of ideas and credible facts; one who cannotmarshal relevant information at their disposal. In this digital age, our president can no longer afford to be moving around with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) or those aged, jaded, third-party statistics that have no bearing on current trends. That is why, many a time, the projections of our policies are wrong because they are from a faulty premise. The same reason Nigeria’s president will have to get to Chatham House in London before making policy pronouncements on Nigeria. Of course, that is why a man, who is going to lose an election tomorrow, will be fantasizing on how he would be inaugurated as president of the country.

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

v Komolafe writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Southwest Nigeria.

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LAGOS PASTOR DENIES CLAIMS OF ARRANGING HEALING MIRACLES

2020-03-20T01:38:00.001+01:00

Pastor Chris Okafor, with the woman accused of faking a miracle.

By Odita Sunday

Pastor Chris Okafor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, aka Liberation City has debunked the allegation of performing a fake miracle on a woman, Bose Olasunkanmi whom he was alleged to have paid for the purpose.

It would be recalled that trending news of miracle performed on a woman with twisted hand went viral.

Five pastors had allegedly used the woman (Bose Olasunkanmi) with bulgy arm to perform same miracle and Pastor Chris Okafor of Liberation City has also been fingered in the allegation.

The man of God has however refuted the claim by the woman who said she was paid the sum of N400,000 for the miracle.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Okafor, through his counsel, Mr. Monday Ubani Esq said it’s necessary to respond to the issue of a fake miracle that has been generating controversies for a while.

“The recent story in a national daily, and an online platform that the sum of N400,000 was paid to procure a fake miracle is not true.

“The lady in question came to church like every other person and the said programme through which she affirmed she received her healing was shown both on live television and other social media platforms, and there was nothing to hide because it was not only the woman that was healed on that day.

“The church is not new, it’s been in existence for over 10 years and the members who keep increasing have experienced the touch of God one way or another; so there was no issue of arranging any miracle to impress anybody. The things of the spirit are purely personal.

On the issue of money paid to the woman, the church through their lawyer said, "When the news broke out, it was discovered that the woman has been going to other churches and when asked, she said it is poverty that caused it because she is a widow.

“Upon hearing that, the church of God that is very compassionate gave her the sum of over N400,000 to empower her in order to live a worthy life instead of going from one church to another as was reported.

READ ALSO: GANDUJE BANS OPPOSITE GENDERS FROM ENTERING SAME KEKE

“The money given to her was not to procure fake miracles as wrongly reported but to empower her to stop going from one church to another and after her visit to Liberation City Church, there has not been any report that she has gone to any other church. Liberation City Church was the one she visited last and she also confirmed that she received her miracle there. The church said that there is video evidence to that effect.

Watch video here...

“There is no iota of truth in the story that has been going round about the miracle and money given to procure the said miracle.

“Before one even talk about criminality on the issue, there must be act of intention to commit a crime and there must also be an act itself. The woman has even confirmed that she never met Pastor Chris Okafor either before or after the programme. Even if there was any allegation, who is the complainant in this case? Is it the woman or any church member? Because it seems there is more to the story than meets the eye. All the stories that have been written are one sided against Pastor Okafor and no one has asked for the side of the church.

“We are not denying the fact that some pastors do engage in such act and the God that such men are claiming to be serving will be the ultimate judge.

“If you attend Liberation church, you will see for yourself what God is doing through the man of God and if it were fake miracles, it would have stopped working before now, rather God is made manifest daily in the ministry. No person will like to go a church where nothing impacts on his or her life personally and this is a fact.

“We know there are fake pastors and God will judge them so as to exonerate those who are genuinely doing the work of God. We must be careful not to be involved wittingly or unwittingly in running down the character of any citizen in Nigeria. Our laws against defamation and destruction of reputation are still effective in the land", he cautioned.”

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NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, FEMI BRANCH SET TO TOUR 10 NIGERIAN CITIES

2020-02-15T18:53:00.003+01:00

Popular Nigerian actor and dramatist, Chief Femi Branch has concluded plans to tour no fewer than 10 Nigerian cities from April 3^rd to June 21^st, 2020.

He disclosed this to newsmen at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos venue of a press conference he organised to raise awareness for his forthcoming maiden edition of an Annual Femi Branch Playfest, a celebration of theatrical writing of the Nollywood actor, one of Africa’s leading actors, playwright and poet.

According to Branch, the Festival is scheduled to kick off with a 10-city tour of his biggest play yet, Kunme The Musical. He added that the tour would take a one-week break in Lagos from Monday 25^th to Sunday 31^st, May 2020 for the Festival proper which shall feature performances by different selected troupes of Femi Branch’s other plays, such as Poi, Shalanga, Jungle Justice, and Ankara Committee, with final performance being of the tour play, Kunme. Thereafter, he said, the tour shall then resume from Friday 12^th and end on Sunday 21^stJune in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The cities scheduled to host the event include, Ife, Akure, Ado Ekiti, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ikorodu, Badagry, Benin City, and Abuja.

READ ALSO: DELE TAIWO’S WIFE DEBUNKS TRENDING FAILED MARRIAGE RUMOUR

“The Festival is a two-fold initiative which firstly is a mentorship programme to develop and nurture young acting talents selected from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, through the Femi Branch Master Class, and secondly in commemoration of my 50th birthday anniversary,” Femi Branch revealed.

The project is in continuation of his drive to promote live theatre through seasonal commercial performances of his plays. Past editions of this were the performances of his plays, namely, Itakun (Satelite Town Cinema, Lagos 1999), Poi (The Muson Centre, Lagos, 2001), Jungle Justice tour(Bonny Island, Port Harcourt, Women Development Centre, Abuja and Terra Kulture, Lagos2013) and Ankara Committee (The Muson Centre 2018).

“We look forward to continuing our great relationship with sponsors, press, and all our fans-and with only 50 days until show time,” Branch said. Continuing, he added that open casting for the play has been done and a general audition for the tour play, Kunme The Musical will take place on February 25^th2020 at the Dramatic Arts Department of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, for actors, singers, dancers and musicians.

The project has Femi Branch as its Artistic Director, Lady Prevail Olayinka as Project Director, Tee Abiola Oduola (Sean Polo Tee) as Media Consultant, Awele Onwuadi as Project Coordinator, and others.

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DELE TAIWO’S WIFE DEBUNKS TRENDING FAILED MARRIAGE RUMOUR

2020-02-09T19:00:00.003+01:00

Rumours of failed celebrity marriages are quite commonplace globally, (Nigeria not spared), on a regular basis, particularly on the social media. The likes of star actresses such as Foluke Daramola, Dakore Akande, etc, have had their fair share of the failed marriages rumour.

Recently, news made the rounds that the marriage of star singer Shola Vibrator’s marriage to juju maestro, Dele Taiwo had hit the rock.

Our man, the award winning journalist, Tee Abiola popularly known as Sean Polotee got in touch with the singer, to scrape up the full gist of the rumour. And below is what he got after an interview session with Shola Vibrator.

Excerpts….

News has it that your marriage with Dele Taiwo has hit the rock?

Well I was shocked as well when I went online and when few people sent the whole thing to me my marriage is still intact it’s not crashed so I don't where they got their information from and I never told anybody anything so it's still intact....

We learnt ever since the other wife has been in town, he has abandoned you and your kids?

That’s not true and concerning the other wife, I have been in my lane and have been living my life with God and my kids. I don't get disturbed by what anybody does but if she thinks she can get away with things she’s been doing, she should always remember there’s God.

When you said what she's been doing, what do you really mean? Could it be that she might be the one behind this information circulating online?

I don't trust anybody but at first I never gave anybody any information about anything, I never told anybody about my home because right from time I don't talk about my home outside so if the information comes from her fine let her continue, I don't have any business, I don't have any quarrel with anybody because I never grant any interview about my marriage before now, I never told anybody anything concerning my home so for me to have seen something like that I don't know where it might have come from, only God knows where it came from but all I am trying to say is people should stop poke-nosing into my affair, I don't have business with anybody and if the whole thing came from her well to God be the glory I know definitely she's going to get her reward....

Do you mean to say, ever since Dele Taiwo got married to her, there's been no kind of smooth relationship between the both of you?

He got married to her before he met me... but I have no issue with anyone.

There have been speculations over how many years you’ve been married to him. Some said it’s eight (8) years, some said its beyond, can you please clear the air?

No, it’s more than eight {8} years

Being married to a polygamist, is there any way it has affected your music career and how do you cope with family drama?

It's actually one of the things that affected me, it’s not easy especially for my career, a polygamist should be able to handle is home well but however I have been enjoying God’s faithfulness.

Do you mean to say Dele didn’t handle his home well?

I didn't say that o, he is trying his best to keep things in order...

Anyway, let’s talk about you and your career.

Oya na [Laughs]

How has your husband been supportive?

He used to be supportive but distractions set in at some point in time but I had no choice than to move on….

Have you been doing music before you met him or he encouraged you into music?

I've been into music before I met him and he always encourage me

Has he written any song(s) for you or you’ve been writing your own songs all along?

My husband though unleashed so many secrets musically to me but since inception, I’ve been composing and writing my own songs but when we met, I stole lots of songs from him which i conformed to my own style, like my album, he took me through six months rehearsal, himself and Uncle Lai Adis.

What actually inspire you into music?

It came naturally, it’s an inbuilt thing because music runs in my family and it’s something, I love doing any where I find myself so if you ask what inspired me, I will say God.

READ ALSO: BOKO HARAM KILLS BRIDE, CHIEF BRIDESMAID 4 DAYS TO WEDDING

Any one in the family doing music professionally as you?

When I was small, my father never left any stone unturned, he was always pushing me to rehearsals.

I was made to join the church choir at the age of 7. My Dad was always taking me to church for rehearsal, he will drop me there and come back to pick me, even before I gained admission into the university, I’ve worked at Klint’s Studio at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, he was always taking me there, sometimes, I will be there for like two weeks, he comes around to give me money despite the fact that I earn salary or sometimes, he do take me out, he loves me so much and gave me freedom, he likes music a lot and I really miss his voice because he is late now.

He encouraged me while I was small, I started facing the crowd and taking leads as at the age of eight and some of my family members are also into entertainment professionally, for instance my younger brother DJ Magnum also sings and dance and he is also an instrumentalist, a plays guitar very well and he is based in S.A and Lanre also which you all know as Vector tha viper and also Yomi managing Vector.

So, out of 5 of us, just only one of us is not into entertainment and that’s my immediate younger sister but she likes music a lot too.

So, you mean the Nigerian famous rapper, Vector tha viper is your blood brother?

Yes, he is my younger brother.

Have you guys done any sort of collaboration we’ve probably not heard of or you guys are still cooking up something?

Yes o, wait for it, we are cooking something, we actually did a song for Oba Akiolu of Lagos, just wait for it, don’t let me burst it. We actually performed together on stage like 3years ago at Eko Atlantic, when it was my turn to come in, I did little rap live on stage with him and people were wondering like so, Shola Vibrator could rap because it was a creative experience but just relax, we are both cooking up something.

Hmmmmm ……Up to something, we can’t wait and are we expecting that under the stables of Deetee Records?

Maybe because prospective partners are welcome to project the brand Shola Vibrator to more music lovers.

Your first album was released over 6 years ago which features Pasuma Wonder, how well has it brought you over the years?

My first album was truly released 6 years ago but at some point, in time after two year, we thought we should add somethings to it because it’s a 4-track album so we thought if we could add more tracks to it and do a proper re-launch.

What has been the major challenge?

Sincerely speaking, that has been marketing the album, you know when you have a good marketer, the work load on you will be easy, you will happy to jump into the studio to record more songs, so, that’s the major challenge.

Come to speak of your brand name, “Shola Vibrator” … we understand “Shola” as a Yoruba name but the suffix “Vibrator” is what we don’t understand, does it mean you like sex toy or what?

Chai! People with dirty minds sha, actually, after my law program I went for creative art in UNILAG so, we are always rehearsing stage play, like in the days of the popular songs, Olori oko by Infiniti, myself, Alexander Osho, Desmond the saxophonist and co, we are always rehearsing 247 so one day, one of us, Paul Umujagbe was like Shola na wa for you o, you just dey vibrate, I could remember back then when I was given the role of Moremi and when I was rehearsing, Paul came to me and said Shola wetin dey sup as you just dey vibrate since morning, are you a vibrator? So, after the presentation of the whole play, I called Paul and said that thing you called me then I think I like it and I will like to adopt that name because for me, it’s something catchy so I included it with my name Shola and its really been working for me.

READ ALSO: RAPED BY HER UNCLE, 15-YEAR OLD GIRL COMMITS SUICIDE

So, you used to be a stage actor?

Yes, but I had to quit that path, likes of Funke Akindele and co, we did a lot together but I decided to face music but as per acting, I still full ground o, e still dey body….

So, what are the expectations of your fans anytime soon?

A bomb blast, blast of the moment to my superlative, incomparable fans should expect a bomb blast, I mean musically o before they say Shola don become suicide bomber…..

Are we also expecting a duet from you and your husband?

Definitely.

So, lastly Shola, what have you to say to those spreading rumors about your allegedly crashed marriage?

They should face their business and stop spreading false rumor about my marriage, my marriage to Dele Taiwo is still intact and we are fine.

It’s been wonderful spending time with you Shola ……we hope you will grant us the privilege next time we approach you for interview.

Yes sure, thanks.

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ANOTHER LOOK AT THE HATE SPEECH AND FAKE NEWS BILLS -BY MONDAY UBANI

2020-02-03T17:42:00.001+01:00

I was opportune to tune into Raypower Radio today after my court session before the learned Justice Oshodi of Ikeja High Court, Lagos State to monitor the Round Table Conference going on presently at Abuja on the issue of some of the bills presently pending before the National Assembly.

The sponsors of the two bills that have their objective of curtailing freedom of speech in Nigeria were given time to advance reasons for those bills at this time as a nation. I must tell you the truth, I was totally disappointed.

They were pedestrian in their presentation and evidenced their veiled intention to discourage Nigerians from querying the present government through social media.

Not only were they giving wrong reasons for the bills, they also lied that many lives have been lost in Nigeria due the so called Hate Speech and Fake News in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: UNDERSTANDING HATE SPEECH - BY CHARLES IDEHO

Statistics of death which occurred for some years caused by criminals in Nigeria were released recently by one of the international bodies. The main cause of those deaths as shown in the report was attributed to herdsmen and Boko Haram insurgents over the years. At no time was the cause of deaths attributed to the so -called hate speech or fake news carriers in Nigeria.

I urge the legislators of the 9th Assembly to throw out those bills as their passage will further dent the image of this government. It is in their interest to respect the rights of Nigerians to hold their government accountable.

We have enough laws in our books to take care of any infraction of our laws in the social media. I need not name them as they are many.

For their information, we made a choice by preferring democracy to dictatorshipsince 1999.

· Monday Onyekachi Ubani, a Legal Practitioner and Human Rights Crusader is a one-time 2^nd National Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

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OKADA, TRICYCLES BAN: LAGOS GOVT TO PROVIDE 65 NEW BUSES, 14 FERRIES

2020-02-03T14:44:00.003+01:00

The Lagos State government on said Monday that it has taken note of the little discomfort being experienced by commuters on some routes due to the ban on motorcycles and tricycles across major routes in the state.

To this end, it has planned to provide a fleet of 65 buses to join the others already in operation on some major routes as from Monday, February 3, 2020, with a promise for additional 550 more buses to be added soon, including 14 ferries to be commissioned on Tuesday, which is expected to further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso disclosed this in a statement he signed and made available to Issuesplus Daily.

He note that the government was not unaware that enforcing the ban may lead to some job losses., adding that the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the order, besides the programmes of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Office of Civic Engagement, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and others.

READ ALSO: LAGOS BLUE RAIL LINE TO COMMENCE IN 2021

However, the government has warned all those who are planning to unleash violence on the state because of the ongoing enforcement to have a change of heart.

“Lagosians are peace loving and law abiding people, who will not embrace any disruption of their legal activities by failed politicians hiding under the evil of unwholesome activism. The law enforcement agents have been directed to ensure that nobody takes the law into his hands. The government places a very high premium on law and order in the interest of all Lagosians. It will not fail to act when peace is threatened” the Commissioner said in the statement.

Meanwhile, the government of Lagos State has praised motorcycle and tricycle operators for complying with the restriction from six local government areas, major highways and bridges. It will be recalled that the enforcement of the State Security Council’s order began on Saturday, February 1, 2020.

“The level of compliance was over 90 %. In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable. The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become - a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people. They should stand firm in supporting the government,” the stamen further added.

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EDO LEADERDHIP CRISIS UPDATE: OSHIOMHOLE SNUBS OSINBAJO, OTHERS

2020-01-11T19:00:00.002+01:00

Gov. Godwin Obaseki (l), and APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

By Ogie Osarobo

There are indications at the weekend that a committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari aimed at reconciling the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his estranged successor, Godwin Obaseki may have hit the rocks.

A source told our correspondent that the committee, headed by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and having as Secretary, Mr Boss Mustapha the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was snubbed by the APC National Chairman, Oshiomhole.

According to the source, Oshiomhole hinged his refusal to honour the invitation extended to him on an existing court case back at his Edo State home base regarding his purported suspension from the party in his state by the 18 Chairmen of the party on November 12th, 2019.

"I can inform you that the APC national chairman declined the invitation extended to him by a committee set up by Mr President to reconcile him and Governor Obaseki.

"He cited the existing court case on his suspension from the party in Edo state as reason. He wants the case withdrawn first before any meaningful reconciliation can be achieved.," the source disclosed.

It would be recalled that a similar move made by the Ataru of Auchi and other prominent Etsakor personalities to broker truce between and the governor struck a dead-end when the APC National Chairman failed to show up at the annual Auchi Day celebrations to which they were both invited.

President Buhari, it was learnt, has become quite uncomfortable with the lingering crisis in Edo State. He's said to have been frantically seeking ways to get the issues resolved as the clock of the 2020 governorship election in the state ticks louder.

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OSHIOMHOLE, OBASEKI TO MEET FACE-TO-FACE AT AUCHI JANUARY 8

2020-01-02T14:48:00.003+01:00

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State (l), and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National chairman of the all Progressives Congress, APC.

The two “warring” leaders of Edo politics, incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki and National chairman of the all Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole are set to meet after several months of altercation.

The two leaders, NAN learnt, have both been invited as guests at the 23rd edition of the annual Auchi Day, billed to hold at Auchi, Etsako West local government area of the state.

Oshiomhole, an indigene of a neighbouring community, is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, while the governor’s invitation makes him Executive Guest of Honour at the occasion.

Other expected personalities at the event include, the first female Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Constance Momoh (rtd), Hon. Miriam Abubakar a former State Commissioner in the Obaseki administration while the Chief Executive Officer of construction giant, Setraco Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Abu Inu Umoru would chair the occasion.

READ ALSO: EDO APC FACTIONAL LEADERS ACCUSE OSHIOMHOLE OF BEING DICTATORIAL

A source in the palace of the Otaru of Auchi disclosed that the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III believed that the festival would create the opportunity for the two to meet and possibly resolve their differences.

The source was quoted as saying, “Wednesday, January 8, 2020, will be very specific for both the sacred kingdom celebrants and their friends from far and near during which His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II of Benin is expected to be the Royal Guest of Honour.

“We are optimistic that Almighty Allah will use the occasion for the two political combatants to make them sink their differences.”

Auchi Day is an annual event held in the Edo north town to showcase the people’s various cultural dances and plays, to thank God for His protection, and also to promote religious harmony among the inhabitants of the town.

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DINO MELAYE SURFACES IN NOLLYWOOD, STARS IN UPCOMING MOVIE

2020-01-02T06:46:00.005+01:00

Senator Dino Melaye, the former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial Zone has again hit the headlines. His loss at the rerun elections in which he lost to Senator Smart Adeyemi, now representing Kogi West Senatorial Zone at the Nigerian Senate, may have given him a new lease of life as he has taken up a role in the Nigerian movies industry, Nollywood.

Senator Dino Melaye.
The outspoken senator recently decided to bring his political experience to bear and contribute his quota in the socio-economic reengineering of the country when he featured in a new home movie entitled Lemonade.

Vanguard reports that Sen. Melaye Dino, spoke at the premier of the movie in Abuja where he said he believed that everyone has a role to play and should be brought to bear, noting that the home video offered him unfettered access to share his political experience with the hope of entrenching good governance and accountability in our political system.

He noted that he had so much confidence in the entertainment industry, being a very strong sector of our national life that could be valued more than oil and gas sector, hence the need to be given more attention by government.

“I brought my political experience to bear and to say that in changing the society everyone should be involved in it. The message is that we must have a nation and a society where leaders must be responsible, where followers must ask questions, where every Nigerian must decide to either work in the light of our creative altruism or we perish in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

Dino urged that government must focus her energy in building the entertainment industry, encourage the entertainment industry, create enabling environment and laws that will promote entertainment.

“In American the quantum of the GDP that the entertainment takes is more than the budget of the federal republic of Nigeria. So the federal government must actually re-strategize and refocus her energy on the entertainment industry, it is a big catch for us,” he added.

When asked to identify his real calling between acting and politics based on the role he played, the former law maker, said, he was born both.

READ ALSO: BOKO HARAM KILLS BRIDE, CHIEF BRIDESMAID 4 DAYS TO WEDDING

“It wasn’t a true life story but I can say it also juxtaposed my position about a just and egalitarian society, having a society where equity, justice and egalitarianism become the order of the day.

“I have always acted, I was the best national actor during my NYSC days and I just feel anyway t send a message to Nigerians, anyway to ameliorate our problems, anyway to get Nigeria out of the cocoon will be a very strong way to correct the ills in the society and I believe that entertainment industry is one of the strongest weapons that we can use to ameliorate our problems in this country.”

Senator Dino Melaye (l),and Joy Idoko, script writer and movie producer.
On whether he would continue to take up acting role in future, he said, he will only act in movies that have a reflection of correcting societal ills or encouraging leaders to do the right things.

“Any movie you see me in must speak or talk a story about rebuilding a new society, about energizing Nigerians to come out of their cocoon, to speak the truth to power. So in any way through music, through movies to help build a better society I will be willing to participate and I am doing this probono.”

For him, ‘everyone is a political animal, politics is not a profession, it is not a means to livelihood, it is a means of changing your society, it is a means of correcting the ills of the society, it is a medium of contributing your quota to national development.’

The Script Writer and movie producer, Joy Idoko said she was motivated into producing the movie because it has always been a lifelong dream to go into film making, not just a film maker but wanted to use her contents or films to speak the truth to people.

The movie, which was premiered on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, was produced by 100% Joy Media Productions and shot in the nation’s capital.

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DESPERATE FOR SEX, ZOO ELEPHANT TRAMPLES ITS KEEPER TO DEATH

2019-12-30T17:20:00.002+01:00

File photo.

An adult male elephant has trampled its keeper to death in front of shocked visitors at a zoo in southern China.

The two-tonne beast, aged 56, was said to be desperate to mate while stomping on the animal carer last week in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. The attack occurred just before an animal circus show last Tuesday and was filmed by tourists waiting to watch the performance.

The Asian elephant, called ‘Ai A’, had been living in Changsha for 10 years before the incident and has a ‘gentle’ temperament, according to Changsha Ecological Zoo where the tragedy took place.

The elephant, Daily Mail reports, was waiting to enter the performance venue when it launched the assault on the worker, known by his surname Bu. Five other keepers tried to calm down the hormone-driven elephant before taking Bu to hospital.

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The victim was pronounced dead by doctors after emergency treatment failed. Footage circulating on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, shows three elephants, including ‘Ai A’, standing on the performance ground. It then shows ‘Ai A’ dragging a man, who appears lifeless, along the ground.

One male eyewitness is heard yelling ‘gone, gone’ indicating that the man could be dead while others are heard lamenting over the loss.

The attack was caused by the fact that ‘Ai A’ was in ‘musth’ at the time, experts from the zoo suspected. When a male Asian elephant is in a state of ‘musth’, its urge to mate goes into overdrive, and its levels of testosterone and other hormones are elevated. It becomes more aggressive and fights with other male elephants to compete for partners. It remains unclear if the other elephants at the scene were male or female. The zoo has kept ‘Ai A’ in a separate enclosure away from other elephants.

Established in 2010, Changsha Ecological Zoo keeps a total of six Asian elephants in a pavilion occupying 1,271 square metres (13,681 square feet). All elephants are trained to carry out circus stunts, including giving massages, kicking football and swinging hula hoops.

The zoo has vowed to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. It is understood that police and the regional forestry bureau are investigating the case, as reported by.

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NO ONE OLDER THAN ME WILL SUCCEED ME IN 2023 — EBONYI GOV

2019-12-30T13:16:00.003+01:00

The governor of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, David Umahi, at the weekend vowed that no one older than him would succeed him as governor of the state at the expiration of his current tenure in 2023.

According to him, anyone that would receive his support would someone not above his age limit for the 2023 governorship election in the State. He added that there were several benefits of having a young and vibrant person as the governor of the state.

David Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi State.

Umahi disclosed this when he received members of the State Executive Council led by his deputy governor, Barr. Kelechi Igwe at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara local government area during the yuletide.

READ ALSO: BUHARI PLEASED WITH NIGERIAN YOUTHS...FIND OUT WHY

“I will not support anyone that is older than me for Governor come 2023. We need someone that is energetic and ready to lead with every commitment. I will not engage in 2023 politics now, I can only talk politics a year to the end of my tenure not now. We are more concerned with developing the state and cannot be distracted by desperate people who are hungry for power and not for the betterment of the people”.

Umahi further noted that he could not be distracted by desperate people who were hungry for power and not for the betterment of the people.

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SHOCK AS ZAMFARA GOVT UNCOVERS 119-YEAR-OLD ON ITS PAYROLL

2019-12-30T09:34:00.003+01:00

Dr. Bello Matawalle, Zamfara State Governor.

· Directors of finance were fraudulently selling out fake offers of employment at the cost of N250,000 to innocent job seekers

The Zamfara Government has expressed shock as it has uncovered a 119-year-old (names withheld) on its payroll while putting measures in place to sanitise its wage bill.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Rabiu Garba, disclosed at a news conference on Sunday in Gusau that the centenarian is surprisingly collecting salary.

Rabiu, NAN reports, made this revelation while shedding lights on the state government’s plans to institute legal actions against about 200 persons found to be illegally on its payroll and collecting monthly salary.

The commissioner also said he confronted the incumbent deputy governor of the state, Mr. Mahdi Ali-Gusau, over allegations on social media that the deputy governor was collecting double salary.

READ ALSO: BILL TO GRANT CITIZENSHIP STATUS TO FOREIGN SPOUSES OF NIGERIANS MAKES PROGRESS

According to him, the deputy governor denied the speculations and submitted self for further scrutiny to prove his innocence.

The commissioner, however, said on further investigations, it was discovered that “some directors of finance were involved in the racket of inflating the state’s workers monthly wage bill and pocketing the excess.”

He also revealed that the scam was more at the state Health Service Management Board (HSMB) where investigations revealed that the suspended directors of finance were fraudulently selling out fake offers of employment at the cost of N250,000 to innocent job seekers.

He added that the state government was so far losing more than N216 million monthly to the racketeers.

Ali-Gusau lamented that “if utilised, the state government can employ an additional 8,000 persons and pay them salary” comfortably.

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WE ARE NOT BUHARI’S RUBBER STAMP, REPS MEMBER BOASTS

2019-12-30T08:10:00.002+01:00

Honourable Wumi Ogunlola, :we're not Buhari's stooges."

A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Wumi Ogunlola has dismissed the insinuations suggesting that the 9th National Assembly was a rubber stamp. She clarified that not all requests from President Muhammadu Buhari were approved by the legislature.

The lawmaker, who represents Ekiti Central Constituency II, Vanguard reports, noted that they were elected to represent the interest of their constituents and to make laws that will bring about good governance, adding that both arms of government must operate in an atmosphere of peace for the country to witness all development. Speaking with Journalists in Ijero-Ekiti on Sunday, Ogunlola explained that Nigerians must not assess the performance of the National Assembly with the number of times they disagreed with the president rather their interventions and the quality of laws they made.

According to the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, “I don’t think all that come to the National Assembly from the executive is approved, that is not correct. If you knew what they brought and what was given back to them, either reducing or adding to them, it wasn’t the same thing, in other words, it means some steps were talking by the National Assembly.

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“I want to believe that it is in peace that we can really forge ahead, it is not when we are at loggerheads and fighting. I think it is the media that believe that it’s until when you fight or when you disagree, that is when you are really playing politics or administering government, whereas it is not.

“It’s when we are at peace, that we can sort out things, that we can agree and have meetings of the mind, I want to break what the speaker said to mean. It is not when we fight that we can keep executives on their toes. It is not as if we don’t disagree, maybe at times, it is not open to you.

“If we have misunderstood, there would always be a round-table talk to forge ahead. The word ‘Rubber Stamp’ is a journalistic language.”

She assured members of her constituents her determination to sponsor motions and bills in the New Year that would enhance the socio-economic lives of the Constituency.

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BOKO HARAM KILLS BRIDE, CHIEF BRIDESMAID 4 DAYS TO WEDDING

2019-12-30T00:45:00.002+01:00

Martha Bulus (right), hacked down by Boko Haram four days to her wedding.

The dreaded insurgents that have held the north east of Nigeria hostage for more than a decade, struck on Boxing Day in Borno State, when they slew a lady who was billed to wed on 31 December, 2019

The late bride to be, whose name was given as Martha Bulus, was killed by the insurgents alongside her chief bridesmaid.

According to reports, the lady and her chief bridesmaid were travelling from Gworza, a town in Borno State to Jimeta in neighbouring Adamawa State when they were both killed by Boko Haram on 26 December, 2019.

READ ALSO: 12 FEARED KILLED AS BOKO HARAM ATTACKS NIGER VILLAGE

No details had been given by the insurgents as at the time of this report, as to the plausible reasons why the ladies were killed.

Boko Haram, a daredevil insurgency group has terrorised the north-eastern zone of the country for more than a decade. And efforts by the Nigerian military to defeat the group have so far yielded little results as they have continued to operate, laying ambush and killing soldiers in droves.

Last week, the governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum had cried out to the Nigerian government that the group was in firm control of three local council areas of the state where their flags have been hoisted. However, the authorities quickly debunked it.

Source: @BabajideOtitoju

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GANDUJE BANS OPPOSITE GENDERS FROM ENTERING SAME KEKE

2019-12-26T11:51:00.002+01:00

The Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganguje has announced that with effect from January 2020, persons of opposite sex across the state would no longer be permitted to board the same commercial tricycle, called keke in most part of Nigeria.

Ganguje disclosed this on Christmas day at the 77th annual Islamic vacation course (IVC) at Bayero University, Kano.

The governor was represented by Harun Ibn-Sina, commander-general of Hisbah Board, at the event organised by the zone A of Muslim Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

Ibn-Sina said the government is committed to upholding Islamic values in the state.

READ ALSO: MUSLIM WOMAN DECORATES CHRISTMAS TREE TO KADUNA CAN CHAIRMAN’S HOUSE

Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of the state, was said to have introduced the commercial tricycles in the state as a means of transportation for women, until it was reversed and used by both genders.

In September, Baffa Agundi, managing director of Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), said the state was planning to ban the use of commercial tricycle by the end of the year.

He said the move would sanitise the activities of commercial tricycle operators.

According to him, the agency has been receiving a lot of complaints from the public on commercial tricycle operators in the state.

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MUSLIM WOMAN DECORATES CHRISTMAS TREE TO KADUNA CAN CHAIRMAN’S HOUSE

2019-12-21T13:59:00.004+01:00

Hajia Ramatu donating a Christmas tree to the residence of Kaduna State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend John Joseph Hayap.

“The moment I entered a shop at the Central Market asking them of a Christmas tree with my hijab, everyone was wondering and asking what would a Muslim woman do with the Christmas tree?”

In line with the promotion of peace and religious tolerance in the north of Nigeria, a Kaduna based Muslim woman, Hajia Ramatu has donated Christmas tree for the decoration of the residence of Kaduna State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Reverend John Joseph Hayap. This, Vanguard reports reveal, is with the aims of boosting unity, love, and togetherness.

Addressing the journalists shortly after decorating the house with Christmas tree, light, stocking, garment and, ornament, with the family of the CAN chairman and other members, she expressed her happiness coming to the house to donate her gift.

According to her, Kaduna state C.N chairman is a man of peace, trust and integrity and this is the way to show him her appreciation toward what he is doing in peace building in entire northern Nigeria.

She said, “| came to the house of the CAN chairman to decorate the house, in order to beautify the home with Christmas tree, light, wreaths, stocking, garment, ornament. Christmas provides an opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate to their Christian neighbours that Islam is a faith of peace, love and unity.”

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She said she wants to use the season in spreading the message of love, peace, unity and togetherness between Muslims and Christians in the state, adding that both Muslims and Christians were children of Adam and Eve (biological parents).

“Both Muslims and Christians believe in One God (Allah). Both Muslims and Christians have holy books, which are Bible and Qur’an. Both of them believed in life after death, Ramatu who is a specialist in peace and conflict prevention in Nigeria says, in each and every year, she usually buys Christmas trees and donate to her friends and family in Nigeria and outside. Stressing that every year, she donates foodstuffs to Christian widows and clothes for orphans in order to celebrate the season with joy and happiness like any other Christians across the planet.

“The moment I entered a shop at the Central Market asking them of a Christmas tree with my hijab, everyone was wondering and asking what would Muslim women got to do with the Christmas tree? So, many people were asking me of it, but I know its importance to every Christian in the world. That is why I bought it for my brothers and sisters to enable them know that Muslims are their brothers and sisters. We wish them Happy Christmas and New Year,” she said.

Responding, the Kaduna CAN chairman expressed his satisfaction over the good gesture by the Muslims woman. Hayap thanked her for her visit and the donation of the Christmas tree. He concluded by calling on Muslim and Christian to live in peace and harmony, while also calling on wealthy individuals to support the needy during a period like Christmas.

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