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Kano discharges 16 additional COVID-19 patients

Covid-19

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May 8, 2020

Kano discharges 16 additional COVID-19 patients

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

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

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

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

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

War against insurgency: Political leaders write Buhari, laud troops efforts

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May 7, 2020

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War against insurgency: Political leaders write Buhari, laud troops efforts

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria (YOLN) has praised the Nigerian Army’s incredible exploits in the war against terrorism.

The group made this known in a letter signed by its President, Prince Timothy Atuluku, to President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.

According to the political leaders, Nigeria would have been consumed by the Boko Haram insurgency had the president and the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, led by Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai not intervened.

The group stated that but for the coming on board of Buhari’s administration, Nigeria would have become the mockery of the world.

The leaders, thus, hailed the sterling leadership of Mr President and his COAS which indeed filled the leadership vacuum over the years to prosecute the war against terrorism has been phenomenal.

The political leaders, however, assured the president and COAS that Nigerians are behind them in the quest to wipe the Boko Haram insurgents in North-East Nigeria.

Read full statement below:

His Excellency
Muhammadu Buhari
President and Commander-in-Chief
Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Villa,
Abuja-Nigeria.

Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,

LETTER OF COMMENDATION IN THE WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria brings its warmest regards to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the sound leadership in the country since 2015.

We wish to state that, but for the coming on board of your administration, Nigeria would have been consumed with the myriad of challenges confronting it chiefly the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

Mr. President may wish to recall that upon assumption of office in 2015, the military hierarchy was relocated to North-East Nigeria. That singular act indeed set the country of the path of progress with regards to the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Mr. President may also wish to recall that the appointment of Service Chiefs in the country was indeed the game-changer in the sense that the various Service Chiefs hit the ground running and Today the multiple successes recorded in the war against terrorism is evident for all and sundry to see.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria is, therefore, using this medium to inform Mr. President that the efforts of the Nigerian Military have been outstanding since 2016 when the military gained ascendency over the Boko Haram terrorist group that culminated in the sacking of the operational headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Sambisa forest.

We are more than appreciative of the operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria and other parts of the country. We wish to exbeen consumed with the myriad of challenges confronting it chiefly the Boko Haram insurgency in N

Mr. President, you may wish to know that the overwhelming votes by Nigerians in the 2019 elections are in recognition of the outstanding show of commitment to the war against terrorism that has yielded tremendous results over the years.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria indeed states that the confidence reposed by Nigerians has not been betrayed by His Excellency and hence this letter of commendation, as well as appreciation to our loyal and committed troops that have continued to do the country proud.

We wish to state that in the annals of our democratic experience since 1999, Nigeria has never gotten it right like now when our country is indeed blessed with a leader that has exhibited sincerity of heart and purpose and also a leader that has shown significant commitment towards setting Nigeria on the path of greatness among the comity of nations.

Mr. President, it must be stated that your sterling leadership has indeed filled the leadership vacuum in Nigeria over the years, and your commitment to prosecuting the war against terrorism has been phenomenal.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria also commends the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai. He has led the Nigerian Army with utmost professionalism and dedication in the discharge of his duties.

Mr. President, you may wish to be informed that the Chief of Army Staff has led the troops in battle in an exemplary manner that has seen the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group confined to the fringes of the Lake Chad in absolute disarray and with nowhere to run to.

The sacrifices of our troops have indeed been felt in all nook and cranny of Nigeria, and this is made possible by the ingenuity of the Chief of Army Staff and the political leadership who has made it a habit to undertake routine visits to the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria.

Mr. President, the outcome of the routine visits of the Chief of Army Staff in recent times has seen to the killing of over 250 Boko Haram terrorists in recent operations carried out by the Nigerian Military.

The Young Political Leaders Forum of Nigeria wishes to inform Mr. President that Nigerians are with him and the administration towards a final victory on the war against the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.

The Young Political Leaders Forum wishes to encourage the President and Commander-in-Chief not to relent in this final push against the remnants of the Boko Haram by the Nigerian troops by providing that conducive atmosphere for the overall success in the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

Nigerians are eagerly waiting to come out en mass after the COVID-19 pandemic is over to celebrate these milestones from city to city in appreciation of what the military has done for the country through their numerous sacrifices over the years.

Mr. President, you have indeed done well and set Nigeria on the path of greatness through your laudable initiatives and the Young Political Leaders Forum in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that it is indeed passing a vote of confidence on our gallant and loyal troops fighting day and night in executing the war against terrorism in Nigeria.

We consequently encourage the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai not to relent in its final push in bringing the Boko Haram war to an end.

Mr. President, a true leader, has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.

Benue COVID-19: FG right to isolate Susan Okpe, family says

Covid-19

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May 7, 2020

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Benue COVID-19: FG right to isolate Susan Okpe, family says

By Toby Prince

The family of Susan Okpe, Benue’s index COVID-19 case, has backed the Federal Government’s handling of the patient.
Okpe has attracted the sympathy of Nigerians after alleging that the Benue State Government wrongly declared her positive in March.

And ever since her transfer to an isolation centre in Abuja, she has been at loggerheads with authorities, reportedly refusing her samples to be retested.
There are even reports that a protest is being schemed in Benue on Friday.

However, in a statement signed by Bar Austin Lawani, the family said the FG have “medical and legal reasons under extant laws for isolating any of her citizens”.
Meanwhile in a swift reaction, Susan Okpe described communique from family members as pure family politics and asked to be exempted from such.

Read full statement below:
The Lawani family of Ogbadibo LGA, of Benue state wishes to state as follows:
That Susan Okpe, Nee Lawani is our dear sister,
That she has been under medical isolation at the National Hospital, Abuja for observation and possible care,
That the Federal Government of Nigeria has medical and legal reasons under extant laws for isolating any of her citizens, our sister inclusive, especially in the face of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic,
That as a family, we dearly love our Sister and have demonstrated same since her isolation. We are in constant touch with her. At the same time, we are in dialogue with the relevant authorities, Agencies, Institutions and Officials of Govt. with respect and regards to her welfare, state of health and possible discharge.
We are a law abiding family and would continue to pursue same objective to ensure her safe release and or discharge as soon as possible.
We want to sincerely thank the general public and concerned citizens for solidarity thus far over her situation in Nigeria. We can only ask God Almighty to bless you all. Thank you immensely.

Olonisakin lauds Nigerian Navy on the production of second local maritime chart

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May 7, 2020

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Olonisakin lauds Nigerian Navy on the production of second local maritime chart

By Lawrence Audu

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has commended the Nigerian Navy for the production of the second locally produced chart of some parts of Nigerian waters by the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO)

In a statement issued by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche, General Olonisakin expressed profound delight in the fact that the recent products of the NNHO, harbour and operational charts, are certified and recognized by international institutions.

He averred that this achievement is coming at a time when the need to utilize indigenous resources has been underscored by recent global events.

It could be recalled that the NN recorded a significant operational milestone with the production of the second indigenous navigational chart of some parts of Nigerian waters by the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO).

The new chart covers parts of Badagry Creek, from Ogunkobo, through Navy Town and Mile 2 to Tin-Can Island in Lagos waters. Work on the chart started in 2019. With the completion of the chart, the NNHO has now commenced work on its electronic version which will be forwarded to the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts for validation and release.

In the last one year, the NNHO has produced a number of nautical products which are currently used by Nigerian Navy ships and establishments. These include harbour chart of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited water fronts, port guide of Lagos harbour and operations charts of the entire Eastern Naval Command. Others are maneuvering sheets for tactical navigation and a number of training charts among others.

The International Hydrographic Community, particularly the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), has acknowledged the strides made by the NN in chart production.

Consequently, the UKHO has accepted gradual hand over of the survey data covering Nigerian waters which are held in their archive and also to adopt NNHO’s charts rather than producing new ones. This is a confirmation that NNHO’s nautical products meet international (IHO) standards.

The NNHO wishes to maintain this standard to facilitate safety of navigation within Nigerian waters and seamless takeover of the charting functions of Nigerian waters from UKHO.

In line with the coordination role of the NN in Hydrography, the NNHO is also currently developing a harmonized Standard Operating Procedures to guide all hydrographic survey activities conducted in Nigerian waters by private survey companies and sister government agencies.

This would ensure that data received from any of these survey companies/government agencies are accurate enough to be included in a chart.

FG to decontaminate schools before resumption

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May 7, 2020

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FG to decontaminate schools before resumption

By Bukola Olasanmi

The Federal Government says it has initiated the process of decontaminating and disinfecting schools across the country before reopening them for academic activities.

Minister of the Environment, Muhammad Mahmood, who disclosed this said his ministry would liaise with the Federal Ministry of Education to get required data to conduct the exercise.

He spoke while responding to questions at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja, saying he was hopeful that the country would get to the level where the schools would be reopened.

Government had earlier announced that it could not determine for now a definite date for reopening schools nationwide, especially with the coronavirus pandemic escalating in the country.

He added that his ministry had also been involved in the sensitization of Nigerians on measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Mahmood said, “We are initiating a programme of decontaminating and disinfecting our schools before they open subsequently, because I believe we will get to the point where we will reopen our schools.

“We will be liaising with the Federal Ministry of Education to make sure we have the needed data to map out the exercise,” he said.

COVID-19: Sacked Kano Commissioner Who Celebrated Abba Kyari’s Death Tests Positive

Covid-19

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May 7, 2020

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COVID-19: Sacked Kano Commissioner Who Celebrated Abba Kyari’s Death Tests Positive

After mocking the death of late Chief of staff to the President, Abba Kyari, sacked Kano State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructures Development, Engineer Muaz Magaji, has tested positive for COVID-19.

Mr. Magaji announced the development through his verified Facebook timeline, adding that he has been moved to one of the isolation centres in the state.

“This morning, my NCDC test is out. I have been confirmed COVID-19 positive, and have been moved to one of the state facilities,” he said.

Magaji drew the ire of Nigerians for his Facebook post following Kyari’s demise, saying ““When you are all done with the pretence and crocodile tears, we will do a review in overriding interest of the Nation and its people!”.

This prompted his sack with a statement that was signed by the commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba to that effect said the commissioner was removed following his “unguarded utterances against the person of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari.”

Garba said “as a public servant, the commissioner ought to have respect the profanity of the office by refraining from any act capable of rendering the office to disrepute.”

Ganduje’s Spokesman had stressed “the action of a public servant, personal or otherwise reflects back on the government and therefore, the Ganduje administration would not tolerate people in official capacities engaging in personal vendetta or otherwise.”

Speaking further on the sudden twist of fate, Mr. Magaji said “going through a historical moment of our time, a time we will either live to remember or we will be remembered having lived in. Which ever applies, Alhamdulilah.”

The development came on a day Kano recorded 30 new cases bringing the toll of COVID-19 patients in the state to 427.

The Kano ministry of health tweet on Thursday morning that #COVID19KN Update as at 12:02am 7th May 2020, 30 new cases of #COVID19Kano cases confirmed.

It revealed that the “total confirmed cases in @KanostateNg are now 427, as the ministry disclosed “3 additional #COVID19Kano patients were successfully discharged, while “5 #COVID19Kano deaths were recorded. “

Kogi, Cross River, free of COVID-19 as NCDC releases breakdown of cases

Covid-19

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May 7, 2020

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Kogi, Cross River, free of COVID-19 as NCDC releases breakdown of cases

By Bukola Olasanmi

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, on Thursday released a list of States with the confirmed COVID-19 cases.

According to the data, there are only 34 states with COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

It was gathered that Kogi and Cross River States have not recorded cases of coronavirus so far.

It could be recalled that the Kogi State Government said there were attempts to import coronavirus in the State or declare non-existing cases of the virus.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo said this a statement after a woman complained of having symptoms and insisted on being tested by NCDC officials.
Here is a breakdown of States with COVID- 19 cases:

Lagos- 1,308
Kano- 427
FCT -316
Borno -116
Gombe -103
Katsina -95
Ogun -95
Kaduna -85
Sokoto -85
Bauchi -83
Edo -65
Oyo -52
Zamfara -46
Jigawa -39
Osun -37
Kebbi -18
Delta -17
Akwa Ibom -16
Kwara -16
Taraba -15
Adamawa -15
Rivers -14
Yobe -13
Ondo -13
Ekiti -12
Nasarawa -11
Enugu -8
Bayelsa -5
Ebonyi -5
Plateau -4
Niger -4
Benue -2
Imo -2
Abia- 2
Anambra -1

Timbuktu- Triangle Victory: Coalition of Activists laud Nigerian troops over successful outings

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May 7, 2020

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Timbuktu- Triangle Victory: Coalition of Activists laud Nigerian troops over successful outings

The Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria (CNAGN) believes that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deserve special laurels for their tremendous feat against Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast.

This special recognition trails the troops’ recent onslaught around the Timbuktu-Triangle in Borno State which was once reported to be under the control of the radical jihadists.

Led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukut Buratai, the Nigerian troops have gained massive grounds in its final clearance operation, with the latest consuming 134 insurgents.

And in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Kenneth Anayo, on Tuesday, the group of activists hailed the “troops for their uncommon efforts, patriotism and gallantry in the past few weeks especially their most recent exploit in neutralizing over 134 terrorists”.

CNAGN expressed confidence in the COAS and his troops as they match closer towards victory over the terrorists who already appears to be depleted.

The activists, however, urged the Federal Government to carry out a similar operation on the civilian and non-combatant wings of Boko Haram, who arm them with information.

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria has urged the Federal Government and Nigerians to specially commend the troops currently carrying out the final phases of the operation to wipe Boko Haram terrorists out from the northeast of Nigeria and all over the country. The Coalition’s reachtion followed reports that the Nigerian military neutralized as many as 134 Boko Haram terrorists in the Timbuktu-Triangle while arresting 16 informants that had helped the terror group’s operation in the past.

The punishment that the Nigerian Army has inflicted on Boko Haram terrorists is a befitting gift to Nigerians at a time that people are eager for good news in the midst of the COVID-19 scourge. The terrorists that once made themselves into a scourge and a torn in the country’s flesh are today getting the kind of treatment they deserve being the disease that they are. For this the Army, its leadership and troops that are taking part in the operation deserve laurels to spur them on.

We at the Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria laud the troops for their uncommon efforts, patriotism and gallantry in the past few weeks especially their most recent exploit in neutralizing over 134 terrorists as part of the final onslaught in the war against terrorism. The troops have left everyone talking about their gallantry and patriotism in the their continuous display against the terrorists.

This group, which has always had the highest level of confidence in the capacity of our military to defeat the terrorists without any doubt, is proud that a time has come for all Nigerians to stand behind the troops to defeat the terrorists and their agents of darkness.

The Coalition of Nigerian Activists for Greater Nigeria, however, wants to appeal to the Federal Government to reciprocate the good work the military is doing in flushing out the leftovers of Boko Haram elements by unleashing a similar operation on the civilian and non-combatant wings of Boko Haram. By this we mean that the government should act on intelligence at its disposal about the sympathizers, sponsors, enablers and collaborators of Boko Haram.

The fact that the military has arrested as many as 16 informants for the terrorists showed that they have seriously infected the national space. Consequently, we demand that the government take action in freezing bank accounts linked with terrorism financing, close down businesses connected to Boko Haram commanders and their associates, including those that have been used as fronts for laundering funds to the terrorists.

It is also time to take a firm stand against propaganda deployed in support of Boko Haram and those behind such poison. We equate this with the Nigerian Military being on the threshold of cutting off the head of the beast but the government and the rest of the country must take active steps to incinerate its carcass so that is has no prospect of spawning miniatures or clones in its dying moment. We urge that Boko Haram is atomically defeated on the battlefield in the northeast, defeated in the media and cyberspace, defeated in the socio-political and economic space in order for all Nigerians to enjoy peace.

Even as they commend the military for destroying Boko Haram, Nigerians must now take the next crucial step of collectively freeing their minds grip that terrorism once held over them. It is in the hearts and minds of Nigerians that the terrorists will be finally defeated. The days of Boko Haram are over.

MNJTF foils ISWAP attack on military base, kills 45

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May 7, 2020

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MNJTF foils ISWAP attack on military base, kills 45

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) said its troops alongside the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have killed 48 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and destroyed their logistics camps around the Lake Chad region.

Chief of Military Public Information in charge of MNJTF, Colonel Timothy Antigha, who made this known, said the joint operations comprising air and artillery bombardments, took place on Tuesday following intelligence reports.

Antigha in a statement said the terrorists met their end while attempting to attack a military location in the area.

The statement reads; “In continuation of ongoing offensive operations to inflict more casualties on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and other coalition members including Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Nigerien Air Force neutralised about 48 ISWAP fighters and destroyed their camps in a joint air and artillery bombardments executed by the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with Nigerien Air Force and Artillery Regiment of Sector 3 of the MNJTF at Dumba and Location Charlie on the fringes of the Lake Chad in the early hours of yesterday, 5 May 2020.

“The joint interdiction missions, which have set the ISWAP elements in disarray, were conducted on the heels of impeccable intelligence reports from multiple sources, including Allied partners, confirming that large numbers of terrorists had assembled in the vicinity of Dumba and had commenced an advance in their vehicles to attack nearby troops’ locations. Consequently, the Air Task Force attack aircraft supported by Nigerien Surveillance platform were scrambled to take out the mobile ISWAP elements at their harbour location, in 2 waves of bomb and rocket strikes leading to the neutralization of several of the terrorists.

“Similarly, some ISWAP elements that had attacked a Nigerien Army Base near Diffa in Niger Republic were tracked by Nigerien and then NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft as well as night capable Allied surveillance assets, as they crossed the border in 8 gun trucks to their harbour position at a location code named; Location Charlie within the Islands of the Lake Chad. This location was subsequently interdicted through a joint fire by the artillery of MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) and NAF attack aircraft which resulted in the killing of several terrorists as well as the destruction of their vehicles and equipment as depicted in Battle Damage Assessment clip.

The MNJTF will be unrelenting in the efforts to track and hunt down terrorists groups within the Lake Chad Basin. There will be no hiding place for them. With the support of our strategic partners, the MNJTF will continue to apply both kinetic and non-kinetic means against the terrorists until they are completely degraded.

“The MNJTF appreciates the invaluable contributions of our Allied partners and continues to urge the local population to be supportive of the Task Force, to enable the achievement of operational objectives”.

Policemen to undergo coronavirus test in Ondo

Covid-19

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May 7, 2020

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Policemen to undergo coronavirus test in Ondo

As part of measure to further curb the spread of the virus, Policemen in Ondo State are to undergo Coronavirus test.

Those scheduled are personnel attached to the Yaba Police Division under Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

This follows reports that three policemen attached to the division tested positive for the deadly virus a few days ago.

The affected officers have already been taken to the Infectious Disease Hospital in Akure, the state capital, for treatment.

They contracted the virus from a colleague said to have refused going for the test despite showing symptoms.

Commissioner for Police in the state, Undie Adie, who made the disclosure in an interview, said the blood samples of the officers would be collected to check their status.

According to him, those already identified have been instructed to come with their relations for the COVID-19 test.