Television Nigerian

Lagos Assembly wants Sanwo-Olu to account for COVID-19 donations

Covid-19

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May 8, 2020

Lagos Assembly wants Sanwo-Olu to account for COVID-19 donations

The Lagos House of Assembly on Thursday asked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to account for expenses incurred from donations received in support of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

At the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, the House asked Sanwo-Olu to introduce a co-chairman from the executive arm to represent state’s COVID-19 Incident Commander before the House.

Obasa said: “It is our own duty to do what is right.

“The law says the executive will come forward to give account on what they have expended.”

Member representing Mushin Constituency II, Olayiwola Abdul-Sobur, maintained that the donations and grants accrued to the state government should be domiciled in the Consolidated Revenue Funds and the executive must be reminded that no money should be withdrawn from any public funds without the authorisation of the House.

“There should be transparency and trustworthiness on the part of the executive and they should be mindful of the funds which are donations and grants that are not budgeted for,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman House Committee on Health Services, Mr Akeem Shokunle, urged the governor to be mindful that the funds referred to were neither budgeted for nor in the consolidated fund or development fund.

He said that the House would ensure proper accountability of the donations and grants in accordance with the law. (NAN)

ECOWAS denies endorsing Madagascan herbal COVID-19 remedy

Covid-19

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May 8, 2020

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ECOWAS denies endorsing Madagascan herbal COVID-19 remedy

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has disassociated itself from Madagascar’s Covid-Organics for the treatment of the novel coronavirus.

They said this in a statement issued by Oghogho Obayuwana of the Communication Directorate of the Commission.

“Our attention has been drawn to a story making the headlines that claims ECOWAS has ordered a package of Covid Organics (CVO) medicine from a third country,” the statement reads.

“We wish to dissociate ECOWAS and its health institution, West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), from this claim and to inform the general public that we have not ordered the said CVO medication.

“As part of its mandate to safeguard and improve the health of the region’s population, WAHO remains committed to promoting rational traditional medicine practices and products in the ECOWAS region, and over the years has worked consistently with the member states to scientifically investigate plant medicines of proven efficacy.”

It added that the products are documented in the ECOWAS Pharmacopoeia of Traditional Medicines, and that the second edition of the said document will be published in the next few weeks.

“WAHO has also in the recent past identified, nurtured and supported centres of excellence in traditional medicine across the ECOWAS region.”

The Commission said it will continue to focus on delivering on the decisions made by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at their recent Extraordinary Summit on the fight against Covid-19, on of which is to strengthen cooperation among Member States in research, training and experience sharing in health matters in general, and in the fight against Covid-19 in particular.

Buhari appoints Alwan Ali Hassan as acting MD of BOA

Agriculture

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May 8, 2020

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Buhari appoints Alwan Ali Hassan as acting MD of BOA

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Alwan Ali Hassan as the acting managing director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

The appointment was announced in a statement released by the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development (FMARD) on Thursday.

Buhari has also approved the immediate dissolution of the interim management team for the BOA.

The statement described the appointment as “most apt and will expectedly turn the fortunes of the bank around considering his decades of experience in the banking sector”.

“The Bank of Agriculture is the nation’s apex agricultural and rural development finance institution, saddled with the responsibility of providing agricultural credit facilities in support of agricultural value chain activities, will benefit immensely from the vast banking experiences of Alwan Ali Hassan.”

According to the statement, Hassan is a banker with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry.

He is said to have worked with Bank PHB, First Bank of Nigeria, African International Bank Limited, United Bank for Africa, the Central Bank of Nigeria and on the management boards of Orient Bank, Uganda; Bank PHB in the Gambia; and Platinum Capital and Trust Limited, Nigeria.

Before his appointment as acting MD, he was the chairman of Midrange Universal Biz Ltd.

Nigeria Records 381 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Infections Now 3,526

Covid-19

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May 8, 2020

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Nigeria Records 381 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Infections Now 3,526

Nigeria has recorded 381 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 3,526.

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control(NCDC), confirmed this in a tweet on Thursday.

Of the new cases, 183 are in Lagos, 55 are in Kano, 44 in Jigawa while 19 each are in Zamfara and Bauchi.

11 are in Katsina, nine in Borno, eight in Kwara, seven in Kaduna, six in Gombe, five in Ogun, four in Sokoto, three in Oyo and in Rivers, two in Niger and one each in Akwa-Ibom, Enugu and Plateau states.

The latest figures come amid concerns about the level of compliance with the guidelines released by the Federal Government for easing the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory. There have also been concerns about the level of compliance with the interstate lockdown which is in effect.

President Muhammadu Buhari had announced the easing of the lockdown in all three places and imposed and interstate lockdown during his nationwide broadcast on Monday, April 27.

Many Nigerians have, however, failed to comply with the guidelines, prompting the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to warn that full lockdown could be reintroduced if violations continue.

During its briefing on Thursday, the PTF condemned what it said was the high level of compromise among some security officials in the enforcement of the night curfew and the ban on interstate travel.

The task force also asked state governments to improve security and welfare at the various isolation and treatment centres across the country.

The call was in reaction to recent protests and cases of patients escaping from some isolation centres because of alleged poor treatment.

Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the country on February 27, 3,525 more cases have been confirmed.

So far, 601 people have recovered from the virus and have been discharged while 107 people have sadly died.

Justice Dahiru Saleh, Who Pronounced The Annulment of the June 12 Presidential Election, is Dead

News

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May 8, 2020

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Justice Dahiru Saleh, Who Pronounced The Annulment of the June 12 Presidential Election, is Dead

Justice Dahiru Saleh, The Judge Who Pronounced The Annulment of The June 12, Presidential Election, is Dead.

Justice Saleh died in Bauchi state and would be buried in his hometown of Azare, in Bauchi state on Thursday evening.

Until his death, he held the title of “Mutawallen” of Katagum Emirate in Bauchi. He was the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

June 12, 1993 election was adjudged as one of the most credible in the history of the country.

MKO Abiola, the Social Democratic Party candidate, defeated Bashir Tofa, his National Republican Convention rival, by a wide margin but the exercise was cancelled ahead of the final announcement of results.

This threw the country into months of chaos as protesters hit the streets, calling on Ibrahim Babangida, the then military President, to step down.

Kano discharges 16 additional COVID-19 patients

Covid-19

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May 8, 2020

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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.