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China, US must ‘unite to fight coronavirus’, Xi tells Trump

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China, US must ‘unite to fight coronavirus’, Xi tells Trump

By Sylvanus Okpe

China and the United States should “unite to fight” the deadly coronavirus pandemic, President Xi Jinping of China, appealed during a call with Donald Trump on Friday, urging for improved diplomatic relations between the two leading countries of the world.

The two countries have been embroiled in a diplomatic standoff in recent weeks over the outbreak of the novel Coronaviru, and Chinese state media said Xi told Trump he hoped the “US will take substantive actions to improve Sino-US relations.”

He also called for the two countries to work together to tackle the virus and said Beijing “wishes to continue sharing all information and experience with the US”, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Trump responded in a positive tone, tweeting that he had a “very good conversation” with Xi, and that both leaders discussed the pandemic “in great detail”.

“China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the virus. We are working closely together. Much respect,” he wrote.

Trump and his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo angered Beijing this month by repeatedly referring to “the Chinese virus” when discussing the COVID-19 outbreak first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

Trump has since dropped the term amid accusations of racism, in another small sign of easing tensions between the two world powers.

Earlier this month a foreign ministry spokesman in Beijing also suggested in a tweet that the US military brought the virus to Wuhan.

This made Trump to accuse China of spreading misinformation, and the US president repeatedly attacked China’s lack of transparency and the slowness of its initial response to the outbreak.

Xi said Sino-US relations were at a “critical juncture”, CCTV reported, adding that cooperation was mutually beneficial and “the only right choice.”

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Covid-19: Dana Air offers aircraft to transport relief materials

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Covid-19: Dana Air offers aircraft to transport relief materials

By Sylvanus Okpe

Dana Air has made its aircraft and crew available to assist the Federal Government in its efforts towards curbing further spread of Covid-19 in the country.

Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Media and Communications Manager of Dana airlines made this known in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

In a letter to Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Dana air said it decided to contribute in the transportation of machines, equipments and relief materials to different states, and locations where they are needed within the country.

According to the letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Jacky Hathiramani, “Dana Air will make available resources, aircraft in its fleet and crew for the national assignment and the airline’s crew will be more than ready and proud to carry out the assignment upon request.

Hathiramani said, “this is a global issue and this is the time for us all to play our part by supporting the government’s effort in stemming the further spread of this pandemic in our dear nation.

“I am not too comfortable with the rising number of cases in Nigeria,and this is why we also took the huge decision to suspend our flight operations for 14 days in the interest of our staff, our very esteemed customers and the nation at large.

“The support we are offering as an airline will only be an addition to the efforts of the government and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) in fighting the pandemic.

“We commend the efforts of the Ministry of Aviation, the Aviation agencies, Lagos State Government and Federal Government and wish to reassure them of our commitment towards contributing our resources to enhance prompt response to the fight against the spread of this virus,”Hathiramani added .

Ezenwa said Dana Air was one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with a fleet size of nine aircraft and daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri.

The airline is reputed for its innovative online product, world -class in-flight service and unrivaled on-time performance

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Coronavirus: FG converts NYSC camps, stadia to isolation centres

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Coronavirus: FG converts NYSC camps, stadia to isolation centres

By Toby Prince

The Federal Government says four stadia as well NYSC orientation camps across the country will be used as isolation centres in the fight against coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Minister for Youth and Sport, Sunday Dare made this known on Friday.

He wrote, “Mr. President has approved for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to open and make available the stadiums in Surulere Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Kaduna as well as our NYSC camps nationwide for use as isolation centers as they are needed. We are in touch with relevant authorities.”

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports is ready to open and make available the stadiums in Surulere Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Kaduna for use as isolation camps to erect tents. We will be touching base with relevant governments and institutions in this regard. We are in this together.”

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How journalists can contribute in ending coronavirus pandemic

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How journalists can contribute in ending coronavirus pandemic

By Samuel Akpan

The world is currently at the mercy of the heinous monster coronavirus also known as COVID-19 that is rapidly ravaging the globe. As at Friday morning, the virus infected 537, 017 people, causing 24, 117 deaths worldwide.

In the face of the deadly pandemic, Alibaba, Amazon and hosts of other mega multinationals, foundations and individual philanthropists have joined the fight by making donations in forms of cash, medical help, test kits and other supports to worst hit countries.

In Nigeria, for instance, ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, pledged N50 million. Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu, donated N1bn in cash. United Bank for Africa (UBA) quadrupled that figure to help Nigeria and Africa.

GTBank availed 100 beds care centre. The Redeemed Christian Church of God added ventilators. Folorunsho Alakija then imported test kits and other materials. Aliko Dangote, after an initial donation of N200 million, is leading top bankers and private sector to raise aid.

All of these kind gestures are geared towards fighting the deadly pandemic. It isn’t solely the elites’ duty, though. Charity is blind to profession.

For journalists and other media practitioners, reporting developments around the world may not be enough. There is a bit more to be done to annihilate the virus.

Several journalism-based institutions, networks and centres around the world have organized a series of webinars, seminars and workshops in training journalists on how to report the coronavirus pandemic and measures they can take to prevent themselves from contracting the virus.

Incorporating solutions journalism in reporting the COVID-19 pandemic could be journalists own way in fighting the virus. It may not be enough for journalists to simply report the rising infected cases and spiralling deaths of the pandemic. But by reporting and integrating how other countries or places are succeeding in curtailing the spread of the virus can be a guide for others to follow suit and would take away the excuses for failure elsewhere.

An article in journalism.co.uk by Marcela Kunova says that “If you are looking for more accessible sources, the SJN invites newsrooms to explore who is making even modest progress in responding to not only the medical consequences of the virus but also the social and economic consequences.”

He added that “you can also look for stories of people who are making progress to protect frontline workers, address social isolation, connect vulnerable populations to key health, safety, and economic resources.” Kunova wrote.

Solutions Journalism Network (SJN) that focuses on rigorous reporting on responses to social problems has gleaned about 40 solutions stories from different news medium on fighting the coronavirus. This can help other journalists in integrating solutions to their reports.

As a journalist, incorporating solutions to your reportage spreads the message of hope and reassures health workers, government and people in other climes that people are getting it right and succeeding in fighting the dreaded monster.

This is not the time to peddle fake news or exaggerate claims. Solutions reporting should be based on journalism core ethics of accuracy, truthfulness, fairness, integrity, independence, and accountability.

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Military activates measures against COVID-19, distances self from states lockdown orders

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Military activates measures against COVID-19, distances self from states lockdown orders

The Defence Headquarters says it has  activated measures to aid the civil authorities in the ongoing fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, adding that enforcement of the lockdown imposed by state governments not part of such measures.

Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, who briefed journalists at the Defence Headquarters, said that the Nigerian Armed Forces has adopted a two-pronged approach including medical and security approaches.

General noted that, the intervention is non-kinetic with major features of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, which is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) lines of conducting contemporary military operations in Nigeria.

He disclosed that retired medical personnel will be recalled to boost manpower in the designated medical facilities.

According to him, “sequel to the on-going fight against the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Federal government of Nigeria, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has put measures in place to aid the civil authorities.

“As you may be aware, Section 217 (2) c of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), empowers the Military to act in aid of civil authority.
“Consequently, a committee was constituted at the Defence Headquarters to ensure that the AFN provides the necessary support to the Federal Government of Nigeria, at this period. It is mainly a non-kinetic military operation with major features of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities. Equally, it is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) lines of conducting contemporary military operations in Nigeria”.

He added that “in this regard, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has developed a Two-Pronged approach to fight the pandemic, namely; the medical and security approaches. The medical approach is the deployment of military personnel in aid of all Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government through the provision of land, maritime and air assets, for transportation of emergency cases and medical supplies, as was the case with the medical supplies donated by the Jack Ma Foundation.

“Furthermore, under the medical aid, we have 17 medical facilities spread across the Country, which have been designated for isolation and treatment of confirmed cases of the COVID-19. We have also concluded plans to recall our retired medical personnel to complement those in active service.

” On Security Related Support, the Armed Forces of Nigeria will activate its Disaster Response Units across the Country in conjunction with National Emergency Management Agency. These units will be responsible for security management of emergencies other than medicals.

The Defence Headquarters hereby assures the general public of its total commitment to the human security effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

UK Prime Minister Johnson tests positive for COVID-19

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UK Prime Minister Johnson tests positive for COVID-19

Officials in the United Kingdom say Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Johnson was experiencing mild symptoms of the virus Thursday and is now self-isolating. He plans to continue leading the UK’s response to the pandemic.

Johnson is one of the country’s nearly 12,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Disaster looms as NNPC pipeline leaks

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Disaster looms as NNPC pipeline leaks

By Bukola Olasanmi

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline along Ojukwu Street, Navy Town axis of Satellite Town in Lagos is leaking.

The leakage was confirmed on Thursday by the Director-General Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
Osanyintolu assured that NNPC technicians had been alerted and were on top of the situation.

“We received an alert this evening and upon arrival, it was discovered that an NNPC pipeline along the axis at Ojukwu street, Navy Town was leaking.
“We contacted the NNPC who dispatched a repair team to the location.
“The agency and other first responders intend to remain on high alert until the repairs being carried out by NNPC are fully completed,” he said

The LASEMA boss urged members of the public to proceed with extreme caution in and around the area to prevent any form of explosion or ignition from naked flame or other activity.

Reps member Akin Alabi rejects Toyota Camry, wants better car

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Reps member Akin Alabi rejects Toyota Camry, wants better car

By Toby Prince

The lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal constituency in Oyo State, Akin Alabi, says he will not be taking the Toyota Camry 2020 cars bought for members of the house as official cars.

Mr Alabi said this on Friday in response to a Twitter user who requested to know if the house really made orders for the cars.

He confirmed in the now-deleted tweet: “Each rep will be given a Camry. But I’m not taking it. I will pay NASS some money to add to it so I can get a better car.”

The acquisitions have faced criticism from Nigerians on social media who say it comes at a time the national concern should be about defeating the coronavirus.

In a tweet, however, Alabi, founder of bookmaking company, NairaBET, suggested that the report of the acquisition was false.

“When government institutions don’t do enough to inform the people, we can’t blame people that take advantage of the situation and peddle fake news and we can’t blame people for believing them,” he wrote.

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Actor Ali Nuhu denies testing positive to Coronavirus

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Actor Ali Nuhu denies testing positive to Coronavirus

Popular Kannywood movie star, Ali Nuhu, has denied the rumour making the rounds that he tested positive for coronavirus.

The actor was among the several Nollywood stars, who attended the 2019 African Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) event in Lagos two weeks ago.

He and four other Kannywood actors reportedly attended the ceremony on March 14.

The Lagos State Government had called for test to be conducted on those who attended the film award ceremony because a guest at the ceremony had the coronavirus.

Nuhu, who spoke on the Hausa Service of the BBC on Thursday, frowned at the way and manner the Lagos State Government publicly declared that all the attendees should submit for testing.

He argued there were guests at the Lagos Film Award ceremony from Kenya, South Africa and other countries but no alarm was raised over the pandemic.

Nuhu said it is almost two weeks now that they attended the event, stating he was free of the COVID-19, which does not require such a long period to manifest.

Besides, he said, they were asked to self- isolate but no health official had visited them for any further action since then.

He said the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had said there was no need to conduct any test on them.

According to Nuhu: “the centre for disease control discovered that the person suspected to have contracted the virus, is negative. They asked us to self-isolate, that they will come and conduct test on us. Till date, they have not come. They must have known that this issue is a hoax.’

Reps receive Toyota Camry 2020 cars amid coronavirus scare

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Reps receive Toyota Camry 2020 cars amid coronavirus scare

Members of the House of Representatives have begun receiving Toyota Camry 2020 model cars as official cars amid the coronavirus pandemic spreading in the country.

Some of the cars were parked at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday, Punchng.com reports.

The newspaper said the lawmakers purchased the V6 Limited Edition variant of the car and have not revealed the cost of each unit, adding that it found that the contract was not awarded to accredited Toyota dealers.

It said the chairman of the Committee on House Services, Wale Raji, confirmed delivery of the cars but declined to respond to further enquiries.

Plans were finalised on February 5, 2020, to buy 400 units of the exotic car.

A member of the House who did not want to be named told the paper that 400 saloon cars would be allocated to each of the 360 members and some top management staff, chiefs of staff to the two presiding officers as well as some of their special advisers and assistants.

“I was told 100 have already arrived and they are sharing them to new members who are not chairmen and deputy chairmen (of committees),” the source was quoted saying.

“The next batch will be for returning (ranking) members who are neither chairmen nor deputy chairmen. The last batch will go to ranking member with appointments.”

According to Toyota’s website, the vehicles could cost as much as $25,000 to $35,000, excluding shipping cost and custom duties, which is about 100 per cent of the actual cost of each unit.

Presiding, principal officers and chairmen of select House committees have already been handed about 14 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado sports utility vehicles.

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