Almajiris sent from Kano to Kaduna test positive for Coronavirus

Five almajiris recently repatriated from Kano to Kaduna state have tested positive for Coronavirus.

The Kaduna State commissioner for Health, Amina Mohammed-Baloni, who confirmed this, said the new patients have been moved to the Infectious Diseases Control Centre where they are receiving treatment.

Kaduna state now has 9 confirmed cases of COVID19.

One dead as building collapses in Ibadan

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday April 27, as one person was confirmed dead after a storey-building collapsed in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The woman who was trapped when the building collapsed at Onipasan area, behind Oluyoro Hospital, Ibadan is said to be the wife of the owner of the building.

The corpse of the deceased which has been buried, was evacuated from the scene of the incident by the rescue operation team of Ibadan North East Local Government.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the state Police Command, Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the incident. He said;

“Yes, there was a building collapse yesterday. It is under Agugu area. The building collapsed and the woman died.

“It was the wife of the Alhaji that owns the house. She has since been buried”.

Dino Melaye advices billionaires and philanthropists donating to the public during the lockdown

Dino Melaye has shared some words of advice for billionaires and philanthropists looking to donate to the public during the lockdown brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The senator wrote on Instagram: "My singular advise to our billionaires, Corporate Nigeria, multinationals, philanthropists and donors. Please buy medicament, food and drinks plus money and share to the people directly at the federal or state level. I no hear English ooo so don't ask me why."

His advice comes after the Presidential Task Force on the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic said it has no control over the multi-billion naira contributions that have so far been announced by various donors towards the fight against the pandemic.

Chairman of the task force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha said earlier this month that the only thing so far received by the task force was the materials donated recently by the founder of Alibaba Group, Jack Ma.

It also comes after the federal government said that billions being announced by private individuals towards the fight against Coronavirus pandemic, is not coming to the coffers of the government.

At the daily briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 in Abuja on April 2nd, the National Coordinator of the taskforce, Dr Sani Aliyu, was asked to enlighten Nigerians on who accounts for the billions individuals and corporate organizations have donated towards the fight against COVID-19 and he said:

"The private sector has a seperate fund which is run through the Coalition Against Coronavirus Disease. That's where you get most of the announcements that this person has given a billion and this is a separate account. It has nothing to do with government and the money will not come to government.

"We appreciate the help of the private sector in helping us and they will be providing us with commodity but the money they are currently collecting will not come to government. It is a separate bank account."

Atiku Abubakar's son, Mohammed, recovers from Coronavirus

Mohammed, one of the son's of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has recovered from COVID-19 after testing negative twice for the novel virus.

Atiku had his confirmatory negative test result released this afternoon and says he will be discharged from the Abuja Isolation center soon.

Mohammed was confirmed to have contracted the virus on March 19th and was subsequently transferred to an isolation centre on the outskirts Abuja.

We still have a long way to go in fight against Coronavirus - Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disclosed the country still has a long way to go, in spite of the progress made so far in the fight against the deadly disease.

Speaking at the Task Force's daily media briefing in Abuja on Monday April 27, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the (PTF), Mr Boss Mustapha urged Nigerians to take responsibility in the fight against COVID-19.

Mustapha said;

“Over the last four weeks, we made appreciable progress but we are not yet out of the woods because a lot more is required to be done.

“Nigerians at all levels must take responsibility for our actions, adopt behavioural modification, ensure compliance with advisories and provide guidance to our followers and youths.

“The PTF has continued to assess the situation nationwide and an appropriate Report has been submitted to Mr. President for decision making.

“It is expected that once a decision is made, the President will address Nigerians on further measures to be taken, later today. I urge all Nigerians to be on the lookout for the broadcast.

“The PTF shall continue to pursue the strategy of aggressive testing, detection, isolation, contact tracing, care and management. Similarly, non-pharmaceutical measures will be enhanced”.

The SGF also disclosed that the situation in Kano State is closely being monitored. He said the PTF in active conjunction with the state government, was following developments up closely, and being guided by the Federal Ministry of Health and other development partners.

Mustapha added;

“The situation in Kano is being addressed very closely by the NCDC in strong partnership with the State government and guidance by the Federal Ministry of health as well as support from our development partners."

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson returns to work after recovering from Coronavirus

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson returned to work on Monday morning, after making full recovery from Coronavirus.

In his first public statement since he was admitted to St Thomas’s Hospital in London on April 5, Boris said the U.K. was beginning to "turn the tide" on the virus.

Speaking from outside Number 10 Downing Street, the prime minister praised the British public for the sacrifices they had made during the period of lockdown, but warned that this was the “moment of maximum risk.”

"I'm sorry I've been away from my desk for much longer than I would have liked. If this virus were a physical assailant, an unexpected and invisible mugger which I can tell you from personal experience it is -- then this is the moment when we have begun together to wrestle it to the floor."

The prime minister acknowledged the impact the nationwide lockdown has had on the U.K. economy and its citizens, but ruled plans to lift the restrictions now.

“I understand your impatience, I share your anxiety,” he said. “And yet we must also recognize the risk of a second spike, the risk of losing control of that virus and letting the reproduction rate go back over one.

Because that would mean not only a new wave of death and disease but also an economic disaster, and we would be forced once again to slam on the brakes across the whole country and the whole economy.”

"I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak and huge loss of life."

More than 154,000 people in the United Kingdom have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and at least 20,795 have died from the disease, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Bola Tinubu and wife undergo COVID19 test after his Chief Security officer died from COVID19 complications

Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and his wife, Remi Tinubu, have tested negative for COVID-19. This was contained in a statement released by his spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, today April 27th.

Recall that last Friday 24th, Lateef Raheem, the 51-year-old former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Tinubu died following complications of COVID19. He was said to have suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes which might have been complicated by his infection with COVID-19.

Following Lateef's death, Tinubu requested for a test to be carried out on him, his family members and aides. The results came in today and they were negative. However, one of his aide's reuslt came back positive.

Owner of AIT, Raymond Dokpesi's son, Raymond, tests positive for Coronavirus

Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, son of the founder of DAAR Communications Plc and the owner of AIT television, Raymond Dokpesi Snr, has tested positive for Coronavirus.

Dokpesi who is currently the chairman of the communications company, disclosed this in a short message to members of staff today Monday, April 27th.

“ I got a call this morning confirming the result is COVID-19 positive. I am leaving now to the Gwagwalada Isolation Centre for treatment and hope to be back in two weeks.

Many of you may have interacted with me during our various meetings and I would advise you to get tested as soon as possible.” his message read as posted by AIT
Dokpesi Jnr who has been on self-isolation for the past one week, began feeling ill with symptoms similar to malaria. He also started experiencing coughing and as a precaution, reached out to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, for a test which later turned out positive for the COVID-19.

He has been evacuated by the NCDC to the isolation centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, for treatment.

Efforts are currently being made to trace all those he must have had contact with in the last two weeks.

We never rejected rice from the FG, but we discarded some which are not suitable for consumption - Governor Akeredolu

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has denied rejecting some bags of rice sent to the state by the federal government as part of the palliatives to cushion the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic.

It was reported earlier today that Ondo State Government rejected some expired bags of rice, from the 1,800 bags sent to the state by the Federal Government. Governor Akeredolu was alleged to have ordered the return of some bags of rice sent to the state by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, as they were found to have expired.

The Ondo State Governor however countered the report in a tweet he shared today. Akeredolu who disclosed that the report of rejecting the bags of rice is false, admitted that they discarded some bags of rice after they were found not to be suitable for consumption.

He tweeted;

A lot of news making the rounds that we rejected rice from the FG. This is false. At no time did we reject anything from the FG. We nonetheless have experienced similar issues experienced by other states with some of the bags. Those not suitable for consumption will be discarded.

The Ekiti State Government also denied returning1800 bags of rice donated to the state by the Federal Government as Coronavirus palliatives.

Prof. Bolaji Aluko, the Coordinator of the COVID-19 Task Force and Director General, Office of Strategic Transformation and Delivery in Ekiti dismissed claim of the rice being rejected because they were expired.

Aluko said;

"We have not rejected or returned any rice to the Federal Government."

COVID19 patient delivered of baby at LUTH

A 40-year-old woman who tested positive to COVID-19, was delivered of a baby girl by a team of doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) today April 27.

According to a post on LUTH's twitter handle, the baby girl who was delivered by a team of doctors comprising anaesthetists and nurses, weighed 3.3kg and is said to be in good health.

''A team of LUTH Drs, anaesthetists and nurses delivered a woman with COVID-19 of a baby girl this afternoon. 40yr old mother and 3.3kg baby are doing fine. Our gratitude goes to these gallant men & women & all warriors making the nation proud in the face of this scourge.”

The tweet read, see tweets below.......

Shehu of Bama has died

A first class Borno monarch, His Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Kyari Ibn Umar Elkanemi, is dead.

The monarch died today Monday April 27 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). He was in his mid-60s.

Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Babakura Abba Jato confirmed the death to journalists during a routine media briefing usually held daily by Borno’s high powered response team on prevention and control of COVID-19.

Jato said the Shehu was known to have been battling with protracted illness as many people of his age, often deal with. The Commissioner said the Shehu’s palace will announce funeral arrangements that will be communicated to members of the public.

The deceased monarch ascended the throne in 1990.

Face masks made of clothes don't prevent you from contracting disease, they only reduce spread of infection- NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said the use of non-medical face masks, which include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of clothes, only reduce and not prevent spread of diseases.

The agency in a statement released today said face masks made with cotton materials are more effective. The statement in part reads.

Non-medical face masks include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of cloth, other textiles or other materials such as paper. They are not standardized and are not intended for use in healthcare settings or by healthcare professionals.
They serve to limit spread of droplets and offer some measure of protection to those around you.

The material of construction is usually cloth(textile fabric), non-woven wadding, or paper-like materials. For these Barrier Masks, 100% cotton is preferred though, polyester, linen or knit fabric can be used.
Simple test: If wearer can put off a flame from a cigarette lighter that is placed in front of the wearer, the mask is protective enough.

Barrier face masks do not prevent you from contracting disease but, they have been found to contribute to reduce spread of infections when used widely in conjunction with other measures. Such measures include social distancing, not touching the face, eyes or mouth, washing of hands with soap for 20 secs or use of alcohol based hand sanitizers.

These face masks are recommended to be washed daily and preferably should be a double layer of fabric to increase the absorbency and effectiveness.

It must be noted that several washes, drying and stretching of the mask over time reduce the effectiveness of the mask.'' the statement read.

The agency came out with the clarification as different state governments and the Federal government have announced compulsory use of face mask as the nation continues to fight against the spread of COVID-19.

Donald Trump celebrates wife Melania as she turns 50

Donald Trump took to Twitter to celebrate his wife Melania Trump as she turns 50.

"Happy Birthday to Melania, our great First Lady!" Trump wrote to his wife on Sunday, April 26.

Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka also wished her stepmother a happy birthday tweeting: "Happy Birthday @FLOTUS Melania!"

We are not getting the needed support and cooperation from the Presidential Task Force in the fight against Coronavirus – Governor Ganduje laments

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has accused the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, of not giving Kano state the support it needs to takle Coronavirus.

The Kano state Governor slammed the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, in an interview BBC Hausa Service on Monday April 27.

Ganduje described the current situtation in Kano as "bad and scary" because they solely relied on the testing center which was recently closed down, to fight the disease.

He said;

“We are in a serious problem. I can tell you the situation is really bad and scary. Because what we solely rely upon in fighting the disease is the testing centre.

“This laboratory suspended its operation five or six days ago. There is also a shortage of sample collection equipment. It is not a common equipment that you can go and buy in the market. Those whose samples were collected are still waiting to know their fate.

"The problem (is) with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Even its Director General was in Kano. He spent a night there, but we have not heard from him again. The minister (of health) too knows the laboratory is not working.

"There is serious problem. We have been complaining that Kano needs more than one testing centre, right from the beginning of this (pandemic).”

When asked if Kano state is not getting any support from federal government agencies on the fight against COVID-19, Ganduje said;

“Sincerely speaking, we are not getting deserved attention. If these equipment (testing centre) are under our control, we will do our best to make sure it works properly. But we are not getting the needed support and cooperation from from Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.”

FCT mobile courts convict two pastors, three Imams, 68 others for breaching Coronavirus lockdown order

Three Imams, two pastors and 68 others were on Sunday April 26, convicted by a mobile court sitting at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The lockdown violators were arraigned before Magistrate Idayat Akonni and were handed a one month imprisonment. They were given an option of N5,000 fine in addition to a supervised community service for one day.

The convicted Imams are  Abdullahi Mohammed of Gwarinpa Estate, Suleiman Idris of Mobi Close, Area 11, Garki and Deputy Imam Useni Umar of the same address.

The convicted Pastor include; Phillips Olumbori of Celestial Church of Christ, Lugbe and Rev. Moses Chinedu of Mercy City Gospel Centre, Aco Estate, Lugbe.

Chairman FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Team on COVID-19 Operations, Ikharo Attah who commented on the court judgement said;

“The verdict, though mild, is a welcome development. Those sentenced should be worried because they are now ex-convicts having been found guilty and sentenced by a competent court of law.

“Why has it become very difficult for custodians and enforcers of divine laws to obey national laws that do not prohibit or infringe on their freedom of religion?”

'People that know me say I am the hardest working president in US history' - Trump

US President, Donald Trump, has stated that he is a hard worker and that he has achieved more in three and half years as president than any other president in US history.

Trump, who made the claims in a tweet, said people who know him and the history of the country say he is the hardest working US president in history.

'The people that know me and know the history of our Country say that I am the hardest working President in history.'

Trump tweeted, see his tweets below....

Nigeria's House of Representatives to resume plenary on Tuesday

The leadership of Nigeria's House of Representatives has directed its members to resume plenary session on Tuesday, April 28, at 10 am.

This directive was issued in a statement signed by the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Patrick Giwa.

The clerk said in the statement that the COVID-19 Guidelines approved by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and additional Guidelines developed by the House would be sent to members’ pigeon holes for collection on resumption.

“Staff and Members’ Aides are to work from home and will be notified when needed in the office for any special assignment,” part of the statement read.

The senator representing Osun Central, Ajibola Basiru, also made a similar announcement regarding the Senate on his official Twitter handle.

He tweeted: “The Nigerian Senate will resume in Plenary on Tuesday, 28th April, 2020 by 10:00am.”

The lawmakers had on March 24, suspended plenary sessions for two weeks to observe the lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of Coronavirus as well as to put up other safety measures in the complex.

They were expected to resume legislative on April 7 but the president, on March 29, ordered the lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory as well as Lagos and Ogun states, hence the postponement.

Two COVID-19 deaths recorded in Kano state

The Kano state government has announced two more COVID-19 deaths recorded in the state.

The state Ministry of Health disclosed this via its Twitter handle.

This brings to three, the number of COVID-19 related deaths in the state.

Breaking: Fire Outbreak at NNPC College Road Ogba, Lagos

There has been a fire outbreak at the NNPC petrol station located along College road in the Ogba area of Lagos State.

The cause of the fire is not known at the moment.

However, firefighters are said to be having difficulties in putting out the inferno.

Osun records 12 new cases of Coronavirus

The Osun state government has announced that 12 people in the state have tested positive for Coronavirus.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state to 32. Osun state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu said the confirmed cases were recorded in Osogbo, Ife, Ede, Ikire and Ejigbo.

He urged residents of the State not to panic but should continue to comply with the stay-at-home directive of the State government, keep social distancing and observe all precautionary measures to curb the spread of the disease.

Isamotu also reiterated that the ban on public gatherings remains in force, just as he urged residents to take the wearing of face mask seriously as it is now compulsory across the state.

See tweets below.....

Nigerians panic as mysterious deaths in Kano allegedly rises to 640 in one week

Nigerians have taken to social media to express worry over alleged mysterious deaths in Kano state which has reportedly risen to 640 in one week.

Though the state was on lockdown for 7 days, it was recently relaxed for a day by Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje following the declaration of Ramadan.

While the mysterious disease killing people in the state has been linked to Coronavirus by many, others have countered it and also pointed out that it may be something else.
A health worker who spoke to The Cable said there is a high level of suspicion that top government officials in the state have been exposed to the virus.

“Things are in disarray here, and there is no well structured response to COVID-19. The government is not communicating. They are not testing, and people are dying. We have had people coming here to hospital and when they died, they are immediately buried without taking samples for testing.

“This is not a rumour. People are dying. The suspended test centre was fumigated days ago, and normally it should take 48 hours but as of today, it has not been reopened. They said this is because of the shortage of reagents.”

A Kano based Facebook user, Umar Khaleel had also revealed his grandmother was the 14th person to be taken for burial at a cemetery in the state as of 10am on Friday April 25.

He also disclosed that another family member died when they got home from his grandmother's burial. The family member became the 25th person to be buried that day at the cemetery.

Nigerian doctor and Twitter user, Dr Olufunmilayo claimed that 640 people have died in Kano state in the last 7 days.

87 new cases of Coronavirus recorded in Imo, Lagos, Borno, Osun, Katsina, Kano, Ekiti, Bauchi, Edo

87 new cases of Coronavirus has been confirmed in 9 states by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

A breakdown of the new cases in states across the country is as follows; 33 in Lagos, 18 in Borno, 12 in Osun, 9 in Katsina, 4 in Kano, 4 in Ekiti, 3 in Edo, 3 in Bauchi, 1 in Imo.

As at 11:55pm on April 25,  there are 1182 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria. 222 patients have been discharged and 35 deaths have been recorded.

See the tweets below......

COVID-19: ''They are infested'' Oyo state government to return 1,800 bags of rice donated by FG as palliatives

The Oyo state government says it is currently in the process of returning the 1800 bags of rice the Federal government donated to the state as palliatives to cushion the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Executive Assistant to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, on Agribusiness, Dr Debo Akande, explained that the 1,800 bags of rice from the Federal Government were infested with weevil and not suitable for consumption. The bags of rice were received from the state Federal government on Monday April 20th as palliatives.

“We received these items from the Federal Government via the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and we brought them to the warehouse. It was in the process of further inspection that we discovered that the rice had been infested with weevils.

On that basis, we formed a committee to re-inspect it so we can be sure of what we have received. We don’t want to create another problem while providing solution to another one. We have inspected it; we have done random selection and we have seen that similar things apply across the board.

We have agreed to return them to the source but if there are good ones with good quality that could be sent to us as replacement, we will be glad to receive them.” he said.

Recall that early this month, President Buhari directed the Nigeria Customs Service to release One hundred and Fifty trucks of rice that have been seized from smugglers over a period of time.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development have been distributing these bags of rice to different states which would in turn distribute to the poor and vulnerabe in the society.

Hushpuppi takes delivery of a 2020 Rolls Royce Cullinan worth $325k

Instagram celebrity, Hushpuppi on Saturday afternoon, shared a video of a 2020 Rolls Royce Cullinan which he says he recently took delivery of.

He posted the video on his Instagram page with the caption;

''My baby boo has arrived #1of1 #RollsRoyce #Cullinan #2020.''

The luxury car currently goes for $325, 000.

Lockdown: Governor Sanwo-Olu approves online lectures for LASU, LASPOTECH, other state owned tertiary institutions

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved special e-portals that will allow Lagos State tertiary institutions commence online lectures as part of measures to reduce the impact of Coronavirus on education.

A statement by Tokunbo Wahab, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, says the seven schools that will benefit from the initiative are Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Lagos College of Health Technology and Lagos State College of Nursing and Midwifery.

''Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the virtual classes to ensure physical distancing among students and their lecturers. The move will also help in the maintenance of the State’s tertiary academic calendar despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

All students should maximise the unique opportunity to keep themselves engaged while the lockdown arising from the pandemic lasts.'' the statement reads

''They said they would go out of this world together' - Identical twin sisters die of Coronavirus three days apart

The twin sister of a nurse who died of Coronavirus has also died, just three days after her twin sister died.

Emma Davis, 37, also a former nurse, died at Southampton General Hospital on Friday, just three days after the death of identical twin Katy, who worked as a paediatric nurse at the same hospital.

Her death occurred hours after posting a tribute to her late twin sister.
Their sister Zoe confirmed the deaths as she revealed the twins were unwell and suffering from underlying health conditions for a while.

'They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well,' she told the BBC. There are no words to describe how special they were.'

North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un reportedly dead after botched heart surgery

Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong - Un, has reportedly died or is on his death bed with no hope for recuperation, according to media outlets in China and Japan.

This comes after the Chinese government dispatched a team including medical experts to North Korea to advise North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, on his care after he underwent a life-saving heart surgery during the Coronavirus outbreak.

According to TMZ, a Hong Kong-backed news channel's vice director who's apparently the niece of a Chinese foreign minister confirmed the shocking news that Kim Jong-un is dead.

She announced the news on a social media app called Weibo for her nearly 15 million followers citing a "very solid source" about the claim Kim had, in fact, perished.

A Japanese magazine reports he's in a "vegetative state" after a heart surgery gone wrong.

The outlet reports citing a Chinese medical expert privy to the situation that Kim had clutched his chest in early April and fell down while visiting the countryside there. He needed a stent procedure done, but apparently, it either wasn't done rapidly enough, or it was botched completely by the surgeon.

Fears about his health began after Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported earlier this week that Kim was staying at a countryside villa outside Pyongyang after the surgery and was conspicuously absent from events on 15 April commemorating the birth of his grandfather Kim Il-sung, the founder of the nation - one of North Korea's most important holiday celebrations.

Dozens of top Government officials attended a flamboyant military parade at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the 15th of April, but Kim was nowhere to be seen.

The publication reported that Kim had heart surgery on April 12. because of "excessive smoking, obesity, and overwork," and is now receiving treatment in a villa in Hyangsan County following his procedure.

There were also reports suggesting that Kim was in grave danger after the surgery. But South Korean government officials challenged the reports saying they had detected no signs of unusual activity in North Korea.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump also downplayed earlier reports that Kim was gravely ill. 'I think the report was incorrect,' Trump told reporters, but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Lagos mortuaries now full and need urgent decongestion — Governor Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at a press briefing on Saturday April 25, disclosed that mortuaries in the state are now full and need urgent decongestion.

The Lagos State Governor said mortuaries in the state are not full due to Coronavirus cases, but because residents of the state have been unable to gather to hold burial ceremonies for their loved ones due to the lockdown order in the state.

Sanwo-Olu also outlined new measures to ensure the decongestion of mortuaries in the state.

He said;

“Because of this inability to hold funerals, occasioned by the restriction on movement, the mortuaries in Lagos State are now full and in urgent need of decongestion. Let me make it clear at this point that these are not Covid-19 deaths.

“I am now constrained to make this appeal to all Lagosians who have the corpses of loved ones in the mortuaries, to please go ahead and schedule these funerals.

“The mortuaries in Lagos are not full because of Covid-19 deaths –the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Lagos as at today is 20; the only reason the mortuaries are full at this time is because funerals are not being held, and have not been held for most of the last two months.

"Lagosians can hold or attend funeral ceremonies in the state as long as they comply with the requirements of the state, which are as follows:

• The total number of persons at the funeral, including officiating religious leaders, must not exceed 20.

• Physical distancing must be maintained at the funeral ceremony.

• All attendees/mourners must use masks and ensure they wash their hands after the
ceremony.

• There must be no receptions or parties to accompany the funerals.

“If we are unable to see a decongestion of the mortuaries across the state in the next two weeks, the Lagos State Government will be compelled to carry out mass burials to achieve this. We do not want to be forced to do this, which is why we are asking for your cooperation in this regard."

4 new cases of Coronavirus confirmed in Ekiti state

The Ekiti State Government has confirmed 4 new cases of Coronavirus, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to five.

The new cases are said to be primary contacts of a 4th recorded case, who is the medical doctor that carried out surgery on a late Coronavirus patient.

While the doctor is currently receiving treatment, the newly confirmed cases are currently stable and asymptomatic and have been transferred to the State’s Isolation Center in Ado-Ekiti.

Here is a press statement signed by Governor Kayode Fayemi below......

Test results of Chinese doctors who arrived the country to help in fight against Coronavirus is not yet ready - FG

The Federal Government has said that the results for the Coronavirus tests carried out on the 15-member Chinese medical team that arrived the country to help in the fight against the deadly disease, is not yet ready.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adeleke Mamora disclosed this at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

Commenting on the health status of the Chinese doctors who completed their mandatory 14-day quarantine on Wednesday April 22, Mamora said;

“For one reason or the other, we do not have the test results of the Chinese yet. I want to assure you that once we have the result of the tests, we will inform the country about the development.

“I will advise all Nigerians to be patient because the government is also anticipating the result of the tests in order to ensure that we protect the health and wellbeing of every citizen of the country.”

I can never have enough words to describe the remarkable life I've had with you - Daniel Ademinokan tells wife Stella Damasus on her 42nd birthday

Nigerian actress, Stella Damasus, turned 42 today and her husband, movie director Daniel Ademinokan took to his Instagram page to celebrate her.

Sharing a beautiful photo of the actress, Daniel wrote:

'@stelladamasus everyone you have come in contact with can testify that trully you are one of a kind. An enigma. Stellz, happy birthday to you my partner in crime, and a million other things. LOL.

You are loved, you are blessed, you are special, you are favoured, and may your days forever be filled with light.

As a family, we are blessed to have you. As a husband...I can never have enough words to describe the incredibly memorable, blessed and remarkable life I've had with you.

This is the beginning of the best days of the rest of your life. Happy Birthday Love.

WHO official, two others test positive for Coronavirus in Bauchi

A World Health Organisation staff and two others, have tested positive for Coronavirus in Bauchi State.

The WHO staff is reportedly the third official of the International health agency to test positive for Coronavirus in the state.

The Nation reported that the other two cases are said to be Lagos-returnees.

The recent development brings the total number of active cases in the state to 6.

Suspected killers of Afenifere leader's daughter, Funke Olakunrin, arraigned in court

The suspected killers of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, were today April 24, arraigned in court by the Ondo state government and the state police command.

Olakunrin was attacked and killed by gunmen on July 12, 2019 between Kajola and Ore along Ondo-Ore Road in Ondo State.

The four suspects namely Lawal Mazaje from the Felele area of Kogi State, Adamu Adamu from Jada area of Adamawa State, Mohammed Usman from Illela area of Sokoto State, and Auwal Abubakar from Shinkafi area of Zamfara State, were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, the state capital by the state police command and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adekola Olawoye.

Veteran actor, Yomi Obileye, has died

Yomi Obileye, a Nollywood veteran actor, has died.

He died in the early hours of today April 24. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Governor Ayade appoints 19-year-old as personal assistant on technical affairs

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has appointed 19-year-old Louis Okon as his Personal Assistant on Technical (Data Management) Affairs, making him the youngest political appointee in Nigeria.

Okon was amongst the additional 427 aides appointed by Governor Ayade in Calabar on Monday. Those appointed include chairmen and members of boards of agencies as well as special assistants.

Confirming his appointment, Louis took to his Instagram page to thank the Governor and his wife, Dr. Linda Ayade.

“Earlier today, the Governor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade @sirbenayade, through his Chief Press Secretary, announced me as Personal Assistant on Technical (Data Management) Affairs," Okon said.

“It is indeed a great honour to me to serve my State and work under His Excellency in this capacity. I am humbled as I prepare to resume work as perhaps the youngest political appointee in our country at age 19yrs.

Indeed, my appointment reemphasizes His Excellency’s belief in the youth, and his determination to create a youth inclusive administration and to bring us to the fore of affairs as he seeks to develop our dear State.

 As I prepare to serve, I am particularly thankful to God Almighty, the Executive Governor and Her Excellency, @drlindaayade for this opportunity, and to Cross Riverians at large.
 I will always be grateful” he added.
Louis Okon is the first of two children to Barr & Mrs Orok Okon from Duke Town in Calabar South local government area of Cross River State.

He holds a Diploma in African Studies, Writing & Rhetoric & Entrepreneurial Leadership from AFRICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Participated in the Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship Session of the Yale Young Global Scholars Program,Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; July 2018.