Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has said that the free teleclass learning programme on radio and television will continue to run till schools resume in the state for the benefit of the target audience which are the students.
A statement signed by the Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Chief Patrick Ukah, in Asaba yesterday (01/05/2029), revealed that after due consultation with stakeholders, the ministry wishes to encourage interested students to learn on the alternative online and media channels that may be provided by private institutions of learning.
Chief Ukah also said that following the conclusion of the first phase of the programme on Thursday, there will be repetition of previous topics till May 6, 2020 when the second phase will begin to run with new topics.
The Basic and Secondary Educated Commissioner cautioned private school owners in the state on their plans to start online classes for the 3rd term for their students.
He made it categorically clear that the academic calendar for the 2nd term has not been concluded, stressing that the academic calendar is the same for public and private schools in the state.
Chief Ukah said that once schools are reopened for academic activities, the ministry will release a revised academic calendar for the 2019/2020 academic year. He stated that any private school that goes contrary to the approved academic calendar in the state will face severe sanctions from the state government.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Our Crime Correspondent:
A man has been arrested in Yobe State for defiling a-18 month old baby girl.
A statement on Thursday by ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Public Relations Officer, Yobe State Police Command said: “During the week under review, Yobe State Police Command, through Karasuwa Divisional Police Headquarters succeeded in the arrest of Ado Alhaji Kanwa who hails from Kazaure, Jigawa State but presently residing in Karasuwa LGA of Yobe State for peasant farming.
“The suspect was arrested after having molested and raped 18 month old baby girl, named withheld in Karasuwa LGA.
“The victim sustained various degrees of vaginal injuries as a result. Investigation has since begun for subsequent prosecution of the suspect.”
He said: “Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has called the members of the general public to always report all forms of criminalities around them while going about their lawful activities. The Commissioner further assures the state of the command’s full commitment in the fight against crimes and criminality in the State.”
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Odio Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has felicitated with workers across the globe, as they mark Labour Day on May 1,
In a press statement, titled “When Nations Triumph Over Adversaries, It’s Down To Labour’s Sacrifice”, Odio Bashorun Askia, extolled all workers in Delta State, Nigeria and the world at large for their commitment and cooperation with the various governments, despite the Covid-19 pandemic that is presently ravaging the world and it’s economy.
While describing this year’s celebration of Worker’s Day an unusual one, due to the pandemic and eventual lockdown, the DESOPADEC boss, expressed optimism that “our society does not waiver in its firm belief that we will bounce back” because of the “resilient and dedicated labour force,” especially the DESOPADEC workforce which he described as “the pride of the Commission.”
He however assured that the management of DESOPADEC, under his watch will continue to prioritise the safety and welfare of the Commission’s workforce, even as the fight against Covid 19 is sustained in adherence to the guidelines of the relevant health authorities.
Odio Bashorun Askia urged them to continue to support the administration of the foremost labour-friendly governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for his commitment to improving the lot of workers in Delta State.
The statement signed by Bashorun Askia Ogieh, and made available to Blank NEWS Online by Mr. Sunny Areh, Special Assistant, Media and Strategic Communication to the DESOPADEC MD/CEO reads:
“In the past four weeks in Nigeria and much longer in other climes, our economy has been shut down by a most vicious and deadly, yet invincible enemy. Since the advent of COVID-19, our economy has been in a lockdown. Companies have been shut, jobs have been lost and, tragically, lives have been lost too.
“It is against this backdrop that makes this year’s celebration of Worker’s Day an unusual one.
“But in the midst of all the tribulations, our society does not waiver in its firm belief that we will bounce back. That faith is anchored on the resilient and dedicated labour force the country, especially DESOPADEC is endowed with.
“From medical doctors, nurses and medical personnel that have been on the front line in the battle against the Coronavirus through all the technical and administrative hands to the sole businessman, everyone has been primed to join the war, win it and get our country going again.
“Here at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), our workforce has been the pride of the Commission. You have all made sacrifices and exceeded the call of duty. On behalf on the Board and Management, I heartily congratulate you on this year’s Labour Day.
“As normalcy gradually returns to our country, we must not drop our guard in the fight against Covid 19. It remains a deadly foe and we must continue to adhere to the guidelines given by the relevant health authorities. The management of DESOPADEC under my watch will continue to prioritise the safety and welfare of the Commission’s workforce. Every working tool necessary to secure the health and safety of workers will be provided.
“I urge you to continue to support the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State and foremost labour-friendly governor. He is unwavering in his commitment to improving the lot of workers in Delta State.
“Once again, I congratulate the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and, especially, the staff of DESOPADEC on today’s Labour Day,” he stated.
Ex-militants in the Niger Delta region, have alleged that certain dubious and corrupt contractors to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were sponsoring the incessant attacks against Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
The ex-militants who spoke through their leader, Gen. Romeo Fynebone, Coordinator, Niger Delta Liberation Movement NDLM, yesterday, said the attacks on Senator Godswill Akpabio was purely a case of corruption fighting back.
Fynebone alleged that the contractors were in connivance with some national lawmakers who seemed to be scared of the forensic audit that was graciuosly approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to audit the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission from inception.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that the Interim Management Commitee (IMC) had few days ago submitted it’s report to the Lead Consultant and Auditors for the commencement of the forensic audit.
He said ” these dubious contractors and some National Assembly members have started engaging vulnerable youths in the region to engage in protests against the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC. The truth is that they afraid of the forensic audit”
According to Fynebone ” we the ex-militants and members of Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM), would not allow them have their way. We implore youths of the Niger Delta region not to be misled by peanuts as the Minister and the IMC in conjunction with the forensic auditors will bring those that have stolen our collective funds to book”.
Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) the operator of OML 30 has taken very definitive action to cushion the impact of the novel COVID-19 pandemic on its host communities.
Acting on behalf of the joint venture partners, NPDC and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited, the company donated food items and medical supplies to residents and health facilities across all 112 host communities in OML 30.
The items donated include bags of rice, infra-red temperature gauges, hand sanitizers, face masks and hand gloves. In addition, the company is sponsoring a COVID-19 sensitization message on local radio stations to advise the residents of the communities about staying safe.
Speaking at the presentation of the donations at Ughelli, Delta State, the company’s Head of Community Relation, Mr. Sylvester Okoh said that the action of the company is guided by its commitment to its host communities and to support the efforts of the state government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanking the company for its efforts, the Delta State Governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Oil & Gas, Prince Emma Amgbaduba, commended the efforts of the company and applauded the initiative to sponsor the sensitization messages within the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the OML 30 Community Development Board, Honourable Morris Idiovwa commended the company for coming forward to support the community despite the huge drop in the price of oil which will certainly have an impact on the company’s fortunes.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLA, Maiduguri:
The two COVID-19 positive persons that were reported to have been on the run in Maiduguri, on Monday resurfaced.
One of the two, Abbas Hassan, a 24 year-old male, who tested positive was found after he was traced to a resident in Maiduguri at about 2am, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura revealed.
The Commissioner said a combined team of health surveillance and investigation team, backed by a police escort traced the patient who was in a critical state to his family house in Gwange II.
He said he was immediately moved on stretcher and is now on ventilator at an isolation centre.
He said health workers are doing everything humanly possible to revive the patient while a contact tracing and surveillance team has been deployed to identify persons who may have had direct and indirect contacts with him for risk assessment, isolation advice and collection of samples for tests.
The second, Hauwa Mohammed, 42 year-old female, who was declared at large after testing positive to COVID-19 is said to have reported herself to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)
An apology was given by officials of UMTH laboratory and the Borno Commissioner of Health for declared are to be at large.
The apology was given after Hauwa protested that she did not receive communication from the COVID-19 lab at UMTH or from officials of the state response team.
She disclosed that she had been on self isolation since her sample was taken for test due to exposure of a confirmed case days back.
Borno’s commissioner of health and secretary of the state’s high powered response team told journalists that Hauwa brought herself in a very responsible and medically professional manner which was highly commendable.
She said even though Hauwa was on self isolation since her sample was taken, a surveillance and investigation team has been deployed to assess risks of infection in line with the protocol of dealing with epidemics and pandemics.
With Hauwa’s return, all COVID-19 patients in Borno state are now fully accounted for.
It would be recalled that at about 2am today, 24-year old male was traced and moved to hospital isolation, hours after he was at large.
A renowned Delta State based Biometrician Geneticist and member of International Biometrician Geneticist Convention (MIBGC), Olisemeka Isiekwe PhD, has predicted that Covid-19 flu infections, would rise, hitting a 3,000 high in May.
He also said that, “The trend line equation of treated patients shows that by 25th of May, a thousand (1,000) patients would have been treated. Similarly, about 150 patients would die by same date.”
Dr. Isiekwe, who applied some models to ascertain the transmission and fatality rates of the spread in Nigeria, revealed that the patterns of transmission of Covid-19 in the country has proven that 3,000 new cases are expected by May, 25, 2020.
In a statement made exclusively available to Blank NEWS Online, the Biometrician Geneticist, said that recent government’s effort to flatten the transmission curve have been unsuccessful.
He noted that although the government was lackadaisical to act at the onset, the governed also were skeptical of the authenticity of the malaise because they were full of disbelief.
According to Dr. Isiekwe, “The worse has been the level of disbelief within the 200 million public until what seemed to be the truth started to emerge. Persons are now seeing known loved ones being infected.”
He regretted that Nigeria has gone beyond the incubation period and reached the community transmission level.
“Unfortunately, the transmission level has passed the incubation period. It has reached the community transmission level. The curve is no so vertically steeped that a 100% previous day infection is gradually becoming real.”
While describing Nigeria’s health personnel as best in Africa, despite the inadequate infrastructure, he warned government that the intermittent relaxation of the lockdown is a dangerous trend in fighting the global pandemic.
Read Statement:
PATTERNS OF TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 IN NIGERIA NOW KNOWN, AS 3000 NEW CASES ARE EXPECTED BY 25TH MAY 2020.
When the world was taken aback by Covid-19 flu infections in early 2020, different models where postulated on its transmission and fatality.
The transmission of 2n=y weekly model and the 3% fatality rates where the most common. Till now, the models are in great use for the management of the disease and the outcomes.
In Nigeria, the attempts of the government have been to flatten the transmission curve without success. The rate of failure to achieve this has been a double pronged issue. Whereas the government was not quick to act at the onset, the governed where skeptical of the authenticity of the malaise and full of disbelief. The worse has been the level of disbelieve within the 200 million public until what seemed to be the truth started to emerge. Persons are now seeing known loved ones being infected.
Unfortunately, the transmission level has passed the incubation period. It has reached the community transmission level. The curve is now so vertically steeped that a 100% previous day infection is gradually becoming real.
Transmission Curve:
Y= 0,498×2-9.514x or y = 0.017×2.448 both with R-square values of 0.933 and 0.783 respectively. Both yield an over 80 multipliers thus capable of producing about 2000 new cases in 25 days to come. With a very high R=Square value accordingly, the new figures could exceed 3000 by the 25th of May.
This result is real as Nigeria has entered the community transmission phase of Covid-19 spread. The situation in Kano state currently will worsen the whole situation in Nigeria.
Similar trend line is also noticed with the level of treatment of Covid-19 patients in Nigeria. This shows that it is not all grim after all. The tenacity of purpose of Nigeria’s health personnel amidst low level infrastructure is better than those of other African countries. Nigeria’s treatment level is quite higher than the rest.
The trend line equation of treated patients shows that by 25th of May, a thousand (1000) patients would have been treated. Similarly, about 150 patients would die by same date.
The management of Covid-19 in Nigeria should be taken seriously to avoid the Spanish and the Italian experience. Aside the normal hygienic campaign, more effort should be geared towards more Nigerians believing on the existence of the disease. Most people are still at the level of disbelieve and they are more dangerous than the infected.
Better lockdown should be established nationwide. The idea of intermittent relaxation of the lockdown is a dangerous trend and very inimical to the growth of the infection.
The establishment of more molecular laboratories should immediately be looked into. The infrastructure in Nigeria is very inadequate. With just 15 centres for over 200million people is a difficult omen. PPE for our medics should be improved just like the need for better machines and employment of more hands.
Olisemeka Isiekwe PhD., Biometrician Geneticist, Member International Biometrician Geneticist Convention (MIBGC) www.researchgate.net/olisemekaisiekwe
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike SOGBOLA, North East Correspondent:
Fear has gripped Maiduguri, the Borno State capital as two patients, Abbas Hassan, a 24 year-old male and Hauwa Mohammed, 42 year-old female, are on the run after testing positive to COVID-19 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)
The man is said to be residing at Layin Tanki in Gwange II while the woman lives in Shuwari ward, both in Maiduguri.
The Borno Commissioner of Health and Secretary to the state’s high powered response team for the prevention and control of COVID-19, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura alerted the public at the team’s daily media briefing held on Sunday.
The commissioner said the male patient (Abbas) was in initial telephone contact with the response team after his sample was collected, but eventually switched off his phone when he learnt he tested positive.
He also said a phone number through which the patient’s mother was in touch with the team was also been switched off.
“When samples of patients with contacts to index cases are collected, they are normally advised to go on self-isolation. They give their contacts so they can be reached when results are out. This is the standard medical procedure. You cannot detain someone with suspected contact.
“We do not have the lawful powers to do that. Other patients were also allowed to leave but they came into isolation centres and we have 19 of them in two isolation centres. However, the young man in question, chose to go into hiding”.
He noted that a diligent surveillance and investigation team is working very hard to track the patient.
Kwaya-Bura called on anyone who test positive to the disease not to regard it as a death sentence, noting that majority of those who test positive have recovered.
The Commissioner disclosed that 16 of Borno’s COVID-19 cases emanated from community transmission, while 14 others were connected with the index and another case.
He advised residents to take serious preventive measures across the state.
He announced that the response team plans to ensure that anyone entering major markets at the relaxation of lockdown on Monday must wear a face mask which can be made of cloth material if one does not have the medical mask.
He said the response team will be making masks available while hand washing points will also be increased to ensure hands are washed at entry and exit points.
In compliance with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, for all Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Commands to donate palliatives to members of NAF host communities in commemoration of the NAF’s 56th Anniversary, the Tactical, Mobility, Special Operations, Air Training, Ground Training and Logistics Commands have concluded the distribution of food items and other essentials to indigent members of their host communities. The distribution of palliatives by the NAF Commands, which took place from 23 – 25 April 2020, is coming just a few days after the distribution of similar relief packages by the Headquarters NAF and the National Secretariat of the NAF Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) to host communities in Abuja. Some of the palliatives distributed to cushion the economic effect of the lockdown imposed to curb the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic included beans, noodles, tubers of yams, rice, vegetable oil, semovita, bags of Garri, condiments, hand sanitizers and face masks, amongst others.
In Lagos, the Headquarters of the Logistics Command (LC), the distribution of palliatives took place at Ewu, Shogunle, Mafoluku and Shasha Communities in Oshodi/Isolo and Alimosho Local Government Areas (LGA), where 700 families were catered for. Speaking during the handing over of the food items to the Obas of Ewu and Shasha, respectively, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) LC, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Lawal Alao, stated that the palliatives were to be given to the most vulnerable, pregnant women, disabled and aged people in the communities. Expressing his appreciation, the Oba of Ewu, His Royal Majesty Adeshina Kuti, noted that the people of his Community were finding it extremely difficult to feed following the lockdown, adding that the palliatives would go a long way to ease the plight of his community members. In the same vein, the Oba of Shasha His Royal Majesty Babatunde Akanni, while appreciating the NAF for coming to their aid at this critical period, noted that the palliatives donated by the NAF would reduce the hunger and hardship people of the community were experiencing. Beneficiaries, who could not hide their joy, also expressed their appreciation to the NAF.
Host communities of Ground Training Command (GTC) with the Headquarters in Enugu were not left out in the distribution of palliatives as about 200 indigent families in Gabor Village, Emene, Ugbowa, Akpakpa Nike and Agbani in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State benefited from the palliatives. Speaking during the flag off ceremony, the AOC, AVM Idi Amin, stated that the distribution of the palliatives was on the directive of the CAS to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in alleviating the suffering as a result of the lockdown. He therefore urged the beneficiaries to always adhere to the stipulated guidelines such as regular washing of hands with soap, use of hand sanitizers whilst also observing social distancing protocols. The beneficiaries of the gesture expressed appreciation to the NAF for bringing succour to their communities.
In Yenegoa, the Headquarters of Mobility Command (MC), palliatives were distributed to 120 poor and vulnerable households of the PDP and Opolo Communities, including widows and other less privileged, many of whom danced for joy at the NAF’s gesture. The AOC MC, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi, while flagging off the distribution, stated that the programme, in addition to commemorating the NAF’s 56th Anniversary, was also aimed at complementing the efforts of the Federal and State Governments in alleviating the plight of citizens as result of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Speaking during the event in Bauchi, where 200 families in Gwallaga and Durum Communities in Bauchi LGA were beneficiaries, the AOC, Special Operations Command (SOC), AVM Charles Ohwo, stated that the distribution of the palliatives was part of the NAF’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities. He noted that aside from dropping of bombs and firing of bullets in the fight against insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country, the Service has always taken action to execute programmes aimed at wining the hearts and minds of host communities.
At the Headquarters Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Benue State, 240 families from Abinsi, Fiidi, Ogondu and Ter Communities benefited from the palliatives. Speaking during the distribution, the AOC, AVM Olusegun Philip, noted that the CAS, in his usual heart of generosity and kindness, found it necessary to send palliatives to cushion the effects of the hardship experienced by families due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He urged everyone to stay at home, keep safe and abide by the established guidelines to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. In his response at the event, the Ter Makurdi, Chief JD Sule-Abenga, while expressing his appreciation to the NAF, stated that it was the first time these types of palliatives were being extended to his Community.
In Kaduna, the AOC Air Training Command, AVM Musa Mukhtar, was on hand to distribute palliatives to 350 families in Barakallahu, Kauya and Kirama Communities in Rigachikun District of Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Speaking during the event, the AOC noted that the palliatives were being distributed to the poor and vulnerable groups in the Command’s host communities pursuant to the directives of the CAS. He therefore appreciated the CAS for his foresight in initiating the exercise. He stated that the NAF would continue to support community development oriented programmes in Kaduna State. While responding, the Hakeemi of Rigachikun, Abdulrasheed Sani, appreciated the CAS for the laudable initiative, noting that the palliatives would reduce hunger and also mitigate the hardship of the people of his Community.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force 25 April 2020
Five persons were killed in the convoy of former governor of Borno State, Sen. Ali Sheriff along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, a security source has revealed.
The source, who spoke anonymously to our correspondent, said the Boko Haram attacked the Sheriff’s convoy around Auno, few kilometres to Maiduguri.
The security source, disclosed that Sheriff was coming into Maiduguri from Abuja on Thursday evening to take part in the third day post burial prayer for his father, Galadima Sheriff who died last week.
He said Sheriff had travelled in a convoy of nine exotic vehicles.
The source added that they (Sheriff convoy) were trailed by the Boko Haram around Auno.
The source said they (Boko Haram) engaged the escort of Sheriff on Thursday evening at about 6:30pm and in the crossfire killed two police officers, two civilians and a soldiers.
He noted that one of the nine vehicles was damaged at Auno as the convoy was rescued by a team of the Rapid Response Squad deployed to Njimtilo to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown.
The source said the Boko Haram were pushed back by the team of Rapid Response Squad.
This would be the first time that the former governor, who have been frequently threatened by Boko Haram, was engaged by the terrorist group.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:
There has been no increase in incident of COVID-19 in Borno state in the last 24 hours despite the testing of 17 persons believed to have had contact with the index case.
Briefing journalists on Saturday, the Borno State Commissioner of Health and Secretary of the High Powered Response Team for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19, Dr. Salisu Kwaya-Bura, said within the last 24 hours, no positive case was recorded in the state.
He said contrary to the fear of many, 17 persons in Pulka, Gwoza local government area, identified to have had close contact with the first (index) case have all tested negative to the virus.
He explained that a surveillance and investigation team had initially identified 35 individuals with contacts to the index case, but from further analysis, only 17 persons met the medical criteria for tests to be carried out on them.
He however lamented that the state recorded one more death from the 15 positive cases recorded on Thursday.
The Commissioner also said that there was no cause for alarm over the disease breaking out at the camp, disclosing that the positive case which was early arrested at Bakasi IDP camp but mysteriously escaped was later found in the camp and had been taken to an isolation centre.
He said of the 15 cases reported in Borno, seven patients are receiving medical attention at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and 5 patients are at Brigadier General Abba Kyari Isolation centre, managed by the state government, also in Maiduguri.
He noted that the remaining three cases are the deaths recorded.
Meanwhile, the lockdown is to be relaxed on Monday and Thursday to allow for restocking by the residents of the state.
The Commissioner of Information, Babakura Abba-Jatto said the COVID-19 Response Team has accepted and approved a recommendation by the governor asking for lockdown to be relaxed on Monday and Thursday for residents to shop for food,
He however explained that the committee is taking measures to ensure strict social distancing during the days and part of the measures is to enforce the use of face masks as conditions for entrance into major markets, particularly in Maiduguri metropolis which is highly populated.
He said the Response Team plans to make face masks available at market entry points alongside hand sanitizers to be applied by shoppers at entry and exit points at major markets.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Mike SOGBOLA-Maiduguri:
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital ( UMTH ), Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has revealed why it took time to discovered the COVID-19 index case in Borno State.
The positive test to COVID-19 of the index case, came out after he had already been killed by the pandemic and he may not have had the opportunity to be isolated and treated in line with the regulations binding the disease.
Ahidjo speaking to journalists on Friday, said the index case had no record of travel outside the state and had been battling with respiratory related problem before his admission and eventual death.
The CMD gave the clarification while responding on issues of what went wrong and why the COVID-19 status of the index case was not discovered until after his death.
Ahidjo said if not for the professional knowledge and ethics of UMTH staff, who out of high index of suspicion, went beyond the National Centre for Disease Control recommendations and tested the patient which became positive, more casualty would have been recorded beyond what is on ground.
He explained that since the patient is previously known with chest problem and haven been admitted in the past at the hospital, had UMTH staff not acted swiftly by picking the case outside the main box of diagnosis, the contacts of the index case would have not been known, which could lead to explosion of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
He disclosed that UMTH sadly had a share out of the over 40 health workers said by minister of health to have tested positive to COVID-19 as six health workers from the hospital have tested positive and are presently doing well at the hospital’s isolation centre.
The CMD said:” The Index case is a patient that was already having respiratory problem, he was admitted previously here in UMTH with a chest problem. So he is a known patient with a chest problem. And also , he has no history of travel outside Borno state for the past three months .
” And he came from Pulka where there was no recorded case of COVID-19. So he would not fit into the criteria for being a suspected COVID-19 patient. So despite that, our Staff having high index of suspicion went beyond the NCDC recommendations and they tested him , which become positive.
” If not for the professional knowledge and ethics of our staff, it would have gone unchecked. And you can imagine what would happen, if the patient had died and all the contacts we are seeing now remained untraced. I think UMTH needs to be commended for picking this case outside the main box of diagnosis,” Ahidjo said.
He however assured that the pressure from handling of the COVID-19 issues will not affect the hospital’s tackling of other emergency cases.
The CMD appealed to security agencies to allow health workers have free passage to work.
He said when they come in contact with health workers coming to work, they should know that they are rendering essential services. They should also understand the plight of patients on emergency situation. End
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
Isoko nation is constrained to unravel the hidden intentions of the management of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, manager of the Oil Mining Lease 30 Isoko cluster groups, as the company writes to send hosts communities staffs to compulsory leave and employ new staffs in the area.
The President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), High Chief Iduh Amadhe disclosed that, Isoko nation is grossly marginalized and to further shortchange the host communities of OML 30, the apex body of Isoko ethnic nationality has been reliably informed of the preposterous retrenchment plans of the oil firm.
High Chief Amadhe
He maintained that, Isoko oil and gas host leadership gave the hint recently, describing the plan as evil and ludicrous, culpable of creating tension and civil unrest among indigenous staffs of the company. He noted that in spite of OML 30 clusters, high quantum of 65 % crude oil production, Isoko Communities cluster groups have been marginalized in employment.
Amadhe stated that, Isoko host communities of OML 30 have been sidelined as Heritage management records indicate that, Isoko host Communities’ 65% oil production work force is 148 staff, other host communities’ work force is 221 staff while none indigenes from other tribes work force is 304 staffs.
The president general noted that, the above records reveal that the company does not employ qualified sons and daughters of Isoko extraction and never value the peaceful disposition and cordial relationship enjoyed since they took over the management of OML 30 in the area.
Amadhe added that, it is on record that Isoko host communities of OML 30 are the most peaceful in the entire Niger Delta region, stressing that it is a fit that the people have struggled to maintain with Heritage oil film over the years.
He stated that, the oil company is currently sending indigenous staff on compulsory leave to be replaced by none indigenes which according to him is unacceptable to the people of OML 30 host communities.
Amadhe appealed to Senator Dr. Infeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State to intervene and call Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to order by laying – off none indigenes and reduce the employment ratio to 70% and 30% accordingly as stipulated by the G.M.O.U and respect the derivation policy.
Government should also direct the company to patronize indigenous contractors to execute contracts in OML 30 as stated in article 13 of the G.M.O.U and maintain the existing peace between the company and host communities, he said.
Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Bashorun Askia Ogieh has urged all Muslim faithful to show more love and compassion in this holy month of Ramadan just as he prayed for God’s mercy to heal the distress and untold pains currently being experienced worldwide caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh (JP)
Bashorun Askia in a Ramadan message Friday in Warri to mark the beginning of the holy month said, “There is no better time than now to show compassion and love towards others, faced with the current Coronavirus pandemic which has rendered many to be helpless and in dire need. Abstinence from worldly pleasures without giving needed assistance to our suffering people, especially the less privilege will be contrary and at variance to the teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.”
Bashorun Askia who said he always breaks the fasting with the Muslims faithful in Isokoland bemoaned the situation where he will be unable to do so this time because of the lockdown and social distancing directive to curb the spread of the disease.
“For the first time in my life, just like us Christians who observed the Easter in our homes, our Muslim brothers and sisters are about to do the same in this holy month. But it is a silent war we have to wage and win by strictly maintaining all hygienic procedures and obeying the social distancing directives put in place by the government to control the spread of COVID-19.
“Let us enter into this blessed month of Ramadan in hope and assurance that God in His merciful ways will heal the land as He has always done in times of crisis like the one we face now.
“I pray that as the Fourth Pillar of Islam commences, may God give all the faithful the strength to fulfill the needs of this month and to hear and reward all supplications to Him in faith. Amen.”
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on Nigerians to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the divine intervention of the Almighty Allah, particularly as the nation and the world at large seek solution for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement on Friday, urged Nigerians “to use the period to rekindle the virtues of unity, forgiveness, charity, love for one another as well as complete trust in God, which the nation needs to surmount its challenges including the COVID-19 scourge”.
The Minority Leader stressed that the “Ramadan presents an undisputed opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation” and urged Nigerians to “maximize the benefits of the period by praying for the nation and caring for one another, particularly, the less privileged, the sick and the bereaved at this critical time”.
According to Elumelu, “Nigerians are known for our prayerfulness, trust in God and love for one another. The Ramadan, coming at this time, beckons on us all to rekindle these virtues as we jettison all distractions and collectively pray and fight to defeat COVID-19 in our dear country and the world in general”.
Elumelu expressed optimism that the scourge will soon be a thing of the past and called on Nigerians not to despair or surrender to despondency.
The Minority Caucus called on leaders across board and at all levels to redouble their commitment towards the wellbeing of the people, especially in the area of palliatives, security and healthcare.
The caucus however urged Nigerians to continue to adhere to all health safety directives including those on social distancing as well as personal, family and community hygiene, which are vital in the fight against this Plague.
The President of Bashorun Askia Foundation, Odio Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, on Thursday, April 23, 2020, presented sundry Food Items to members of the Delta State Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, popularly known as Okada and Keke Riders, and Non-Indigenes in Isoko South and North Locak Government Area of Delta State, to help cushion the effect of the lockdown caused by the Corona Virus Pandemic.
Bashorun Askia, who is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), also made presentations on behalf of the Foundation to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Isoko South and North LGA .
The brief ceremony which was held at the Isoko Development Union (IDU) Secretariat, Oleh Roundabout was graced by the President General of IDU, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Isoko North LGA Council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, Isoko South LGA Council Chairman represented by the Secretary to the Local Government Mr. Obrogo Dennis Kola JP, Delta State House of Assembly members, Hon. Ferguson Ajiroghene Onwo and Hon. Kenneth Ogba Isoko South Constituency 2 and 1 respectively.
Bashorun Askia said the Okada and Keke riders are set of people that have been greatly affected as a result of the lockdown because they belong to the set of people who live on daily work, unlike monthly salary earners.
Speaking on behalf of the Okada and Keke Riders, the Chairman of Isoko North Chapter of the Association, Comrade Aboma Victor expressed deep appreciation for the kind gesture and prayed for the UDU of Isoko Nation.
The Foundation also presented 100 bags of Rice, 100 Cartons of Indomie Noodles and 100 Gallons of Groundnut Oil to the Christian Association of Nigeria Isoko South and North LGA which was received by His Lord Bishop of Oleh Diocese Bishop John Aruakpor with prayers from the clergymen present.
The President General of IDU, High Chief Iduh Amadhe on behalf of the Isoko People thanked the DESOPADEC MD/CEO and prayed to God to replenish his pocket a million fold.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By Austen AKHAGBEME:
It is often very worrisome to think that Africa ,over the years, have always been the victim of foreign negative machinations and the extra externalities of factors (clothed in various euphemisms) that often helped to undermine and unmake Africa.
The story of ancient mercantilism, chattel slavery, colonialism, imperialism and lately globalization, is well known to be the chequered road that gave birth to the impoverished African continent of today.
Even the very natural resources that Africa is endowed with has morphed into internecine wars, orchestrated by these same “external variables ” to see to it that Africa remains a perpetual Junior partner in the international division of labour.
These imperialistic tendencies has refused to let Africa be as they appear to be more and more carnivorous by the day as the continent trudges and groops in utmost darkness. This is the very reason why ” the helpers of Africa “often think Africa as a huge and ready laboratory to carry out their nefarious experiments in all facets of western endeavour.
Today, as the world battles with covid 19 and its devastating effects on mankind, Africa has once again become the target of those whose morbid desires it is to depopulate the world to make it habitable, enjoyable and convenient to a self chosen ‘superior ‘ beings to inherit.
While the origin of the Pandemic and its purpose is still shrouded in mystery, permutation and theories, the mad rush to suggest that Africa should be the testing ground for a vaccine yet to be discovered is a rude pointer to the sinister motives of those who often profess to love Africa more than Africans themselves.
It is still a ridiculous paradox, to independent minded public health experts, that the first line of action for an outbreak of a pandemic is Vaccine and not the often hurriedly suggested solution of a curative therapy. The fact that the almighty World Health Organisation is in sink with this suggestion leaves much to be desired and smacks of complicity and liability.
The age-old scale is gradually falling off the eyes of the American establishment as they seem to be asking the right questions and making the much needed moves to stop the Bad Samaritans in their tracks. This is ably demonstrated by the withdrawal of the usual funding of this conspiratorial behemoth by the American government recently.
Questions upon questions are being asked daily as covid 19 takes its death toll on humanity. Where did this strain of Virus comes from? Is it truly from the Chinese wet market in Wuhan as Beijing owned up to or is it a chemically engineered weapon from a laboratory as Washington alleged? Where is Dr Fauci and Mr Bill Gates in this knotty equation? Why is the emphasis more on vaccine for a disease that has “no known cure “? What is the correlation between America,Spain, Italy that was badly hit by the pandemic with China on one hand and the major cities of China like Beijing that were free, on the other?
Until and unless credible answers are provided for the above questions and some others, the secret desires of the deep state and their wide spread dragnet of collaborators will never be known or be nipped in the board.
The Power theorists are not left out in this melee. They’re of the opinion that covid 19 is a miscalculated effort by the Chinese to square up with American economically without firing a shot. But unfortunately, it has escaped to the rest of the world and therefore has successfully exposed Beijing’s to global acrimony and disrepute.
Nevertheless, the pandemic is nothing but an imperialistic tool aimed at depopulating the world, especially Africa, by the new imperialists lovers of Africa (The bad samaritans) with a selfish collaborative synergy of the world Shadow government, made up of the few who have arrogated to themselves, the responsibility of ‘saving’ the world.
They’re not difficult to identify. They have their fingers on every pie in the world especially amongst developing Economies all around the world. They give aids, grants, loans and more often than not, gives unsolicited advice on population growth, global warming, Vaccines and life expectancy to peripheral states. They choose to love Africa more than Africans. These are the Bad Samaritans.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with –Blank NEWS Online
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
Irri kingdom Federal Union sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora, have presented palliatives worth Four Million Naira to the 12 communities of the kingdom to alleviate the effects of COVID 19 pandemic lockdown at Irri, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Irri Federal Union, Chief Adonis Obuwhere said, the food items received were 150 bags of rice, 110 cartons of indomee noodles, 30 jumbo bags of beans, 2 jumbo bags of garri, 2 cartons of groundnut oil, 22 pieces of yam and 4 cartons of tomatoes pasts.
He stated that the food items will be distributed to the 12 communities, which according to him encompassed Irri Federal Union.
Chief Obuwhere maintained that the palliatives are for the indigents, aged and widows in the various communities, noting that the chairmen and secretaries are to receive and distribute the food items and ensure that it gets to the people specified.
The president general added that the distribution will be monitored by the executive of Irri Federal Union, emphasizing that each community will receive the food items in proportion to the size and population of the clan. He said, the communities cut across Isoko South to the coastal Isoko villages in Bayelsa state.
Chief Obuwhere commended the sons and daughters of Irri Federal Union for the palliatives, reiterating that the items will cushion the effects of the stay at home order by Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, to curtail the spread of COVID 19 in the area.
He also commended Archbishop Christian A.O. Apena, describing him as the chairman and coordinator that put together funds used for the palliatives.
While addressing the chairmen and representatives of Irri Federal Union, Chief Obuwhere urged them to identify 60 years and above aged group as beneficiaries of the palliatives, noting that any chairman that flouts the directive will be sanctioned.
Obuwhere urged the people to stay at home, wash their hands regularly, keep the social distance and avoid shaking of hands as preventive measures to control the spread of COVID 19 pandemic ravaging the world, noting that Delta State already have some positive cases of the novel pandemic described as global emergency and unseen enemy.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
The President General of Oleh kingdom, Chief Believe Alakri and residents of Oleh ward 1 and 2, have commended Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State and Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Chairman Isoko South local government area, for the Delta State palliatives received and distributed at the Civic Centre Oleh, Isoko South local government area of the state.
Chief Alakri stated that, the food items received at ward 1 and 2 in Oleh kingdom were 80 bags of rice, 40 jumbo bags of beans and 122 cartons of Indomee noodles, adding that the palliatives were distributed peacefully to the indigents and aged people of the area.
The President General also commended the local government distribution committee led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo for equitable and peaceful distribution of the state palliatives to the 11 wards of Isoko South local government area at the council, noting that Hon. Kenneth Ogba, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Churchill Amagada, Hon. (Mrs.) Catherine Ilolo, Bishop John .U. Aruakpor and Hon. (Mrs.) Beatrice Igogo Oyibotha monitored the distribution accordingly.
He said, the vulnerable, aged and artisans from Oleh ward 1 and 2, including the non indigenes (Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) in Oleh kingdom received the food items which according to him will alleviate the suffering occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic lockdown in the area.
Alakri appealed to the state governor for more palliatives, stressing that Oleh residents obeyed the stay at home order just as the roads and streets has been empty in compliance to the directive by Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. He maintained that the proactive steps by Okowa have curtailed the pandemic from spreading in Delta State.
Recall, that Isoko South chairman, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, received and distributed Delta State palliatives to 11 wards of the local government area, from Governor Okowa food bank to cushion the effects of COVID 19 pandemic lockdown in the area over the weekend.
Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has expressed sadness and pain over the death of Rear Admiral Good Omo-Owho Akpolo (rtd.).
Rear Admiral Good Akpolo (rtd.) who was one time Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, died on April 3, 2020 at the Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, United States of America.
In a statement released Wednesday in Warri, condoling with the bereaved family, Bashorun Ogieh described the late Akpolo as a pillar of strength who assiduously worked for development of not only his hometown, Uzere Kingdom, but the entire Isoko nation and the Niger Delta region.
The DESOPADEC boss noted that despite his busy and successful career, the retired Rear Admiral remembered his roots.
The statement read, “I received the news of the death of Rear Admiral Good Omo-owho Akpolo (Retired), a thoroughly accomplished warrior sired by the Uzere Kingdom with a heavy, sad and painful heart.
“The Isoko Nation, Uzere Kingdom, Delta State, indeed Nigeria have lost a man of immeasurable competence and acuity.
“While we mourn his passing, we cannot but recall that Admiral Akpolo had an unblemished career in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, commanding critical units that spanned but not limited to Command Intelligence Officer, Eastern Naval Command; Flag Lieutnant to Chief of Naval Staff; Directing Staff, Command and staff College; Executive Officer, NNS Oloku; Commanding Officer NNS Damisa.
“Other positions Rear Admiral Akpolo held include Executive Officer, NNS Okemini; Commanding Officer, Naval Unit Abuja; Director of Naval; Defense Adviser to the Nigeria High Commission, New Delhi India; Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command; Director of Administration And Logistics, Defense Intelligence Agency; Flag Officer Sea Training Command; Chief of Naval Logistics; Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command And Staff College; and Chief of Administration, Defense Headquarters.
“Throughout his very busy career, Admiral Akpolo was ever conscious of his roots and was a pillar of support for the development and upliftment of the Uzere Kingdom, unobtrusively ensuring that the Isoko Nation is protected, and also worked consciously to defend the interests of Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
“For these and other innumerable contributions to humanity, we will forever remain indebted to our gentleman and gallant Officer, who has left us to reside in eternity.
“We will miss his wise counsel in communal matters, we will always cherish Admiral Akpolo’s forthrightness in dealing with issues that seemed insurmountable, but which he always believed were resolvable.
“We are consoled that he is now sailing in the wings of the Comforter, the all knowing God, who has decided that He needs him now in His comfortable abode. We are thankful because we cannot question God’s wisdom.
“I pray that God will give our dear wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Akpolo, the children and grandchildren the fortitude to bear the loss of a doting father who had an enviable affection for his family and loved ones.
“May the soul of our smooth and gentle sailor rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.”
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has condoled the Akpolo family, over the death of former Command Intelligence Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Good Omo-Owho Akpolo (Retd).
Rear Admiral Good Omo-Ohwo Akpolo (rtd), Nigerian Navy, FSS, MSS, DSS, psc+, mni, slept in The Lord on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Bashorun Askia, who received the news with a heavy, sad and painful hear,t, said that Uzere kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria have lost a man of immeasurable competence and acuity.
A condolence message signed by Bashorun Askia Ogieh and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:
“I received the news of the death of Rear Admiral Good Omo-owho Akpolo (Retired), a thoroughly accomplished warrior sired by the Uzere Kingdom with a heavy, sad and painful heart.
“The Isoko nation, Uzere kingdom, Delta State and indeed Nigeria have lost a man of immeasurable competence and acuity. While we mourn his passage, we cannot but recall that Admiral Akpolo had an unblemished career in the armed forces of Nigeria commanding critical units. He was a Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command.
“Throughout his very busy career, Admiral Akpolo was ever conscious of his roots and was a pillar of support for the development and upliftment of the Uzere kingdom, unobtrusively ensuring that the Isoko nation is protected, and also worked consciously to defend the interests of Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
“For these and other innumerable contributions to humanity, we will forever remain indebted to our gentleman and gallant officer, who has left us to reside in eternity.
“We will miss his wise counsel in communal matters, we will always cherish Admiral Akpolo’s forthrightness in dealing with issues that seemed insurmountable, but which he always believed were resolvable.
“We are consoled that he is now sailing in the wings of the comforter, the all-knowing God, who has decided that He needs him now in His comfortable abode and we are thankful because we cannot question God’s wisdom.
“I pray that God will give our dear wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Akpolo, the children and grandchildren the fortitude to bear the loss of a doting father who had an enviable affection for his family and loved ones.
“May the soul of our smooth and gentle sailor rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.”
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has expressed sorrow over the death of legal luminary, former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, describing his death as a national tragedy.
Hon. Elumelu, in a statement on Tuesday, described Chief Akinjide as a detribalized Nigerian, an exceptional statesman, a quintessential administrator and an incomparable legal lcon, who made immeasurable sacrifices towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation.
The Minority leader further described Chief Akinjide as a foremost democrat and nationalist whose patriotic contributions as a journalist, university lecturer, lawyer, politician, minister of education and Attorney General of the Federation, stood him out as one of Nigeria’s brightest leading lights in the quest for national stability and growth, particularly during the First and Second Republic.
Hon. Elumelu noted that Chief Akinjide’s role as a member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee of 1975 to 1977 testify to his commitment towards the political, social and economic development of our dear nation.
He described his death as a huge loss to the nation, particularly at this trying time.
The Minority Leader commiserated with the Akinjide family, Federal Government, the government and people of Oyo state, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) as well as his Ibadan kindred and prays God to grant Chief Akinjide eternal rest.
The Chairman, Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor has conveyed the appreciation of the people of the area to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the state government for the provision of food items to cushion the effect of the lockdown.
The Chairman in a statement on Tuesday in Ozoro, said the Council received a total of 520 bags of rice; 260 bags of beans and 800 cartons of Indomie noodles which was shared evenly to the 13 wards in the Local government.
He said the people were happy with the state government’s intervention, adding that the food items will bring a huge relief to them during the period of the lockdown.
He commended members of the local government committee for their diligence in the distribution, stressing that the people remain grateful to the government for the kind gesture.
Other members of the Isoko North Committee include Hon Tim Owhefere, Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Oviemuno Oghoore, Commissioner for Transport, Dr (Mrs) Evelyn Aluta, Princess Oghale Oweh and Bishop Ben Eghaire.
According to the Chairman, the response has been very encouraging from the various wards and the people have asked me to convey their appreciation to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Delta State Government for putting up the Food Bank to assist the poorest of the poor during the lockdown.
“Beyond being the Council Chairman, I am also Chairman of the COVID-19 Response Committee in the local government and I can tell you that I have first hand knowledge of the level of hunger induced by the lockdown.
“It is therefore gratifying to note that the people have shown appreciation to the amiable Governor of our dear State for his prompt response to the acute hunger in the land.
“I want to say that no beneficiary of the state government palliatives in any of the ward in Isoko North received two cups of rice. The distributions and delivery of foodstuffs to individuals and families in all the 13 wards were properly done and the beneficiaries are happy and prayed for the Governor and his government,”
“Let me correct the impression on the video trending on social media, whereby some women claimed to have gotten two cups of rice per Individual/family, that was not from the share of the state government palliatives’” he remarked.
“We thank the state government for this wonderful initiative even as we pray that the pandemic leaves us as quickly as possible.” Egbabor said.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): By Michael EKOKORUWE:
The chairman of Isoko South local government area of Delta State, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has received and distributed the palliatives from Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State food bank set up to cushion the effects occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic lockdown, to 11 federal wards of the local government area.
The food items received includes, 440 bags of rice, 220 big bags of beans and 630 cartons of indomee noodles. Sir Ikpokpo stated that the local government and wards committees set up for effective distribution and monitoring of the palliatives will ensure that the food items get to the vulnerable in the various wards.
He maintained that members of the local government committee to supervise the distribution of the palliatives are Bishop John Aruakpor, Hon. Kenneth Ogba, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Churchill Amagada, Hon. Mrs. Catherine Ilolo and Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Igogo Oyibotha. He noted that the food items distribution to various wards, cut across party line at the town hall of each community.
Sir Ikpokpo who is the ALGON chairman Delta State stated that, the wards committee members were selected from the Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N) Isoko South chapter, community presidents general, women leaders and selected councilors to ensure that the vulnerable get the palliatives accordingly. He said, each ward will receive 40 bags of rice, 20 big bags of beans and 61 cartons of indomee noodles.
While addressing the committee members from the wards, Sir Ikpokpo noted that the palliatives are not for everybody, but for the artisans, less privileged people and widows.
Also speaking, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Isoko South constituency 2, commended Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the palliatives and urged the people to accept whatever is provided and be grateful, adding that no food item is small even as gratitude could attract more provision.
On her part, Hon. (Mrs.) Catherine Ilolo, commissioner Delta State local government service commission said, COVID 19 is real and urged the people to adhere strictly to the precautionary measures and stay safe.
Earlier, Hon. Churchill Amagada, commissioner for lands and survey Delta State, commended Governor Okowa for the food bank initiative which according to him will cushion the effects of COVID 19 pandemic lockdown in Isoko South. He urged the people to obey the lockdown order by staying at home to avoid contracting the deadly coronavirus ravaging the world as global emergency.
Also Hon. Kenneth Ogba, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Isoko South constituency 1 and Bishop John Aruakpor, Anglican Bishop of Oleh Diocese, commended Senator Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa for the palliatives received, noting that Okowa’s generosity of giving out quantities of food items to various local governments of the state is commendable and called on illustrious sons of various communities to emulate Governor Okowa.
Responding on behalf of the wards committee members, High Chief Hon. Gabriel Erueme, from Olomoro ward 6, assured of effective distribution of the food items, noting that each unit in the various wards will identify the vulnerable and distribute the items accordingly.
The minority caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, in a statement on Saturday described Mallam Abba Kyari’s death as a huge loss to the nation, particularly at this critical time.
Elumelu described Abba Kyari “as a very humble, loyal and exceptionally dedicated Nigerian who gave his best to the service of our dear fatherland, particularly as the Chief of Staff to the President.
“Our caucus condoles with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Kyari family, the government and people of Borno state as well as the Federal Executive Council and prays the Almighty Allah, in His mercies, to grant eternal rest to the faithful departed as well as give the bereaved the fortitude to bear this huge loss”.
Elumelu urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the nation and humanity at large at this critical time.
The Presidency has announced the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
He died on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Kyari had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment at undisclosed health facility.
The Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Mr.Abba Kyari is dead. In Twitter statements by Presidential Spokespersons, both Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari.and Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Muhammadu Buhari, respectively reads:
@FemiAdesina:
Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, passes on. May God rest his soul. Amen. Funeral arrangements to be announced soon.
@GarShehu:
The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Mike Sogbola, North East Correspondent:
Six years after the 112 Chibok schoolgirls remained in Boko Haram captivity, Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum sent a delegation to comfort their parents.
Over 200 schoolgirls were abducted in Chibok six years ago with about half of them later released with no words heard about 112 others.
Borno State Governor in a show of compassion to the parents on Tuesday, sent a delegation of commissioners and a lawmaker to Chibok to support the agonizing parents, whose 112 daughters marked the sixth year since their abduction by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014.
A prayer session was also held for their release in Chibok.
Commissioners of education, women affairs, poverty alleviation and the member, representing Chibok at Borno assembly, delivered Governor Zulum’s message of empathy, hope and assurance; and also presented 500 bags of rice (25kg), 250 gallons of cooking oil and N5.6m cash as social support for parents of the 112 girls still held by Boko Haram.
Majority of the parents are subsistent farmers, whose productivity has been affected by their agony.
Boko Haram insurgents, had on April 14, 2014, attacked a Government Secondary School in Chibok and took away over 200 schoolgirls in hostels, who were to write west african secondary school certificate examination.
Rescue efforts and largely mediated negotiations between the Buhari administration and the insurgents has led to the release of 107 in batches of 1 in May 2016; 21 in October, 2016 and 82 in January 2017 respectively, leaving 112 still missing.
Borno’s commissioner for education, Alhaji Bello Ayuba, told parents and community members at Chibok, that being fathers of female children, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Zulum will never give up on the rescue of the remaining schoolgirls.
“Governor Zulum, has asked us to inform you that in all his meetings with President Buhari, the President has consistently showed concern and commitment to rescue of the missing girls. The President and the Governor are fathers, with daughters.
“They know how you feel and they share your pains. They will never give up on the rescue of our daughters. No sane parent will give up on a missing child. They are committed and by the grace of God, these girls will be rescued alive. The Governor sends his empathy, and as you all have seen in his activities and visits to Chibok, the Governor holds Chibok very dear to his heart. Let us remain hopeful and prayerful, while our leaders sustain their concerted efforts” Ayuba said.
Commissioner of Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo and that of poverty alleviation, Nuhu Clark, who hails from Chibok took turns to support and raise the spirits of the parents.
Some of parents of the 112 missing schoolgirls have lauded Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum for his compassion towards them.
Yakubu Keke, who spoke on their behalf, said Zulum’s interest in the development of Chibok and the rest of Borno is clear to everyone.
He said the parents are grateful to the Governor, for his show of concern, urging him and the President to remain determined in trying to rescue the missing girls.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
The less privileged and vulnerable residents of Okpe –Isoko community, Isoko North local government area of Delta State, have received food items from Isoko North political leaders and distributed through the President General of the community, Dr. Alloy Okpelogbo to chairmen of the 13 streets in the area.
Speaking to news correspondent’s, Dr. Okpelogbo commended Isoko North political class for the food items, describing it as timely intervention towards alleviating the present hardship faced by the people, occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic lockdown.
He noted that the less privileged were identified from the streets and names written to ensure that the food items get to them and not diverted. Okpelogbo stated that, the food items received were garri, rice, beans, salt and indomie noodles for distribution to the people of the community.
The President General revealed that, additional bags of rice and beans were purchased from joint contribution put together by illustrious sons of the community led by Comrade Felix Ofou, Board Chairman Delta Broadcasting Service Asaba, to cushion the effects of the stay at home order.
He added that the initiative for additional food items is by Comrade Ofou, noting that more food items will be provided for distribution next week.
Dr. Okpelogbo while assuring of peaceful distribution of the items, emphasized that the community town crier has sensitized the people on the modality for the distribution, saying, “Any person that flouts the rules of sharing the food items will be find twenty thousand Naira (N20,000)”. He noted that the streets with more population will receive larger quantities of the items.
While commending Isoko North political class and Comrade Ofou food bank initiative committee for the food items, Mr.Akpojere Oku, representing the chairmen from the streets, prayed God’s blessings and protection for the donors even as he requested for more palliatives.
Also Mrs. Comfort Igbenu, Vice President of the women wing of Okpe–Isoko said, “The women are happy for the food items, we pray God to bless all who provided the items”.
She assured of equitable distribution, noting that the 13 streets chairmen will go directly to the streets and share among the women as agreed by the residents.
Also the Publix Relation Officer of the community, Prince Silvanus Osiogo, commended the donors and assured of peaceful and effective distribution of the food items just as the vulnerable beneficiaries will be reached accordingly.
Recall that Isoko North political leaders presented food items worth 10M Naira for distribution to the less privileged persons in the 13 clans of Isoko North local government area of Delta State, to cushion the effects of COVID 19 pandemic lockdown in the area.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Michael EKOKORUWE:
To cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world and states in Nigeria, elected and appointed political class of Isoko North local government area of Delta State, has presented food items worth over 10 million Naira to eleven clans through the Presidents General of the area to serve as palliative to the stay at home order issued by Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.
Presenting 169 bags of rice, 91 bags of beans, 130 big bags of garri, 65 bags of salt and 260 cartons of indomie noodles, the Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tim Owhefere said, the food items is joint efforts from Isoko North political class to alleviate the hardship on the people occasioned by the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown.
Hon. Owhefere stated that members of the political class led by Rt. Hon Leo Ogor, member National House of Assembly, representing Isoko constituency, hon. Engr. Oviemuno Oghoore, commissioner for transport Delta State, hon. chief Macaulay Ovuozorie, commissioner Warri and Uwie development Agency and Dr. Barrister Paul Owhe, commissioner DESOPADEC, Isoko ethnic nationality, makes the food bank initiative.
The Majority Leader added that other members are Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Okowa on Community and Rural Development, Comrade Felix Ofou, Board Chairman Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Hon. Architect Ajiroghene Ogeh, former Commissioner for Housing, Delta State, Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, PDP Chairman Isoko North and Barrister (Mrs.) Evelyn Aluta, Executive Assistance to Governor Okowa, among others.
He maintained that the food items should get to the grassroots in all the communities in Isoko North who voted them into various political offices, adding that this is the time to remember them as the situation is precarious.
Hon. Owhefere urged the Presidents General from the 11 communities of Isoko North to ensure equitable distribution of the food items. He assured of more palliative measures if the items are well distributed.
Also speaking, the Committee Chairman of the food items, Bishop Dr. Ben Eghaire noted that, the lockdown has affected the people of the area which according to him needed timely intervention by the political class.
He stated that the items will serve as palliatives to cushion the suffering, adding that the Presidents General should identify the vulnerable people in the communities and distribute the food items equitably. Eghaire said, little cash will be given to the Presidents General for transportation of the food items.
On his part, the People’s Democratic Party Chairman for Isoko North, Hon. Godwin Ogorugba said, the food items will be handed over to Isoko Development Union that will distribute them to the Presidents General of the 11 Clans.
He maintained that each clan will receive 13 bags of rice, 7 bags of Beans, 10 big bags of garri, 20 cartons of indomie noodles and 5 bags of salt, emphasizing that the less privilege people in the area, especially the aged men, women and children are to receive the food items.
Ogorugba stated that the food items will be distributed across party lines to all the people, noting that no political member will be involved in the distribution.
He added that the Presidents General will deliver the food items directly to the communities to ensure that it gets to the less privileged people in the area.
Receiving the food items, the President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe commended the political class of Isoko North just as he called on all others to appreciate them.
Amadhe urged the Presidents General to ensure equitable distribution of the items to the vulnerable people in the various communities.
He maintained that the food items gets to the grass root which according to him, are people suffering from the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 lockdown.
He said, Pastors and Traditional Rulers are praying to God to save the people from the pandemic, noting that by the Grace of God, very soon the situation will be over.
ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE EXTENSION OF COVID- 19 PANDEMIC LOCKDOWN AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA MONDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2020
Fellow Nigerians
In my address on Sunday, 29th March, 2020, I asked the residents of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory to stay at home for an initial period of fourteen days starting from Monday, 30th March 2020.
Many State Governments also introduced similar restrictions.
As your democratically elected leaders, we made this very difficult decision knowing fully well it will severely disrupt your livelihoods and bring undue hardship to you, your loved ones and your communities.
However, such sacrifices are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our country. They were necessary to save lives.
Our objective was, and still remains, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and to provide space, time and resources for an aggressive and collective action.
The level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued has been generally good across the country. I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the great sacrifice you are making for each other at this critical time.
I will take this opportunity to recognise the massive support from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.
I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.
I must also thank the media houses, celebrities and other public figures for the great work they are doing in sensitizing our citizens on hygienic practices, social distancing and issues associated with social gatherings.
As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown.
We implemented comprehensive public health measures that intensified our case identification, testing, isolation and contact tracing capabilities.
To date, we have identified 92% of all identified contacts while doubling the number of testing laboratories in the country and raising our testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day.
We also trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control while deploying NCDC teams to 19 states of the federation.
Lagos and Abuja today have the capacity to admit some 1,000 patients each across several treatment centres.
Many State Governments have also made provisions for isolation wards and treatment centres. We will also build similar centers near our airports and land borders.
Using our resources and those provided through donations, we will adequately equip and man these centres in the coming weeks. Already, health care workers across all the treatment centers have been provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to safely carry out the care they provide.
Our hope and prayers are that we do not have to use all these centres. But we will be ready for all eventualities.
At this point, I must recognise the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers and volunteers across the country especially in frontline areas of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
You are our heroes and as a nation, we will forever remain grateful for your sacrifice during this very difficult time. More measures to motivate our health care workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks.
As a nation, we are on the right track to win the fight against COVID-19.
However, I remain concerned about the increase in number of confirmed cases and deaths being reported across the world and in Nigeria specifically.
On 30th March 2020, when we started our lockdown in conforming with medical and scientific advice, the total number of confirmed cases across the world was over 780,000.
Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally was over one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand. This figure is more than double in two weeks!
In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died due to this disease.
In the same period, we have seen the health system of even the most developed nations being overwhelmed by this virus.
Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.
This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.
Most of our efforts will continue to focus in these two locations.
Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.
By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.
The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.
At this point, I will remind all Nigerians to continue to take responsibility for the recommended measures to prevent transmission, including maintaining physical distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home.
In addition, I have signed the Quarantine Order in this regard and additional regulations to provide clarity in respect of the control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic which will be released soon.
The public health response to COVID-19 is built on our ability to detect, test and admit cases as well as trace all their contacts. While I note some appreciable progress, we can achieve a lot more.
Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.
Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps – First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.
With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.
This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.
The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.
This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.
The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.
We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.
I will therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to notify the relevant authorities if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. I will also ask our health care professionals to redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.
No country can afford the full impact of a sustained restriction of movement on its economy. I am fully aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, day-workers, artisans and manual workers.
For this group, their sustenance depends on their ability to go out. Their livelihoods depend on them mingling with others and about seeking work. But despite these realities we must not change the restrictions.
In the past two weeks, we announced palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers to ease the pains of our restrictive policies during this difficult time. These palliatives will be sustained.
I have also directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks. This means we will support an additional one million homes with our social investment programs. A technical committee is working on this and will submit a report to me by the end of this week.
The Security Agencies have risen to the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation with gallantry and I commend them. I urge them to continue to maintain utmost vigilance, firmness as well as restraint in enforcing the restriction orders while not neglecting statutory security responsibilities.
Fellow Nigerians, follow the instructions on social distancing. The irresponsibility of the few can lead to the death of the many. Your freedom ends where other people’s rights begin.
The response of our State Governors has been particularly impressive, especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the Federal Government.
In the coming weeks, I want to assure you that the Federal Government, through the Presidential Task Force, will do whatever it takes to support you in this very difficult period. I have no doubt that, by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic.
I must also thank the Legislative arm of Government for all its support and donations in this very difficult period. This collaboration is critical to the short and long-term success of all the measures that we have instituted in response to the pandemic.
As a result of this pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. The way we interact with each other, conduct our businesses and trade, travel, educate our children and earn our livelihoods will be different.
To ensure our economy adapts to this new reality, I am directing the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Transportation, Aviation, Interior, Health, Works and Housing, Labour and Employment and Education to jointly develop a comprehensive policy for a “Nigerian economy functioning with COVID-19”.
The Ministers will be supported by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Economic Sustainability Committee in executing this mandate.
I am also directing the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Security Adviser, the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and the Chairman, Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ensure the impact of this pandemic on our 2020 farming season is minimized.
Finally, I want to thank the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all their hard work so far. Indeed, the patriotism shown in your work is exemplary and highly commendable.
Fellow Nigerians, I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.
I thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to the nation Monday, April 13, 2020 at 7pm.
Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively for the broadcast.
Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) April 13, 2020
–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
The President General of Oleh kingdom, Isoko South local government area, Chief Believe Alakri, has commended the United Leadership of Oleh kingdom for presenting over N4 million worth of food items to Oleh community to cushion the effects of lockdown on COVID 19 pandemic, just as residents obeyed the Easter Sunday service stay at home restriction order.
Chief Believe Alakri
Chief Alakri who received 400 bags of rice and 50 bags of salt on behalf of Oleh community said, the food items have been distributed and residents showed gratitude and commended the group for the gesture.
The president general urged the group not to relent in further measures towards alleviating hunger and hardship occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic He noted that the community is overwhelmed with the food items received and have mitigated the present situation in the area.
Chief Alakri urged residents of Oleh kingdom to observe the social distancing, regular washing of hands and avoid shaking of hands. He reiterated that public gathering activities should be avoided and adhere strictly to the stay at home order by the state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
He commended the residents of the area for obeying the Easter Sunday service restriction order even as he urged them to stay safe from contracting the dreaded Coronavirus ravaging the world and Nigeria.
Alakri maintained that Oleh community is presently free from the pandemic and urged the people to remain healthy by observing all the precautionary measures recommended.
A visit round the metropolis revealed that churches were closed and the streets and roads were empty as residents stayed from Easter church service in compliance to the stay at home order. The makeshift markets in the environs were also with lock and key.
At the popular Oleh Yanga market junction, the vigilante stationed their vehicle and blocked the roads to curtail unnecessary movement of Okada and vehicles.
Recall that a social cultural group known as United Leadership of Oleh kingdom presented food items worth over 4 million Naira, that has been distribution to residents of the area for both indigenes and non indigenes to support Governor Okowa food bank initiative, to cushion the sufferings occasioned by COVID 19 lockdown in the area.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Universal Learning Solutions, a UK not-for-profit organization, has launched the Nigerians Educate Everywhere at a Distance (NEED) project for students and pupils to learn at home with ease.
According to the CEO of Universal Learning Solutions, Gary Foxcroft, ‘The NEED project has been developed quickly as part of our response to the Covid-19 crisis.”
“We wish to implore all state governments and wider development partners to work with us to promote this Jolly Phonics distance learning program and enable children to access the right to literacy from home”, saying that all esources were available for free on the website – www.jollyphonics.ng.
Mr Foxcroft stated that the programme has been developed to help support the call by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for states to develop programmes which ensure that young learners learn at home whilst schools are closed.
He said that the programme which deliver Africa’s largest and most effective English literacy programme in Nigeria, focused on providing face to face training and support to Nigerian Government School and Primary School Teachers using the fun and effective English literacy method, has proven to dramatically raise early grade literacy levels pupils in Nigeria and globally.
The CEO stated that due to COVID-19 situation, the organization changed its approach by creating a range of amazing free distance learning solutions that could be accessed in a variety of ways.
He also revealed that Universal Learning Solutions has produced a 50 episode Jolly Phonics TV Lessons series after the announcement of school closure due to COVID-19 to directly benefit Nigerian children and Nigerian Jolly Phonics trainers has recorded a 42 part radio show for the North and South of the country.
He stated that the organization has also developed a free Jolly Phonics App and Africa-based Story Reading App on a dedicated website – www.jollphonics.ng – where all the audio, video and App content can be accessed and also a range of free worksheets and activities to keep children occupied in at home. For families with no electricity, Mr. Foxcroft stated that Universal Learning Solutions would send SMS messages to as many parents as possible including a full Jolly Phonics lessons course, developed in bite-sized chunks for parents.
He explained that State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Abia, Anambra, Jigawa, Ebonyi and Ekiti States have embraced the project through airing the radio show on a range of stations.
The benefits of Jolly Phonics are numerous, some of which include that it is full of fun and a multisensory programme for teaching young learners how to read and write with confidence, it is packed with activities that children love and learners feel like they are playing, yet learning.
Others are it help to read words in English, also helps learners learn how to read Hausa words.
He called on members of the public to call the Country Director on 07063045346 or email patrick@universallearningsolutions.org for more details.
Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has asked Nigerians to remain focused on God as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic, saying God is revealing his awesomeness.
In an Easter Message released in Warri, Bashorun Askia Ogieh said the Coronavirus occurrence has redefined our lifestyle and the way we relate, adding however that “despite the dark spectre brought by this disease, we must not lose sight of the fact that God is revealing His awesomeness.”
While wishing everyone the rich blessings of forgiveness and salvation that Easter signifies, Bashorun Askia urged the strict adherence to the guidelines of public health experts on Staying Safe by washing of hands regularly, using sanitisers, maintaining social distancing and remaining indoors until the scourge is over.
Bashorun Askia in the message titled “An awesome God, an unusual season” said:
“For the first since we can recall, we are celebrating the Resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, locked down in our homes, detached from our regular friends, relations and associates as well as from our routine jobs and activities.
“It is an uncharted territory for everyone of us not just in Delta State, but Nigeria and the entire world. This is no thanks to an unusual, dangerous and invincible enemy we call Corona Virus or Covid-19.
It is a phenomenon that has redefined our lifestyle and the way we relate.
“However, despite the dark spectre brought by this disease, we must not lose sight of the fact that God is revealing His awesomeness. He has assured us that He will never abandon us when we knock on His door of grace.
“As we celebrate this Easter, our spirit should remain lifted, our focus on Him in supplication.
“We, the people of Delta State and indeed, Nigerians are resilient, persevering and strong with our faith in God. Let us adhere strictly to the guidelines of public health experts on Staying Safe by washing our hands regularly, using sanitisers, maintaining social distancing and remaining indoors until the scourge is over.
“We should entertain no doubt that our testimony shall be as that of Moses after one of numerous victorious battles as the Holy Bible captured it in Numbers 31: 49: “And they said to Moses ‘Your servants have taken a count of the men of war who are under our command, and not a man of us is missing”. We will not lose any loved one In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
“I wish everyone the rich blessings of forgiveness and salvation that Easter signifies.”
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has called on Nigerians to use the Easter celebration to pray for the nation as well as rekindle their hope and trust in the supremacy of God to deliver the nation and humanity from prevailing challenges of life.
The opposition leader, in a goodwill message to Nigerians, stressed that the coming of Easter, the triumph of life over death, at the time the whole world is being ravaged by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, is a divine pointer that God has not abandoned humanity.
Elumelu further stressed that the “crucifixion and triumphant resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead offer us heavenly assurance of the triumph of life over death, health over sicknesses, happiness over gloom, hope in despair as well as our healing, deliverance from pestilences and our complete victory over this COVID-19 pandemic
“As a nation and humanity at large, we are presently challenged by the outbreak of coronavirus disease otherwise known as Covid-19. Though, thousands have been infected and many are dying by the day, our hope must remain strong in God and his redemptive power to deliver mankind as manifested in Christ’s triumph over dead at Easter.
“Indeed, in Easter, we are certain that all hope is not lost. We must therefore strive to use the period for sober reflection and prayers for the nation and humanity bearing in mind that God, in II Chronicles 7:14, assured that if we humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our evil ways, he would hear us and forgive our sins and heal our land. A time as this calls for such humility of heart and total reliance on God for solution”.
Elumelu further urged Nigerians to use the period to strengthen their spirit of resilience and continue to reach out and assist one another, especially families and individuals whose daily source of livelihood have been crippled by the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also commended our health workers for their sacrifices, charged the citizen to continue to adhere to health safety directives including social distancing and personal hygiene, while urging leaders across board to do more personally and officially to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
The Minority leader prayed for the safety and health of all and wished all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration.
-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Michael EKOKORUWE:
A none political and social cultural group known as United Leadership of Oleh Community in Isoko South local government area of Delta State, has presented food items worth over 4 million Naira for distribution to residents of Oleh community to support Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State food bank initiative to cushion the sufferings occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic in the area.
Presenting 400 bags of rice and 50 bags of salt to the President General of Oleh kingdom, Chief Believe Alakri, the leader of the group Chief Barrister Joe Arausi, Chairman Governing Board of Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic said, the food items should be distributed to the vulnerable in Oleh kingdom, both indigenes and non indigenes.
Chief Arausi noted that, the initiative was put together by Hon. Kenneth Ogba, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Isoko South constituency 1, Hon. (Mrs.) Catherine Ilolo, Commissioner Delta State Local Government Service Commission and Sir. Mathias Eto, Special Adviser to the Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, to support Governor Okowa’s food bank palliative measures to alleviate the effect of COVID 19 on the vulnerable in Oleh community.
Arausi commended Hon. Kenneth Ogba, Hon. Mrs. Catherine Ilolo and Sir Mathias Eto and other members of the group for the initiative, noting that the group will continue to provide more palliative measures to cushion the sit – at – home order occasioned by COVID 19 pandemic.
Other members of the group are Pastor, Barr. Tos Ojogho, Chief Victor Egbo, Engr. Daniel Omoyibo, Hon. Ericon Igbudu, Hon, Inspector Edafe, Hon. Becky Ayamu and Mr. Solomon Osuemerai.
Receiving the food items, the President General of Oleh kingdom, Chief Believe Alakri and executive members of Oleh Community Development Union, assured of equitable distribution of the food items to all the streets and layouts of the community.
He commended the group for the food items which according to him will serve as palliatives to cushion the effects of COVID 19 Lockdown to residents of Oleh kingdom. Alakri stated that he has called the street chairmen and women leaders to identify the vulnerable for effective distribution of the food items.
The president general added that the union executive will monitor the distribution even as he assured that no youth will be allowed in the distribution of the items.
Alakri said, the distribution will commence immediately from the source location to all the streets and those identified as beneficiaries will all be reached accordingly.
It was the renown Canadian scholar, Naomi Klein who first drew the world’s attention to the concept of Disaster Capitalism in her book,THE SHOCK DOCTRINE, where she scholarly observed and narrated the underbelly of evil pervading the world of Disaster management and state cum individual profiteering motives, initiatives and misadventures.
In her treatise, she exhumed the political manoeuvres by some profiteering interest group to hoodwink the State of Louisiana over hurricane Katrina that swept away and destroy New Orleans city. Instead of rehabilitating the ruined city to favour the less privileged, it became an economic opportunity for the Disaster Capitalists(the contractors) to achieve a privately beneficial ambition.
Fast track to Nigeria; the threatening scourge of the Pandemic and the fear that accompanied it led to the Federal government, Private Sector and Public spirited individuals donating huge funds to help in assisting the people while fighting the pandemic.
No sooner did the funds came than the people started shouting for the Federal government to put a transparent and workable structure in place for disbursement and accountability.
Because of the fast pace things were moving coupled with the negative press flying in from every corner of the globe, such cry by the people didn’t gather any dust. The story was that every corporate and individual donation will be kept in custody of the apex bank. This was okay by all.
As the heat of the novel lockdown takes its toll from the people, the government without a comprehensive and detailed plan, rushed to distribute food items and cash to the people in their homes. Not only was the activity not well coordinated from the beginning, the food package being dished out was inadequate and vexatious. Videos were rife on the internet depicting government officials distributing as small as two loaves of bread etc to more than three households of not less than twelve people. Ridiculous!
In places where cash was distributed, the same hue and cry ensued. But the alarming aspect that burst their bubble was the careless declaration that within a week and few days, they have given out cash to the tune of Billions of Naira without the names of the beneficiaries and their geographical spread, adequately captured and accounted for. This drew the irk of the Legislators and led to pertinent questions being asked today about such ‘herculean feat’.
Naomi Klein described Disaster Capitalism as the practice of making profits from a crisis situation to the detriment of the intended target. It is simulating situations to create panics and calls for help and later turn around to be the executioner and beneficiary of such created circumstances .
It is against this backdrop that we should vehemently berate these new crops of “Disaster Capitalists” and prevent them from mismanaging, misappropriating or stealing whatever palliative given to them for the people. The Boko Haram unending war, the emergency millionaires it helped to create and the plight of the IDPs is still indelibly a yawning puzzle, looking for an answer in our hearts.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
MANAGING Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, (FCNA, CrFA) has donated cash, food and sanitary items to the Isoko nation, in a bid to cushion the effect of the 14-day lockdown order, by the state government.
The DESOPADEC boss, while presenting the items to the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) High Chief Iduh Amadhe and some community presidents, on behalf of the Isoko nation, harped on the need for even distribution of the items.
He advised that the items should be shared among the people, irrespective of political affiliation or religious consideration.
He also promised to ensure similar gesture to orphanage homes in Isoko nation, in no distant time.
Items donated include 6,000 hand sanitizers, bags of rice, garri, cartons of noodles, tubers of yam, gallons of groundnut oil, bunches of plaintain and N20,000 to the 22 Clans of Isoko for the purpose of transportation of the items, to their various communities for distribution.
Applauding the gesture of the DESOPADEC boss, the Isoko South chairman, Sir Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo and his Isoko North counterpart Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, who joined in receiving the items, appreciated the kind gesture of Askia and prayed for more blessings to do more.
The sum of N500,000 was also presented the Isoko Nation Committee on Relief Materials on COVID-19, headed by Bishop John Aruakpor.
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to adopt an even disbursement and distribution of palliative funds and other essential materials to all states of the federation to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The opposition lawmakers in a statement issued by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, on Wednesday warned that “the current selective approach adopted by the Federal Government in allotting aids to states is unacceptable and counter-productive to the overall national efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic and effectively check its spread”.
According to the lawmakers “the selective approach is already sending wrong signals, fuelling avoidable divisiveness, allegations and counter-allegations of political and sectional marginalization in the polity and such must be checked immediately”.
Elumelu urged the Federal Government to note that “Nigerians are united in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and anything that will divide them at this moment must be avoided.
“The Federal Government should bear in mind that the social and economic challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic cut across all the states of the federation. It affects all Nigerians because they operate under the same economy and lockdown directives. Therefore, the selective approach in dissemination of aids and palliatives is not in the best interest of our nation. It will only send a very wrong signal and exacerbate the situation.
“What is expected at the moment is an even distribution of aids and palliatives to all states of the federation in a manner that extensively addresses the needs of the masses at this critical time”
Elumelu however commended the contributions of well-meaning citizens as well as the organized private sector in the national effort to check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Convener of Progressive Mind’s and Managing Director/CEO of Uzere Cassava Processing Factory, Samuel Askia Junior, has raised nearly Three Million in less than 24 hours to cushion the effect of the lockdown in Isoko South local government area of Delta State, occasioned by the Coronavirus scourge that is currently ravaging parts of the world.
He announced the trailblazing achievement on behalf of the Progressive Minds, made up of persons who came together to show their commitment towards the amelioration of tough times being faced by the people.
The appeal and subsequent contact was greeted with several donations from friends who conscientiously contributed funds to the tune of Two Million And Seven Hundred Thousand Naira only, ( 2,7000,000) in less than 24hours.
Askia Jr who commenced the drive to raise funds for the needy in this time of Covid 19 Lockdown with a personal donation of the sum of N200,000 had appealed to people of like minds to contribute towards reaching out to the people in need.
Also recall that Samuel Askia Jr. led Progressive Minds supported the Isoko Nation Covid 19 Fundraising Committee with the sum of N100, 000.
According to the Convener, “It is with great pleasure that I announce our trailblazing achievement in the past 24hours.
“We successfully came together to show our unflinching commitment towards the amelioration of tough times by amplifying the doctrine of ” Being a Brother’s Keeper” in this greatest time of need.
“Permit me to humbly appreciate all the donors, we did great, certainly, we are indeed Progressive Minds.
“We have successfully raised Two Million And Seven Hundred Thousand Naira only, ( 2,7000,000) in 24hours. Congratulations to us all.”
Meanwhile, for the actualisation of the goals, a Committee headed by Mr Adedayo Feyisayo Ogunnika, Manager, Unity Bank, Oleh. have been set up with a mandate to effectively appropriate the funds to the needy.
Membership of the Committee, drawn from all the Communities in Isoko South Local Government Area includes the Elderly, Youths, Men and Women as well as members of the social media community.
The rare feat put up by the Convener of Progressive Minds, Samuel Askia Jr has been largely commended.
Some persons who spoke about the achievement, described it as a divine project and welcome development to save the people who are downtrodden.
“This is awesome for the needy, less privileged and downthroden masses, on account of Covid-19 Stay at home directives. We are proud of you for this beautiful Save our people initiative. We wish you the very best in iyour endeavours.
“Good one…a leader with inspiring vision and standard. You are a true leader. I admire your sense of leadership. You are lifted my brother and my leader”, said another.
