Federal Government has commended the Nigerian media for their support in the ongoing fight against the corona-virus disease (COVID-19).

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

FG hails media for COVID-19 fight, seeks more support in the ongoing fight against the corona-virus disease (COVID-19).

Making the call yesterday at a virtual meeting with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, appealed for more media support for the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle the pandemic.

“The government is very grateful to the media. You have done a lot to bring our message (on the pandemic) to Nigerians,” he said, quoting a poll showing that 99 per cent of Nigerians were aware of the pandemic while 95 per cent said they had received information on how to protect themselves.





The Federal Government has commended the Nigerian media for their support in the ongoing fight against the corona-virus disease (COVID-19).
Making the call yesterday at a virtual meeting with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, appealed for more media support for the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle the pandemic.

“The government is very grateful to the media. You have done a lot to bring our message (on the pandemic) to Nigerians,” he said, quoting a poll showing that 99 per cent of Nigerians were aware of the pandemic while 95 per cent said they had received information on how to protect themselves.


In the absence of any known drug or vaccine against the virus, the only option is Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI), which includes social distancing, wearing of face mask, avoiding mass gathering and ensuring personal hygiene, Mohammed noted.

According to him, NPI is hinged on getting the necessary information to members of the public, and this could only be done with the support of the media.

“Yes, we are going to spend more on research and ventilators; but we will spend less money on ventilators and isolation centres if we invest just a fraction of what we are spending on ventilators in the media,” the minister said.Chairman of NPAN, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, said the media had continued to sensitise Nigerians on COVID-19 on all platforms, even in the face of a drastic reduction in revenue.

He called on the minister to enact a policy that would ensure that some online platforms pay for the original content they generate from the various media outlets in Nigeria.

“In Australia, the government has intervened in ensuring that Facebook, Google and Twitter pay for original content by journalists and media practitioners as a matter of policy,” he said, urging the minister to do the same for the Nigerian media.

NPAN’s request for mitigating the effect of the pandemic on the media include soft loan, tax relief and other fiscal incentives as well as increased patronage by the government.

Credit : The guardian News

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New electricity tariffs to take effect in July- Minister of Power, Sale Mamma

The Minister of Power, Sale Mamma, has said that the proposed electricity tariff increase by the Federal government will kick off in July.



In January, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had announced an upward review of electricity tariff across the country from April 1. It later suspended the proposed tariff increase in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.



However, while speaking at the investigative public hearing on the power sector recovery plan and the impact on COVID-19 pandemic at the Senate on Tuesday, June 16, the Minister said the subsidy incurred in order to maintain the current tariff level is unsustainable.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected our laid-out plan for the repositioning of the electricity market towards financial sustainability under the power sector recovery programme (PSRP).

Initially, the regulator, following the completion of public consultation on tariff review, planned on conducting a tariff review in April 2020. However, due to COVID-19 and customer apathy, the proposed tariff review was delayed by three months.

The impact of this means the subsidy being incurred in maintaining the current tariff level had to be maintained until July 2020 when the proposed tariff review will be implemented. The current situation in the Nigerian power sector is that a lot of capital investment is being made, most of which is dependent on donor funding, loans and budgetary allocation.

For projects that we have already secured their funding, we do not expect any adverse effect.” Sale said



Credit: Lindaikejiblog













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Worship centers in Lagos remain closed till further notice – Sanwo-Olu Babajide

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos state governor has suspended reopening of worship centers in the state till further notice.








This is coming few days before reopening slated for June 19th.


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Sanwo-Olu suspends reopening of worship centers in Lagos



On June 4th, Sanwo-Olu approved the reopening of religious enters in Lagos for June 19th.

He said mosques are to reopen from June 19 while churches are to begin services from June 21, with crowd not more 40% of their original capacity.

However, the permission has now been revoked due to rising cases of corona-virus in Lagos state.

As at Monday, Lagos recorded 7,319 confirmed cases, with 1,137 recoveries and 82 casualties.




















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Covid 19: FG suspends aviation company Naira Marley flew to Abuja for his drive-in concert (video)

The Federal Government has suspended Executive Jet services, the aviation company that owns the private jet used to fly Naira Marley from Lagos to Abuja for his drive-in concert on Saturday, June 13.

 

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who announced this at the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 today June 15, said the aviation company violated the Federal government's approval.



According to him, an approval was given to the company to fly Justice Adefope Okoji from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos on an official assignment. However, they used the approval to fly in NairaMarley.

Well, we approved a flight but certainly not for any musician. The flight, from the application, was to convey Honorable Justice Adefope Okojie from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos for an official assignment.
“In this challenging time, in our wisdom, we considered the judiciary to be part of the essential service to be delivered. Having to move the Hon. Justice from Lagos to Abuja was in order. The approval was given for the 14th of June, 2020, however, we do give them a leeway of 24 hours sometimes due to operational reasons.

They can operate the flight slightly earlier or slightly forward within 24 hours. In this case, the operator choose to fly on the 13th at about 6:00 pm. So, that itself is not a violation to operate earlier because we gave him the leeway.

The operator is Executive Jets Services and the approval was very clear and I will read part of it. This is the letter from the ministry of Aviation to the Chairman of the Executive Jets Services and it was signed by the Director of Air Transport Management on my behalf.”



Announcing the sanctions on the company, Sirika said 



“The operation is a clear violation of our approvals which we take seriously, it seems this is becoming a norm, it’s the second time.

Execute services are hereby suspended indefinitely. We’ll also fine them maximally according to the law. The captain of the flight will be sanctioned for giving wrong information to the control tower''.



On Sunday, June 14, the Federal Capital Territory Administration sealed off Jabi Lake Mall on Sunday for two weeks over Naira Marley’s concert which violated the government’s ban on public gathering.

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Former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi is reportedly in a critical condition over Corona-virus complications.

Former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi reportedly in critical condition due to Coronavirus complications



Abiola Ajimobi is reportedly battling the novel virus in a hospital in Lagos, according to Sahara Reporters. The publication adds that he's in critical condition.



Ajimobi was rushed to a hospital weeks ago after his health condition deteriorated and has since remained in Intensive Care.


via : lindaikeji blog





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Obstacle mount for Obaseki in PDP

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki

The Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, Mr Tony Aziegbemi, has vowed not to grant Gov. Godwin Obaseki an automatic ticket of the party to contest for re-election.

Since Obaseki was disqualified by the All Progressives Congress screening committee, he has reportedly been making moves to join the PDP.

He has visited two governors in the South South, Nyesom Wike in Rivers and Emmanuel Udom in Akwa Ibom.

Aziegbemi told NAN: “I can confirm to you that the governor, his deputy and the entire APC structure in the state will be joining PDP soon.

“We have been in touch in the last few days; by tomorrow, I will be able to confirm the exact date he will be joining, along with his team.

“However, I am not yet aware that the governor has obtained our party’s membership card. I can also say that there is no automatic ticket in the offing for him at all,” he said.

Similarly, a governorship aspirant of the PDP, Mr Ken Imasuagbon, has said he is prepared for open contest, provided his opponents will be ready to subject themselves to the party’s rules and regulations.

Imasuagbon said he was not averse to Obaseki’s planned move to join the party, but added that he would resist any attempt to hand over the party’s ticket to him, preparatory to the governorship election slated for Sept. 19.

According to him, Obaseki will have to join the queue, just like other aspirants, and go through the party’s primaries, billed for June 19 and June 20.

“Any attempt to hand the party’s ticket to him will be met with serious resistance. In fact, there will be no PDP primaries or whatever if the party’s leadership tries it.

“This is neither a military coup nor military rule; the governor must subject himself to the party’s primaries.

“He will need to queue with the other aspirants, if he wishes to join the race. But we will certainly resist handing him over the ticket automatically.

“Have you heard before that somebody will join a party and within three days, he will be given the ticket? Did he buy the party’s nomination form? Was he screened?” he queried.








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“The passing of Senator Bayo Osinowo has deeply hurt me-Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

The National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has reacted to the death of Senator Bayo Osinowo representing Lagos East at the 9th Nigerian National Assembly, who died on Monday.

According to the former governor of Lagos State in his condolence message, Tinubu, who described the death as sudden and unexpected, which deeply hurts.

He said, “The passing of Senator Bayo Osinowo has deeply hurt me and Lagosians. He was more than a close friend and political associate.




“Over the years he became like a family member and brother in so many ways. Bayo and I have come a long way, dating back to our days in the pro-democracy struggles. We both enlisted in the Social Democratic Party where he served so well as the Youth Chairman of that party during the Third Republic and later in the Alliance for Democracy in 1998 after the restoration of democracy.

“Bayo’s contributions to the return of democracy were significant and enduring. As a prominent political figure in Lagos, he served our state with dedication, passion, and concern for the common man.

“In the Lagos State House of Assembly, where he was a four-time member from 2003 to 2019 representing Kosofe Constituency 1, he was more than a member of that House. He provided leadership. He was a stabilizing figure. He worked hard and tirelessly to make Lagos a better place. He cared for all Lagosians.

“His election in 2019 to represent Lagos East in the Senate demonstrated not only his immense political skills but also the affection the people have for him and his popularity. Thus far in the National Assembly, he discharged himself creditably as Chairman Senate Committee on Industries.

“Like the committee he headed, Bayo was extremely industrious. Bayo was not born with riches. He rose from a modest background to the great heights that he attained.

“His death hurt all who know him. Bayo was more than an excellent politician. As great a politician he was, Bayo was an even better person.

“He was a man of a kind heart and ready smile. His loyalty and enthusiasm was legendary, just as his generosity. People loved him. So many tears have been shed. However, we must summon strength to carry on as he would want us to do.

“My thoughts are with his immediate family. May Almighty Allah comfort and give them the solace that only He can provide. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and admit him to Aljanna Firdaus.”









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ABBA KYARI WAS THE VERY BEST OF US’,PRESIDENT BUHARI SAYS IN TRIBUTE

On the sad occasion of the demise of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff, the President has directed on three things.

First, that this tribute (below) be issued in recognition of the enormous sacrifices and contributions made by the deceased to the success of his politics and administration and to the overall development of the nation. 

Second, the President wishes to direct strict observance of the social distancing rules as prescribed by the National Center for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health; and other safe hygiene practices as advised by relevant local authorities.

In this regard, the President will not be available for condolence visitors but urges, in place of that prayers be offered for the repose of soul of the departed Chief of Staff.

Third, the President wishes to convey his deep appreciation to foreign leaders and all Nigerians,  from whom a stream of messages have been reaching him over this irreparable loss.

May Allah accept his soul.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 18, 2020

The President’s statement:

TO MY FRIEND, MALLAM ABBA KYARI

Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the Coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friend and compatriot for the last 42 years - and latterly my Chief-of-Staff - he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us.

He was only in his twenties when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad - first at Warwick and then law at the University of Cambridge. But there was never any question Abba would bring his first-rate skills and newly acquired world-class knowledge back to Nigeria - which he did - immediately upon graduation.

Whilst possessing the sharpest legal and organisational mind, Abba's true focus was always the development of infrastructure and the assurance of security for the people of this nation he served so faithfully. For he knew that without both in tandem there can never be the development of the respectful society and vibrant economy that all Nigerian citizens deserve.

In political life, Abba never sought elective office for himself. Rather, he set himself against the view and conduct of two generations of Nigeria's political establishment - who saw corruption as an entitlement and its practice a byproduct of possessing political office.

Becoming my Chief of Staff in 2015, he strove quietly and without any interest in publicity or personal gain to implement my agenda.

There are those who said of him that he must be secretive - because he did not have a high public profile. But Abba was the opposite: he simply had no need, nor did he seek, the cheap gratification of the crowd; for him, there was nothing to be found in popular adulation. He secured instead satisfaction and his reward solely and only from the improvement of the governance of this great country.

Working, without fail, seven days each and every week, he acted forcefully as a crucial gatekeeper to the presidency, ensuring no one - whether minister or governor had access beyond another - and that all those representing and serving our country were treated equally.

He made clear in his person and his practice, always, that every Nigerian - regardless of faith, family, fortune or frailty - was heard and treated respectfully and the same.

Mallam Abba Kyari was the very best of us. He was made of the stuff that makes Nigeria great. Rest In Peace, my dearest friend.

To his loving wife and doting family who survive him, I extend my heartfelt sorrow at your loss.

Muhammadu Buhari

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

April 18, 2020

Pastor E.A. Adeboye Donates Another N20million to Support Osun State Government.

COVID-19 Relief Package through RCCG Christian Social Responsibility

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye has made another donation of N20million as part of RCCG Christian Social Responsibility to the government of the State of Osun to support the state government’s effort to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on the Osun residents.

Osun as at today, Friday April 3rd 2020 ranks 3rd amongst the states with confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 20 confirmed cases out of the total 198 confirmed cases in Nigeria as released by the NCDC.

The State no doubt would require all the support that it can get in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and the Twenty Million Naira (N20m) support which was transferred into the Osun State Government dedicated COVID-19 account domiciled with UBA is considered a timely support in this fight against COVID-19.

The General Overseer  noted that by  the donation, the mission acknowledge the efforts of the state government in curbing the spread of the Virus in the state and prayed that God would put an end to COVID 19, not just in Nigeria but in the entire world in the mighty name of Jesus.

This new donation is coming just as Pastor Adeboye made a donation of 8,000 Hand Sanitizers, 8,000 Surgical Face Masks and 200,000 hand gloves to support the efforts of the Lagos state government in equipping the medical staff with necessary protective gears needed to contain the Covid-19 pandemic on Monday, March 31, 2020 at the Yaba Infectious #Diseases Centre. 

It’s noteworthy that Pastor Adeboye has always been committed to contributing to the wellbeing of humanity and in particular Nigerians of all tongue, religion and belief. 

This has shown in his continuous generous giving in various areas long before the outbreak of COVID-19. 

#aranewstrends

COVID-19: Gov. Dapo Abiodun Commissions Three isolation Centres

Ogun State Government’s efforts to contain the spread of #COVID-19 within the state received a massive boost on Monday, when Governor Dapo Abiodun commissioned two of the three isolation centres.

Governor Abiodun #commissioned the purpose-built isolation centres in Ikenne and Sagamu which has 128 bed and 21 beds respectively, the two of the three in Ogun State – the third being located in Iberekodo, Abeokuta with 100 beds.

In a statement released, the Governor further reiterated Ogun State Government’s effort to set up a test centre within the state “so that we do not have to wait for days to have results returned from our neighbour Lagos State, while we have produced over 140,000 hand sanitizers for free distribution to everyone within the State.

.

We have enabled our health sector through purposive training, provision of equipment and ambulances, and the assurance of technical, logistic and manpower support from the Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilishan-Remo and the OOUTH, Sagamu. 

Source : Instablog9ja

Vice President Osinbajo tests negative for Corona-virus

Yemi Osinbajo has tested negative for the Corona-virus, special adviser on politics Babafemi Ojudu said.

In a tweet this morning, Ojudu said: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo tests negative.

@Babafemi Ojudu@babaloveme3

CORONAVIRUS WATCH 580

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo test negative

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Yesterday, Senior special assistant on media, Laolu Akande said Osinbajo conducted his meetings via video conferencing, while observing social distancing as he was in self-isolation in accordance with NCDC protocols.

Fears had heightened about the vice-president’s corona-virus status after Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Buhari tested positive.



Kyari and Osinbajo sit together at the weekly Federal Executive Council meetings, now postponed indefinitely.

President Buhari has also tested negative for the virus.

Photos: President Muhammadu Buhari hosts leadership of National Assembly to dinner

Buhari on Thursday hosted Principal leaders of the National Assembly to dinner in State House Abuja.

Muhammadu Buhari at the dinner

NASS principal officers with House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and President Muhammadu Buhari at the dinner

L-R: All Progressives Congress National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; President Muhammadu Buhari; and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege at a State House dinner Buhari hosted principal officers of the National Assembly to on Thursday.

Muhammadu Buhari at the dinner

NASS principal officers with President Muhammadu Buhari at the dinner

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