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Saturday, 14 November 2020

Magu: Code of Conduct Bureau summons suspended EFCC boss


The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned former anti-corruption boss, Ibrahim Magu to appear before it.

Channels TV reports that the suspended boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was summoned in a letter dated Monday, November 2.

According to the report, Magu is expected to appear before the CCB on Monday, November 17 with documents of all his landed properties.

The letter was signed by CCB's director of monitoring and intelligence unit.

These include asset declaration documents, payslips and property documents among others.Although the CCB did not accuse the suspended anti-corruption of any wrongdoing, it demanded a list of documents that Magu must provide on November 17.

Magu: Code of Conduct Bureau summons suspended EFCC boss

 Magu.Photo Credit: @officialefcc

Our source notes that this is the first time the CCB has been publicly mentioned in the case against Magu since his probe began months ago.

The former anti-corruption boss was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, July 7, to allow him to face a probe into the allegations of misconduct against him.

Magu has continued to deny any wrongdoing. He claimed that some powerful people in government were working against him because he stepped on their toes while doing his job.

His lawyer, Wahab Shittu, also denied that Magu ever admitted any guilt in the allegations against him.

Shittu alleged misrepresentation of Magu’s closing remarks before the Justice Ayo Salami’s commission of inquiry investigating the accusations against him.

Shittu said Magu did not at any time admit guilt before the probe panel, stressing that he only pleaded for justice and fair-play by the panel members.

Ember months: CP reads riot act to officers, men in Lagos


The commissioner of police in Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has warned officers and men of the command against negligence, indolence and complacency, especially during the ember months.

Odumosu gave the warning in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday in Lagos.

The commissioner urged the personnel to rise up to the security challenges of the ember months that is characterized by high crimes and social vices.

“I have read the riot act to some of the policemen in the command who have not been performing their statutory duties as expected after the EndSARS violence that wrecked havoc in Lagos State.

“Even the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and well meaning Nigerians, including our wives and mothers, the Police Officers Wives Association have encouraged officers to assume duty.“There is no reason or excuse for any policeman to be absent or indolent on duty in spite of the words of encouragement, solidarity and support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu.

“We cannot handle the security of Lagos State with levity,” the police boss said.

Odumosu, therefore, warned Area Commnaders, District Police Officers and Heads of Department to henceforth book any policeman who failed to report to duty.

“Such officer will be dealt with according to the provisions of the Police Act and Regulations.

“I appeal to the general public and all and sundry to support the police and collectively fight crimes and criminality in the state,” Odumosu said.

CP reads riot act to officers, men in Lagos

The commissioner of police in Lagos state, CP Hakeem Odumosu. Credit: The Nation

Meanwhile.F Adesina, a senior media and publicity aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, has commended his principal's fatherly role in handling the EndSARS protest, saying thing would have degenerated into anarchy had he (Buhari) not exercised restraint and tolerance.

The presidential aide noted that the country has “many tutors, many instructors, but not many fathers" and added that Buhari is one of the country's fathers.Speaking through his Thursday, November 12 article titled “We Have Not Many Fathers", Adesina attributed the relative calm being enjoyed after the protest to Buhari's patience.

Adesina said when the EndSARS protest was "prolonged and eventually hijacked and misdirected", the president was not angered but rather gave the security operatives the directives to deal with the issue with a prudent force.

Meanwhile, the government of the United Kingdom has finally responded to the petition by Nigerians seeking a commonwealth sanction on some political leaders during the EndSARS protest.

COVID-19: FG explains China's restriction of travels for Nigerians


The federal government of Nigeria has explained why its citizens cannot visit China for some period of time.

The ministry of foreign affairs, on Saturday, November 14, released a press statement affirming earlier reports that China has placed restrictions on travellers from Nigeria.

The ministry said it had received an adequate explanation from the Chinese envoy to Nigeria, Zhao Yong in a meeting with foreign affairs minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

After the meeting, FG issued the following clarification:


"The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Form for the above-mentioned.""China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding valid visas or residence permits, effective from November 3rd, 2020.

The ministry, however, noted that the restrictions are not total.

COVID-19: FG explains China's restriction of travels for Nigerians

Nigeria's Geoffrey Onyeama discusses with China's Zhao Yong over travel restrictions on Nigerians on Wednesday, November 11. Photo credit: @GeoffreyOnyeama

According to the statement which was signed by the ministry's spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwoye, some Nigerians can still travel to China.

This category of Nigerians, Nwonye said, are diplomats or people with emergency needs.

The statement added:

"Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas (issued for foreign crew members) will not be affected.
"Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
"Entry by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria with visas issued after November 3rd, 2020 will not be affected."

The ministry assured that it is only a temporary matter.

The Asian country noted that its recent immigration decision will not affect persons who have diplomatic passports, service, courtesy or C visas. I

Friday, 13 November 2020

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer Camp

 


_Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer Camp

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer Camp

The world is changing and for the better! Take the male-dominated technology industry, for example - organisations like Pearls Africa Youth Foundation are working tirelessly by introducing young women and girls to the world of tech. Training girls in science and technology empowers them to escape poverty, access high-wage jobs, and become change agents in their communities.

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer Camp

Pearls Africa Youth Foundation is the home of Girls Coding, an initiative designed to equip young girls (ages 10 -17) from underserved communities with computer skills such as robotics, HTML and Java programming. The girls are encouraged to use these skills to proffer sustainable social solutions in their communities.

Watch video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ-3prwGtNU

Union Bank is proud to partner with Girls Coding for the fourth consecutive year. As a financial institution dedicated to enabling success in its host communities, this partnership amplifies our commitment to gender equality and encouraging societal growth through impactful programs.

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation on 2020 Girls Coding Summer CampThis year, due to the pandemic, 70% of the training was done virtually with learning materials dispatched to the participants. A Train the Trainee program was also introduced, where Odunayo Ajayi and Alade Nosirat, fellows from previous years were brought in to train the incoming fellows and act as mentors to them.

Union Bank partners Pearls Africa Youth Foundation

Union Bank will continue to support initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap in our society. We recently partnered with Junior Achievement Nigeria to implement the LEAD Camp initiative. Through this programme, we were able to inspire and empower 130 young girls to become high-achieving young leaders in our communities. We also partnered with Mamamoni Empowerment Foundation to empower women in low-income communities.

PDP moves to reconcile aggrieved southwest members, appoints Oyinlola to lead panel

 

The crisis rocking the southwest chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may soon become a thing of the past if the efforts by leaders of the party yield good results.

The local chapter on Thursday, November 12, named a former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as chairman of the party’s reconciliation panel in the region.

The leaders of the geopolitical zone have harped on the need for unity and cohesion in the party, stating that the zone remains strategic to the PDP if it must win the election at the national level.

Members of the five-member committee included: Chief Saka Balogun; a former Lagos deputy governor, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru and Olayinka Kukoyi.Oyinlola leads panel to unite aggrieved southwest PDP members

Former governor of Osun state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola,  chairman reconciliatory panels southwest PDP. Source: The Nation.

They were named in a communique issued after a meeting by the leaders of the party at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

In a statement by the chief press secretary to Governor Makinde, Taiwo Adisa, the Oyinlola panel has been mandated to unite all factions in the geopolitical zone.

Meanwhile, amid the crisis rocking the PDP in the southwest, a member of the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, drummed support for Governor Seyi Makinde.

It was reported that the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade federal constituency of Osun state said Governor Makinde is the most suitable person to lead the PDP in the southwest zone.

According to the former Ekiti state governor, this would help the party to make progress and win elections in Lagos state.In a related report, a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, said that the ex-deputy national chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, should be sent on political retirement.

Fayose said this in a statement by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, titled, ‘Lagos PDP must retire Bode George to make progress, urged support for BOG to win senatorial bye-election

US 2020: China shuns President Trump, congratulates Biden, Harris

 

The Chinese government on Friday, November 13, finally recognised the victory of Joe Biden as the projected winner of the United States presidential election.

The Asian government, through its foreign ministry, congratulated the duo of Biden and Kamala Harris, Dailymail reports.

The spokesman of the ministry, Wang Wenbin, in a statement noted that China followed the much-talked-about poll and respects the choice of the American people.

Wenbin said:US 2020: China shuns President Trump, congratulates Biden, Harris

China said it respects Americans' resolve to have chosen Biden as US' next president (Photo: Al Jazeera)

“We have been following the reaction on this US presidential election from both within the United States and from the international community.
“We respect the American people’s choice and extend congratulations to Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris."

Meanwhile, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church sent his congratulatory message to Biden, the projected winner of the US presidential election.

In a message, Francis gave his blessing to Biden and wished him well as he takes the mantle of leadership of the country in the next four years.

When Biden is sworn -in by January 2021, he will be the second American Catholic president to rule the nation after late John F. Kennedy.

Francis is the latest religious leader who had shunned President Donald Trump's refusal to concede defeat at the US poll.

Meanwhile, as vote counting continues, the Republican candidate has something to be happy about. The latest projected result from Alaska is said to have favoured Trump.

Meanwhile, emerging reports claim that President Trump has told his close associates that he is considering contesting in the US presidential election in 2024.

He won the three electoral college votes at stake in the state, taking his projected electoral college votes to 217. This will, however, not change the predicted outcome of the US presidential election.

Reuters, citing a source who was not named, disclosed Trump told his allies that he may announce his 2024 presidential bid by the end of the year.

Obaseki’s ADC collapses during governor's second term inauguration

 

The inauguration of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state for the second term in office on Thursday, November 12, was almost disrupted when his Aide-de-Camp (ADC) in ceremonial police uniform collapsed at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The collapse of the ADC, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) happened around 12 noon while Obaseki was midway into reading his seven-page inauguration speech.

The ADC suddenly went down as he was quickly caught by other security operatives.

 Immediately. Edo commissioner for health, Patrick Okundia, and some  of the Department of State Services (DSS) later revived the ADC.Obaseki’s ADC collapses during inauguration

The ADC to Governor Godwin Obaseki collapses while the governor was reading his inaugural speech. Source: PM News

 Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, were inaugurated for the second term in office.

The inauguration, which held at the tennis court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin city, Edo state capital, was graced by the creme de la creme from the Nigerian political fraternity.

The PDP Governors - Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Diri Duoye of Bayelsa and top members of the led by its national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were at the event.

Obaseki in his speech made a grand remark on what his re-election as the governor of Edo state means for Nigerian democracy.

Obaseki who said he was not ignorant of the fact that his re-election places on him a lot of responsibilities, noted this stands for new hope.During the swearing-in ceremony held in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday, November 12, Obaseki said he sees himself as the redefinition of democracy.

The Edo governor added that his second term in office will bring to an end the politics of division and see to it that the resources of the state is evenly distributed to bring development and growth.

Thursday, 12 November 2020

US 2020: Pope Francis congratulates Biden as Donald Trump set to announce fresh presidential ambition

 

Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church has sent his congratulatory message to Joe Biden, the projected winner of the United States (US) presidential election.

In a message, Francis gave his blessing to Biden and wished him well as he takes the mantle of leadership of the country in the next four years, Dailymail reports.

Reacting to the famous cleric's remarks, Biden said:

"The president-elect thanked His Holiness for extending blessings and congratulations and noted his appreciation for His Holiness' leadership in promoting peace, reconciliation, and the common bonds of humanity around the world."

US 2020: Pope Francis Congratulates Biden as projected winner of electionWhen Biden is sworn -in by January 2021, he will be the second American Catholic president to rule the nation after late John F. Kennedy.

Pope Francis Congratulates Biden as the projected winner of the US election and gave his blessings to the Democrat (Photo: Reuters)

Francis is the latest religious leader who has shunned President Donald Trump's refusal to concede defeat at the US poll.

Meanwhile, Trump had expressed fresh optimism on winning the US election as he continues to press lawsuits against Biden. Trump, 74, was trailing behind the 77-year-old former senator and vice president in both electoral and popular votes after the November 3 presidential poll.

Although the international media has been recognising Biden as the president-elect who would take over in January after the final collation of the results, Trump is yet to accept defeat — a development jeopardising the country's democratic principle.

The embattled president, in a tweet on Tuesday, November 10, convincingly stated that he would win the election which was likely to be decided by the Supreme Court.

Trump's claims that there were electoral fraud and vote-stealing in some states including Pennsylvania had been backed by some top men in his party. Republican.
.Emerging reports claim that President Donald Trump has told his close associates that he is considering contesting in the US presidential election in 2024.

President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Photo by Win McNamee

President Donald Trump speaking at a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo by Win McNamee

Reuters, citing a source who was not named, stated that Trump told his allies that he may announce his 2024 presidential bid by the end of the year.

Though the president has not openly made any statement about launching another presidential bid, several reports have claimed that he has been talking about it with his close circle.

Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s former acting chief of staff, said he expects the president to run again in 2024.

He said:The former presidential aide stated that the president doesn’t like losing.

"Now, I think folks are starting to realize that if Donald Trump loses, he might be the guy" to run in 2024, and "I'm telling you absolutely."
"I would absolutely expect the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on a shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024," he added. "He doesn't like losing."

Mulvaney hinged his argument of a Trump presidential comeback on the fact that the president technically will be younger than Joe Biden is now, four years from now.

Nigeria vs Sierra Leone: Benin fans in awe as Osimhen, others storm stadium

 

Nigeria will slug it out against Sierra Leone on Friday, November 13, at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in an African Nations Cup qualifier before travelling to Freetown for the return leg four days later.

Ahead of the game, the Super Eagles on Thursday, November 12, put finishing touches to their preparation as four points in the double header will cement a place for Gernot Rohr's men at AFCON 2022 to be staged in Cameroon.

Nigeria vs Sierra Leone: Benin fans in awe as Osimhen, others storm stadiumThe Super Eagles currently lead Group L with six points, having defeated Benin Republic and Lesotho in their opening two games.

Nigeria vs Sierra Leone take centre stage today and Benin fans were excited to see Osimhen, others Super Eagles stars as they arrived the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium for training. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi

However, in adherence to the directives from the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Nigeria's game against Sierra Leone will be played without fans.

This comes as a big blow to football loving fans in Benin who are eager to see the Super Eagles play for the first time in a long while as the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium last hosted the senior national team in 2011.

But that didn't stop football loving fans from marching to the stadium to welcome the players as they arrived for a closed door training.

One player in particular seems to be the fans' favourite as the players got down from the team bus and that is Victor Osimhen.

The Napoli striker was greeted with a loud cheer by the fans as some expressed their love for him while he made his way into the stadium.

The 21-year-old will be hoping to add to his goal tally in the qualifying series as he currently has 3 goals in 2 games.

Earlier.Victor Osimhen has expressed happiness over his return to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.

The 21-year-old was unable to play for the Super Eagles in their last two friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia.

He has however back to the team and has explained that the game against Sierra Leone will not be easy, stressing that victory will be attained.

Double celebration: Actress Yvonne Nelson bags Master’s degree as she marks birthday

 


Talented Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, recently took to social media via her Instagram page to share the good news of her bagging her Master's degree.

The film star who clocked a year older on November 12, 2020, took to her page to celebrate her birthday and to also share her academic achievement with her numerous fans.

Nelson shared a photo of herself in her graduation gown and revealed in the caption that she had her Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.

According to her, the month of November was a special one for her.Double celebration: Actress Yvonne Nelson bags Master’s degree as she marks birthday

Yvonne Nelson. Photos: @yvonnenelsongh / IG.

In her words:

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me. This month is special. I gifted myself a MASTERS DEGREE in International Relations and Diplomacy."

See the post below:

In another post, the film star shared a video of herself getting dressed in her graduation gown and she used the opportunity to motivate her young fans. She told them to define their path, stay true to their process and avoid distractions.

She wrote:

“It's my BIRTHDAY . Young ones, Construct a well defined path for yourself. Stay true to the process and mute every distraction."

See the post below:

Nice one. Congrats to Yvonne Nelson.

In other news related to the actress took to social media to encourage fans by telling them that she was not perfect.

Nelson revealed this after sharing different photos of herself, some showing her clear skin and one showing her blemishes.

Kamala Harris’s husband ‘quits’ job for White House role



The United States vice president-elect, Kamala Harris’s husband, Douglas Emhoff, has reportedly quit his law firm job for a White House role.

The 56-year-old has left his private law practice to focus on his role at the White House. At the Law firm DLA Piper, he practised law in intellectual property and technology and its media, sports and entertainment sector, according to the firm’s website.

According to Wionews when the Biden administration takes over, Emhoff would break new ground as America`s first `second gentleman`.

Emhoff has been on leave from his law firm DLA Piper since Kamala Harris joined the Biden ticket.

AP reports that Emhoff`s decision reflects the Biden administration`s focus on avoiding potential ethical issues, in sharp contrast with the current Trump administration.

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

President Buhari reinstates suspended UNILAG VC Ogundipe, dissolves governing council


The federal government on Wednesday, November 11, reinstated the suspended vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.

Ogundipe's reinstatement was contained in a statement issued by the director of press and public relations, ministry of education, Ben-Bem Goong, in Abuja.

The statement which was titled, ‘Re: Report of special visitation panel to UNILAG, said the removal of Prof. Ogundipe as the vice-chancellor did not follow due process.

Breaking: Buhari reinstates suspended UNILAG VC Ogundipe, dissolves governing council

The suspended vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe. Source: Daily Independent.

The statement read:

“President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the federal fepublic of Nigeria and visitor to the University of Lagos has approved the report of the special visitation panel to the University of Lagos.
Strike: Our members must not attend UI convocation ceremony - ASUU declares
“The highlights of the findings and recommendations approved by president are as follows – the removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the vice-chancellor did not follow due process.
“The vice-chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated.
“All allegations made against the vice-chancellor and the management of the university before and after the constitution of the special visitation panel should be referred to regular visitation panel for a thorough investigation and necessary recommendations."

The statement further noted that the process adopted by the council in the appointment of Prof. Omololu Soyombo as acting vice-chancellor of the university was inconsistent with the provisions of the law relating to the appointment of an acting vice-chancellor.

The president ordered for immediate dissolution of the governing council headed by Wale Babalakin.

It also added:

“Mr. President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the Panel. Accordingly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the vice chancellor of the University of Lagos.
“The governing council of the University of Lagos chaired by Dr. B. O. Babalakin is hereby dissolved. Mr. President hopes these steps will bring peace, stability, focus and direction to the university.”

Meanwhile,Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at the University of Ibadan declared that the Senate of the university has no power to punish their members for protesting the appointment of the new VC.

It was reported that some members of the Senate of the institution had on Wednesday, November 3, threatened to punish SSANU and NASU members who participated in a protest against the ongoing selection process in the university

Prices of cooking oil increase in major markets

 


Prices of palm oil and vegetable oil have skyrocketed in major markets across the country, placing both commodities beyond the reach of many consumers.

A market survey conducted by newsmen  recently revealed that the prices of both cooking oil have risen by about 40 per cent compared to what they were priced some months ago.

At the Ogbete Main Market, Garki and Mayor markets a 5-litre keg of palm oil now sells for N2,450 as against N1,800 in the previous month.

A 70 Cl bottle now goes for N500 from N380 a few weeks back.

The survey also revealed that a 20-litre Jerry-can of palm oil is now selling between N14,000 and N15,000; as against N9,000 and N11,500 based on its processing pattern and grade.

Palm oil dealers, who spoke to newsmen at the various major markets, attributed the increase to an off-season of the palm fruits for the year.

Mrs Florence Abah a palm oil seller at Ogbete Main Market said that the price of oil as at September was between N350 and N400 per 70cl bottle, while 20-litre went for between N9,000 and N9,500.

Abah noted that scarcity of palm oil fruits had led to low productivity thereby, leading to a hike in the price of the commodity.

In the same vein, Miss Nonye Offor and Kafayat Salaudeen another seller of palm oil at Garki Market, said that a 25-litre Jerry-can in major markets in the metropolis goes for between N16,000 and N17,500.

According to a vegetable oil seller at Garki Market, Mr Romanus Uzo, he explained that the price of vegetable oil had increased significantly in all markets.

“We cannot actually say the reason for the increase in the price of vegetable oil, although almost every food item have increased in their prices.

“Some of our distributors said that bad road and increased transport fares are responsible for the increase,” Uzo said.

Also, Mrs Kate Mbonu, another vegetable oil seller at New Market said that 5 litres of Kings Vegetable Oil now goes for N4, 000 as against the previous price of N3, 400.

According to Mbonu, three litres of Power Vegetable Oil goes for N3,400 as against N2,800.

She added that the prices might further increase ahead of the Yuletide.

Mass testing key in containing virus spread

 


Ms. May Ikokwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), says mass testing for COVID-19 is key in containing the spread of the pandemic in the country.

Ikokwu, also the Secretary-General, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

She expressed concern over the traumatic experience of some persons infected with the virus as well as the economy of the country.

“The way forward is to increase our testing capacity and capabilities by ensuring mass testing.

“Sickness detected is half cured, so the moment the virus is detected, certainly quarantine and treatment will follow and the spread will reduce,’’ Ikokwu said.

She commended the Federal Government for its efforts in fighting the pandemic, adding that more still needed to be done to eliminate the virus.

Ikokwu called for intensive advocacy to sensitise Nigerians to the existence of the disease which according to her was still wreaking havoc.

The SOHI boss expressed concern over the perception by many people that COVID-19 virus was gone.


“ The fact that the virus did not ravage the country as had been predicted is no reason for the current complacency being observed.

“While at an Abuja suburb market recently, I was shocked to observe that a woman was the only one wearing a facemask, appearing like an oddity in the environment.

“Many people today no longer apply the safety protocols of washing hands, social distancing thinking that the pandemic is over.

“But the pandemic is very much around, a governor just tested positive, it is clear evidence that it is still around as 300 persons also tested positive to the virus.’’

Ikokwu urged Nigerians to present themselves for test in order to ascertain their safety.

She explained that it was wrong for people to stay away from testing because of fear or stigmatisation.

According to her, Nigeria has more than 61 testing centres across the nation and it is important we know our COVID-19 status.

Newsmen report that at the beginning of the pandemic, Nigeria’s COVID-19 testing capacity was around 200 tests a day which later increased to 1,000 tests per day.

Source: NAN

FRSC: Nigeria records 1,076 deaths from road accidents in three months

 


Abuja FRSC Accident Scene

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it recorded 2,656 road crashes and 1,076 deaths across the country in the third quarter of 2020.

The Corps’ Public Education Officer (CPEO), Assistant Corps Marshal, (ACM) Bisi Kazeem, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Kazeem said that the road crashes and deaths occurred between July and September 2020, adding that FRSC had not relented in its efforts at reducing carnages on the highways.

He attributed most of the road crashes and deaths that occurred along various routes in the country within the period to over speeding.

“We recorded 2, 656 road traffic crashes. The number of vehicles involved were 4, 494. Out of this number, 1,076 persons were killed, 6,539 people were injured.

“A total of 6,868 people were rescued alive without injuries. The total number of people Involved is 14, 483.

“Speed accounted for a major cause of road crashes during the period, followed by wrongful overtaking, disobedience to traffic rules and worn out, fake and expired tyres.

“Crashes and accidents are preventable if we do the right thing,” he said.

Mr Kazeem urged the motoring public to cooperate with the Corps, saying that it would go a long way in preventing incessant crashes on the roads.

He also appealed to motorists to desist from buying used or fake tyres and opt for good ones in order to save lives and properties.

He said that the corps adopted advocacy, education and enlightenment approaches to sensitise the motoring public.

“This is to ensure that all categories of road users from the schooled to the unschooled are sensitised.

“We have also intensified mass sensitisation campaigns through the establishment of a Radio Station called National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM for all round sensitisation of mass categories of road users.

“This is also with the aim of promoting a better road culture, and, so far so good, this is producing desired result,” he said.

Mr Kazeem encouraged drivers to obey traffic rules, regulations and cooperate with traffic officers, as it was in their best interests and that of other road users.

Monday, 9 November 2020

Police deny new salary structure list circulating on social media, says it's fake

 


The Nigeria Police Force has on Monday, November 9, denied a new salary structure list that is being circulated on social media.

The list which broke down salaries across all the ranks of the police claimed President Muhammadu Buhari approved the new structure.

The least paid policemen according to the post list Police Constable (PC) II who are to earn N84, 000, while the highest, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), is to be paid N1.5 million.

Police deny new salary structure list circulating on social media, says it's fake

IGP. Adamu. Picture source: The Sun

However, in a tweet on its official Twitter handle, @PoliceNG, the police described the list as a piece of fake news.

“Ignore the trending fake news, please.”The tweet stated simply:

Meanwhile, the posting of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Sanusi Lemu and Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Usman Alkali Baba to new departments has been approved by Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Lemu is now the DIG in-charge of the department of operations while Baba is now the DIG in-charge of finance and administration.

In another report, IGP Adamu has emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace the community policing strategy in the country.

The police boss described community policing as the best strategy to combat crime in Nigeria.

The IGP made this known in Owerri, the capital of Imo state, during a one-day working visit to the state to assess the level of damage done by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protest