A tragic incident occurred at Tarau Gwer local government area in Benue state on Saturday night, as a family of three were killed by thunder bolt.
It was gathered that the family died on the spot after the thatch house they were sleeping in was struck by a thunder, folllowing a heavy rainfall on Saturday
A man, his wife and their five (5) year old son died in the incident which has thrown the entire community into mourning. An eyewitness, Peter Kembe told The Nation that the incident is the first of its kind in the village.
The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 25 and Tuesday, May 26, 2020 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the announcement yesterday in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government.
Aregbesola congratulated all Muslim faithful for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
A statement by the Director of Press in the ministry, Mohammed Manga, quoted Aregbesola as advising Muslims to replicate the life of kindness, love, tolerance, peace and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The minister expressed concern about ethnic conflicts that have resurfaced in some parts of northern Nigeria in recent times.
He advised Nigerians to see themselves as a single entity and learn to tolerate one another, despite their ethnic and religious differences.
Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has disclosed that there are plans to soon reopen schools nationwide, however, it won’t happen in two weeks as being speculated in some quarters.
Nwajiuba, made the clarification on Thursday during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, following rumours making the round the Federal Government would reopen schools in the next two weeks.
Nwajiuba said there is no exact date yet for schools to resume, adding that schools will be reopened after they are ”resourced properly”.
“We all are seriously interested in reopening and I believe we will reopen soon. But I can’t confirm what your children said that we will reopen in two weeks. The issue around reopening has nothing to do with the availability of the schools or not. It has to do with national governance. The idea of shutting down the schools has nothing to do with the schools per se.
You heard the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the SGF, keep saying it is a national response. It is a single national response and everything we do flows from that.
When they determine, I’m sure you have seen all the experts here, that there is the measure of safety to which we can expose our children, we will gladly do that. We are watching and we are working with all bodies within and outside the country.
The five countries of West African Examination Council (WAEC) are meeting and I just came out of a meeting with African Union (AU) Ministers of Education, everybody is concerned as you are. We hope to reopen very soon. This morning, I met with the Ministry of Science and Technology. We are looking at putting a system in place that can disinfect every child as he goes into a school and disinfect him as he goes out.
If we resource our schools properly we can begin to reopen. But we must be able to ensure that the children go in safe and come out safe and not become a conduit for further infection in society.” he said
The Federal Government has accused governors of willfully breaching the protocols designed to guide the country out of Coronavirus spread.
Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 control Chairman Boss Mustapha warned on Thursday of the danger in allowing large gatherings.
He reiterated that the ban on gatherings of more than 20 people remained banned.
Mustapha, who spoke at the daily briefing by the PTF in Abuja, emphasised the “need for states to diligently implement and enforce compliance. Particularly, I underscore the need for the governors to provide personal and strong leadership, carry the policy of community ownership to the grass-roots and create deeper awareness.
“Governors are also advised on the decision taken by some of their colleagues to permit large gatherings as such decisions could inadvertently endanger the elderly, the sick and those with underlying factors during such gatherings. The strong advisory from the PTF is that large gatherings beyond 20 persons remain prohibited and should be adhered to”.
The SGF also announced that the PTF would work with the National Assembly. The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee on COVID-19.
“The PTF on COVID-19 is pleased to inform you that in order to underscore the seriousness attached to this COVID-19 pandemic, the House of Representatives has set up an Ad-Hoc COVID-19 Committee.
“In deepening the existing collaborative spirit, we shall work together with the legislature to be more productive and add value to the overall delivery of service to Nigerians on behalf of whom we hold our responsibility in trust”.
Many governors have opened up their states for religious gatherings. These include Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Borno, Zamfara and Bauchi, among others.
But, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has advised Muslims to observe the Edi-el-Fitr prayers at home in accordance with the PTF-issued guidelines.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mohammed Bello has resisted pressure to open worship centres in Abuja.
Apart from Cross River State which has no virus case yet. The active cases in some of the states reopening the worship centres are: Ebonyi (12), Borno (122) and 24 deaths, Zamfara (8), Kano (690) with 36 deaths and Gombe (41) and three deaths.
Defending the governors’ position, Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar, told State House reporters at the end of the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa that “the issue has been resolved because, at our last meeting with Mr President, the President was clear that the Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 should meet and agree on steps to be taken, and it has been discussed today and commitment has been taken by today’s NEC that the Governors’ Forum, the Presidential Task Force would work hand -in -hand to see to the end of COVID-19.
“A committee was formed today that will look up to the eventual opening up of the economy. Sometimes you will see a different approach by different states, that doesn’t mean that there is loggerhead between the states and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
“Some peculiar situations require some peculiar solutions and that is why at times you see such and it will always be discussed with the Presidential Task Force so that we will always be on the same page”.
The PTF has also raised the alarm that Nigerians have started stockpiling chloroquine in large quantities.
Mustapha said: “Through the surveillance system set up by the PTF, we have received reports that Nigerians have been purchasing Hydrxoychloroquine in large quantities. We wish to reiterate that this drug has not being certified for use in treating COVID-19 in Nigeria by the relevant health and pharmaceutical authorities.
“Self-medication of any kind, is fraught with the danger of increasing risks of avoidable casualties. We, therefore strongly warn against self-medication. If you are sick, please seek medical advice and if you are confirmed positive, kindly self-isolate in an approved facility. The COVID-19 is highly infectious and dangerous”, he said.
He noted that the PTF had consistently answered questions and provided explanations on the categories of persons and services exempted from some aspects of these guidelines particularly as it relates to restrictions on inter- state movement and curfew.
According to him, for the avoidance of doubt, essential workers including medical personnel, journalists, fire service personnel, telecommunications workers, are all exempted.
He said the Inspector General of Police has further clarified the categories of essential workers in alignment with the guidelines and has issued instructions to security agents to work on the approved exemptions.
“With this clarification, we sincerely hope that the persistent complaints of harassment by these categories of essential workers, especially medical personnel and journalists would be put to rest so that we can harmoniously work in battling this pandemic.
“The PTF COVID-19 urges all essential workers to go about their legitimate businesses carrying with them valid means of identification and to exercise courtesy in approaching security personnel. I sincerely apologise for the inconveniences”, he said.
Following the success of the fourth season of Big Brother Naija, MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the fifth season of the show will premiere in July 2020.
The organisers revealed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.
For its fifth season, the BBNaija show will run an online audition process from May 20 till May 30.
Potential contestants are expected to record a two-minute video of themselves stating why they should be picked to be a housemate in season 5 of Big Brother Naija.
Following this, they are to log on to BBAudition website to fill out the online registration form and upload their videos.
The online audition, they, said, is free and open to interested male and female participants who are of Nigerian nationality with a valid Nigerian passport. They must be at least 21 years of age by June 1, 2020.
The Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe spoke on the return of BBNaija.
He said, “Big Brother Naija has been widely regarded as one of Africa’s biggest entertainment exports, being the biggest showcase of Nigeria’s diversity outside of core Nollywood. This fifth season promises to be more adventurous, exciting and entertaining, and will undoubtedly be the biggest thing on African television in 2020.”
As the new edition draws near, fans and viewers can get ready for the excitement and entertainment this season will bring as they enjoy weeks of unending drama, intrigue, romance, Friday night games, the famous Saturday night parties and an overall battle of wits as the housemates vie for the ultimate prize.
The Big Brother Naija reality TV show continues to produce some of the country’s biggest TV personalities and pop culture influencers since its maiden edition in 2006.
Some of these personalities include Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gideon Okeke and more recently, Mercy Eke, Mike Edwards, Miracle Ikechukwu, Tobi Bakre, Cynthia “Cee-C” Nwadiora Bamike “BamBam” Olawunmi, Tunde “Teddy A” Adenibuyan, Efe Ejeba, Bisola Aiyeola and Tokunbo “Tboss” Idowu.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed it is considering Madagascar’s COVID Organics for a clinical observation process.
This was made known by the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina in a tweet on Wednesday.
Rajoelina after a meeting with Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said WHO had congratulated Madagascar for the discovery of its COVID Organics, adding that it had accepted to support the clinical observation process in Africa
Recall that the Rajoelina had over the weekend claimed that the WHO offered his country the sum of $20m as a bribe to poison COVID-19 alleged cure.
He also stated that the only reason the rest of the world had refused to take the herbal cure seriously and with respect was because it came from Africa.
However, Rajoelina on Wednesday tweeted, “Successful exchange with @DrTedros who commends #Madagascar’s efforts in the fight against #Covid19 and congratulates us for the discovery of #CovidOrganics.
“@WHO will sign a confidentiality clause on its formulation and will support the clinical observations process in #Africa.
“Following @WHO’s invitation to be part of Solidarity Trial for clinical trials, #Madagascar will prove the effectiveness of its third protocol that combines two injectable medicines that are different from #CovidOrganics.”
The Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a sit-at-home directive to its members.
According to a statement on Wednesday, signed by Saliu Oseni, chairman Lagos NMA, the directive takes effect from 6pm today.
More than 50 essential workers, including doctors were said to have been arrested by the police in Lagos on Tuesday following the directive of Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police.
The association said the sit-at-home directive is to protest against the “incessant harassment” of doctors and other health workers by security agents enforcing the directive on restriction of movement in Lagos.
According to the guidelines issued by the presidential task force on COVID-19 and the Lagos state government, essential service providers, such as health workers, are exempted from the restriction of movement, especially during curfew hours from 8pm to 6am.
NMA alleged that enforcement officials ignore the exemption of health workers, and that many of its members have been subjected to “harrassment and intimidation”.
The association also said it received many calls from its members on Tuesday, with reports of “several cases of harassment and intimidation of doctors and other health workers” by security operatives, to the “extent that even ambulances carrying patients with emergency cases were impounded”.
“The Lagos State Branch of the NMA has resolved that it is presently unsafe for members to continue to provide healthcare services under the present confused arrangement,” it said.
“All Medical Doctors in Lagos State are hereby advised to proceed on a sit-at-home, in their best interest, starting from 6pm today, Wednesday, 20th May, 2020 indefinitely, until otherwise advised.”
A part of the Nigerian Postal Service headquarters in Abuja was on Wednesday gutted by fire. The Federal Capital Territory Fire Service personnel was able to contain the fire.
The incident attracted a large crowd at the busy Garki 2 in the Nigerian capital. A security officer who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the fire started at about 8:40 a.m.
The incident was the fifth fire incident in six months at key Federal Government offices.
On April 17, a part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) went up in flames.
Nine days earlier, some offices at the Accountant General’s office was burnt. Just two days before, there was a similar outbreak at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Last October, fire engulfed a part of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
All incidents occurred in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. But the government has failed to probe the causes. Officials usually give assurances that sensitive documents remained intact.
More than 50 essential workers were arrested by the police in Lagos on Tuesday following the directive of Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police.
On April 27, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered restriction of movements between 8pm and 6am nationwide to check the spread of COVID-19.
The president had, however, exempted health workers, journalists and other essential workers from the curfew.
But there have been reports on the breach of the curfew, with security operatives being blamed for poor enforcement.
On Tuesday, Adamu held a virtual meeting with zonal assistant-inspectors general of police and state commissioners of police, where he directed strict enforcement of the curfew.
He had reportedly ordered that anyone found on the streets beyond 8pm should be detained.
In the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, journalists and doctors who were returning from work were forced to the police station while their vehicles were impounded.
IVY Kanu, a correspondent with the TVC, narrated how some of the essential workers were detained at the station.
“I left the office tonight and on my way, I noticed that the roadblocks had increased. I turned to Alausa and I was picked up. I am at the Alausa police station and you have doctors, essential workers,” she told the station.
“The place is packed. Over 50 people are here and I heard that the new instruction for the next three days is to go after everybody, essential workers and non-essential workers.
“I don’t know how long we will be here. The impounded vehicles are more than 20 and more are still coming in. I don’t know if this is part of a new directive from the federal government or it is over-zealousness on the part of the police officers.
“Some of them have been taken into custody; they have been put into cells and some are standing outside. I was asked to go behind the counter; that was where I was before she (DPO) announced that everybody should come outside and they should hand over our keys and we should sleep in our cars till the next morning.”
In a swift reaction, Lanre Arogundade, director of the International Press Centre (IPC), demanded an immediate release of the arrested journalists.
“It is absolutely out of order for the police to bar journalists from moving in the name of enforcing total curfew,” he said in a statement.
“The president has affirmed the role of journalists as frontline professionals in the fight against Covid-19 while the Minister of Information had earlier said journalists who have their identity cards should be allowed free movement during this period. Journalists who are currently being held in Lagos and any other part of the country should be set free immediately.”
Some key members of the presidential task force on COVID-19 were said to have been contacted over the arrest of the “essential workers” and after over two hours in detention, the IGP directed his men to release all them.
Frank Mba, force public relations officer, conveyed the IGP’s directive in a statement.
“All essential workers including medical personnel, firefighters, ambulance services and journalists are exempted from the restriction of movement associated with both the partial lockdown and the national curfew across the Federation,” the statement read.
“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed A. Adamu has therefore directed all zonal assistant inspectors general of police and commands commissioners of police to give effect to these exemptions whilst enforcing the restriction orders.”
