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JUST IN: Government Shuts Down Banks, Markets, Enforces Lockdown

JUST IN: Government Shuts Down Banks, Markets, Enforces Lockdown

Banks and major markets were shut in Osun on Wednesday following a total state lockdown ordered by Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, in a bid to minimise the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had, in a statewide broadcast on March 29, announced the total lockdown of the state for two weeks to combat the spread of the virus in the state.

Oyetola said all land boundaries would be shut effective from midnight of March 29, while there would be intra-state restriction of movement from midnight of March 31.

The governor, however, said that only those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, media, power and water supply agencies and telecommunication officers on duty would be allowed to move.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had on March 25, confirmed first index case in the state, while the second index case was confirmed on March 29 and three more cases on Tuesday.

A NAN correspondent who moved round Osogbo and its environs on Wednesday reports that all banks, markets, shopping malls and motor parks were shut.

Security operatives were also mobilised at strategic entry points, while mini-buses as well as motorcycles that usually conveyed people were also off the road.

Journalists were, however, given identity cards by the state government to move around for coverage of activities.

(NAN)

Presidency Breaks Silence On Ajimobi Replacing Abba Kyari In Aso Rock

Presidency Breaks Silence On Ajimobi Replacing Abba Kyari In Aso Rock

The Presidency has reacted to the news making the rounds on social media that President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

A claim about Kyari’s sack went viral on social media on March 31, 2020, after a WhatsApp broadcast message which claimed that President Buhari had sacked him.

The message forwarded to many Nigerians mostly in the Northern part of the country also claimed that the President had replaced Kyari with a former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.

The circulated WhatsApp message further said that the statement on Kyari’s sack was released by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Monday, March 31, 2020, in Abuja.

The message read in part: “The termination of the appointment of Abba Kyari took immediate effect. And the President has appointed Ajimobi as New COS. The President ordered Abba Kyari to step down as Chief of Staff due to his health challenge.’’

However, the Presidency, through the President’s aide on new media matters, Bashir Ahmad, described the news as “another fake news.”

Ahmad tweeted, ”Yet another fake news started trending on some WhatsApp groups that ‘President @MBuhari sacked Mallam Abba Kyari and replaced him with former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi’, disregard and dishonour it, entirely untrue!’’

Kyari, who tested positive to Coronavirus after he returned from Germany, was reportedly flown in an air ambulance to Lagos at the weekend to continue his treatment.

#ChineseVirus: Sex Workers In Lagos And Abuja Release New Work Schedule For Customers

#ChineseVirus: Sex Workers In Lagos And Abuja Release New Work Schedule For Customers

The National Coordinator, Nigeria Sex Workers Association, Amaka Enemo, says sex workers in the country have been forced to suspend activities, especially in Lagos and Abuja, due to the lockdown to check the spread of COVID-19.

Enemo told The PUNCH on Tuesday that although sex workers offer “essential services” they would remain indoors because their services involve “substantial bodily contact”.

She said the association had been able to sensitise its members to the dangers of COVID-19.

She said, “There is sensitisation across the country, including within our network. Sex workers also offer essential services. However, there is no way sex workers can do their work without body contact. So, they are staying at home to watch what happens.

“The government has announced a lockdown and as law-abiding citizens, we will not flout the law. If the government says sit at home, we will all obey because nobody wants to die.

“We fall under essential services but ours is peculiar because of the nature of body contact. You cannot compare it to doctors because the doctors are not making full body contact with people the way we do.”

When asked whether only ‘street operations’ had been suspended and if private home services could continue, Enemo said the decision of the association was that “all activities be put on hold”.

The national coordinator said, “The lockdown affects street workers and those at home equally. For the sake of their health, they should all stay at home and avoid bodily contact. So, we stay at home but we are sharing materials that will keep them safe.”

When asked to evaluate the financial impact of the lockdown on sex workers, Enemo said it was the same effect it had on artisans.

Enemo added, “Of course it is going to affect them financially but sex workers are not the only ones that make money on a daily basis. It is the same for commercial drivers. Of course, they might have their savings but that does not mean it will not affect them. It is affecting everybody; so, sex workers are not exempted.”

The national coordinator said her association would accept donations from the government or private sector as this would reduce the impact of the lockdown on members.

“If they are willing to help, we will accept it. It is lockdown. Our business is affected,” Enemo added.

Is the Coronavirus man-made?

 

Germany to fly out 7,000 tourists stuck in South Africa

The German embassy in South Africa is making plans to repatriate some 7,000 of its nationals who are stuck in the country.

Already, 47 German tourists are under quarantine in the country after one of them tested positive to Covid-19, according to local media reports.

South Africa has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa – 1,280 by the latest count, and is under a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the virus.

German ambassador to South Africa Martin Schäfer on Monday told SA FM Radio that they estimate there could be between “seven to nine thousand Germans stuck in the country”.

He said:

Quote Message: We have political will in Germany, we have the means and the money to do it [repatriation] and I think it’s the most human thing to do to help get them home.

BBC News

JUST IN: Ooni Of Ife Makes Revelations About COVID-19

JUST IN: Ooni Of Ife Makes Revelations About COVID-19

The Nigerian Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, has made revelations about the novel coronavirus.

The deadly disease has killed over 30,000 people in three months globally.

Currently, Nigeria has recorded 111 cases of the global pandemic.

On Monday, the Ooni recalled that a divine proclamation came out to the world last year, June 6th, 2019, during the World Ifa Festival – Otura Meji.

The statement was posted on his Twitter account.

“We foretold about the impending rage of this invisible pandemic war, but few heard us”, the monarch said.

“Please note that Efod/Urim and Thurim are in the holy Books. They are the same as our ancient readings that have not failed us till date. On this throne, I work very closely with all the nations of the world most especially the nation of Cuba.

“Centuries go by, the nation of Cuba hold dearly the tenets of our ancestors and rely on the blessings of the mystery of nature, and as a result they have the best medical care in the world. They are the ONLY country that have come out boldly to help the world.”

He stated that the Almighty is above religion and he is moving now; that the world will now respect nature wholly.

“To solve this ailment is through natural elements put together above all from nature. It has been tested!!! I have used it and also used it for some of the chronic Corona patients with testimonials.”

He challenged researchers both in Nigeria and the world to put these natural herbs into clinical medicine and extract the vaccines from it.

The Ooni further expressed readiness to work with them and provide huge access to the herbs.

BREAKING NEWS: Gov Seyi Makinde Tests Positive For COVID-19

BREAKING NEWS: Gov Seyi Makinde Tests Positive For COVID-19

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation.

The governor revealed this in a statement on his verified Twitter handle on Monday where he disclosed that he is asymptomatic.

“I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result,” he tweeted. “It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.”

He also directed the former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, Prof Temitope Alonge, to be the Head of COVID-19 Task Force as he recovers.

According to him, “I have designated Prof Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while I recover fully.”

Governor Makinde also urged the people of Oyo State to comply with instructions from the COVID-19 Task Force.

“Stay home, stay safe,” he urged Oyo residents.

See Businesses That Are Exempted From The 14 Days Lockdown

See Businesses That Are Exempted From The 14 Days Lockdown

The Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have secured approval from President Muhammadu Buhari to exempt key players in the financial services sector from COVID- 19 movement restrictions.

A statement jointly issued by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele on Monday appealed to President Buhari to enable the financial services sector particularly banks render skeletal services.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday in his nationwide broadcast, imposed a total lockdown restricting movements in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.

Addressing Nigerians, the President said: “based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.

“This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.”

He urged all citizens in these areas to stay in their homes, adding that travel to or from other states should be postponed.

All businesses and offices within these locations should also be fully closed during this period, President Buhari ordered.

In a jointly issued statement Monday by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and CBN governor, entitled: ‘ Notice to affected stakeholders and general public regarding COVID-19 and restrictions in movement of persons”, they applauded and appreciated the appropriate and proactive restrictions in personal and vehicular movement imposed by President Muhammadu Buhari in his speech of Sunday 29 March 2020.

However, the minister and CBN governor noted: ” To ensure that Nigerians can still perform online transactions and use ATMs whilst observing these restrictions, we will like to inform the general public and all affected stakeholders that we have obtained exemptions from the President to allow very skeletal operations in the Financial System and Money Markets in order to keep the system in light operations during this time”.

They added: “All relevant staff of affected outfits and agencies should look out for further instructions from their immediate bosses”.

Zainab Ahmed and Godwin Emefiele stated that they “are mindful of the difficulties these restrictions would bring on ordinary Nigerians and are grateful to the President for approving these exemptions, which should help ease some of these burdens.”

They urged all Nigerians to be patient, cooperative and united as all hands are on deck to defeat this virus.”

BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari arrives Lagos in air ambulance

BREAKING: Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari arrives Lagos in air ambulance

Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived Lagos.

He was transferred from Abuja to Lagos to continue his treatment for coronavirus.

Kyari was conveyed to Nigeria’s commercial hub in an air ambulance, Daily Trust reports.

The top government official tested positive after he returned from Germany.

Nigeria currently has over 110 cases.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it is looking for

6,000 people who have had close contact with persons infected with coronavirus.

UI Data Team Predicts COVID-19 Cases In Nigeria Will Surpass 300

UI Data Team Predicts COVID-19 Cases In Nigeria Will Surpass 300

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria will be at least 312 by Friday, April 3, the University of Ibadan Committee on COVID-19 Data Analysis and Management has predicted.

As of 10.40pm on Saturday, March 28, Nigeria had recorded 97 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

This was an increase of 27 cases from the 70 confirmed cases as of 8pm on Friday, March 27.

In a graphical report, the UI team said if the current trend continued, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria would hit 312 by Friday, April 3.

The graphical report shared by UI’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, on her Facebook wall “shows the rate at which the infection is being transmitted among those who were exposed to COVID-19.”

The explanatory note on one of the graphs read, “Approximately 70.4 per cent of those people currently infected with COVID-19 were initially exposed to the disease on day 12 of the occurrence of the disease in Nigeria.

“The predictive model is an indication that the disease will continue to be on the increase in the days ahead and that time, in days, accounted for 89.0 per cent of the variation in the cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“If the current trend continues, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is expected to be at least 312 by 3rd April, 2020.”