Wike Decries FG’s Neglect of Rivers in Fight against Pandemic

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has decried the alleged neglect of the state by the federal government in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

He opined that there must be collaboration between different tiers of government for the fight against the spread of coronavirus to be successful.

The governor stated this on Thursday when he received the new Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mukan, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

He said Nigeria does not need the nature of politics being played by the federal government and its agencies at this time when coronavirus is ravaging the world.

According to Wike, "There must be a collaboration to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The Nigerian Centre fo Diseas Control (NCDC) is building laboratories in Lagos, Ogun and Kano States, but not in Rivers State.

"This is a state that is exposed to several foreign and local visitors with no single federal intervention.

"Whenever oil companies write to change crew, we would insist on knowing their coronavirus status. If they continue to politicise COVID-19, Nigeria will suffer it."

 

He reminded the country that when he demanded the support from the federal government, several people called for his head.

"But the Northern governors and the Kano State Government have demanded assistance. Initially, the Kano State governor criticised the federal government over lack of support.  When the support came, he said the federal government is doing well. If they also support Rivers State, we will also commend the federal government,” he said.

However, Wike has urged the police and other security agencies to work with the new taskforce to properly secure the boundaries of the state.

Earlier, the new Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mukan, said his mission is to provide security for the state.

He commended the Rivers State Government for providing the right support and logistics for security agencies to secure the state.

1,000 New Recruits to Start Work Monday, Says NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Thursday stated that its newly recruited graduate trainees would resume duties next Monday.

A statement issued by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the over 1,000  trainees recently recruited would first begin work virtually.

According to Obateru, "The trainees are to assume duty first virtually, while the corporation monitors the COVID-19 situation and the federal government’s directives to determine a date of physical resumption of duty."

The statement added that the option of virtual resumption of duty was necessitated by the need to comply with the extant protocol on social distancing and reduced number of people in workplace among other measures that have been introduced by the government as a result of the pandemic.

The NNPC spokesman said the trainees had completed online documentation, and would commence virtual on-boarding next week.

Obateru said the Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mele Kyari, was excited about the resumption of duty of the graduate trainees, saying they are part of the succession plan to ensure the future of NNPC.

He congratulated the successful graduate trainees being brought onboard the NNPC system, adding that much was expected of them.

Edo Extends Curfew by 14 Days to Check Spread of COVID-19

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has extended the dusk-to-dawn curfew in the state by 14 days effective from April 30, 2020, as part of renewed measures to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Obaseki, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Government House on Thursday,  said the extension of the curfew would further help the state government to restrict movement of persons to check the spread of the deadly virus.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the Edo people for their cooperation and compliance to the curfew in the last 10 days, adding: “I am extending the curfew in Edo State for another 14 days from 8p.m. to 6a.m.”

He disclosed that one Mrs. Amaka Okoro, a nursing mother, who lives at No. 2 Ator Idubor Street, off Second Ugbor, was wanted for treatment after she tested positive for COVID-19 and has since been unreachable.

The governor said Mrs. Okoro’s baby has already started coughing, urging those with useful information about her whereabouts to report to the relevant security and health agencies.

Noting that the extension of curfew will lead to more economic hardship, Obaseki said the state government has decided to commence another round of distribution of relief materials to the most vulnerable persons.

‘With the lessons which we have learnt from the first round of distribution, measures have been put in place to make sure that only the targeted persons receive these palliatives,” he added.

Obaseki also praised health workers on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 for their roles, noting: “I wish to specially thank our health workers who are making sacrifices for the benefit of all of us. In addition to the state-backed health insurance and life insurance packages which I have approved, I have also approved an additional hazard allowance ranging from N90, 000 to N300, 000 per month based on the cadre of all health workers currently actively joining us in the fight against COVID-19.”

Tragedy in Enugu as Family of Five Die Mysteriously

Tragedy struck in Enugu last Wednesday when five members of the same family were discovered dead in their house at Amaokpo, Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The family of Onyekwere Chukwumalu, who hails from Eziowelle, Idemili LGA of Anambra State reportedly went to sleep last Monday night but could not wake up till they were discovered dead on Wednesday morning.

As at the time of filling this report, the cause of their mysterious death was unknown.

According to residents of the area, nobody knew of their death until a co-worker with the late Chukwumalu, a building contractor, visited his home but found the house locked, with his vehicle parked outside.

After several calls with no response, the co-worker had to force open the door, and on entry, discovered the entire members of the family had been lying dead.

The incident reportedly attracted those in the neighbourhood, who went into the house and brought out their corpses, after which the police at Abakpa Nike, Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Alex Ugwu, and the United Nation rescue mission arrived at the scene.

One of the man's children, Arinze, 10, reportedly showed sight of life as the corpses were being taken to the hospital and was later rushed to the University of Nigeria teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku-Ozala, where he is said to be responding to treatment.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, where the corpses of the diseases were kept, the South East Zonal Commander of the United Nations Rescue team, Emmanuel Okoye, said they rushed to the scene of the incident as soon as they got the information.

He however regretted that the police were not on hand to help convey the remains of the family to the hospital.

When contacted, the Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Alex Ugwu, said it was heartbreaking the way late Chukwumalu died.

He alleged that the late Chukwumalu and his family might have been poisoned since there was no generator to suggest that it could be as a result of its fumes.

"When I heard about the incident, I alerted the police and the Ministry of Health to take charge.  It was when the officials if the Ministry of Health were trying to evacuate the corpse that one of the man's children sneezed and was discovered to be alive and was rushed to the hospital," he said.

Efforts to reach the police for comments on the incident was unsuccessful as the Enugu State Police Command spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe Ekea, said  he was not aware of the incident.

Rumble in Edo APC over Choice of Consensus Guber Candidate

Move by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State to have a consensus candidate to face the incumbent state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in the party primary election ended in a deadlock on Thursday as the meeting was postponed.

However, it was gathered that consultation is still ongoing, and a fresh meeting rescheduled without any date given.

The meeting, which held at the residence of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, was disrupted during the process of trying to agree on modalities to be used for the shadow election.

Problem, was learnt, began when some persons queried  the rationale behind the inclusion of the 14 members-elect of Edo State House of Assembly who are yet to resume sitting to vote in the meeting.

 

Eventually, when they were allowed to vote, another controversy erupted as most of them were said to be supporting the aspiration of one of the aspirants, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

   

It was gathered that the contest was fierce among the trio of Ize-Iyamu, former state Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, and former Minister of State for Works, Chris Ogiemwonyi.

It was also gathered that Ogiemwonyi left the meeting shortly after the meeting was disrupted.

    

A source close to the meeting told journalists that the “the consensus arrangement was presided over by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, a member representing Owan federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

Another concern raised at the meeting was the number of delegates from Edo Central and Edo North, as some of them were said to have stepped down for Ize-Iyamu which boosted his chances while others raised issue of sponsorship of delegates to the meeting that eventually led to its postponement.

Man Arrested for Defiling 18-month-old Girl in Yobe

A man has been arrested in Yobe State for allegedly having carnal knowledge of an 18-month old girl.

A statement issued on Thursday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, said: “During the week under review, Yobe State Police Command, through Karasuwa Divisional Police headquarters, succeeded in arresting Alhaji Ado Kanwa, who hails from Kazaure in Jigawa State but presently residing in Karasuwa LGA of Yobe State.

“The suspect was arrested after allegedly molesting and raping an 18-month-old baby (name withheld) in Karasuwa LGA of Yobe State.

“The victim sustained various degrees of vaginal injuries as a result. Investigation has since begun for subsequent prosecution of the suspect.”

The PPRO said: “Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police has called the members of the 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 in the state.”

As Nigerian Lawyers Spoil for War, China Panics, Says We Are Also Victim of COVID-19 Pandemic

Following media reports that a coalition of Nigerian legal practitioners has filed a class action against the People’s Republic of China over the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians, the Asian country has responded that it is also a victim of the pandemic and not a perpetrator or accomplice.

The Embassy of China in a statement issued on Thursday said in the face of a major public health crises and infectious diseases, the international community should stand in solidarity and work together, not resort to mutual accusation or demand retribution and accountability.

The Chinese Government noted that since the outbreak of the COVID-19, it has taken the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures to contain its spread and conduct international cooperation in an open, transparent and responsible spirit.

China added that in the process, it has made tremendous sacrifices, accumulated valuable experience, and made significant contributions to the global response, adding that the international community bears witness to and applauds China's efforts and progress.

It stated: "On April 27, 2020, some Nigerian media reported that a coalition of Nigerian legal practitioners has filed a class action against the People’s Republic of China over the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Nigerians.

"The virus is a common enemy to all mankind and may strike anytime and anywhere. Like other countries, China is also a victim, not a perpetrator, and even less an accomplice of COVID-19.

"Attacking and discrediting other countries from other countries will not save the time and lives lost. At this critical moment, we urge that some Nigerian legal practitioners will do more things to enhance mutual trust and help the pandemic prevention and control in both countries rather than dancing to the tune of a certain country to build up the situation."

China said it is standing with Nigeria in the global fight against COVID-19.

 

Benue Repatriates 58 Suspected Trafficked Persons to States of Origin

The Benue State Action Committee on COVID-19 on Thursday repatriated a batch of 58 persons suspected to have been trafficked to Makurdi, the state capital, back to their states.

The state Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state COVID-19 Action Committee, Benson Abounu, led a taskforce to repatriate the youths from the state in the early hours of yesterday.

He said the youths had been brought to the state in violation of the lockdown rules and had to be returned to the safety of their homes.

To redress the situation, the deputy governor revealed that the committee had provided the means of transportation as well as security and documentation to facilitate safe passage on the highways for the affected young persons.

Face masks were also handed to the said youths after they had been given orientation on safety tips necessary for them to avoid contracting and spreading the virus.

He stressed that the lockdown in Benue State remains in force, and that anyone found violating it will face appropriate sanctions.

Abounu maintained that all measures necessary to keep the state free from the coronavirus would be implemented with due diligence, stressing that all destitute persons from other states found in Benue State would be returned to their homes.

He called on the people to close ranks and support the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom whom he said has given tremendous support to the committee to enable it win the war against COVID-19.

Workers will Resist Pay Cut in Ekiti, Labour Tells Fayemi

As the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have adverse effect on the economy, the organised labour in Ekiti State has told the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, not to contemplate any move to reduce their salary, despite the slump in the state government revenues.

The labour unions, comprising Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress, also requested immediate payment of outstanding salaries by the governor to ease the effect of the lockdown on the populace.

Fayemi had last Tuesday announced the slashing of his salaries, that of his Deputy, Bisi Egbeyemi, and political appointees by 50 percent.

The made this agitation at a press conference jointly addressed by the Chairmen of NLC, Kolapo Olatunde, and his counterpart in TUC, Sola Adigun, in Ado Ekiti prior to Workers' Day.

 

In his address, the NLC boss asserted that the menace of COVID-19 has affected every worker, saying this time remains the most appropriate opportunity to assuage their  sufferings  by paying their salaries promptly as well as  palliatives.

"We are still being owed three months’  salary arrears,  outstanding leave bonuses and backlog of promotion arrears, while the minimum wage was  yet to be implemented across board.

 "As of today, the local government workers and primary school teachers are owed six months’ salary arrears, while the secondary school teachers and civil servants are owed three months respectively. We have waited for over one year and we have done our best and made the right sacrifices.

"The national president of the NLC gave me a matching order  to tell our governor that the salaries  of our workers can't take them home and there shouldn't be any reason for  the government to think of  pay cut in the state," he stated.

Olatunde appreciated the state government and health workers in the state for working hard to reduce the number of victims of COVID-19 to eight, adding that: "The reduction in the  number was because the government woke up early to take precautionary measures."

The TUC Chairman, Adigun, said what the workers receive in Nigeria was never  a living wage, expressing optimism that they will breathe a sigh of relief soon.

Akwa Ibom Reduces 2020 Budget from N597.7 bn to N366 bn

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has amended the state 2020 budget from N597.7 billion to N366 billion, saying the decision was to meet the economic challenges occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world.

Also, the Assembly explained that the amendment and passing of the budget into law which took place on Thursday at plenary was sequel to a letter sent by the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to the state Assembly during its emergency plenary.

Briefing journalists after the plenary, the Chairman, Assembly Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Uduak Ududoh, said the recurrent expenditure of N111.22 billion earlier approved for the 2020 budget has been reduced to N98.22 billion.

He added that the capital expenditure which stood at N369.10 billion has been reduced to 186.94 billion, while the consolidated revenue charges now stood at N80.83 billion as against N116.93 billion.

The chairman explained that the total budget size approved in 2020 which was N597. 7 billion has now been reduced to N366 billion for the 2020 fiscal year, representing 38.8 per cent reduction.

The Speaker, Hon. Aniekan Bassey, who presided over the plenary, said the step taken by the governor to review the 2020 budget downward was very timely in order to brace up with the economic recession experienced globally.

He commended the governor for setting up relevant committees to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

The bill had earlier passed through the first, second and third reading and was passed into law after due consideration at the Committee of Supply, chaired by the Speaker.

The House Leader, Udo Kierian, in his contribution, said the fall of the crude oil price at the international market has a negative effect on the 2020 budget, stressing that was the reason for the review.

He added that the speedy attention given by the Assembly to review the budget was to enable financial machinery for the state to operate from and also to create awareness for the Akwa Ibom people on the present reality.

Meanwhile, the House had adjourned plenary after the review of the budget, and would reconvene on May 7, 2020.

Three Persons Killed as Cult Groups Clash in Akwa Ibom

 

Three persons were reportedly killed in a bloody clash between two rival cult groups in Akwa Ibom State.

The clash occurred in Inen community in OrukAnam Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that one Otobong Ben Ufenang was allegedly killed last Monday by a five-man gang and his body dismembered near the community primary school at Inen Ikot Etim.

Another victim was allegedly lynched in Odoro Ikot at the boundary village between Ukanafun and OrukAnam council areas.

Also, the third victim was murdered in Inen Ikot Obio Idang, where houses were looted and residents fled the area for their dear lives.

An eyewitness said the deceased Ufenang was murdered near the community primary school in Ikot Etim.

Members of the yet-to-be-identified gang were said to have descended on the victim with machetes, cutting him severally until he slumped in the pool of his blood.

"They just swoop on the young man, accosted him and started cutting his body before he bled and died," he said.

The eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity for fear of attack, said the scene caused panic as residents of Inen Ikot Etim ran away from their houses to take refuge in neighbouring villages.

As at yesterday, armed policemen were seen patrolling the scene of the incident to restore normalcy while the corpse was taken away by family members.

Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnudam Frederick, has confirmed the incident, but insisted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area would ascertain the number of suspects arrested.

According to him, "The DPO of the area actually called me that there was a clash between two rival cult groups.

"And as a result of that, three persons were killed. Today, I have not heard of any incident, but the police have been drafted to restore normalcy in the area. The police van has been positioned there."

House to Investigation Deaths in Kano, Dead Fishes in N’Delta ...To hold plenary once weekly

            

The House of Representatives on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the causes of the increasing number of mysterious deaths in Kano State.

The House has also directed its Committees on Environment, Healthcare Services and Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the washing ashore of dead fishes in brackish water in Bonny-Andoni, Rivers State, other communities in the Niger Delta region, as well as Ondo and Akwa Ibom States.

Also, following the extension of the lockdown by President Muhammadu Buhari to curb the spread of COVID-19, the House of Representatives at the resumption of plenary yesterday resolved to sit once every week till the lockdown order is lifted.

It also called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency and priority scale up the country’s COVID-19 testing capacity.

The resolution of the House yesterday was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, and also directed its Committee on Health to engage the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 over the health crisis and strange deaths in Kano State.

In his lead debate, Doguwa said since the index COVID-19 case was recorded on February 27, 2020, the country has so far recorded 1,337 confirmed cases of the virus, 40 deaths and 255 recoveries.

He said the federal government has equally released the sum of N5 billion to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to scale up capacity and strategise rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doguwa, however, expressed worry over the rising spate of unexplainable deaths in Kano State recently, where 77 COVID-19 cases and one death have been recorded in less than two weeks.

He noted that Kano State, despite its population, has only one testing centre, which has been shut down for about a week now reportedly due to lack of some testing materials and reagents.

Meanwhile, the House has also directed its Committees on Environment, Healthcare Services and Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the washing ashore of dead fishes in brackish water in communities in the Niger Delta region, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States.

This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the 'Urgent Need to Investigate the Occurrence of Dead Fishes in Brackish Water, Ensure Public Sensitisation and Clean-Up of the Environment' sponsored by Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante and five other lawmakers.

Presenting the motion, Abiante recalled the incidences of large quantities of dead fishes floating on Bonny-Andoni river in Rivers State and several other states since March 2020.

He explained that the most common fish species being washed off is croaker, popularly known as ‘Broke Marriage’ or ‘Onah’ in local dialects, and are believed to be carried by tidal waves from the high sea to the shores and rivers in the communities.

Meanwhile, following the extension of lockdown by President Muhammadu Buhari to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the House of Representatives at the resumption of plenary yesterday has resolved to sit once every week till lockdown order is lifted.

The House made the resolution, following the adoption of a motion titled: Regulating Plenary Sittings in the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown, pursuant to Order One, Rule 1 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives' sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata.

House to Investigate Chinese Living in Nigeria Set to repatriate illegal residents to China

Following the continued maltreatment of Nigerians in China, the House of Representatives at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday ordered a probe on the legality of Chinese nationals living in the Nigeria currently for possible repatriation to China.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion titled: 'Maltreatment and Institutional Acts of Racial Discrimination against Nigerians Living in China by the Government of China', which was sponsored by Hon. Benjamin Kalu and nine other lawmakers.

Adopting the motion, the House directed the Committees on Interior, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring, and Commerce to investigate the validity of all immigration documents of every Chinese person in Nigeria and the expatriate quota of all the Chinese businesses in Nigeria to ascertain the number of illegal and undocumented Chinese immigrants in Nigeria and to repatriate them to China.

It also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to, as a matter of urgency, ensure that all Nigerians who wish to return home are evacuated from China and quarantined upon arrival.

The Green Chamber further urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide all necessary financial and other assistance to affected Nigerian citizens in China who wish to seek redress in any local or international court for breach of fundamental rights, loss of property or any other actionable cause occasioned by their maltreatment or discrimination in China.

Similarly, it asked the Committees on Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and Diaspora to ascertain the extent of violation of rights of Nigerians in China as well as losses arising from such maltreatments, and further engage the Chinese Parliament appropriately to state Nigeria’s National Assembly condemnation of the discrimination against Nigerians and to ensure the cessation of such actions by its people and government.

The House, however, also sought the concurrence of the Senate on the motion.

Presenting the motion, Kalu lamented that under the pretext of curbing the spread of COVID-19, which ironically originated from Wuhan, China, several kinds of maltreatments of Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou have been perpetrated by the Chinese people.

He recalled the troubling case of Mr. Felix Awah Elijah, a Nigerian citizen and legal resident in China, who mysteriously disappeared after his abduction and prolonged illegal detention by Chinese Police Authorities sometime in February 2019, and of which all letters and appeals from him and his representative in the House of Representatives were ignored by the Chinese authorities.

The lawmaker noted that the actions of the Chinese authorities do not reciprocate the favourable treatment their nationals enjoy in Nigeria, adding that it has put a strain on the diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and China thereby endangering Nigerian businesses in China valued at billions of dollars.

CD Issues FG April 30 Ultimatum on Financial Palliatives

Rights group, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), on Tuesday tasked President Muhammdu Buhari to give financial palliative to all Nigerians in the wake of the continued lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group, therefore, gave the federal government up till April 30 to credit individual bank accounts nationwide or risk civil disobedience.

In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Ifeanyi Odili, which was made available to THISDAY in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the CD challenged the federal government to name individuals it had credited their accounts with its touted monetary palliative.

Accordingly, it said: “Our leaders commit a hell of evil with impunity, hoping there is nothing we can do.

“I tell you, we can do many things; only that we are still giving them more ropes to pull.

“According to our leaders, trillions of naira had been transferred to individuals’ accounts. When and whose accounts? Who were the beneficiaries? They think we don't know what they know. We know, but have decided to give them more time to repent.”

Odili noted that much as the coronavirus’ virulence ought to be contained by any responsive government, it is also an irresponsible act for any government to keep people indoors without food and other basic needs.

According to him, if the government had truly disbursed some trillions of naira to serve as palliatives, the funds’ impact has still to be felt in any way, noting that an average N2. 3 trillion, by his calculation, should give each individual about N20, 000 nationwide.

He said at the moment, many Nigerians are suffering untold hardship in the forms of hunger, unconscionable brutality from security operatives and midnight attacks from desperate and equally hungry armed robbers.

“How can you lock up people inside their rooms without food, while they (our leaders) and their families live in affluence at the expense of the rest of us?

“Is it not shameful and disappointing that Nigerians are weeping and groaning in a democratic dispensation which we considered the best administration compared to military?” He wondered.

The CD scribe also described as grossly inadequate, the various palliative measures in forms of distribution of five kilogrammes of rice and other food items by the state governments, saying the approach is not sustainable and has not gone round the populace.

Odili noted: “In a community, a head of a family was seen struggling to get five cups of rice as palliative.

“In fact, our leaders went ahead to say the items are meant for the most vulnerable. Who is not vulnerable now? Everybody is vulnerable.

“No doubt, every home is faced with hunger, except the homes that are located in government houses.”

Nigeria's Education will Witness Revolution with COVID-19, Says TRCN Registrar

The Registrar and Chief Executive of Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Segun Ajiboye, on Tuesday said the teaching profession would witness a total revolution after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

This is just as he said faculties of education and Colleges of Education in the country need to review their curricula to include technology-driven training and preparations.

Ajiboye, while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,  said COVID-19 has thrown up a challenge for a paradigm shift in the way teachers are trained and the way learning is executed in Nigeria, stating that the advanced countries are able to continue teaching and learning through the deployment of technology which is still yet to be engaged fully in the country.

He added that the post-COVID 19 reality is that Nigeria must invest in technology to drive her educational system, noting that the world will not wait for the country to catch up with it.

While noting that TRCN already started digital literacy for teachers in 2018, Ajiboye said a proposal is already before the Federal Ministry of Education to scale up beneficiaries of the training across the country.

He added that in many years to come, teachers who are able to use technology will displace those unable to use it in facilitating learning, maintaining that professional teachers must be ready for the task ahead hence the need to increase the education budget.

According to him, "One thing is that COVID-19 is a big challenge to education globally, which is affecting about 1.7 million in about 152 countries. Africa has a big problem. Some different countries in developed countries have been able to mitigate the impact through internet. In Nigeria, we are not there yet. This has compounded our out-of-school problems.

 

"Even tertiary education is not excluded. Both teachers and students are at home in Nigeria. It is a challenging time for the teaching profession, but also, it is an eye opener. The kind of training we give to our teachers needs to be reviewed. We need technology-mediated learning. The world will not wait for Nigeria. Their calendar is running but we are on long vacation here.

"After this COVID-19 experience, there will be revolution in the way we prepare and train our teachers. How do we leverage on technology? Teachers who know how to use technology will replace those unable to use it. In 2018, TRCN did digital literacy education in Nigeria but those covered are small. We have submitted a proposal to the ministry of education to scale it up. We need technology to democratise learning. It caught us unawares, and I think it calls for a sober reflection to look for ways ahead."

Workers' Day: FG Declares May 1 Public Holiday

The federal government has declared May 1, 2020, as a public holiday to mark this year’s International Workers’ Day celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, commended Nigerian workers for their resilience, patience and understanding, particularly in their support of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ms. Georgina Ehuriah, the minister thanked Nigerians and the labour force for their sacrifices in the of trial, and assured them that better days are ahead.

According to him, "Their commitment and patience will complement the efforts made by the government and other stakeholders to ensure the speedy control of the virus.

"With the cooperation of every citizen as well as strict adherence to the measures put in place by relevant authorities, the challenges being faced by Nigerians as a result of the disease would soon be put to rest."

The statement noted that the minister expressed optimism that the economy of the country would rebound and be stronger after the COVID-19 experience, taking cognizance of the various economic stabilisation efforts by the federal government, calling on Nigerians to remain calm and hopeful.

Okowa Relaxes Restrictions on Movement, Extends Ban on Large Gatherings ...Makes use of face masks compulsory

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has announced a partial relaxation of the state lockdown to tackle COVID-19 pandemic, which included weddings and burial ceremony, with strict observance of social distancing rules.

While thanking the citizens, security agencies and other stakeholders for the contribution to the appreciable success and gains of the 28-day lockdown, Okowa said in a broadcast in Asaba on Tuesday that the ban on certain public gatherings like sports and religious congregation as well as mass movement in vehicles would still be in force.

Schools are to remain closed for at least one more month while the ban on inter-state movement, other than for specified essential services as announced last Monday by President Muhammadu Buhari, would be strictly enforced in Delta State, the governor added.

Okowa, who reiterated the readiness of his administration to continue to tackle the challenge posed by coronavirus frontally and proactively, said: "We have every reason to believe that the lockdown has helped to limit the spread of the virus in our state. As at today, six cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, while five of the patients are doing well in our case management centres. Sadly, we lost one of them who presented himself late to the medical authorities; his test report, which turned out to be positive, was received after his unfortunate demise.

"The period of the lockdown, which is to enable us break the chain of transmission, also gave us the leeway to easily trace, identify, isolate and test contacts of infected persons.

"In view of the foregoing, it has become necessary to partially lift the ban on movements within the state effective from April 30, 2020. This is to enable our people engage in economic/business activities between the hours of 6a.m. and 7p.m., as security agencies will be on hand to ensure strict compliance with the time frame."

According to the governor, "Conferences, sporting activities, gathering of people in convention/event centres, sports fields, public/open spaces as well as recreational and cultural/communal activities remain banned until May 31, 2020.

"While burials and weddings will be allowed, the social distancing rule (6ft apart) must be applied, and the number of guests/persons must not exceed 50. Our schools (public and private) shall remain closed until May 31, 2020.

"Entertainment centres, including cinemas, bars and night clubs, shall remain closed until May 31, 2020.

Restaurants/canteens/beer parlours are to operate on take-away basis while hotels will be allowed to open (with in-room dining) but their restaurants, bars and night clubs shall remain closed till further notice.

"While public transport services (tricycles taxis, buses) are allowed to operate, number of passengers shall be two persons at the back for tricycles; one person on the front seat and two persons at the back for a taxi; while for a 16-seater/18-seater bus, it is 10 to 12 persons.

"Also, our airports remain closed to passenger traffic till further notice.

"I shall be meeting with our religious leaders on April 30 to chart the way forward for our places of worship. However, all crusades/conventions shall remain banned till further notice.

"For the public service, only workers on Grade Level 12 and above should resume work effective from April 30,  2020. This order does not apply to junior staff on essential/emergency duties.”

Okowa added that: “Workers identified by the ministry of Health or its agencies can work from home. However, workplace protocols should be in place for disease surveillance/prevention, including screening, use of face masks and social distancing.

 

"Let me reiterate that security agencies have been advised to ensure strict compliance with the above directives. Violators will be prosecuted, without fear or favour.

"Henceforth, it is mandatory for all residents in the state to make use of face masks in the public. Anybody leaving his/her home must wear a face mask effective from April 30 till further notice. They must be worn in public places, including offices, markets, malls, supermarkets, salons, hospitals and health clinics, churches, mosques as well as all approved gatherings of persons.

"Traders/market women are all required to wear face masks while carrying out their businesses. The local government chairmen are hereby directed to work out the modalities for the operations of the markets in their domain, especially with regards to social distancing and other sanitation protocols.

"Hair dressing/barbing salons must never be crowded; owners are hereby directed to restrict the number of persons inside to a minimum number that will facilitate appropriate social distancing. As much as possible, workers in these establishments should wear hand gloves.

"The state government will by tomorrow, commence, in the first instance, the distribution of a million cloth face masks to residents in the state, using the local government offices as channels. Meanwhile, those who can afford it are also advised to make their own procurements. The benefit of the cloth facemasks is that they can be washed and reused.

"There will be a continuation of the inter-state lockdown for another two weeks. Only essential supplies-food, beverages, medicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum and agricultural products-are exempted from this order.

"As we engage our new normal, I assure all Deltans and residents that we shall continue to put processes in place to limit the transmission of the virus by ensuring rapid identification of cases and contacts, more testing, isolation/quarantine as necessary, staff training/motivation and provision of logistics/supplies.”

Okowa, who urged the people to adhere to the stay-at-home order and observe personal hygiene and social distancing rules, sued for the use of the phone and electronic  media as alternative to physical movements and visits.

"As at today, we have a low virus spread in the state and our health system can be said to be in a state of readiness with the health staff fully committed and motivated to discharge their responsibilities in a professional, ethical and safe manner.

"As we begin to ease the lockdown restrictions, the sensible approach is to do it in a gradual, systematic and orderly manner, so that we do not wipe out the gains of the past four weeks. We are very mindful of the fact that each day of the lockdown was tough economically and particularly agonising for those in the informal sector who live on daily income."

Okowa said that food had been distributed to the poor and vulnerable citizens in the 270 wards in the state by the government "to mitigate the harsh economic effects of the lockdown", thanking the donors for the kind gesture.

He further solicited the continued cooperation and support of the  people to stop the spread  of the COVID-19. "As we gradually relax the restriction of movement, I must caution that it is not yet uhuru; life as we have known it is still a long way off. We must therefore brace ourselves up to adjust to the new normal in all our personal, official and business dealings going forward. As an administration, we remain irrevocably committed to doing everything necessary to protect the lives and property of citizens in the State, in addition to providing a safe and secure environment for them to pursue their dreams of success and happiness

"If you fall sick with fever, cough and/or breathlessness, please do not panic. Call the Local Government Chairman, Councillor, Executive Secretary or Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer in your Local Government Area. You can also call the Emergency Operation Centre on these numbers: 0803-123-0480; 0803-123-0481; 0803-123-0528; 0803-123-0529."