By Abbas Bamalli

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State says the review of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution will address mistakes made by the party in previous elections.

Ganduje made the observation at a town hall meeting on the APC constitution review for Northwest region, held on Monday in Kano.

According to him, the APC had paid dearly for its mistakes during the 2019 general election.

APC is a mixture of political parties that merged to form the ruling party, but that lack of strong cohesion is still affecting it, Ganduje noted.

There is no better time for the constitution review than now, because it is time to look back and address the challenges in the party.

There is no better time than now for the review of this constitution, APC as a political party has won many states in the federation since its inception. It has been controlling the Federal Government in the past four years.

Now in the second term, we lost some states during the last election, we gained some too.

Reviewing the partys constitution is the way to rectify past mistakes.

I believe at the end of it, we will come up with a document that will govern the conduct of party members and even the conduct of leaders of the party.

So, we believe this review of the constitution will look into all challenges.

It will remove all those appendages of coming together to form the party, he said.

According to him, the APC has very strong structures in Kano State, with officials at state, local government and ward levels.

He disclosed that the partys caucuses meet monthly to interface on its activities and problems, and take steps to resolve them.

Dr Tahir Mamman, Chairman of the APC Constitution Review Committee, said the exercise was to make the party more solid and stronger.

He said that their task was to produce a constitution that would guide the affairs of the party to make it a model among political parties in the country.

Mamman added that the committee would ensure that the constitution and manifesto were made easier to read by all party members.

He disclosed that the committee had gone round the six geopolitical zones of the country and held meetings with the party stakeholders.

The chairman also said that the committee would organise a retreat where the presentations from across the country would be reviewed before the final document. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the deadly insurgent attack that took place on the Police Command Headquarters and the Correctional Facility in Owerri, Imo.

In a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Monday, Buhari described the onslaught as an act of terrorism, saying the anarchists must be brought to justice.

Reacting to the incident, the president praised the initial response by security guards and security forces for preventing greater loss of life and the destruction of public property.

He directed security and intelligence agencies in the state and the geo-political zone to fully mobilise and go after the terrorists, apprehend them and get them punished under the full weight of the law.

Buhari also called for the best efforts to be made to rearrest fleeing prison detainees, many of whom were believed to be deadly criminals.

He, therefore, appealed to members of the public to assist the law enforcement agencies with any relevant information that could lead to the apprehension of these criminals who perpetrated this despicable act.

The president also urged members of the public to be vigilant as all of us have a stake in preserving our way of life from disruption by terrorists and anarchists.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to use every available tool at its disposal to confront and terminate this bare-faced anarchy. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Peter Okolie

The Police Command in Anambra says it has arrested six suspected criminals for alleged stealing, cultism and possession of fire arm.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Awka.

Ikenga said the command recovered one locally-made pistol, two live cartridges, one Lexus 330 Jeep SUV and two tricycles from the suspected criminals.

Acting on credible information while on surveillance duty, operatives of the command attached to Ihiala Police Division, on April 4, at about 1820hrs, arrested one Chike Obi, 28 and Okosis Udeagu, 23.

One locally-made pistol with two live cartridges was recovered from them and they both confessed to being members of a deadly cult group, he said.

Similarly, Ikenga said the Inland Police Division on March 22, received a complaint that a Lexus 330 SUV got missing at a car wash, on Heritage Road.

He said all efforts made to locate the vehicle and the car washer proved abortive.

However, he said Police operatives attached to the Division later arrested two suspects, one Pius Aidam and one Effiong Udeme in connection to the car theft.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the car was stolen and taken to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, he noted.

In another development, he said the command received series of complaints of tricycles being removed from where they were parked along Boromeo Roundabout in Onitsha North Local Government Area.

The police spokesman said operatives attached to Inland Police Station on March 30, arrested one Isienyi Joshua, 22 and Chinemere Emenike, 19, and recovered two tricycles.

They both confessed to being members of a criminal syndicate specialised in stealing tricycles within Onitsha and its environs.

Discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the gang at large and recover other incriminating items, he added.

According to him, all the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yinusa Ishola

The Police command in Ekiti on Monday rescued two-year old twin babies after they were locked up in a room by their mother for three days.

A statement in Ado-Ekiti by Mr Sunday Abutu, the commands Public Relations Officer, said the incident happened in Igbara-odo, Ekiti South-West Local Government Area of the state.

Abutu said the command acted on a distress call by a good Samaritan at about 9:45 hours and rescued the babies who were without food for three days.

He said a lady, who was later identified as Joy Fatoba of Igbara-odo, locked up her twin babies in her room and even threatened to kill them should anyone compel her to open the door.

According to him, the Commands Rapid Response Squad (RRS), upon the receipt of the information, swung into action, rushed to the scene and tactically rescued the two kids.

He said upon interrogation Fatoba narrated that the father of her kids left her for Calabar during pregnancy and had refused to return to take care of her and the kids till date.

She told her interrogator that she could no longer fend for herself and her two kids recently because her hair dressing work started failing, Abutu added.

The Police image maker said the two-year old kids appeared unhealthy when they were rescued and could neither walk nor stand on their own due to dehydration and undernutrition.

He said the twins upon their rescue were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Abutu said the command would ensure the safety of the kids and their mother and that investigation to unravel the circumstances of the incident had already commenced.

He used the opportunity to extend the commands appreciation to the good Samaritan for volunteering the useful and timely information that led to the rescuing of the babies.

Abutu enjoined the residents to always and quickly draw the attention of the nearest Police Station to any suspicious happenings in their locality or call 08062335577.

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former governor of Kogi, has called on Nigerians to sustain unity and peaceful coexistence as fought by the nations founding fathers.

Idris, who was among the 20 dignitaries turbaned on Sunday with the famous traditional title of Jekadan Sokoto by Sultan Saad Abubakar III, made the appeal while speaking to newsmen on Monday in Sokoto.

The former governor emphasised that Nigerians should embrace one another irrespective of religion, political or ethnic background to sustain the tempo of the countrys greatness.

We all need to be honest and trust each other as a nation with different religions, tribe or ethnic background for us to achieve our desired development.

Therefore, all of us must take the responsibility of our country with sincerity and dedication in order to successfully prefer the best Nigeria for the future generations, he said.

On his new title, Idris assured to live up to expectation, stressing that the new cap had added responsibility for the caliphate and humanity.

He described the Sultan as truthful citizen who carefully followed the footsteps of his fore fathers.

According to him, being a title holder of the caliphate is a great opportunity to serve the entire humanity, as such, I promise to take the full responsibility as an Ambassador of the caliphate by working hard for the development of the country.

I am a Kogi born citizen and today a title holder of the Caliphate, this simply shows how hospitable, friendly and true Nigerians the people of Sokoto State are.

My relationship with Sokoto began with my early days as a furniture factory owner. But as you can see today I am a title holder of the Caliphate. Surely I cannot quantify my bond of relationship with Sokoto, he added.

He explained that as an entrepreneur conducting businesses in the old Sokoto state, he once benefited with government loan scheme of 450 Pouns which had greatly assisted him on his chain of businesses.

Idris added that such loan consideration in spite of his origin had manifested the liberal and true hospitable nature of Sokoto people. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have concluded arrangement to embark on indefinite strike.

The joint unions are embarking on the strike over the non-implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act.

The Chairman of JUAC, Mr Matilukoro Korede, while briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said the FCT Civil Service Commission Act could not remain on the shelf, while the administration continued to deny workers the benefits that would accrue from it.

Korede said the refusal of FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello to implement the act signed three years ago by President Muhammadu Buhari, had put their fate on hold for too long and this cannot be allowed to continue.

He said that the just concluded three days warning strike last week was a sign that issues affecting their welfare would not be further subjected to political bottleneck.

He said that the joint unions in FCTA and FCDA were prepared for an indefinite strike that would cripple all government activities.

According to him, the workers patience has been exhausted as the administration has refused to do the needful after several meetings with the labour leaders.

Korede said that workers had been resilient in demanding for the implementation of Executive Order 1 of 2004.

He said that the order abolished the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory long before the signing of act, which should allow FCT workers to advance in the service like their counterparts in the states.

He said that full implementation of the Executive Order 1 of 2004 and the FCT Civil Service Commission would ensure the removal of the Permanent Secretary, who was posted from the Federal Civil Service Commission.

It will also give opportunity to FCT workers to advance more in administrative cadre, while a qualified worker from the system can be appointed FCT Head of Service as obtained in states.

The chairman said that without the implementation of the act, FCT workers would continue to remain under administrative limitations that would not allow them to grow with their counterparts in the states.

It was a huge relief when the National Assembly harkened to the voice of the staff of the FCT Administration by enacting, passing into law and gazetted it with the consent of the President and the FCT-Civil Service Commission in 2018.

This is three years down the line; the big question is why has it been difficult to implement it till date?

The FCT-Civil Service Commission is created by an act of parliament just like the Federal Civil Service Commission and those of the States Civil Service Commission with primary responsibility of appointment.

Among the demands of the workers are the removal of all FCTA staff from the Accountant-General of the Federation Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Others include immediate release of all pending cases of conversion, upgrading, advancement and abolishment of casualisation of workers on FCTA.

Especially in Transportation Secretariat, Water Board and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, promotion and discipline also known as (APD), within the FCT, Korede said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The National Centre for Women Development has trained more than 2,000 women in carpentry, tilling and POP making as part of an initiative by the centre to empower women nationwide.

The Director-General of the centre, Mrs Mary Ekpere-Eta, made the disclosure at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

Ekpere-Eta, who was speaking with newsmen on the achievements of the centre in the past four years, said that she was keen on fostering women empowerment against the backdrop of the negative impact of COVID-19 on women.

She said that she had commenced an empowerment tour of the six geo-political zones to assist women to scale-up their businesses.

The director-general explained that the tour which commenced from Cross River in the South-South would train women on new skills to make them self-sufficient and pull them out of poverty.

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were at the front lines. Our centre was used as quarantine centre and we did not complain and everything was properly managed.

Now at post-COVID-19, we are training women to bring them out of poverty, especially those ones that have lost their source of incomes during COVID-19.

We have empowered many women in Cross River. We are going to the North East then the other geo-political zones with our empowerment programmes.

We will train the women on poultry, fishing, tailoring, soap-making, among other vocations.

Ekpere-Eta said that the centre had also developed a gender-based violence dashboard which had been used to track sexual offenders with a view to prosecuting them.

She said that the centre had also collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to train women in various aspects of agriculture, saying that up to 1,000 women had benefited from the scheme.

Ekpere-Eta lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his interest in women issues, stating that his administration had paid serious attention to women empowerment.

She said that the Buhari administration was the first to adopt the bottom-top-approach whereby women were taken into consideration in various interventions to cushion the effects of poverty.

The director-general, however, called for more support to the centre for it to achieve its mandate and set goals. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has suspended the Chairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, from office.

Onahs suspension is contained in a release signed on Monday in Calabar by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.

The governor said that the suspension was with immediate effect.

He however did not state the reason for the suspension of the commissions chairman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspension is coming two days after the commission held its maiden award night in Calabar. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Pope Francis dedicated his noon-day public prayer on Easter Monday to the elderly and sick, as well as residents of nursing homes, saying he hoped his words gave them encouragement and hope.

The prayer known as the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) was delivered from the Vatican and viewable for streaming.

It officially ended the Easter celebration in the Catholic Church.

The commemoration of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Mother of God replaces the Angelus (Angel) prayer, which is more common at other times.

This year was the second time after 2020 that the head of the Church had to celebrate the festivities to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Vatican under strict coronavirus restrictions.

There were virtually no pilgrims in Rome over the weekend and the huge St Peters Square was almost empty on Monday.

Easter is the climax of the ecclesiastical year for believing Christians.

In his Easter message earlier on Sunday, the 84-year-old Francis had called for more vaccinations against COVID-19 also for poorer countries in front of a few listeners in St Peters Basilica.

The Argentinian also warned against wars and arms races in the world. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Lawal

Malam Ibrahim Jegudu, Director, Forestry, Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, on Monday said the State Government has planted one million tree seedlings to combat desertification across the state.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi, Jegudu said: The programme was successful, I can remember, we produced about one million tree seedlings in the last two years.

We distributed same to people and on yearly basis we usually seek the attention of government to produce assorted tree seedlings.

Not only tree seedlings that are wind breakers, we also raise some food trees that can increase food bearing trees across the state such as mango, guava, pawpaw which we also give to local farmers.

The Director recalled that some few years ago, Gov. Atiku Bagudu of the Kebbi bought some date and oil palm and donated it free to farmers to encourage plantation of trees especially economic trees.

What we did then was to identify farmers that have clear agricultural development and distributed such trees to them, after assessment, we were able to pick up some farms that actually recorded enormous success.

Even this year, we are making move by the approval of the governor to purchase various assorted plants that will also be distributed to local farmers all in an attempt to minimise desertification in the state, he noted.

On indiscriminate felling of trees, the director stressed the importance of trees to human existence, adding that all religions preach and encourage tree planting.

It is an obvious fact that trees are very essential to human existence as they take in the carbon dioxide we release while we breeth in the oxygen they release.

Some people believed that even food cooked from firewood test better than the one cooked from other energy sources. If not for anything, for the sake of tasty food we should continue planting trees.

You can plant trees in your house, you are not going to cause any effect, you can plant trees in your compound, in Mosques, in Churches and everywhere.

Wherever you plant trees, you tend to have its benefits either by getting shade or cutting branches for firewood while some economic trees can fetch you a lot of income, the director said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Priscilla Osaje

Former Big Brother Naija Reality TV Show 2019 Pepper Dem season 4, Omashola Oburoh has debut in a new Nollywood movie The Amanta Twins.

The reality show star said he was so excited for making the cover of the Nollywood new movie, took to his instagram handle to congratulates himself and asked his fans to anticipate more.

According to him, this new movie has landed him a major role and he does not want to take it for granted as he shared the photos.

I remember back in the days before we buy Naija movies we go first check who de the cover Mad o.

Nollywood lovers are you ready for THE AMANTA TWINS with ur favorite actor Omashola, he wrote.

Oburoh is a model and an entrepreneur, who became popular during his participation as a housemate in the 2019 Big Brother Naija reality show.

He came to light during his participation in the reality show (Pepper Dem Gang) season 4 held in 2019.

The reality star is a model who is signed up to Boss model, Johannesburg, South Africa and also one of the managers at Sumo night club.

Source: NAN News

By Olayinka Owolewa

A more compact and composed Kwara United FC of Ilorin showed great character on Sunday to beat a well organised Nasarawa United FC of Lafia 2-0.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match Day 19 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

With Akwa United picking a draw in Lagos on Saturday against Sunshine Stars of Akure, Kwara United dropped to the second position on the log, but Sunday result means they are back on the summit.

In the 14th minute, Kwara Uniteds Jide Fatokun with a great vision set up Samuel Ganda whose cross is headed to safety by a rugged Franklin Tebo.

Lucas Alves had a fantastic cross to Michael Ohanu of Kwara United who nodded straight into the safe hands of Nasarawa Uniteds goalkeeper, Godwin Ameh, in the 15th minute in one of the very few goal scoring opportunities in the first half.

It was a game with limited chances at both ends in the first half but the visitors were most better than their hosts.

Kwara United restarted the match better than the visitors and showed great character to break a Nasarawa United side that stuck to the game plans to most part of the proceedings.

Samuel Ganda who replaced injured Taiwo Salaudeen at the right back for Kwara United skillfully beat Nasarawa Uniteds back-line to blast home the opener after Stephen Judes meticulous display in the build up releasing the defender for the goal.

Stephen Judes effort which was inches away from goal almost double the lead for Kwara United in the 71th minute.

The solid miners in search of an equaliser came all out as the duo of Silas Nwankwo and Chinedu Ohanachom tried their luck from distance but could not hit target on several occasions.

Ebuka Anaekwe and Tebo Franklin tested Dele Aiyenugba before Jude Stephen dribbled his way pass two Nasarawa United players before bending his effort narrowly wide in the 78th minute.

A well composed Micheal Ohanu sealed the points for Kwara United in the 81th minute, when he received a split pass from Jude, the striker beat the Nasarawa Uniteds defenders to set up one-on-one with Godwin Ameh with a perfect control and sent the ball to his far left for the goal.

With the win Kwara United returned to top of the league with 36 points from 19 games as Nasarawa United dropped down to 6th from the same number of games with 30 points.

Other Results:

MFM 1-1 FC Ifeanyiubah
Lobi 2-1 Jigawa GS
Dakkada 4-2 Rivers Utd
Kwara Utd 2-0 Nasarawa Utd
Wikki 3-1 Katsina Utd
Kano Pillars 1-0 Wolves.

Source: NAN News

Delta picked their first gold medal at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Edo 2020 on Sunday, after winning in the 80km road race for women.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Ese Ukpeseraye of Delta prevailed over 12 other cyclists to pick the first gold medal at the 20th NSF.

Two sisters, Comfort Ayuba and Grace Ayuba, settled for the silver and bronze medals respectively to win for Edo, after winning the second and third positions in the race.

NAN reports that competition in the cycling event will continue on Monday with the men and women 1000 metres individual pursuit for two gold medals.

Meanwhile, Oyo state and Taraba have been readmitted into the festival.

Teams from both states were barred from participating in the festival following their failure to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines for the games.

The games organisers rescinded the decision after the authorities from both states arrived with the certificates in line with the COVID-19 Protocols for the games.

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Enyimba International Football Club of Aba on Sunday rallied back from a goal down to beat Tunisian clubside ES Setif 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup Match Day 3 encounter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visitors were on the front foot at the start of the game at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The Algerian side took the lead through Monsef Bakrar in the 13th minute after he was set up by Ahmed Kendouci.

The Peoples Elephant, however, missed a chance to draw level four minutes later with skipper Austine Oladapo missing from the penalty kick spot.

But Oladapo made amends for his earlier miss with a left-footed finish from long range five minutes before the break.

Tosin Omoyele then scored the winning goal for Enyimba on the hour mark, following a superb pass from Anayo Iwuala.

The result saw Fatai Oshos side shoot to the top of the Group A table with six points from three games.

ES Setif on the other hand remain rooted to the bottom of the log with one point.

Libyas Al-Ahli Benghazi with three points host South African side Orlando Pirates who are currently second on the table with four points in the other group game later on Sunday.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Kaigama

Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi on Sunday secured a hard-fought 3-1 win over visiting Katsina United in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 19 fixture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS) in Bauchi saw the Wikki side taking the lead in each minute through Manu Garba.

However, Katsina United through Joseph Atule drew level 21 minutes, while 30 minutes later Manu Garba scored the second goal.

The second half proved to be tough for both two teams, and the coaches admitted it.

Katsina Uniteds coach Baldwin Bazuaye said: Its a pity we lost where we are not supposed to lose but it is a game and the goal margin was much.

Its normal in a match there should be plus and minus, But we are looking towards our next match which will be well prepared for, he said.

Coach Abdallah Sheriff of Wikki Tourists, on his part, said Sundays outing was commendable.

The most important thing is that we broke the jinx. We have not been having a good run at home, but today we broke the jinx and we won convincingly.

I hope the jinx will be broken forever, so that we will keep on grabbing the three points.

But we are trying to work it out at home. A lot of players are rotated because of injuries, and those that have not been playing have come out to give a very good account of themselves.

It was a good outing that is very commendable, and we are hoping to do more than that, he said.

NAN reports that WIkki Tourists FC now occupy the 12th position with 24 points from 19 matches.

Source: NAN News

By Usman Aliyu

Mr Musa Ebomhiana, the Project Manager, Media and Communications, Sub-Committee for the Edo Games, says seven athletes at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin have tested positive to COVID-19 screening.

Ebomhiana confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Monday.

He said the infected athletes had been quarantined at the Stella Obasanjo Isolation Centre in Benin.

According to him, the affected athletes are from different states of the federation and stood disqualified from the festival.

He, however, noted that the development was a good one when compared with the large number of athletes and officials participating in the national sporting fiesta.

But it is good one compared to number of athletes and officials.

It shows that the country is trying in flattering the cause of COVID-19, he said.

The spokesman for the games, tagged Edo 2020, also clarified that only Oyo state contingents had been readmitted into the games following the completion of the COVID-19 screening.

Taraba is still pending, because they have to undergo test for their athletes and officials.

But Oyo are through with their test and they had been readmitted into the games.

On the number of participating states, Ebomhiana confirmed that 25 states had so far arrived for the games.

You know they keep on coming; there is no end to it.

Some will want to come towards the end; some will miss out the major events, that is how they want it.

As at yesterday, we have 25 states on ground, he said.

The Edo 2020official, however, said all was set for the official opening of the games on Tuesday.

The preparation for official opening ceremony tomorrow is in top gear.

Go to the main bowl and see what is happening there.

The arrangement are in top gear, we are ready. We are more than prepared, the Vice President will be here about noon tomorrow, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

The torch of unity of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) on Monday morning began a tour of Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the torch will however only visit the headquarters of the states three Senatorial Districts, unlike how it was done previously.

Then, the torch had gone through all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The torch-bearers are being led by Sixtus Omokhagbor, an aide to Philip Shaibu, theChairman of the festivals Local Organising Committee (LOC), who is also Edos Deputy Governor.

NAN reports that other members of the team include Osagie Ohaimu, national record holder in the 21km walk race, and Faith Fidelis, an 800m and 1500m specialist.

The first senatorial district billed to be visited is Auchi, headquarters of Edo North.

There, the Head of Service (HoS) of the Etsako West LGA is expected to receive the torch on behalf of the other six LGAs in the district.

The torch is expected to move to Edo Central senatorial district where the HoS of Ekpoma, Esan West LGA will receive it on behalf of the district.

The last place of visit will be Edo South senatorial district, where it will be received by the HoS of Oredo LGA on behalf of the district.

NAN reports that the torch named Unity Torch will be lit at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Tuesday by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who will officially open the 20th NSF.

The 20th NSF, tagged Edo 2020 and the countrys biggest sports event, began on Friday with the arrival of state contingents of athletes and officials.

It will end on April 14 with the departure of all the participants and other visitors. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

India, on Monday, reported its biggest-ever daily surge in coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with the country crossing 100,000 infections for the first time.

There were 103,558 new cases in the past 24 hours, data released by the Health Ministry showed.

Indias national count was more than 5,500 cases higher than the previous peak of 97,894 reported on Sept. 17 last year.

Another 478 fatalities took the death toll to 165,101.

India is battling the second wave of COVID-19, which is driven by surging infections in the countrys richest state Maharashtra that has accounted for 57,074 cases.

Amid fears that the health care system could run out of capacity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a senior-level meeting to review the situation and expert teams were rushed to Maharashtra and the two other worst-affected states.

Authorities in Maharashtra have announced new restrictions including a night curfew in the state and a strict lockdown over the weekends, in place from Friday at 8.00 p.m. until Monday at 7.00 a.m. in order to tackle the virus surge.

Several affected states have also re-introduced restrictions that were relaxed earlier, including closing educational institutions and restricting numbers at marriages and social functions.

The government is also pressing ahead with its vaccination programme, which was opened to all people above 45 years of age last week.

The country aims to vaccinate more than 300 million people by the end of July.

India has logged the third-highest number of cases in the world after the United States and Brazil.

Source: NAN News

Ethiopia registered 1,878 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 215,189 as of Sunday evening, the countrys Ministry of Health said.

The ministry said 27 new deaths from COVID-19 were reported across the country during the same period, bringing the national death toll to 2,963.

The East African country reported 742 more recoveries, taking the national count to 161,968.

According to the ministry, Ethiopia currently has some 50,256 active COVID-19 cases, of which 857 are said to be under severe health conditions.

Africas second-most populous nation, Ethiopia has so far reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the East Africa region, being the fourth most affected country in Africa in terms of positive cases.

The latest figures from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention showed that Ethiopias COVID-19 cases accounted for about five per cent of the African continents total confirmed cases.

The country has so far conducted 2,389,558 COVID-19 medical tests, including 6,962 tests in the past 24 hours, the ministry said.

Ethiopia started COVID-19 vaccine jabs last month after it received the first 2.2 million vaccines from COVAX.

Last week, Ethiopia received a batch of Chinas Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines, donated by the Chinese government.(Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Pope Francis dedicated his noon-day public prayer on Easter Monday to the elderly and sick, as well as residents of nursing homes, saying he hoped his words gave them encouragement and hope.

The prayer known as the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) was delivered from the Vatican and viewable for streaming.

It officially ended the Easter celebration in the Catholic Church.

The commemoration of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Mother of God replaces the Angelus (Angel) prayer, which is more common at other times.

This year was the second time after 2020 that the head of the Church had to celebrate the festivities to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Vatican under strict coronavirus restrictions.

There were virtually no pilgrims in Rome over the weekend and the huge St Peters Square was almost empty on Monday.

Easter is the climax of the ecclesiastical year for believing Christians.

In his Easter message earlier on Sunday, the 84-year-old Francis had called for more vaccinations against COVID-19 also for poorer countries in front of a few listeners in St Peters Basilica.

The Argentinian also warned against wars and arms races in the world. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News