COVID-19 updates by NCDC

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, Oct. 23, 2020(NAN) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) has confirmed 77 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

The agency made this known via its verified wedsite on Friday.

The NCDC said that the 77 new cases brought the nations confirmed cases to 61,882.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as the country keeps up the fight against COVID-19, the spread of the virus continues to slow down.

According to the agency, the latest update shows that the country recorded 77 new infections with two COVID-19 related deaths in 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the last 24 hours in the country.

The public health agency said that the number of recoveries stood at 57,190, as 205 patients were discharged across the nation in the last 24 hours.

The NCDC said that Lagos State recorded the bulk of the new infections with 21 cases, while Kaduna, Rivers and FCT confirmed 20, 19 and four new cases.

Others were; Osun State with three cases of the virus, Ondo, Sokoto, Kwara and Benue confirmed two cases each, while Imo and Ogun reported one case each.

The NCDC said it had conducted 602,239 tests since the first confirmed case relating to the COVID-19 pandemic was announced.

According to it, as at Oct. 24, 2020, 77 new confirmed cases and two deaths were recorded in the country.

The agency noted that till date, 61,882 cases were confirmed, 57,190 cases discharged and 1,129 deaths recorded in 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

It added that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, had continued to coordinate the national response activities.

Source: NAN News

Dr Ken Ukaoha, NANTS President

By Emmanuella Anokam

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has directed its members to adopt immediate security measures for their protection and ensure markets remained closed in states where curfew has been imposed by governments.

Dr Ken Ukaoha, the President of the association, who gave the directive in a statement onFriday in Abuja, said the association had reviewed and noted with dismay the turn of events in the last few days arising from the EndSARS protests.

According to him, it has realised that the current situation has gone beyond peaceful protests heading to wanton and uncontrollable destruction of lives and property.

He said that the development, if not checked might further result in anarchy.

The president said that the association had also acknowledged that there were plans by hoodlums, cultists and possible sponsored elements to unleash terror on innocent Nigerians, particularly traders.

According to him, the markets in selected states nationwide are equally targeted.

Specifically, there are indications of plans by hoodlums to masquerade in army and mobile police uniforms in the guise of protecting market places, only to unleash mayhem on traders and even set some identified markets on fire.

In view of the foregoing, all state chairmen of NANTS nationwide, all market chairmen and executives of malls and business premises are hereby directed to be vigilant to identify unscrupulous elements, in whatever guise around, targeting the destruction of markets.

They are to also report any strange and funny movements around the markets to security agencies immediately.

They are also expected to take urgent steps to guard and/or provide adequate security to the markets and malls, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Rivers, Delta, Kaduna, among others, where we sense potential actions of unscrupulous elements.

Ensure that no trader is involved in this ongoing needless destruction of lives and property and those identified must be reported to the relevant authorities, Ukaoha advised.

He urged those whose markets and goods were affected in the ongoing attacks to be calm, while urging government to seek ways of providing adequate security, compensation and other forms of succour to the affected traders and markets. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on security situation in the state

By Ismaila Chafe

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on security developments and the activities of illegal miners.

He said that already over 31 foreign illegal miners have so far been repatriated from the state.

Matawalle made this known to State House Correspondents after he met behind closed doors with the president at the State House, Abuja.

The governor said 11 Chinese illegal miners and 20 others from Burkina Faso and Mali were repatriated to their respective countries.

He said: I discussed the issue of illegal mining in my State with the President and he directed the office of the National Security Adviser to form a task force on illegal mining, which can go round the State to fish out these illegal miners.

Most of them are not Nigerians but with the support of the Army, Police and other security agencies in the State, some of these people were apprehended and repatriated back to their countries.

Eleven Chinese were repatriated and over 20 from Burkina Faso and Mali.

And its because we have a porous border particularly between Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina with Niger Republic which people always use to come in.

But measures are being taken by the Nigerian Immigration Service, I know they now use drones in some of these areas.

I have a lot of confidence that will help check such infiltration and henceforth we may not have such foreign nationals coming into our country through the back door.

The governor called on the federal government to take measures that would check the activities of illegal miners so as to harness the untapped mineral resources in States for the benefit both the central and state governments.

On security, the governor again condemned the recent killing of over 20 persons in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the State by bandits.

He stated that he used the opportunity of his meeting with the president to demand for additional presidential intervention in order to address the menace of bandits as well as strengthen security in the State.

After the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, we had some challenges in Zamfara and particularly on Wednesday, about 20 people were killed in Talata Mafara Local Government.

And what I solicited from the President was to see how we can be able to have more security personnel that will secure the territory of the State, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Aminu Garko

The Police Command in Niger has arrested 13 suspects over alleged armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm and dealing in Indian hemp in different parts of the state.

The commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued in Minna.

Abiodun said on Oct. 16, at about 13: 00 hours, 11 notorious armed robbers that had been terrorising Minna metropolis were smashed by the police operatives attached to Area Command, Minna.

He said that the command recorded incidences of armed robbery attacks at Barkin Sale on Oct.20, Bosso Estate on Oct.18, Maitumbi on Oct. 24, Moris on Oct. 8 and Shango on Oct.9 all in Minna metropolis.

He said that during the incidences people were robbed of their valuables and about six different vehicles carted away.

We swung into action and arrested 11 suspects who all confessed to be members of the syndicate who participated in these robberies .

We also recovered 1 Barreta pistol,1brownie pistol, 1locally made pistol,5 plasma television,1 Peugeot 206 with registration No.YAB 719LH,2 live ammunition and 4 cartridges.

Others items recovered from the suspects were,1,iron,1cutlass,1screw,some keys ,1iphone,1 Gionee handset,25 pieces of wrappers 1 butterfly sewing machine , 1 Samsung home threatre with five mini speakers and the sum of N 85,500 from the suspects, the police spokesman said.

He said efforts were ongoing to arrest the receivers and recover other vehicles that were stolen.

Similarly on Oct .17, at about 1500 hours Police Safe Highway patrol team attached to Kagara division along Tegina- Zungeru road intercepted and arrested one Suleiman Abdullahi of Mailamba -Agwa village in possession of a locally fabricated riffle with 14 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition.

The suspect confessed to have bought the rifle at N 70.000 through his late brother Sani Abdullahi.

Also on oct.14, at about 1700 hours information was received that one Godwin Snu was conveying 70 bags of Indian hemp from Abuja to Gwada.

Police Operatives attached to Gwada division swung into action and traced 50 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp in a bush near Daza village of Munya Local Government Area.

One Martins Ikwor of Enugu State later surfaced and claimed the ownership of the 50 bags recovered.

Further investigation revealed that the remaining 20 bags are in possession of the said Godwin Snu.

He said that effort to arrest Godwin and recover the remaining bags was ongoing.

Similarly on Oct.9, at about 0430 hours credible information was received that an Indian hemp dealer was conveying some substances believed to be Indian hemp along Mokwa-Jebba road.

Police Operatives attached to Mokwa division were mobilised to trail the suspect.

In the process, police discovered 134 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp abandoned in the bush.

He said that efforts were being made to arrest the suspect. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Henry Oladele

The Nasrul-lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) says it has set up a N10 million relief fund for victims of #ENDSARS protest as it enjoins Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue for a prosperous Nigeria.

The President of the society,Mr Niyi Yusuf, in a statement issuedin Lagos on Saturdayexpressed shock at the reported use of gunshots to disperse peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate.

He condemned all acts of violence, arson and banditry by hoodlums and called for an immediate end of all forms of violence for sustainable peace and security.

We are sad over the loss of lives and livelihood from incidents of arson, riots and looting by hoodlums in several states.

To support affected members, we announce the immediate establishment of a N10m victims restitution relief fund to provide succour to those injured.

This relief fund also goes to those whose businesses and properties may have been vandalised.

Additionally, the society plans to setup a Fellowship Programme for traditional and social media journalists.

This is aimed at recognising, promoting and rewarding reportage that accentuate instances of humane, conscientious and gallant acts of the Nigerian police force that promote good community relationship, he said.

Yusuf said that the society welcomed the directives for an immediate resolution of the crisis and justice to all affected persons from the mayhem in line with the laws and Constitution of Nigeria.

The society commends the governors for their speedy inauguration of judicial panel of inquiry into alleged cases of police brutality at the state level.

The society also commends all our youths who have conducted themselves peacefully.

In the same light, NASFAT calls on the security agencies to always exercise restraint as they restore law and order across the country.

I appeal to all protesters and demonstrators to call off all related street protests and embrace the opportunity for dialogue and peace, he said.

NASFAT requests the government to accelerate genuine dialogue and consultation with civil society organisations, religious leaders, community elders and youth associations.

This dialogue and consultation should be geared toward implementing the announced police reforms, reforming other institutions, job creation and poverty reduction for a more just, united, peaceful and prosperousNigeria, he said.

He prayed that the country would never witness such tragedy again and called on Nigerians to adopt dialogue, embrace peace and obey all lawful directives of the authorities.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State

By Ariwodola Idowu

Ekiti State government, raised an alarm on Saturday that huge quantities of poisonous items, mistaken for food yet to be distributed as Covid-19 palliatives, were looted in warehouses in Ado-Ekiti on Friday

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Akin Omole, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti that raising the alarm became expedient to forestall any harm that could befall anyone who consumed the items.

Also reportedly looted was the office of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Ado Ekiti.

Information at our disposal revealed that the Federal Governments silos, the ADP warehouse and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) stores, all in Ado- Ekiti, were attacked by hoodlums under the guise of seeking Covid-19 palliatives.

We insist that Ekiti state currently has no Covid-19 palliative warehouse as all the palliatives had been distributed.

Unfortunately, the items carted away were Single Super Phosphate and NPK fertilisers, which they erroneously thought was Gaari, cassava grains.

The SEMA store too has only emergency supplies for disaster response.

Some people even made away with pre-fermented corns preserved for planting. All these items are poisonous and not fit for consumption.

We, therefore, appeal to our people not to consume these items because they can kill, Omole warned.

In a similar statement, Dr Olabode Adetoyi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, confirmed the looting, warning that most of the items carted away contained chemically-treated seeds meant for planting.

They are not suitable for consumption, he declared.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the looters actually defied a heavy downpour in Ado-Ekiti on Friday night to storm the warehouses.

Many travelled long distances either in their private vehicles or in taxis or on motorcycles to get to the warehouses to loot.

Soldiers drafted to the warehouses were late as most of them were almost empty before they arrived. They deployed minimal force in their attempt to send the looters away, but in spite of this, some of them sustained injuries.

Some residents are of the opinion that the looters were encouraged by similar incidents earlier reported in Lagos and Osun states, where looted many bags of rice, beans, spaghetti and other consumables stored in government warehouses.

Source: NAN News

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has appealed to protesting youths against Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) to sheath their sword and give government opportunity to prevail over their requests.

The National Trustee of the association, Hajia Raliat Sanni, made the appeal on Saturday during a meeting with various youth leaders of the association in Ilorin.

She said there is no justification for the unlawful activities displayed by the aggrieved protesters.

Hoodlums have hijacked the protest and absolutely no justification for all the criminal activities to distort the good intention of the #EndSARS protest.

Most of the shops looted by hoodlums are owned by the defenceless low class men and women who live from hand to mouth.

The vehicles burnt belong to low class income groups who live in houses without fence or protection. The government vehicles and offices burnt were procured with tax payers money.

The BRT buses that were set ablazed in Lagos were the ones conveying the low income groups to work.

Sanni explained that the demands of the protesters were genuine and reasonable and they had made it known to government and government heard them loud and clear.

But as mothers, we are concerned about the dimension that the protest is now taking, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.

She, therefore, appealed to youths to give government a chance, saying we want you to convey this appeal to your colleagues males and females, to your brothers and sisters out there to refrain from further participation.

Hajia Halimat Yusuf, one of the leaders of the association and former Commissioner for Education in Kwara, advised Muslims to always fear Allah, and to be honest.

She appealed to government to ensure the employment of competent hands in the various government owned establishments across the country.

Yusuf enjoined FOMWAN youths to always seek for forgiveness from Allah.

Source: NAN News

The Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.

Kebbi Government has confirmed an outbreak of gastroentritis in four local government areas following the contamination of water sources due to recent flooding in the state.

The flood had rendered many people homeless, destroyed farm produce and other property and contaminated potable water sources.

The Director, Community Health in the state Ministry of Health, Muhammad-Abdullahi Bubuce said on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi that 328 people were affected.

According to him, the ministry had taken measures to arrest the situation, in order to curb further spread of the disease.

From the reports we received so far, 328 persons have been infected with the disease but the worse hit areas are; Kalgo, Sakaba, Maiyama and Suru Local Government Areas.

For now, we have enough medicine in stock to take care of patients especially those whose sickness has not deteriorated.

I want to appeal to people to prioritise personal and environmental hygiene and ensure that every house has a toilet for use as against passing out stool in the bush.

Once we do not provide toilets in our houses, our environment will continue to contaminate, hence the need to adhere to this advise, Bubuce said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered some of the victims had died, but the director declined to give figures.

Some of the victims who recovered said they were forced to use the contaminated water for their daily activities because they had no alternative source to clean water.

Source: NAN News

Personnel of NSCDC

By Ramatu Garba

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, says it has recorded over 512 civil and criminal cases from January to date.

ASC Ibrahim Abdullahi, the spokesman of the Command, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Kano.

Abdullahi said that out of the 512 cases; 289 were criminal in nature while 223 others on civil matters.

He said: The criminal cases were related to theft; rape, vandalism, illegal sim cards registration, drug abuse, assault and fraud among others.

Over 62 cases of theft, rape, vandalism and illegal sim cards registration were prosecuted before the court of law.

The remaining criminal cases were at various stages of investigation and would soon be charged to court.

Abdullahi noted that 223 civil matters were treated and resolved under its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit.

According to him, the civil cases are that of misunderstanding; land related matters, indebtedness, conflict and domestic disputes, adding that the Command recovered and handed over N4.2 million to the rightful owners.

The spokesman reiterated the commitment of the Command to fight crimes, protect lives and property in the state.

Source: NAN News

Babajide Sanwo-Olu,Lagos State Governor

Tajudeen Atitebi

The Lagos State Government has eased the 24-hour curfew imposed in Lagos State to allow movement of persons from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Saturday.

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, announced this on Friday while inspecting some places that were affected by the destruction during the mayhem in the aftermath of the Lekki Toll Plaza incident on Tuesday night.

He said that there were still pockets of insecurity in the state, adding that the curfew might be reviewed on Saturday after consultations with security agencies.

The governor said that the government would commence cleaning the city from Saturday morning and appealed to motorists to drive with caution.

Sanwo-Olu said that the panel of inquiry into the Lekki Toll Plaza incident would start sitting from Monday and appealed to anyone with petition to send it to the panel. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the plan of both the federal and state governments on police reform will be a game-changer in ensuring an end to impunity.

The plan include investigating police brutalityas well as providing compensation to victims of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.

Osinbajos spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the Vice President made the pledge on Thursday when he received at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, an American government delegation.

The delegation comprised the US Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Bob Destro; US Assistant Secretary, Bureau for Conflict Stabilization Operations, Denise Natali; the Counselor of the US Department of State, Thomas Brechbuhl.

The Charge dAffairs, US Embassy, Kathleen FitzGibbon and Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, were also at the meeting.

According to the Vice President, no fewer than 13 states including Lagos, have established Judicial Panels to seek justice and to compensate those whose rights have been breached.

He said that the President had already supported the decisions of the National Economic Council (NEC).

NEC on Oct. 12 resolved on the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings to deliver justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.

Osinbajo said that NEC also agreed on the provision of monetary compensation to victims and prosecution of erring officers.

While responding to the concerns of the US government on instances of impunity in the country, the Vice President noted that the efforts were part of the Nigerian governments commitment to implement extensive police reforms.

Headded that the establishment of Judicial Panels of Inquiry nationwide would further ensure that the Police and other security agencies ensured the protection of human rights of citizens.

The concerns around impunity are some of the concerns that informed the establishment of Judicial Panels of Inquiry across states. Each state is now required to establish judicial inquiry that will look into cases of impunity, excessive use of force, extrajudicial killingsespecially by law enforcement agents.

Aside from two representatives of Civil Society groups, these Judicial Panels will have youth representatives and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission, among others.

Each State is also required to have what is called the Special Security and Human Rights Committee to ensure that law enforcement and security agencies protect the Human Rights of citizens.

Government is paying attention; the point we are making is that protests are a means to an end, but they cannot be the end; we are very optimistic that what we have put in place would eventually yield the best possible results for us, he said.

The Vice Presidentalso highlighted what he termed false narratives about Nigeria, including the herder-farmer crisis, especially in North Central states and the politics behind the allegations.

Osinbajo said the herder-farmer crisis was exacerbated mainly because of land and resources struggle than from the misinterpreted Christians-versus-Muslim narrative.

Members of the US delegation from Washington DC offered to collaborate with the Federal Government on the issues, a suggestion welcomed by the Vice President hoping that such cooperation would create better understanding of the issues. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The World Health Organisation (WHO), Regional Office for Africa located in Brazzaville, Congo, says there are over 1.6 million confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases inAfrica.

The UN health agency gave the update in its regional official Twitter account @WHOAFRO.

WHO stated on its dashboard that there were over 1.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases on the continent, with more than 1.3 million recoveries and 40,000 deaths cumulatively.

South Africa, Ethiopia and Kenya are countries with highest number of reported cases.

According to the dashboard: South Africa reported 708,359 cases and 18, 741 deaths; Ethiopia had 91,118 cases with 1,384 deaths, while Kenya had 46,144 reported cases and 858 deaths.

Meanwhile, WHO Regional Office in a statement posted on its website said that the new approved antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, would significantly boost testing capacity.

The UN health agency said that many African countries had struggled to test sufficient numbers to control the pandemic, with only 12 in the region reaching a key threshold of 10 tests per 10, 000 people per week, during the past month.

The statement quoted Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, as saying; they have also often fallen short when compared to other countries of a similar size in a different region.

For example, Senegal has significantly boosted its testing capacity, but is testing 14 times less than the Netherlands. Nigeria is testing 11 times less than Brazil.

The widespread use of high-quality rapid testing in Africa can revolutionise the continents response to COVID-19 pandemic. The new, antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests will help meet the huge testing needs in Africa,.

According to the statement, most countries in the region conduct polymerase chain reaction or PCR tests, the gold standard, which require laboratories, reagents and experts, limiting COVID-19 testing mostly to large cities.

People can wait from 48 hours to more than 10 days for results, as they are sent for laboratory verification.

The new rapid tests are easy to use, cheaper than PCR tests and provide the results in just 15 minutes to 30 minutes, enabling countries to decentralise testing, it said.

The statement quoted Moeti as saying that most African countries were focusing their attentions on testing travellers, patients or contacts, and estimate that a significant number of cases are still missed.

With rapid testing, authorities can stay a step ahead of COVID-19 pandemic , by scaling up active case finding in challenging environments, such as crowded urban neighbourhoods and communities in the hinterlands, it stated.

WHO stated that rapid antigen tests were an addition to PCR tests, not a replacement for them, and recommended tests that would be above 80 per cent accurate.

They are more reliable in patients who are symptomatic, with a high viral load, or a lot of virus in their upper respiratory tracts.

Currently the two tests which WHO has approved for emergency use are the standard Q COVID-19 Antigen Test by SD Biosensor Inc. and the Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device, manufactured by Abbott.

They test for proteins produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Bodily fluids are taken from a nasal swab and applied with liquid to a paper strip, where a dye gives the result.

WHO recommends that rapid antigen tests should be used in four scenarios; in suspected outbreaks where there is no access to PCR testing, including in remote, hard-to-reach areas.

It can be used to trace the extent of an outbreak where at least one case is detected through PCR, including in close-contact settings, such as prisons, among other high-risk groups like health workers and in areas with widespread community transmission, it stated.

According to the statement, globally, 120 million of these tests are being made available to low and middle-income countries through the ACT-Accelerator, a coalition launched by WHO and partners, comprising international organisations, the private sector and philanthropy.

It noted that it aimed to expedite the development, production and availability of promising tests, vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.

The statement added that under the umbrella of the ACT-Accelerator, UNITAID, the Global Fund, FIND and the Africa Centres for Disease Control, would distribute the tests in 20 African countries.

WHO is also supporting countries to procure the tests through the supply portal set up by the United Nations.

The health organisation is also working hand in hand with countries and partners to prepare for the roll out of the rapid tests by deploying technical experts, developing a training package.

It would also be issuing key guidance documents with detailed information on which situation and how to use the tests. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Rotimi Amaechi

By Lucy Ogalue

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said that infrastructure and economic development wouldreduce crime and aid better functionality of the security agencies in the country.

Amaechi said this while delivering a lecture to participants of the National Defence College Course 29 in Abuja on Friday.

He recalled how he was able to tackle chaos and unrest among the people during his time as Governor of Rivers by addressing deficits ininfrastructure development.

To create jobs, we had to construct roads and other infrastructure projects. This process saw a lot of people being engaged and insecurity dropped drastically.

In Education, we employed, 13,200 teachers. We set up a Banana Farm with the capacity to employ over 500 persons everyday. This saw a lot of jobless youths being engaged.

In Rivers state, we built over 350 Model Primary Schools, which was not just to improve the standard of education and enlightenment but create employment also.

We built standard Primary Health Care Centres that were acknowledged by news agencies like CNN and Al Jazeera, he said.

According to Amaechi, the security crisis in the State was caused by youths who believed they were fighting for their rights and the even distribution of national resources.

He said they began to bomb pipelines, take crude oil and engage in kidnapping.

Amaechi said as Minister of Transportation,a lot is being done to improve the economy, create jobs for Nigerians and build more infrastructure.

He said the aim was to push the overall growth of the country in different sectors.

We have done a lot in Infrastructure development and employment. The massive infrastructural development in the Railway sector has employed so many Nigerians.

Also, dont forget that in 2011/2012, the out of school children In Nigeria was 10 million which has nowbeen reduced to about 3 million.

In 2013, the cost of Tomato was extremely high, and the then Minister of Agriculture invited me for a meeting and he said to me, can you provide railway transportation from Kano to Lagos?

I called the MD of the Railway to make the trip from Kano to Lagos more regular, and in one week, the price of tomato crashed, he said.

The Ministerfurther gave an insight on the connection between economic development and defence, in the light of security challenges.

He said the only way the army and the police could do their job effectively was when the economy began to grow and people were properly engaged with different activities.

The Army is not supposed to give internal security but the Police is overwhelmed by the crime rate, hence the Army has consistently been rescuing Nigerians.

Economic growth reduces crime and when there is no crime, the Military and Police can rest, Amaechi added.

Responding, the Commandant, National Defence College, Abuja, Rear Admiral MakanjuKadiri, thanked the Minster for gracing the lecture with his presence.

Kadiri also thanked Amaechi for the enlightenment on the role of economic and infrastructure development in curbing crime. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Air Force schools in Nigeria

By George Odok

The 305 Special Mobility Group of the Nigerian Air Force in Calabar has inaugurated the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) Little Angels creche and Kindergarten school.

The school, which would be for children of NAF personnel and the public, was inaugurated on Friday in Calabar by Dr Alfred Mboto, Permanent Secretary of Security, Cross River Governors office, Calabar.

Mboto said that the school which has modern facilities would improve the basic education of the children and sharpen their learning foundation.

The Commander of 305 Special Mobility Group of the Nigeria Air Force Calabar, Group Capt. Abraham Sule, expressed satisfaction with the modern facilities in the school.

Sule said that the school would lay a good foundation for the educational development of the children, adding that the command would continue to support the growth of the school.

Speaking, the NAFOWA Chairperson, Mobility Command, Mrs Asabe Ojeyemi, said that the school was one of the ventures of the association where they impact knowledge on little children from creche to primary six.

Ojeyemi, who was represented by the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs Anietie Nkanang, said that the school places a premium on quality education at an affordable price.

Our schools are spread out all across the Air Force Bases in the country and they are known to have excellent facilities.

It is paramount to note that the most formative years of children between the ages of 0-12 years are the most important and impactful years, hence the need to provide quality education in all our schools.

It is worthy to note that the school we are commissioning today was envisioned and put together at a difficult time when COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the economy and other aspects of our normal day to day activities.

I want to use this opportunity to express our appreciation to the visionary leadership of the NAFOWA National President, Mrs Hajiya Hafisat Abubakar, she said.

The NAFOWA Coordinator in Cross River, Mrs Sarah Sule, said that the association has been renowned for many initiatives targeting women, widows, youths and children.

She said that in line with their motto Service to Humanity, they target various programmes and capacity building initiatives in benefit of their target population.

Todays commissioning ceremony is one of such programmes. Education, especially early childhood education, is very important to NAFOWA.

We believe that once a solid education foundation has been laid, the chances of a successful educational journey is guaranteed, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hoodlums looting relief materials in llorin

By AbdulFatai Beki

Hundreds of suspected hoodlums on Friday besieged the premises of Kwara Ministry of Agriculture and looted relief materials being distributed to victims of recent rainstorm in llorin metropolis.

The hoodlums, including females and teenagers, carried various dangerous weapons and chanted solidarity songs while looting the items.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the looting disrupted the ongoing distribution of the relief items under the supervision of some officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The NEMA officials, military personnel and some officials of the Kwara Emergency Management Agency took to their heels immediately they sighted the hoodlums.

The relief materials looted by the hoodlums were bundles of roofing sheet, bags of rice, bags of cement, blankets, mattresses, among others.

Mrs Lydia Wagami, a NEMA official who spoke with NAN on Friday, said she could not quantify the relief materials carted away by the hoodlums.

She expressed gratitude to God that everybody in charge of the distribution of the items escaped unhurt.

The hoodlums had earlier looted bags of rice from the Cargo shed at the llorin International Airport and the Nigeria Customs office along Ejiba road in llorin.

NAN reports that the activaties of the hoodlums caused panic among residents of llorin as commercial vehicles were completely off the roads while the looting lasted.

Several pedestrians tracked to their various destinations while some decided to pass a night where they have gone to. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Arik Air

By Yunus Yusuf

The management of Arik Air has announced the resumption of flight operations in and out of Lagos from Oct. 24, following the easing of the curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government.

Mr Adebanji Ola, the Communications Manager of Arik Air, announced this in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

Ola said that the flights across the country will operate as scheduled and passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to have ample time to complete boarding formalities.

According to him, customers who could not use their tickets during the period of the curfew can modify such tickets at no extra cost.

He said that the management of Arik Air thanked customers for their understanding while the cancellation of flights lasted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline had on Oct. 20 announced the cancellation of all flights across the country after the Lagos State government imposed a 24 hours curfew on the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

A COVID-19 palliative warehouse being looted by hoodlums

By Christian Njoku

Hoodlums under the guise of the ongoing #EndSARS protest on Friday looted Cross River COVID-19 palliative warehouse at Bishop Moinagh Street, State Housing Authority in Calabar.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the hoodlums were seen in their numbers carting away bags of rice, noodles, salt and gallons of vegetable oil.

They had earlier in the day blocked the Murtala Mohammed Highway, restricting vehicular movement.

As at the time of this report, men of the Nigerian Police Force, who just arrived the scene, were seen trying to restore order,

However, dispersing the crowd that had built was a herculean task as more and more people were seen trooping to the warehouse despite sounds of gunshot.

NAN also reports that some of the people seen carting away items from the warehouse were heard saying the food is ours but they are keeping it for themselves.

Gov. Ben Ayade has imposed a 24 hours curfew in the state starting from 6 p.m. on Friday.

Residents are advised to observe the curfew as security agents have been mandated to arrest anyone who flouts the order.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

OPC members warn hoodlums in South West

By Yemi Adeleye

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) on Friday called for an immediate stop to the destruction of lives and property in the South-West following the #EndSARS protests.

The socio-cultural group, loyal to its late Founder, Dr Frederick Fasheun, made the call in a statement signed by Chief Wasiu Afolabi, its Deputy President.

Rising from an emergency executive meeting, Afolabi warned that if the violence persisted, the organisation might be forced to roll out its men with a view to guarantee security.

The group lamented over the Lekki Tollgate shootings and the subsequent wanton destruction of lives and property, urging the rioters to withdraw from the streets and end the orgy of violence.

It urged President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately empanel commissions of enquiry at both federal and state levels to investigate, identify and sanction those behind Tuesdays shooting of unarmed protesters at Lekki.

Such a heinous crime must not be swept under the carpet; or else we shall be nurturing a licence-to-kill mentality in our military men and security operatives as well as open up our civilian citizenry to the abuse and impunity of those supposed to protect us, Afolabi said.

He said that OPC noted with dismay the peaceful conduct of the #EndSARS protesters allegedly hijacked by hoodlums who now found an opportunity to loot, cause mayhem and destroy the economic basis of the region.

Afolabi said: OPC as an organisation will not fold its arms and watch the region turn into the scapegoat of #EndSARS protests.

However, the organisation noted that every agitation must end on the negotiation table and time has come for campaigners to step back and see whether or not the government would fulfil its promise to end SARS and bring about massive reforms in the police.

Afolabi said that OPC supported a peaceful #EndSARS campaign and fully backed the protesters, but condemned the destruction of businesses, particularly in the Southwest.

This, they said, might lead to loss of jobs by those who are gainfully employed in the affected places.

He said that OPC would not tolerate a situation where the Southwest region becomes the biggest losers of the anti-SARS campaign.

Afolabi commiserated with the families who lost their relations, friends and property in the violence that engulfed some states and prayed God to console them and restore their lost property. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lagos State House of Assembly

By Adekunle Williams

Mr Temitope Adewale, a Lagos lawmaker, says he has earmarked N10 million emergency relief fund for victims of the #EndSARS clash at Fagba area of the state.

Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaye Constituency 1 in Lagos House of Assembly, made this known to newsmen in Lagos on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that there was bloody violence, burning and looting in the Ifako-Ijaiye area this week under the guise of #EndSARS protest.

Adewale said that the fund was to give respite to victims of the sad occurrence which claimed many lives in Fagba, Iju and Abattoir areas of Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos

It is with deep sorrow in my heart and in regret I speak with you because over the last decade we have struggled with infrastructure development and now we have burnt down the little we have.

Since the beginning of 2020, we have managed to be our brothers keeper and we survived through the COVID-19.

One Million Boys attack, NNPC Explosion, Iju/Ogundimu Gas Explosion and now the EndSARS clash which metamorphosed to tribal dispute in our community.

Sadly, lives were lost and lots of property were destroyed. The last three days have added another dark day to our history in Ifako Ijaiye.

I have therefore set up a N10 million Emergency Relief Fund as compensation and redevelopment of our community.

This might not be able to adequately compensate for lives lost and property, but would go a long way in rebuilding our community, he said.

Adewale said the fund would be used for renovations of police stations and other security outfits that were burnt down in the community.

He said there would be compensations for the indigent and those directly affected by the clash and crisis as deemed fit by the committee.

According to him, the committee is to be chaired by the Chairman, Community Development Council, Pastor Opajobi Samuel and Co-Chaired by Mr Jacob Dada.

Others are the representatives of the Arewa Community, Yoruba community, Youths and Market Women.

The lawmaker said he would continue to seek a lasting peace within the community and also be with them during the difficult times.

Adewale appealed to the teeming youths and freedom fighters to ceasefire and stop all forms of violence and destruction in the community.

He said: I also want to plead and appeal to our parents, guardians, religious leaders, community elders and leaders, to appeal to their wards, followers and members of the community to embrace peace.

I hereby appeal to the well-meaning residents of Ifako Ijaiye to be part of this and support any way they can by contributing financially and medically.

Let us join hands together in all ways we can to rebuild our community as we have nowhere else to go.

To all our first responders and gallant youths I commiserate with you, I say thank you and God bless you.

Together we shall rise above this unfortunate incident, Adewale added.

Source: NAN News

Nigerian Youths

By Esenvosa Izah

A Civil Society Organisation, the Civil Liberties Organisation( CLO), has urged youths in the country to form political parties capable of winning the 2023 presidential and other levels of elections.

Its Chairman, Mr Ehi Omokhuale, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, was reacting to President Muhammadu Buharis Oct. 22 speech.

As long as Oct. 20 is ignored by government, there may not be any lasting or constructive engagement with government.

However, because hoodlums and criminals have taken advantage of the EndSars protests, I will advise the legitimate youths to vacate the streets as they are already doing.

The youths should forge ahead by strategising towards taking political power in 2023, with the ultimate aim of achieving their aspirations and ambitions.

This will include a massive youth sensitisation towards registering and collecting voters cards with 2023 polls in mind, he said.

The chairman commended the new salary structure proposed as part of the police reform.

He, however, called for other welfare packages, including training curriculum review, new police operational laws such as new arms handling laws, among others.

To this end, CLO recommends that the Police College should review its recruitment policy, to include psycho-mental health examination, and raising of educational programmes of the college, Omokhuale said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News