By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), says the number of active COVID-19 cases in Nigeria increased to 9,972, with 81 additional cases confirmed on Wednesday.

The NCDC made this known via its verified website on Wednesday.

The public health agency noted that the new figure raised the total number of infections in the country to 164,993.

The agency said that the 81 new COVID-19 infections were registered in 11 states across the country.

The 81 new cases were reported from 11 states: Lagos-26, Enugu-13, Ogun-8, Rivers-6, Kano-6, Kaduna-5, Plateau-5, Akwa Ibom-4, Delta-3, FCT-3 and Edo-2.

Lagos had the highest figure on Wednesday with 26 new cases followed by Enugu and Ogun with 13 and 8 new cases respectively, it stated .

It noted that no one patient succumbed to the virus in the past 24 hours, that had already claimed 2,063 lives in the country.

According to it, the number of deaths recorded from the virus has declined with only two deaths recorded in the last 15 days.

The public health institute said that nine people were discharged on Wednesday after testing negative to the virus, adding that this brings the total number of discharged persons after successful treatment to 155,021.

The NCDC stated that since the pandemic broke out in the country in February 2020, the nation had carried out 1,912,628 million tests in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

It said that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, has continued to coordinate the national response activities. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi, as the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The confirmation of Abdullahis nomination followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters during plenary.

In the presentation of the committee Chairman, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Abdullahi was found to have demonstrated sufficient knowledge and full grasp of the law, in response to questions put to him on the independence of the judiciary.

He said that the appointment of the nominee satisfied the requirements of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, as amended.

Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi has a wide range of experience, comportment, exposure and possesses the requisite leadership qualities of a Judicial Officer, to effectively superintend over a court of such magnitude and complexity.

He can exercise restraint and uphold the dignity of the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, and the litigants in the discharge of his official functions, he said.

He added that there was no petition or adverse report against the nomination of the nominee, as the chief judge of the high court of the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had, on April 20, requested the senate to confirm the nominee as the substantive Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

According to the president, the request was made pursuant to Section 256(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

NAN reports that Abdullahi was appointed the acting Chief Judge of the FCT High Court on Jan. 6, a position he held until his appointment by Buhari in a substantive capacity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olawale Alabi

Enyimba International Football Club of Aba advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2020/2021 CAF Confederation Cup alongside visiting Orlando Pirates of South Africa on Wednesday.

Cyril Olisemas goal in added time of second half gave Enyimba a 1-0 win at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The win ensured Enyimba upstaged the South African side at the top of Group A table to advance as group winners on head-to-head advantage.

Enyimba had lost 1-2 to Orlando Pirates when they met on Match Day 2 of the competition, but Wednesdays 1-0 win was enough advantage for the Aba side.

Both sides had finished on nine points each after six matches, but head-to-head calculation came in to separate both sides.

They both go into Fridays quarter-finals draw to know their next opponents.

In the other Group A encounter, ES-Setif of Algeria seen as the underdogs, surprisingly defeated Al-Ahly of Libya, 1-0 but could not progress further having secured only eight points from six matches, while the Libyan side ended up with seven points.

Both teams however, did not progress to the quarter-finals stage.

The other qualifiers for the quarter-finals are Raja Casablanca of Morocco, Coton Sport of Cameroon, JS Kabylie of Algeria, ASC Jaraaf of Senegal, CS Sfaxien of Tunisia and Pyramids of Egypt. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Manchester City took a big step towards qualifying for their first UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday with a 2-1 win at Paris St. Germain (PSG).

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez earned them the comeback win in the semi-final first leg match.

PSG went ahead courtesy of a Marquinhos header in the first half, but Mauricio Pochettinos side lost control after the break.

De Bruyne and Mahrez found the back of the net respectively in the space of eight minutes to secure Manchester Citys 18th consecutive away win in all competitions.

Last years runners-up PSG then found themselves with a higher mountain to climb as they were reduced to 10 men.

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye picked up a straight red card in the 77th minute for a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.

The French champions will need to show next Tuesday the same away form which enabled them to succeed in earlier rounds, if they are to progress.

They beat FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou and Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in previous rounds.

Manchester City dominated the early possession but PSG were the more dangerous side with Brazilian forward Neymar testing goalkeeper Ederson twice.

Marquinhos, returning to the team from an injury suffered in the quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich, put the hosts in front.

That was when he headed home Angel Di Marias whipped corner-kick in the 15th minute.

Manchester City, overly cautious for fear of being punished on the break, were again exposed on a set-piece when Leandro Paredes headed Neymars corner-kick just wide.

Pep Guardiolas side lacked their usual composure, with Joao Cancelo picking up a yellow card for a woeful challenge on Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester Citys first real chance came in the 42nd minute when Phil Foden, played infield by Bernardo Silva, shot too close to PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The visitors were more attack-minded in the second half and they equalised after 64 minutes.

This was when De Bruyne, from a corner-kick by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who had just replaced Cancelo, sent in a cross.

Navas failed to react as it curled into the far corner of the net.

The goalkeeper was beaten again seven minutes later when Mahrezs free-kick flew through an inadequate PSG wall.

Gueyes dismissal for a wild tackle on Gundogan made Manchester Citys task easier and they will take a big advantage into the second leg in Manchester. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Mixed sentiments persisted on the nations bourse on Wednesday with the market capitalisation dropping N274 billion in six hours of trading due to sell-off of blue chips.

Specifically, the market capitalisation dipped N274 billion or 1.33 per cent to close at N20.296 trillion from N20.570 trillion achieved on Tuesday.

Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 39,305.48 points lost 524 points or 1.33 per cent to close at 38,781.48.

The market loss was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks, amongst which were; Guinness Nigeria, International Breweries, Ardova Plc, PZ Cussons and UACN.

The market sentiment remained negative with 23 laggards against 20 gainers.

FTN Cocoa Processors led the losers chart in percentage terms with 10 per cent to close at 36k per share.

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals followed with 8.95 per cent to close at N1.73, while International Breweries lost 8.77 per cent to close at N5.20 per share.

PZ Cussons dropped 7.41 per cent to close at N5, while Cornerstone Insurance shed 7.02 per cent to close at 53k per share.

On the other hand, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance drove the gainers chart in percentage terms with 10 per cent to close at 33k per share.

Portland Paints

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Dr Stephen Akintayo, the Chief Executive Officer, Gtext Homes, has called for a state of emergency on infrastructure development to boost employment, wealth redistribution and security in the country.

Akintayo made the call during a news conference announcing the forthcoming 2021 Global Property Brokers conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that declaring a state of emergency on infrastructure development would create opportunities that would spur economic activities and assist to curb issues of insecurity.

Akintayo noted that unemployment was a factor contributing to the increasing rate of insecurity in the country.

He added that investing in ammunition without addressing unemployment issues would not have the much needed impact.

According to him, the three tiers of government must explore the dimension of improving the countrys infrastructure development in health, road networks and mass housing, among others.

Akintayo said that the private sector should take a more active role to assist the government in securing the country.

He stressed that insecurity was inimical to business and investment growth.

Akintayo said that the forthcoming Global Property Brokers conference organised by Gtext Homes was to proffer ideas and solutions that would create employment opportunities and wealth creation through the real estate industry.

According to him, the event slated for May 1 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, will converge global experts in business, real estate, leadership and investment sectors.

Akintayo said the conference would expose participants to real estate investment opportunities, coaching and mentorship, networking and digital marketing tools.

He added that the conference would expose participants to untapped opportunities in the real estate industry.

The conference will provide an opportunity for many youths to learn strategies that would assist them leverage social media to sell real estates in Nigeria, Dubai, US and UK markets.

This will generate incomes that would make them financially independent and contribute to the countrys Gross Domestic Product growth, he said.

Akintayo said that the conference would have about 12,000 participants in attendance virtually and physically from various countries.

Akintayo noted that the conference was targeted at achieving the companys goal of creating 100,000 jobs before the end of 2021. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted and seized 200 million kilogrammes of assorted drugs with a street value of over N80 billion, NDLEA chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, has said.

Marwa, who stated this when the Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Wednesday, in Abuja, said that over 2,100 criminals had also been arrested in connection with the seizures with over 350 convictions secured.

He said that the NDLEA was working on the mandate given to it by President Muhammadu Buhari to mop up all crime related issues in Nigeria, as the use of illicit drugs and substances had been confirmed as major way criminals used in terrorising communities and the society at large.

According to him, banditry, terrorism and other related crimes were generally triggered by intake and consumption of illicit drugs.

The NDLEA has remained upstanding and in 100 days, we have made these heavy and large arrests and seizures.

This is the time for more collaboration with the Police. We believe the Police will support us with intelligence and training.

We are very encouraged to have the IG here, for us to join hands to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria.

And I want to assure you that I will be readily available to rub minds with you, as we need a renewed collaboration between the NDLEA and the Police, he said.

In his remarks, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, commended the NDLEA for the number of seizures so far made.

He said any collaboration between the two organisations would be very beneficial, having seen the improvement and hard work put in by the Chairman in his 100 days in office.

We want to assure the agency that we will always be ready to work and do anything to ensure use of illicit drugs and substances were curbed and reduced to the barest minimum.

Anywhere you need our support, we will be available, Baba told his host. (NAN).

Source: NAN News

By Toba Ajayi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, on Wednesday commenced cyber security training for its officers in the state.

This is contained in a statement signed and issued by the Kwara NSCDC Commands Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Babawale Afolabi on behalf of the States Commandant, Mr Makinde Ayinla.

Declaring the training open in Ilorin, Anyila said a lot of cases had been brought to the command on internet fraud and the command needed more hands to tackle them.

He said the training was organised to update officers on cyber crime.

The commandant advised the participants to take the training serious in order to enhance their performance.

Knowledge is power; the training course is not only for the benefit of the corps, but also for individuals and the nation at large.

No knowledge is a waste; it will forever be useful to you in the nearest future, therefore, do not think it is just for the benefit of the NSCDC, he said

According to him, the training will be focusing on understanding concept of cyber security, why cyber crime is increasing, how to protect organisations against cyber crime, how to become cyber security experts and ethical hackers, tracking of phones and face book hacking, among others.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed N4. 1 billion to the six area councils and other stakeholders as its share of statutory allocation for the month of March 2021.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, who presided over the 152nd Joint Area Councils Allocation Committee (JAAC), on Wednesday in Abuja, said that there was an increase of over N444 million when compared to February 2021 allocation.

She said that in February, the total sum of N3. 7 billion was disbursed to the six area councils and other stakeholders, compared to N4. 1 billion allocated to the six area councils and other stakeholders for the month of March, 2021.

The minister said that the increase in the allocation was as a result of increase in the statutory revenue oallocation from the Federation Account.

The figures released indicate that the sum of N2. 4 billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils.

While the sum of N1. 6 billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N4.1 billion.

However, distribution to area councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) received N463 million, while Gwagwalada got N441 million and Kuje received N396 million.

Similarly, the minister said that Bwari Area Council received N395 million, Abaji got N401 million and Kwali received N399 million.

Furthermore, distribution to other stakeholders include: Primary Teachers which gulped N1. 3 billion, 15 per cent Pension Funds took N226 million, one per cent training fund gulped N42 million.

While 10 per cent Employer Pension Contribution gulped N108 million,Aliyu said.

She called on members of local government employees to shelve their proposed industrial action and assured the leadership of the union that all the six area council chairmen were committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage to workers.

She advocated training of area council staff with a view to harmonising the salary structures of staff, stressing that the disparity identified during the verification exercise should be harmonised.

The minister commended all the stakeholders for showing understanding in the distribution of monthly allocation to area councils and other stakeholders. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Okuanwan Offiong

Nestl Nigeria on Wednesday commissioned an additional Water and Sanitation project at Salvation Army School 2, Edu, Agbara in Ogun.

The facility is expected to provide access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation for no fewer than 1,000 more people including educators, learners and families within the community.

The school is one of the beneficiaries of Nestl for Healthier Kids (N4HK), a primary school-based nutrition education program which teaches healthy nutrition, healthy hydration, good hygiene and active lifestyles to over 17,000 children annually.

At Nestl, we recognise that water is essential for livelihood and wellbeing, particularly in these times where hygiene is critical to curbing the spread of COVID-19.

We are therefore delighted to provide access to clean water and hygiene facilities in one more school within our immediate environment.

We urge the educators and learners at Salvation Army School 2 to make full use of the facilities.

We will continue to focus on ensuring that everyone within our immediate communities has access to clean, potable water, a statement by Nestle quoted him as saying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in February 2021, Nestl had provided water and sanitation facilities at two schools Oke-Ona United School, Abeokuta and St Pauls Anglican School, Orile Imo in Obafemi Owode, both in Ogun.

With the addition of this new facility at Salvation Army School 2, Edu Agbara, over 17,000 people living in the communities around Nestls factories in Ogun and Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), now have access to clean and safe water.

In his address at the inauguration, the Commissioner for Education in Ogun, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu said, This contribution to the welfare of the leaders of tomorrow is highly commendable, and we do not take it for granted.

Your consistent efforts to add value through the provision of water and sanitation facilities in schools within Ogun is highly appreciated.

The addition of yet another facility at Salvation Army Primary School 2, Edu, Agbara is indeed a welcome support to this administration led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, he said.

Also speaking at the inauguration, Dr Femi Majekodunmi, Board Chairperson of Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) said: Todays event is another milestone in our collective drive to further improve the state of personal hygiene in our schools and society at large.

I am therefore glad to note that the project which consists of VIP toilets, a borehole and a 2,000 litre capacity overhead storage tank all at Salvation Army Primary School 2, Edu Agbara, Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area are timely and built to world-class standards.

I wish to also charge the school management, staff and our esteemed learners to make good use of the facilities through proper maintenance to motivate the donors as well as others to do more.

He commended Nestl Nigeria Plc for the laudable intervention in addition to the earlier executed facilities.

NAN also reports that community leaders, dignitaries as well as the administrators, educators and learners of Salvation Army School 2, expressed delight at finally having water and good toilet facilities within the school premises.

Nestl Nigeria has led actions to provide clean and safe water in communities closest to its operations in Ogun State and Abaji within the FCT.

The companys interventions support the Sustainable Development Goal 6 ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

An estimated 100 million Nigerians still lack basic sanitation facilities and 63 million do not have access to improved sources of drinking-water, underscoring the need for consistent multi-stakeholder action to increase access. (NAN)

Source: NAN News