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By Aderemi Bamgbose

Mr John Ola-Mafo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant has withdrawn from the Ondo State Governorship election scheduled for Oct. 10.

Ola-Mafo announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Okitipupa.

The state yearns for a true leader who will make the goals and aspirations and the overall interest of the citizenry to be supreme objective of government policies and programmes, he said.

Ola-Mafo thanked supporters across the state who believed in his vision and who contributed towards actualising his dream.

With a great sense of responsibility and unbroken faith in the future of Ondo State, I announce my formal withdrawal from the governorship race, having been an aspirant on the platform of the PDP.

My exit from the contest is predicated on circumstances beyond my control as history is my witness as I withdraw from the governorship race.

I made myself available in the first place because I believed I have what it takes, in terms of experience, vision, capacity, and general competence, to govern the state in a way to guarantee sustainable development in line with the yearnings and aspiration of the people of the state.

From the activities of the present administration and disposition of the people, it is clear that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has failed to meet the expectations of the people.

They have proven to be incapable of meeting the lofty objectives of the masses.

From the foregoing, one can rightly declare that the people of the state are looking for an alternative platform, which the PDP represents, to bring about the desired change in the state.

On way forward, as a patriotic citizen and loyal member of the PDP over the years, I am prepared to work with whoever emerges from the party primaries to bring PDP back to the government house in line with the expectations of the good people of the state, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Interstate travel: FRSC urges motorists, passengers to exercise patience

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists and passengers to exercise patience due to anticipated increase in vehicles on the roads as Federal Government lifts ban on interstate travel.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Mr Ogbonnaya Kalu, gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

NAN reports that for more than three months, the Federal Government had imposed a ban on interstate travel as part of measures meant to contain spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Kalu noted that exercising patience by all road users had become imperative following the rush most motorists would engage themselves in.

I will advise all road users, which includes motorists and passengers to be patient and avoid rush as most people might want to be in a haste to get to where they are going to after few months of being inactive on the road.

Drivers should not speed; while passengers should also live up to their responsibility of cautioning their drivers when he or she speeds or drives recklessly.

Drivers should drive with a sense of moderation, especially as the rains are here.

It is quite clear that the roads are slippery now and one must exercise some level of caution.

Also, as long distance transport companies had parked their vehicles for few months; it is good they do servicing on their fleets.

There is a need to check tyres, lighting system, wipers, oils and radiators, among others and ensure that they are in top working condition, he added.

The sector commander noted that his command would put more efforts on enforcement as more vehicles plied major road corridors within the state to ensure safety of all.

Kalu said that FRSC officers and men were still within the state boundary areas to ensure safety compliance of all vehicles crossing over to the state.

We will also ensure that transport companies and drivers maintain Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol on physical distancing in parks and number of passengers being carried at a time.

FRSC will ensure rules of wearing of face masks by all in all parks.

While transport companies provide temperature checking device and alcohol-based sanitisers or hand washing devices for passengers, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Coronavirus

By Christian Ogbonna

Bayelsa has recorded two additional COVID-19 related deaths and seven new infections as announced by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Dr Jones Stowe, Director of Public Health and member of state COVID-19 Task Force who gave the update in a statement on Wednesday in Yenagoa, said the new deaths brought the total number of deaths in the state to 14.

Stowe said that the total COVID-19 infections in the state has risen to 205 with the new cases.

The state recorded seven new confirmed cases and two new deaths on Tuesday.

The total confirmed cases are now 205, active cases 91 and total discharged stood at 100.

We call on the general public to please, adhere strictly to the recommended public health advisories to reduce the transmission of COVID- 19.

Maintain regular washing of hand, use your facemask, avoid hand shake and crowd; stay safe, MaskUpBayelsa, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

who

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned people against wearing masks while exercising, saying masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.

WHO gave the warning on Wednesday in an update of its Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters.

It said that sweat could make the mask become wet more quickly which made it difficult to breathe and would promote the growth of microorganisms.

The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one metre from others, it said.

The health agency said that the prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, did not cause Carbon dioxide (CO2) intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.

It, however, noted that the prolonged use of medical masks could be uncomfortable.

While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally.

Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.

Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are flat or pleated; they are affixed to the head with straps or have ear loops, it said.

It maintained that the likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals was very low.

As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home.

This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the soles of shoes, it said.

According to WHO, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus not by bacteria.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication. In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a health care provider, it said.

WHO noted that currently there was no licensed medication to cure COVID-19.

It advised people that have symptoms of the disease to call their health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for assistance.

WHO added that most people who contracted the COVID-19 had mild or moderate symptoms and recovered due to supportive care.

Source: NAN News

Gov. AbulRahaman AbdulRazaq

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who inaugurating the committee said it was aimed at mitigating the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee, which is a World Bank-backed initiative, was inaugurated on Wednesday in Ilorin.

The members of the committee are the Commissioner for Finance and Planning/Team Lead (CARES), Mrs Oyeyemi Olasumbo, the
Commissioner for Enterprise, Mr Femi Agbaje, the Technical Assistant on Agriculture to the Governor, Abdulqowiy Olododo, the
Senior Special Assistant on Non-Governmental Affairs, Mr Oloruntoyosi Thomas.

Others are KWASSIPs Anchor, Mohammed Brimah, the Head of Irrigation/Water Resources, MARD, Dr Busari Isiaka; and the
Acting State Project Coordinator of FADAMA, Adam Abdullahi.

The governor, who was represented at the inauguration by the finance commissioner, called for diligence and dedication while carrying out the assignment.

He said that the mandate of the committee was to fashion out ways to protect livelihoods and food security for the poor and vulnerable families.

He added that the CARES was to facilitate quick recovery of local economic activities through increased cash transfers, food security and food
supply chains for poor households, and enhance the capabilities of MSEs in the state.

NAN reports that the CARES Programme is a World Bank-assisted programme for results targeted at existing and newly vulnerable households,
their food supply chains, and micro and small enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: NAN News

Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau, issuing oath of office to Justice Sati Dabit, the new Ag President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Plateau, on Wednesday at Government House Jos.

By Martha Agas

Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau has called for investment in the digitisation of courts to enhance its efficiency in the country.

The governor made the call , at the swearing in ceremony of Justice Sati Dabit as the Ag President of the Customary Court of Appeal on Wednesday at Government House Jos.

The experience we have garnered from COVID-19 has further reinforced the need for us to invest towards digitizing our courts and also ensuring that Information Communication Technology (ICT) platforms are available for use to further enhance the efficiency of our Courts.

My administration will continue to work with the Judiciary and Legislature, to ensure that our Courts are made conducive for judges and staff as well as all those who come to access justice or other services, he said.

Lalong urged judicial officers, especially Judges to uphold justice and equity in the discharge of their duties, as the Judiciary is a critical pillar of democracy and the only hope for justice for Nigerians.

He said that the sanctity, integrity and independence of the Judiciary must be defended at all costs to forestall chaos, anomie and instability, urging the Ag president and his Staff to tow that path.

The governor urged Plateau people to pray for the judge as his new position was a huge responsibility that should be discharged according to the Constitution and the oath of office he had taken.

He expressed confidence that Dabits experience and record of service, was an indication that he would perform well in his duties of justice delivery and reform of the judiciary for more effectiveness.

My Lords, we are aware of the challenges of our judiciary and the need to ensure that it is transformed to be in tandem with the realities of the day and the yearnings of the people, particularly in ensuring quick dispensation of justice, he said.

He assured the judiciary of a cordial working relationship with Plateau government for the benefit of its people and progress of the state.

I charge your Lordship to resist any attempt to compromise your integrity and that of the Court and to abhor any act that is against the Constitution and dictates of your professional calling, he said.

Responding, Justice Dabit, the new Ag President promised to discharge his duties guided by Nigerian laws and constitution.

He noted that the society looked up to the court to get justice, saying he would ensure that the customary court being a grassroots court achieved such objective.

Dabit appreciated the Plateau Government and People for the opportunity to serve as the Ag President of the court, saying he would not disappoint them in discharging his duties.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Justice Dabit was sworn in as Ag President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Plateau, following the retirement of Justice Julia Kyentu on
Friday, June 26th.

Source: NAN News

NURTW

By Lucy Ogalue
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on Wednesday, says it is not the intention of the union or in its place to increase cost of transportation in the country.

Mr Kabiru Yau, Acting General Secretary of the union, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the vehicle owners rather than the workers union were responsible for any increase.

Yau was reacting to an earlier publication in the media where the union requested for governments support in form of Transport Subsidy or it will increase the cost of transport.

NAN reports that the COVID-19 guidelines by the government required commercial vehicles to carry fewer passengers than normal on each trip, thereby reducing the income of the motorists.

Following an earlier statement that we (NURTW) will increase transport cost due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

I wish to state that the NURTW is a workers union that have the interest of Nigeria and the general public at heart.

It is not our intention or in our place to increase the cost of transportation in the country. The car owners are the ones saddled with that responsibility.

The union will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the peace and safety of travellers and Nigerians, Yau added.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger

Niger Government, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Family Home Funds, a financing firm, to develop 1,200 housing units at a cost of N1.8 billion.

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger, while signing the MoU in Minna, said the project was part of the state governments efforts to provide qualitative and affordable houses for the people.

Bello decried the poor condition of the existing four estates that were built by previous administrations.

He, therefore, advised financing firm to ensure the contractors abide by terms of the agreement to build quality houses.

We have had bad experiences when it comes to estates, especially with four of our estates M.I. Wushishi and Talba estates in Minna, Sani Bello and Aliyu Makama housing estates in Kontagora and Bida.

This is as a result of bad structuring and MoU.

I hope the contract will be clear and the contractors will abide by the agreement and that both parties will take the matter seriously to ensure the houses are built in accordance to structure and terms, the governor said.

He said that provision for contractors to make profits were usually contained in the bill of quantity, but that most contractors get greedy while executing projects.

He, however, gave assurance of full government support in executing the project in order to provide decent and affordable houses for the people.

Earlier, Mr Femi Adewole, Managing Director of Family Funds Home, explained that the project was to provide 1,200 housing units for citizens that would change their lives.

Adewole said that the project would create 6,000 jobs for women and youths through indirect linkages.

He added that the company was working with nine state governments to build 14,000 homes altogether.

He assured that the company would work assiduously to disburse funds for immediate take-off of the project.

The managing director appealed to the state government to ensure the enhancement of infrastructure provision for quality homes.

Family Home Funds is financing the project to provide quality homes and the state government is to repay the loan between the period of seven to eight years, he said.

Also, Malam Ahmed Abdullah, General Manager of the Niger State Housing Cooperation said that 70 per cent beneficiaries of the houses would be civil servants while 30 per cent would be the general public.

Under the first phase, he said that 300 units of two bedrooms flats would be built and 100 units of three bedrooms under the second phase.

He added that the houses would be located along Kaduna-Abuja road.

Source: NAN News

Aisha Buhari

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has pledged her continued support to widows of late Nigerian soldiers to enable them to become economically self-reliant.

She made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during the graduation of 50 beneficiaries of Nigerian Army Widows Empowerment Scheme.

The three-month training programme was organised by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Future Assured programme of the first lady.

The first lady who was represented by Mrs Grace Chamah, wife of former Military Administrator of Katsina State, said the gesture was aimed at reducing the hardship faced by the widows.

She also called on wealthy individuals to provide support to the families of the fallen heroes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were trained on different skills, including catering and food processing services, fashion and tailoring, soap making, Agro Allied/Fishering as wellas beads-making.

The beneficiaries were also provided with startup kits, such as gas cylinders and cookers, sewing machines and fish ponds, among others.

Source: NAN News

A 17-year-old girl, Barakat Adeoti, has emerged the winner of a COVID-19 essay competition for secondary schools in Badagry, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was organised by an NGO, Real Act of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation.

Adeoti, of Araromi Ilogbo Senior Secondary School, Oko-Afo, won the final round of RAK COVID-19 Essay Competition held on Wednesday at Ajara Vetho, Badagry.

The topic of the essay writing was The Lessons I Learnt During The COVID-19 Pandemic.

NAN reports that Olufisayo Sorungbe and Faith Ojerinde, both SS3 and SS2 students of Lagos Senior Model College, Kankon, came second and third, respectively.

Adeoti received a cash award of N10, 000, Sorungbe got N6, 000 while Ojerinde received cash prize of N4, 000.

Other participants were presented with consolation prizes which include school bags, exercise books, Notepad, water bottles, face caps and pens.

In his speech, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Founder of RAK Foundation, said the competition was aimed at keeping the students busy during the pandemic.

We are all suffering from COVID-19, the whole world is going through changes, all students are at home, a lot of students are willing to go back to school,

So, I thought of a way to engage the students, and what came to my mind was the essay competition, he said.

Ogunlende urged the students to always take advantage of similar education programmes to excel, adding that aside the cash prize, the competition was an opportunity to push themselves forward.

For me it is not so much about the prize, its about the opportunities, value and leverage we are creating for the young individuals to thrive.

In this type of competition, to me everyone is a winner, for the fact that you actually took the effort and time to participate.

The sky is your foundation, not your limit, Ogunlende said.

Ogunlende also commended the volunteer teachers who selected the three winner of the competition.

He described them as the pillars of success to the essay competition, adding that without them they wouldnt have been able to achieve the aim of the competition.

Also speaking, Mr Raji Olanrewaju, the team leader of Education Volunteers for RAK COVID-19 Essay Competition, said a total of 26 students submitted answers through a dedicated WhatsApp number.

Olanrewaju said the number was later shortlisted to a round of 15 persons out of which the best three were selected.

After receiving the cash prize, Adeoti thanked the pioneer of RAK foundation for putting up an educational programme for students.

She said that she heard about the essay through her computer teacher who encouraged her to try her best.

Source: NAN News