President Muhammadu Buhari gave his administrations readiness to securing lives in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic ravaging the world.

He did mention his pledge to protecting Nigerians in a series of tweets on his verified handle.

Nigerians have been demanding that the president should address them in times like these.

He said " Protecting Nigerians from the Coronavirus is a key priority for us as a Government. We have the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) working round-the-clock with several other agencies, as well as State Governments, to ensure this."

"I have absolute confidence in the relevant Ministers in the cabinet, the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus which I recently established, and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are all providing constant updates and professional counsel."

Protecting Nigerians from the Coronavirus is a key priority for us as a Government. We have the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) working round-the-clock with several other agencies, as well as State Governments, to ensure this.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) March 20, 2020

I have absolute confidence in the relevant Ministers in the cabinet, the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus which I recently established, and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are all providing constant updates and professional counsel.

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) March 20, 2020

The Osun State Government has banned all gatherings of 50 or more people in the same place as part of measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

A statement by Mr Ismail Omipidan, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday in Osogbo, said the ban takes immediate effect and until further notice.

It said the ban would affect all Schools, Churches, Mosques, Night Clubs and Sports arenas across the state.

The statement noted that the state government arrived at the decision after wide consultations with health professionals and stakeholders in the health sector.

It said the ban became necessary following Federal Government’s directive to ensure precautionary measures were taken to prevent the spread of the disease.

Government advised the citizenry not to panic, saying no Coronavirus case had been recorded in the state so far.

According to the statement, government noted that the mere fact that few cases have been reported in its neighbouring states makes it imperative to act.

“As at 18th March 2020, the total number of cases as announced by the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, stands at eight (8), with one of the five (5) recent cases confirmed on Wednesday, in Ekiti State.

“Though we have not recorded any case of the deadly virus, as a responsible government, we must be prepared so that we are not taken by surprise.

“The Coronavirus scourge is a complex public health emergency, the type the world had never seen.

“Therefore, to protect our dear state, our children, and our economy will require our collective response and sacrifice.

“Government at both state and local government levels will lead but we will all need to do our bit to get through this bad patch.

“As a responsible and responsive government that places premium on the well-being of its people, we will protect our citizens from potential and actual threats.

“We also urge our people to dedicatedly observe the precautionary protocols of thorough washing of hands with soap and clean water and the use of hand sanitiser; observing social distance and avoiding large gatherings, and alerting the authority of any suspected case.

“Our Technical Action Committee is working round the clock to beef up the State’s capacity for epidemiological control and management.

“We therefore call on citizens not to give in to undue panic, ”.

Some customers of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) have been plunged into darkness as its 33KVA feeder located around the on-going railway construction site near the popular Tejuosho market, Yaba has been damaged owing to the activities of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

A statement signed by EKEDC’s Corporate Communications General Manager, Godwin Idemudia, revealed that excavation of the railway site exposed underground cables that were instrumental to the supply of electricity to places in Yaba and environs, further stating that the cables were later vandalised and stolen by unscrupulous elements.

According to Idemudia, the issue was detected by the Operations and Maintenance team of EKEDC on routine surveillance of the feeder.

Further investigation discovered that suspected cable thieves had carted away 180 meters of the cable which has caused outage to customers in the following areas within Yaba and Environs; Tejuosho Market, Montgomery, Ojuelegba, Abeokuta Express, Borno Way, Freeman, Capital Works, Herbert Macaulay, Sabo Express, Muritala Mohammed, Jacob Mews amongst others.

He said “We are yet to ascertain if this was a deliberate act by the company (CCECC) for whatever reason or its construction workers took advantage of the situation for personal gains. However, we can confirm that this is not the first case of a similar incident involving the company and it is our duty to inform customers of the source of their inconvenience”.

The EKEDC Spokesperson assured customers that investigations are being conducted to apprehend the culprits and prevent such incidents from recurring.

He also pleaded with customers to exercise patience while efforts to resolve the issue and restore supply as soon as possible are underway.

The speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.(Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu and the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi to intensify efforts in disseminating information about the coronavirus to people of Lagos State.

The Speaker wants such information to be very regular and in different Nigerian languages that residents of the state can easily understand.

Obasa made this statement during the plenary session of the assembly on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

“The way things are now we don’t know the number of people that have been infected going by the number of people that have tested positive to the virus,” he said.

He said if people had listened and followed the precautions earlier given by the government the number of infected person would not have risen up to what it is now.

He also said it is now imperative for the government to continue to churn out more information on preventive measures to be taken by the people in order to stem the spread of the virus.

He applauded the government on its decision to reduce the number of people in places of worship.

He also advised that the meetings with market women and NURTW members should be regular for further enlightenment.

Silverbird Group Chairman and Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce has lost his wife of over 40 years, Evelyn.

Murray-Bruce, who made the announcement on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts on Friday morning, said his wife died of cancer.

In his message, he described his late wife as a blessing to many.

He also mentioned early detection and treatment of cancer as a key to survival.

“I’m broken. Just lost my beautiful wife to cancer. She was my best friend for 43 years and my wife for 41 years. Cancer is real, but it shouldn’t be a death sentence awareness, and early detection and treatment are key to survival. I miss her so so much. I’m broken.

“Our children are devastated, I am too. But I have to be strong for them. Please put our family in your prayers. Like the sun, my wife was a blessing and touched the lives of everyone she met. Though she’s gone, she’d remain alive in our hearts forever.

“I miss you, my sweetheart, and my most beautiful girl, Evelyn Murray-Bruce. Forever yours,” he wrote.

Murray-Bruce, who is also the founder of Silverbird Group, represented Bayelsa East senatorial district in the eight Senate.

He was married to late Evelyn for 41 years and has four children.

The Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde has apologised for the hosting of the Peoples Democratic Party Zonal rally in Ibadan on Wednesday amidst the growing COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country.

The governor, in a statement Thursday, admitted the rally shouldn’t have happened but took responsibility for the gaffe.

“I have received your complaints about the rally that was held yesterday (Wednesday), and I feel obligated to state in clear terms that we acted based on the information we had at that time. In retrospect, it should not have happened and I take responsibility for that lapse in judgement,” he stated.

Speaking further on the measures that the Oyo State Government is taking to ensure the prevention, containment and control of the COVID-19 situation in the state, Governor Makinde said in the last few days “a lot has come to light in Nigeria regarding COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus Disease, which has been ravaging the world for the past few months.

“At a point, some people thought we were immune to this disease. I know some among you may still hold that opinion. Although as stated by our Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello, at a press conference this morning, we do not currently have any confirmed case of Coronavirus in Oyo State; we still all need to be more proactive.

According to the governor, following the oath he swore to on assuming office on May 29, 2019, he assured that his administration will do everything in his power and working with the agencies of the Federal Government, to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the state.

Makinde urged members of the public to not give in to any form of panic.

His words; “As a people, we can take several measures to beat this virus. It has been shown that maintaining proper hygiene through frequent washing of the hands, scrubbing for 20 seconds with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers that are 90% alcohol based, is a key way to prevent the spread of this disease. I implore all citizens to make these practices a routine and a priority. Social distancing is also highly encouraged.”

Makinde also announced the immediate steps the State Government is taking to tackle the disease.

“Setting up the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force led by me. This task force will be holding its first meeting tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020. Immediately after the meeting, I will hold a press conference and update you on all decisions reached and so far, implemented.

“The Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday, March 16, 2020, will continue. The mission will be used as a vehicle for disseminating information about Coronavirus prevention and control.

“However, anyone who has shown any known symptoms of COVID-19 such as dry cough, fever, nausea, severe headaches, difficulty breathing and tiredness should please, isolate themselves and call the following Oyo State Ministry of Health helplines:‬ ‪08038210122‬, ‪08023229267‬ or ‪08073431342.‬‬‬

“Once again, I urge all citizens of Oyo State to remain calm and observe all preventive measures announced by the State and Federal Ministries of Health and their agencies.”

An Indian staff of Onshore Construction Company, an instrumentation contracting firm with Dangote Fertilizer Limited, who had shown symptoms associated with COVID-19 and subsequently isolated, has been confirmed negative.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who disclosed the outcome of the test via his Twitter handle said, “An Indian national that was admitted in our facility yesterday (Monday) night with symptoms suggestive of #COVID19 has tested negative to #COVID19.

“He is doing perfectly well in our isolation unit. His case will be reviewed in the morning (Wednesday)”, the tweet added.

It would be recalled that the management of Dangote Industries Limited had announced that an Indian national working for a third party firm at its fertilizer plant had shown up at the site clinic exhibiting symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 pandemic and was immediately quarantined and taken to the Lagos Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

According to the company, “the patient’s complaint triggered our COVID-19 Preparation and Prevention Protocols which necessitated further screening and isolation immediately.”

DIL said one Mr. Akhil Kunyil, of the Health and Safety Environment unit of the Onshore Company had reported the development to it, following which local authorities were contacted.

“The suspected COVID-19 patient was immediately moved to the Lagos Mainland Hospital where he was placed in isolation ward for confirmatory test, which later turned out to be negative.

“As an organization we have taken the following stringent proactive measures across our entire group. These include: As an organization we have taken the following stringent proactive measures across our entire group:

1. Development of a comprehensive risk identification, control priotization and escalation plan executed by our Co-Vid19 Task Force constituted in January 2020.

2. Identification and retention of a competent team of medical consultants

3. Travel ban for all employees to/from high risk countries as per W.H.O publications of country exposures

4. Travel tracking of all employees and contractors staff arriving/leaving Nigeria and obligations for completion of medical checks to validate health status

5. Implementation of use of Thermal cameras across our various sites as well as infrared thermometers checking in smaller office locations

6. Identification and creation where applicable of holding, isolation and quarantine areas.

7. Implementation of use of sanitizers across all locations: sites and offices

8. Multiple and continuous awareness campaigns on preventative measures to be taken (both electronic and physical i.e posters, public announcements)

The measures, the company management said are being continually updated as the situation globally evolves and will continue to do so. “The welfare of our employees and the nation as a whole remains our utmost priority.”, it added.

With the breakout of the coronavirus pandemic, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) had announced a donation of N200 million to support efforts of the Federal government towards curbing the spread of the virus in the country.

Speaking during the donation in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, who was represented by the Health and Nutrition Programme Officer, Maryam Shehu-Buhari, said the donation was part of the Foundation’s cardinal objective of partnering governments at all levels against the dreaded disease in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

In this regard, she stated that the Foundation has earmarked a sum of N124 million to support the procurement of facilities that will help prevent, assess and respond to health events at Points-of-Entry to ensure National Health Security.

Youssoufou also highlighted other areas of intervention to include surveillance and epidemiology, where facilities worth N36 million will be provided by the Foundation to support government’s efforts.

The Federal Government had acknowledged the kind gesture by the Aliko Dangote Foundation and commended its Chairman, Aliko Dangote for always rising to the occasion whenever the need arises.

The government recalled similar intervention during the Ebola crisis when the Foundation led efforts at ending the scourge not only in Nigeria but generally on the African continent.

Source: PM Express

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, has shut all its churches in Lagos and Ogun States in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

The church also declared 30 days prayer and fasting to seek divine intervention against Coronavirus.

A statement issued by the Assistant General Overseer (Administration), Pastor Gbesan Adebambo in the Church’s headquarters at Onike Iwaya, Lagos, said “We write to draw your attention to the directive from the Governments of Lagos and Ogun States, respectively, banning all religious meetings and gatherings of more than fifty worshippers as an urgent measure taken to curtail the wide spread of the global pandemic coronavirus in the aforementioned states.”

The statement said in strict compliance with the government’s directive, no services, including deliverance ministrations must hold in any of MFM branches at all levels in the Region until further notice.

It added that all house fellowship meetings at any of the centres were postponed till further notice.

MFM also said all members were to engage in 30 days personal prayer retreat, beginning from Sunday, 22nd March 2020 to Monday, 20th April 2020 and that the prayer booklet would be made available free.

According to the statement, “Church premises should not be opened to members/worshipers for services. However, Pastors/Ministers must be positioned at the church entrance gates(s) to attend to the uniformed members, anoint them and hand Personal Prayer booklet over to them.

“Members are to be encouraged to hook up to online page on which ministration on video will be streamed live from the International Headquarters covering the period of the interim arrangement, connecting through https:ntainoffire.org/messages. Other online platforms are; MFM youtube, streaming faith prayer, azure and audio-only prayer, MFM facebook channel and MFM Television.”

More Nigerian states have announced the shutting down of schools as part of preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus. Anambra, Niger, Benue Lagos and Enugu are the latest states to shut down schools.

The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday night, ordered the closing down of all public and private schools from Monday, March 23, 2020. A statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, stressed the need for parents to ensure that their children practice “social distancing” while at home, wash their hands regularly or use hand sanitizers and observe high standards of personal hygiene.

Similarly, the Niger State Government, on Thursday, directed the closure of public and private schools as well as tertiary institutions across the State from Monday, 23rd March, 2020.

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, further stated that all public gatherings have been suspended by the state government.

Matane disclosed that the closure of the schools, which is for the period of 30 days, and the suspension of all public gathering is with immediate effect.

On it’s part, the Anambra State Government ordered the closure of all schools in the state. The state government, on Thursday, ordered closure of all schools in the state for an indefinite period on or before 27th of March 2020. This announcement came while most schools in the state were planning to commence their second term examinations next week. Recall that private schools in the state were on three-day strike, that commenced on Monday and ended Wednesday.

The government order read: “All inter-house sports competitions are hereby suspended until further notice. “The management of all schools in the state must provide hand wash stations at entrance of all schools. “They must ensure that all students and visitors wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, allowing their hands to air-dry. It is desirable for parents to provide hand sanitizers for their wards.

“Management of all schools must, on arrival to school, take the temperature of their day students. Temperatures above 37.9 degrees Celsius must be reported to the nearest hospital. “Schools management are encouraged to take the temperature of their boarding students at least once every day. Temperatures above 37.9 degrees Celsius must be reported to the nearest hospital.

“All Primary and Secondary Schools in Anambra State must go on indefinite vacation effective 27th March 2020” “Students of Anambra tertiary institutions must proceed on vacation effective 20th of March 2020 until further notice.”

Also, the Enugu State Government has directed public and private primary and secondary schools in the state to conclude all activities in their various schools and shut down on or before Friday, March 27, 2020.

In a statement by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the state government further enjoined teachers and students to continue to observe the School Water Sanitization and Hygiene Programme (WASH) operative in the state as well as other standard personal hygiene protocol for prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Enugu State Permanent Secretary of the state ministry of health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi also urged the residents of the state to go about their daily normal activities without fear or panic. More so, the Benue State government, on Thursday, ordered the closure of all schools in the state latest by Friday, March 27, 2020.

Commissioner for Education in the state, Professor Dennis Ityavyar, told journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting in Makurdi that the closure was part of measures to prevent Coronavirus in the state.

Ityavyar said all schools in the state had been directed to conclude examinations on or before Friday next and proceed on holiday, stressing the need for schools authority to ensure that physical contact is restricted before the end of the examinations.

Also, the Kwara State Government announced yesterday that it will shut down schools in the state from Monday, March 23rd in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

Earlier on Wednesday, governors from nine northern states in Nigeria agreed to shut down schools for 30 days in the region, as part of measures to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Federal Ministry of Health had, earlier on Wednesday, confirmed five new cases of coronavirus in the country while the Lagos State Government confirmed another four new cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 12.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/more-nigerian-states-shut-down-schools-over-coronavirus-fears.html

More than 1300 coronavirus suspects are being tracked in Lagos, after being in contact with the 11 confirmed positive cases, commissioner for health, Professor Akin Abayomi said on Thursday.

He said government is following up the huge number of suspects to find information about the state of their health.

He said the number of suspects is growing everyday and appealed to the suspects to self-isolate and report themselves if they develop symptoms.

Abayomi said that 19 people were tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday, with four out of them testing positive to the virus.

He said the positive cases have been isolated for treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

Breaking #COVID19Lagos
➡️ Lagos confirms 4 more new cases of #COVID19 bringing the total of confirmed cases in Lagos to 11 out of which 9 are active cases.
➡️ The 4 new cases were among the 19 suspected cases we are investigating & contacts of the new cases announced yesterday pic.twitter.com/adARGQVsw8

— LSMOH (@LSMOH) March 19, 2020

We are appealing to everyone that were on these two airlines -
Turkish flight of 14th of March, 2020 TK1830 and Lufthansa Flight of 13th of March, 2020 LH568 to self isolate and contact @LSMOH on 08000CORONA.@toluogunlesi @aproko_doctor @Mr_JAGs @lagospedia @thetundeajayi pic.twitter.com/B5RvQB4nQ4

— LSMOH (@LSMOH) March 19, 2020

➡️ As it is now, we have a combination of imported cases and local transmission.

Currently, we are following over 1,300 people right now to find information about the state of their health and the number is increasing. pic.twitter.com/U75j8oa7On

— LSMOH (@LSMOH) March 19, 2020

According to him, one of the four new cases is a woman who had contact with the Nigerian woman who returned from UK and currently receiving treatment for testing positive.

“The second new case is a female who returned from France on March 14 on a Turkish Airline TK 1830”.

He said that the third case is a Nigerian male in his 50s who had not travelled anywhere, but tested positive to the virus.

Abayomi added that the fourth new case is a Nigerian male who arrived in Lagos from Frankfurt on Lufthansa Airline flight number LH568 on March 13.

He said that more tests were ongoing with some suspected cases, while appealing to passengers on the two flights to self-isolate themselves and contact the government.

“It is clear that we have combination of imported cases and local transmission. The Executive of Lagos State is meeting on the next stage on social distancing.

“The best way to slow the rate is to halt movement of the virus from person to person,” Abayomi said.

The commissioner said the first index case (the Italian male) had tested negative to COVID-19, adding that he would soon be discharged.

Abayomi urged the citizens to remain calm, practice constant handwashing and good respiratory hygiene.

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians not to panic over the rise in Coronavirus cases in the nation, as government is on top of the situation.

Nigeria has recorded 12 cases of Coronavirus, with thousands of contacts being traced.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement said the Muhammadu Buhari administration had taken some steps to mitigate the effects on the Nigerian people.

“To prevent the spread of cases imported into Nigeria, the President has already ordered the restrictions of travel from 13 countries, each with more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Government has also suspended visas issued to nationals of these countries. The restriction will take effect from March 21 and will remain until further notice. While Nigeria delights in welcoming the world, the safety and protection of our citizens and land must take priority.

“The various agencies of government including Media owned by the government have embarked on vigorous campaigns promoting hygiene measures. There are, currently, very stringent regimes of checks at the points of air and sea entry into the country. The effort Nigeria is making as is well known, has already received the commendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he said.

According to Shehu, “the Presidency wishes to assure Nigerians that government is on top of the situation. There is no cause for panic. So far measures put in place are working efficiently. What this country is doing has been recommended as a template.

“The President trusts the relevant Ministers in his cabinet and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are providing him with constant updates and professional counsel. These officials have a track record of competence.”

He said the President instructed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to reduce the pump price of fuel, as the Covid-19 pandemic had led to a crash in the global price of crude oil, and that the President decided that every Nigerian should benefit from this.

“Subsequently, the NNPC announced a 20 naira deduction, and the pump price of fuel has now been reduced from 145 naira per litre to 125 naira per litre.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday announced a credit relief of N1.1Trillion Naira to businesses affected by the pandemic. The Bank has also established a facility for household, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and announced a reduction of interest rates for loans from 9% to 5%.

“We do not want to create panic. But we will continue to update the Nigerian public with relevant information. We plead with every Nigerian to cooperate with the government in the fight against Covid-19 and obey all instructions from the NCDC. We have a high level Presidential Coordination Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This body should be allowed to carry out its duties,” he added.

Shehu said the presidency pleaded with Nigerians not to see this most peculiar of times as one to be politicised or seen as an opportunity to regurgitate grudges against the government or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“North, South, East, and West – all Nigerians must unite to fight this plague, irrespective of religious or ideological affiliation. In this regard, populist advocates such as the one accusing the President of “complacency” simply because he has not made a television address by ranking members of our respected parliament are cheap and sensational. These are not the times for populism and cheap politics. President Buhari thanks all those at the forefront of the fight against the deadly disease,” he said.

General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi has suspended all Sunday services at the church’s headquarters in Ghagada where over 30,000 worshipers normally throng every Sunday due to the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

Kumuyi also cancelled the church’s Tuesday Leadership meeting and the Saturday Workers meeting at the headquarter’s church.

He also effect changes in local districts and locations in compliance with the Lagos State’s order suspending religious gathering of over 50 people.

A memo from the church to all groups and districts, signed by its Secretary, S.M. Afuwape said, “Please note that all programmes at Gbagada church have been suspended.

“No gathering of worshipers should be more than 50; where they are more, they should be sent to Location/church in the house,” he said.

The statement said hand washing materials, such as running water and liquid soap should be provided at the entrances of the churches, while members should be encouraged to thoroughly wash their hands before entering the
Church.

“Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be made available for the same purpose in all our churches. Each Church should arrange and ensure regular cleaning and disinfecting places such as toilets, all floors, surfaces such as door
handles, chairs, church benches and pulpits with disinfectants.

“Worshippers should cover their nose and mouth with bent elbow or tissues when coughing, or sneezing and dispose the tissues immediately. Adequate baskets/dust bin to dispose tissues used by those who coughed or sneezed, should be provided.

“Members should avoid shaking of hands or any other form of physical contact where possible. Members should avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

“Churches should check body temperature with the use of infrared thermometer. The temperature should be below 380 C. those with temperature of 380 C and above should be referred to Medical Personnel for immediate attention,” the memo said.

One of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari is now on self-isolation after arriving from the United Kingdom due to raging Coronavirus pandemic.

Aisha Buhari, wife of the president disclosed this on Thursday on her twitter handle.

She said her daughter returned from the UK being among the burden countries of Coronavirus and placed herself on self-isolation even though she did not develop any symptoms of the disease.

“Good afternoon Nigerians, earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19.

“Based on the advice of the Hon. Minister Of Health , Presidential Task force on COVID – 19 and that of NCDC, she is on Self Isolation, not because she displayed any symptoms of the Covid-19,” she said.

The Federal Government had urged those coming into the country from the endemic nations to self-isolate for 14 days to see if they would develop symptoms of the deadly disease in order to halt its spread.

Good afternoon Nigerians,
Earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/cku3bzcIJS

— Aisha M. Buhari (@aishambuhari) March 19, 2020

Good afternoon Nigerians,
Earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high Burden listed countries of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/cku3bzcIJS

— Aisha M. Buhari (@aishambuhari) March 19, 2020

However, Aisha Buhari urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures and ensure the safety of their families and that of general public.

“We will overcome the Covid-19 pandemic if we all take the necessary precautions at the same time ! God bless you all. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria

“Let’s keep following the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, which encourages maintaining social distancing, high hygiene culture through regular washing of hands with soaps and sanitizers,” she said.

Air Peace said it is downsizing flight operations in response to the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Specifically, the carrier said it is suspending flight operations on the Lagos / Sharjah / Dubai route as well as the Lagos / Dakar and Lagos / Monrovia routes.

But it will be cutting flights to Accra, Banjul and Freetown.

Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide disclosed these in an interview in Lagos on Thursday.
She said the airline took the decisive decision after an emergency meeting with its management to review operations in the face of the disease, which the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) has already declared as a global pandemic.

The management, she said, also announced several measures aimed at addressing the adverse effects occasioned by the disease.

Olajide said the airline also took the decision to cut down its flights following a tremendous decline in passenger traffic and the needs to cut costs.

She said: “Air Peace, as a result of the adverse effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on passenger traffic, has today taken the hard decision to downsize our flight operations in order to cut the mounting costs occasioned by the pandemic.”

She noted that as a result of the development, the airline will be suspending its operations to Dakar-Senegal and Monrovia-Liberia and cutting down its Freetown-Sierra leone operations and Banjul-Gambia operations to one flight a week.

She disclosed that the airline would also be reducing its operations into Accra from Lagos to just two flights daily and suspend its Abuja-Accra operations.

“On the domestic scene, we are reducing our frequencies while at the same time, restructuring our operations by deploying our hoppers to more airports.

“Our international operations into Dubai through Sharjah International airport shall be suspended from next week as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shut its airports to nationals from other countries including but not limited to Nigeria,” she added.

The 24th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo has been postponed indefinitely.

The decision was in response to the rampaging coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

It was taken at an emergency management meeting on Thursday.

A top member of the university management told online medium PREMIUM TIMES, the school took the decision at about 1 pm on Thursday.

The source was quoted as saying: “Yes, that is the final decision. The management meeting is still on but a conclusion has been reached on the convocation which is indefinite postponement.

“The truth is that if we had decided to continue with our programmes, who would have loved to take the risk to attend among both the graduands and the dignitaries?

“Thank God we have not recorded any case with a link to the university as at now, so the best thing to avoid it is to observe all the cautionary measures.”

Source: PREMIUM TIMES

The Katsina State Commissioner for Information, Engr. Yakubu Danja said that the state has no case of Coronavirus.

Danja disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Katsina on Thursday.

Officials of the State Ministry of Health had told the media on Wednesday that there was a suspected case of the virus in the state.

“I am pleased to inform you that the result of the suspected case is out and the person is negative”

“I would like to use this opportunity to call on the good people of Katsina State to keep calm and remain informed about the update on information on COVID-19,

“Avoid spreading unverified information especially through social media.

The commissioner advised the people to maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene such as frequent hand washing.

He advised the people to avoid social gathering except where necessary and to report to the nearest Health Facility any case of the virus.

Danja said that the state government would to do everything possible to safeguard the health of the entire citizens through the provision of effective healthcare delivery.

The Lagos State Government on Thursday disclosed that four new persons have tested positive to the deadly Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 11.

This means that the over 12 people have been infected with the deadly disease in the country.

Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this on Thursday, saying that the government was currently following up over 1,300 contact cases.

Abayomi disclosed that 19 people were tested for Coronavirus on Wednesday in Lagos and that four out of them had tested positive to the virus and had been isolated for treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

He said the first of the four new cases who tested positive to the disease was a woman who had contact with the woman who came from UK some days ago who was tested positive.

According to him, the second new case was a female who returned from France on 14th of March on a Turkish airline TK 1830.

The third case, he said, was a Nigerian male in his 50s who had not travelled anywhere, but was tested positive to the disease.

Abayomi stated that the fourth new case was a Nigerian male who arrived the country on 13th of March from Frankfurt to Lagos on Lufthansa airline, flight number LH568.

The commissioner, however, said more tests were still being carried out, saying that it was clear that “we have combination of imported cases and local transmission. The Executive of Lagos State is meeting on the next stage on social distancing.

“The best way to slow the rate is to halt movement of the virus from person to person,” he said.

He appealed to people on the two flights to self-isolate themselves and to reach the government.

“Currently, we are following over 1,300 people right now to find information about the state of their health and the number is increasing,” he said.

The Senate on Thursday announced the suspension of all public hearings with effect from March 24, over the COVID-19 pandemic.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who made the announcement shortly after a closed-door session that lasted for over one hour, also said the Senate suspended admission of visitors into the Gallery.

The Senate also passed five bills for first reading during plenary.

The bills are Federal College of Education Shagari Establishment Bill 2020 sponsored by Sen. Ibrahim Danbaba (PDP Sokoto- South ), Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority Act Amendment Bill 2020 by Sen. Akpan Bassey (PDP -Akwa Ibom North-East).

Others are Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria Establishment Bill by Sen.Ibrahim Oloriebe (APC Kwara- Central) among others.

It also received the report of the Committee on Power on addressing Nigerian’s Power Problems.

The report, which was laid by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr Gabriel Suswam (PDP-Benue North-East) would be considered by the Senate March 24.

The Italian national who brought the deadly Coronavirus to Nigeria has now tested negative to the disease.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference to give update on the pandemic.

He said the index case, who had been receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, Yaba, had tested negative to the disease.

Abayomi said it was good news for Lagos and Nigeria for the index case to test negative.

He said he would not be allowed to go yet until a confirmatory test had been carried out within 48 hours, saying that if he tested negative the second time, he would be discharged.

The Italian was tested negative for Coronavirus on Thursday 27, February, 2020.

The patient entered Nigeria on the 25th of February from Milan, Italy for a brief business visit to LaFarge.

According to Abayomi, “He fell ill on the 26th February and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.”

The Italian had gone to LaFarge, where he had contacts with staff of the company. Forty people were later quarantined at LaFarge, out of which one tested positive for Coronavirus.

The second case who was infected by the Italian tested negative few days after he was quarantined.

However, Abayomi said all new cases were responding to treatment at the IDH in Yaba, Lagos.

Police operatives from the Lagos State Command have arrested a 14-year old boy for allegedly engaging two boys aged between 5 and 7 years in anal sex in order to satisfy his sexual desire.

According to P.M.EXPRESS, the incident happened at Egundabi Street, Alimosho area of Lagos, where they reside.

The boy is now facing the charge for statutory rape by penetration through the anus which attracts several years of imprisonment if he is found guilty before the Court for the alleged offence.

The Police alleged that the suspect lured the victims, inserted an oily cream to lubricate their anus for easy penetration and thereafter forced his dick into their anus before he was caught in the act.

The alleged dastardly act was reported to the Police in the area; he was arrested and later transferred to the Gender Section of the Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos, for interrogation.

After thorough interrogation, the suspect was found culpable and subsequently charged before the Ogba Magistrates Court for the alleged offence.

The Court did not take his plea after the prosecutor, Supol Benson

Emerhi, asked the Court to refer the matter to the DPP for advice.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Sule-Amzat, ordered the suspect to be remanded in juvenile centre without an option of bail and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the file and send to the DPP for advice.

The matter was adjoined till 6th April, 2020.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the defendant may be transferred to the High Court if the DPP finds him culpable and recommends that he should be charged for the alleged offence.

Source: PM Express