The Lagos State Government has declared two people wanted who boarded the Turkish Airline with the Italian who brought Coronavirus to Nigeria.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi had last week threatened to release the names of the two contacts who had yet to be reached for isolation in a bid to curtail the spread of the disease.

However, on Monday, Abayomi, at a news conference released the names of the two contacts who had refused to show up for isolation.

They are Enwelunta Godfrey Obumnore and Sadeeq Salami.

“The yet to be reached two contacts from the 24th of February, 2020 Turkish flight are; ENWELUNTA GODFREY OBUMNORE and SADEEQ ABIODUN SALAMI ( males). I appeal to members of the public who know or have any information about these two contacts to reach the Lagos State Ministry of Health through the State epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485.
“This is a matter of national security, Lagos State Government needs your cooperation on this matter for a greater Lagos,” he said.

Abayomi added, “We have tried to find the two passengers on the Turkish flight TK 625 and we are yet to find them. I appeal to the two individuals to reach out to the ministry.

“Please we need to contact you and you need to be in touch with the Ministry of Health. We have been trying to reach you by the address you put on your forms and by the numbers but none of those numbers are working. It is vitally important that you reach out to us with the numbers that are generally available with the press, or to the Federal Ministry of Health or to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”

Abayomi, however, said the “index case is doing well. He is still secreting the virus but as soon as he eliminates the virus we will release him.”

On the second person who contacted the disease, the commission said “The new case was the person spending lots of time with the index case by virtue of his job, that was the project coordinator. That demonstrates the first infectious case in Nigeria but the good news is that we have the person under surveillance.”

The England international has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and new agent Mino Raiola is set to facilitate a transfer this summer

Jesse Lingard is set to be sold by Manchester United this summer, with Goal learning that he has lost the confidence of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Lingard has been relegated to a back-up role since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January while the loan move for Odion Ighalo has given the Norwegian another option across the front three.

That has meant that Lingard is now only considered for less important matches, such as last week’s FA Cup fifth-round win over Derby County.

The England international has recruited Mino Raiola as his new agent, which has made a move in the next transfer window far more likely.

The 27-year-old forward has a contract that runs until 2021 and little progress has been made on an extension. Raiola is also far from a popular figure at Old Trafford after his attempts to secure a move away for one of his other clients, Paul Pogba.

United are planning on bringing in at least one of Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and James Maddison in the summer as they anticipate the exit of Pogba to Real Madrid or Juventus.

If United plan to add another attacking midfielder and potentially another striker to the squad, that would force Lingard further down the pecking order and would make him a candidate to raise funds for the planned rebuild.

It is understood that Lingard regards himself as one of the best number 10s operating in European football, which is at odds with Solskjaer’s appraisal of the player.

The former England international was pleased with the Nigerian's contribution that sealed the three points for the Red Devils in the Manchester Derby

Jamie Redknapp has expressed his delight over Odion Ighalo's hold up play after Manchester United claimed the derby bragging rights over Manchester City with a 2-0 win on Sunday.

The Nigerian has fast become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, netting three goals since joining on loan from Shanghai Shenhua in January, the latest being a brace in the 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win at Derby County.

The 30-year old started from the bench this time and came on to replace fellow January signing Bruno Fernandes in the 88th minute.

Ighalo was able to hold the ball off Joao Cancelo before sending a backheel to Fred, who played the ball to Ederson, the City goalkeeper throwing the ball into Scott McTominay's path and the Scottish midfielder blasted it into an empty net.

“When you’re struggling, you’re hanging on, you want your centre-forward to get hold of the ball," Redknapp said on Sky Sports.

“Just hold it up and do something special for you. He [Ighalo] keeps it alive, it’s a lovely backheel and look what you get at the end of it.”

Former United full-back Gary Neville also speaking on Sky Sports thinks Ighalo will be well-suited playing against the smaller teams that tend to defend deep, something the Red Devils have struggled against this season.

“I think he would do well in those type of games because Martial and James aren’t as suited," Neville said.

“Rashford I’d put into that category as well, when opposition defences do sit deep and they’ve got to be a little bit more cute and they haven’t got the space to run into.

“And Ighalo has good feet, so he would come into play in those types of games, with Juan Mata.”

Another ex-Red Devil in Roy Keane believes Ighalo's presence will make Anthony Martial improve. The Frenchman scored the first goal of the game.

“You’ve had a reaction as well from Martial," Keane said on Sky Sports.

The Brazil international winger continues to head towards free agency at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues yet to offer him the three-year deal he wants

Willian remains unable to state with any certainty where he will be playing his football next season, with Chelsea yet to present the three-year contract offer that he is waiting on.

The Brazil international does have fresh terms on the table at Stamford Bridge.

As he is heading towards free agency, those in west London have sought to get the 31-year-old tied down on a new deal, but discussions have reached deadlock, with Willian holding out for a more extended stay.

It remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached before the end of the season, and Willian’s wife has already suggested that an association with Chelsea could be coming to a close.

She posted a video on social media saying that their time is ending, with hints taken from the fact that the couple’s daughters were dressed in red, while Willian has been linked with a move across London to Arsenal.

He is reluctant to be drawn on such speculation, with no decision on his future taken as yet, but concedes that everything remains up in the air at present.

Willian told ESPN Brasil when asked about his situation in the wake of a 4-0 victory over Everton in which he scored: “We really like London, I have said it many times.

“It is a city where my family and I love to live. I don't know why she [his wife] published this post, but the contract situation really isn't easy.

“Chelsea offered me two years, I asked for three years and everything stopped there.”

Willian has stated on a regular basis in the past that his preference would be to prolong his stint at Chelsea.

He has, however, been heavily linked with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona, while a return to his roots has also been mooted.

Willian has revealed that he intends to remain in Europe whatever happens from this point, with Esporte Interativo told in October 2019: “Of course when you talk about Corinthians, the club that launched me, I have a great affection. But honestly, I don’t think about returning to Brazil.

Maurizio Sarri praised Aaron Ramsey's performance in Juventus' 2-0 win over Inter, saying the Wales international's improved fitness has helped him to thrive in the Bianconeri midfield.

Ramsey scored for the second Serie A game running, netting Juve's opener in Sunday's Derby D'Italia after also finding the net against SPAL.

He then teed up Paulo Dybala to score the hosts' second and Sarri said moving Ramsey into a three-man midfield rather than playing him behind the strikers had paid dividends.

"He [Ramsey] maintains that he needs to see more of the pitch in front of him, or he gets a little lost," said the Juve coach.

"He is doing well in this role, although in fairness he's also in much better physical condition now than he was when playing as a trequartista.

“I was about to introduce Dybala a minute before we scored with Ramsey, but I decided to put him on anyway, as I felt that was the moment we could finish the game.

"Inter tried to press us high in the first half and probably used up a lot of energy doing that. The inertia of the game changed after our goal, we had a very strong 20 minutes after that and gained confidence, whereas Inter lost it at the same moment.

"It's very positive that we barely allowed a quality side like Inter a single shot on goal."

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira will miss most of the rest of the season after fracturing his ankle.

The Uruguay international was injured in the 2-0 FA Cup win at Portsmouth last Monday and left the stadium on crutches, wearing a protective boot.

Scans have confirmed he has sustained a fracture that will take between eight and 10 weeks to heal, meaning he could sit out the remainder of the Gunners' Premier League and FA Cup campaigns.

Kano State Government has announced Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the new Emir of Kano.

Bayero, the son of late Emir Ado Bayero, replaces Muhammad Sanusi 11, who was dethroned on Monday.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji made the announcement today, hours after Muhammadu Sanusi ll was dethroned.

Alhaji stated that the appointment was in line with the provision of Kano state Emirate Council Law 2019.

“Section 11 (1) of the Law has empowered the governor to appointment Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the emir of Kano,” he said.

The secretary to the state government explained that the four kingmakers of Kano emirate had earlier recommended the appointment of Aminu Ado Bayero as the emir of Kano.

Bayero is now the 15th emir of Fulani.

Until his appointment as Emir of Kano, Bayero was the emir of Bichi, one of the four newly created emirates.

Bayero is a graduate of Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano. He was also a former Danmajen Kano, Dan Buran, Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida and Wamban Kano.

He was later appointed emir of Bichi after the creation of Karaye, Gaya, Rano and Bichi Emirates by Governor Ganduje’s administration.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a 30-year-old Oladimeji Olusegun Ogunfolaju, owner of Lakers Hotel and Lake County Entertainment in Lagos, and 79 others for allegedly involving in internet fraud.

The hotel, alleged to be a haven for Internet fraudsters, is being guarded by armed security men from three security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Navy.

The suspects were arrested during a sting operation on the hotel located at 29, Ebute-Igbogbo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos on Saturday, March 7, 2020, following an intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Commission about their alleged criminal activities.

In his statement, Ogunfolaju stated that he built the hotel, which houses a night club and a strip bar, from the proceeds of internet fraud in 2017.

About 60 of the suspects have volunteered useful information, leading to further investigation.

Some of the items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest include exotic cars, jewelry, mobile phones and some documents.

They will soon be arraigned in court.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has been dethroned by the Kano State Government.

The removal of Sanusi was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.

According to him, a new emir would soon be appointed.

Usman Alhaji said Emir Sunusi’s dethronement was as a result of unanimous decision taken by Kano State Executive Council.

The SSG said the Emir’s removal from office was officially endorsed by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

“The Kano state Executive Council under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (OFR) has unanimously approved the immediate removal/dethronement of the Emir of Kano Emirate, Muhammad Sunusi 11.

“The Emir of Kano is in total disrespect to lawful instructions from the office of the state Governor and other lawful authorities, including his persistent refusal to attend official meetings and programmes organized by the Government without any lawful justification which amount to total insubordination.

“It is on record and in so many instances, Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11 has been found breaching part 3 Section 13 (a–e) of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and which if left unchecked will destroy the good and established image of the Kano Emirate.

“This removal is made after due consultations with the relevant stakeholders and in compliance with part 3 Section 13 of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and other reasons stated above.

“The removal was reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano Emirate built over a thousand years.

“His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (OFR) calls on the general public to remain calm, law abiding and to go about their normal business, while a new Emir of Kano Emirate will soon be appointed.”

Also, in an official tweet, Director-General, Media and Communications, Kano State Government, Salihu Yakasai, said “The Kano State Executive Council has unanimously approved the dethronement of the Emir of Kamo Mallam Muhammad Sanusi Ii at a special sitting held today by the council.”

Nigeria has confirmed its second case of coronavirus.

This was confirmed by Minister of Health, Osagie Enahire while speaking with journalists in Benin, Edo State on Monday.

Osagie revealed that the second case was a man who had contact with the Italian who tested positive for coronavirus in Lagos.

Today, March 9th, I announced 1 (one) more case of #COVID19 in #Nigeria. To date, there are 2 (two) confirmed cases.

The new case is an Ogun State contact of the index case, one of 40 persons in isolation being closely monitored. He is clinically stable.
#COVID19Nigeria pic.twitter.com/ANJCpaT5dK

— Dr. E. Osagie Ehanire MD, FWACS (@DrEOEhanire) March 9, 2020

Ehanire said the patient, who has been in isolation in the last two weeks tested positive on March 8 and is now under quarantine.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said in a later tweet that the new case had contact with the Italian in Ogun state.

“This second case is a contact of the index case, in Ogun state. The new case has been in isolation and was tested as part of our strategy to test all contacts of the index case,”it said.

The Honourable Minister @Fmohnigeria has announced a second confirmed case of #COVID19 in Nigeria.

This second case is a contact of the index case, in Ogun state. The new case has been in isolation and was tested as part of our strategy to test all contacts of the index case. pic.twitter.com/aTkzEy3qXo

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) March 9, 2020

Read the full press release as signed by Honourable Minister @DrEOEhanire, announcing the second case of #COVID19 in Nigeria

The second case is an Ogun state contact of the index case, who has been in isolation

Read via:https://t.co/kMZk9fXyOv pic.twitter.com/5Ikie32Hsx

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) March 9, 2020

“Since the first case was confirmed in Lagos, the NCDC has been supporting the Ogun State Emergency Operations Centre to respond accordingly

“We urge the public not to panic. You can protect yourself using these six steps below”.

“Recent studies have shown that increased surveillance, isolation of contacts & in particular, contact tracing reduces the risk of spread of #COVID19

Minister Osagie Ehanire’s full statement:

Two new developments have taken place since the last briefing in Abuja on the coronavirus situation in Nigeria.

The first is that a team of researchers from various institutions in Nigeria, including scientists from the Centre for Human and Zoology Virology in LUTH, African Centre for Genomics of Infectious Diseases in Redeemers University and the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Lagos, combined their efforts to successfully perform the genome sequencing of the coronavirus strain that the index case brought to Nigeria and proved it to be a match with the virus circulating in Italy and Wuhan. This was coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and NCDC. It is the first time the sequencing of this virus has been performed in Africa. The result has been shared with International Authorities and the Director General of the World Health Organization has extended congratulations to Nigerian scientists for this achievement.

The other development is that contact tracing and monitoring in respect of the coronavirus index case presently receiving treatment in Lagos, has been diligently and conscientiously pursued since 27 February when the case was first diagnosed. As you know, 40 persons in Ogun and 20 in Lagos are under isolation and have remained free of any symptoms since. Nevertheless, the Federal Ministry of Health, following best practice, decided to test these persons for possible presence of coronavirus in their systems. On 8th March 2020, scientists confirmed the presence of coronavirus in one of the contacts. It is my duty therefore to announce a new case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria The newly confirmed case is an Ogun State contact of the index case, but he has no significant clinical symptoms. This brings the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria today to two.

Since beginning of the outbreak in China and subsequent spread to other countries, one of the important response strategies at the containment stage, has been to identify all contacts, ensure their strict isolation and to follow up daily with checks for any symptoms of the disease. Following recent experience from other countries and evidence from newly published studies on non-symptomatic infections, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC, advised that samples should be taken from all contacts of the Index case for testing. It is in this process that this new case was detected.

I repeat that the newly confirmed case in Nigeria is not a new importation, but a contact of the Index case, who has since been in isolation and was under clinical follow up. He presently does not have any clinical symptoms, is comfortable and in care at Infectious Disease Hospital, Lagos.

Recent studies in China have shown that increased surveillance, self isolation and in particular, contact tracing do reduce risk of spread, because further opportunities for transmission of the virus by the infected patient in the community are limited.

All other contacts of the index case in Ogun and Lagos will remain in isolation and testing will be carried out on those not yet tested, including some in other states.

On the case reported in the US of Nigerian origin, we are in touch with colleagues at the US Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and here in Abuja. The case visited Lagos in February 2020. However, given the timelines between the time he was in Nigeria briefly and when he became ill, the likelihood that he was infected in Lagos is very low.

The Federal Ministry of Heath, and Lagos and Ogun States Health Ministries assure citizens of our commitment to do all needed to control spread of this outbreak. Since the first case was confirmed in Nigeria on 27th of February 2020, the National Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) in Abuja, continues to work closely with Lagos and Ogun State EOCs to coordinate response activities.

I again strongly advise against spreading misinformation to cause fear and panic. The Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC will continue to provide prompt and reliable updates and initiate all measures required to protect our people.

A globally emerging lesson here is that some people who contracted COVID-19 appear to experience zero or only mild illness and will recover; however, other patients develop more severe symptoms, especially if they have other underlying illnesses, or are weakened by old age. I urge Nigerians to take care of their health and protect others by continuing to do the following:

• Regularly and thoroughly wash hands with soap & water for at least 30 seconds, if not possible use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

• Maintain at least 2 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing repeatedly.

• Be sure you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning, to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief if coughing or sneezing and disposing of used tissue immediately. Alternatively, use your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze, when no tissue is available.

• Do not mingle with people or congregate, but instead stay at home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough, sneezing, or difficulty in breathing.

• Please call NCDC toll-free number which is available 24/7 for guidance- 080097000010.

• Do not engage in lengthy self-medication

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels including Lagos State Ministry of Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Federal Ministry of Health.

Thank you for your attention.

Source:

• Nigerian Center for Disease Control
• PM News

JUSTICE Sidi Bello Rufai of the Upper Area Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gudu, Abuja, has given Maryam Sherif the custody of the three children she had for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Abubakar is the son of Nigeria’s former Vice-President with the same name.

Maryam Sherif and Abubakar are divorced.

Sherif filed the suit for custody of their three sons who are currently with their father.

Justice Bello Rufai said the right place for the children to be is with their mother.

When the matter resumed last week after some adjournments, the judge reminded the litigants about the provisions of the Shari’ah on the matter.

Abubakar and Sherif were in court.

The judge said the father should not use his position to forcibly take away the children from their mother.

According to him, the children should be handed over to their mother, and if the father has any cause to, should challenge their custody in court.

He said under Sharia, Allah has given the mother the right to take care of their children.

Justice Bello Rufai said the children are innocent and should not be made to suffer over the disagreements between their parents.

Abubakar said the children were in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, where he could provide shelter and education for them.

The distraught father appeared outraged by the judge’s verdict as he argued against the judgment.

His lawyer reminded him that he was in court, adding that he needed to take it easy.

As the arguments continued, the judge ended the session abruptly and left.

It was gathered the matter had been transferred to the Upper Area Court, Kubwa, FCT, and a date is yet to be fixed for the hearing.

The Christian Elders Forum of Northern States, NOSCEF, after its executive meeting in Kaduna, weekend, expressed sadness that killings had continued in the north when almost all the security chiefs were from the region.

Rising from its executive meeting, NOSCEF expressed deep concern over the increasing activities of bandits and terrorists occasioned by widespread killings across the nation.

The group in a statement by Elder Ejoga Inalegwu, Chairman, NOSCEF, said: ‘’The most recent of these killings took place in Garkida, Adamawa State, Igabi and Giwa in Kaduna State and Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, among others.

“NOSCEF joins other patriotic Nigerians in condemning the unending insecurity, which has resulted in so much loss of lives and destruction of property. ‘’The failure of security apparatus in place calls for a complete overhaul of the security architecture, reflecting the diversity of the nation, that will win the confidence of the people.

“Ironically, almost all the security chiefs are from a section of the country which is worst hit by the criminals who are unleashing mayhem on the people. ‘’The spate of killings and insecurity has continued to worsen, thereby destroying economic and social activity of the people.

“NOSCEF is also disappointed about the seeming inability of the Federal Government to remedy the situation by taking far-reaching steps to address it.

‘’NOSCEF also wishes to state that it has not seen any attempt by the Federal Government to remedy the skewed appointments that have failed to reflect the religious and ethnic diversity of the nation. Rather, we continue to witness the replacement of even the few appointees outside the nepotistic enclave by those already dominating.

Nigerian singer, Ejiro Emokinovo, has died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after performing at the 90th birthday celebration of the mother of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Ejiro, who was the lead vocalist of a popular singing group, Veentage Band, died after an unsuccessful surgery.

She and her husband, Desmond Emokinovo, were in Dubai together for the birthday show.

She was said to have gone for a surgery after the party, where she passed away.

The sad news was shared on Instagram by her husband, Desmond, who shared photo of a burning candle and a video of one of her performances.

“Of a truth, there’s no justice in this world…. The worst day of my entire existence…”

“Dear Lord …You always answer any time we call. Why you chose not to answer yesterday remains a mystery..”

An unmarked tanker, fully loaded with unrefined crude oil on Saturday evening, ran into New Bethel Primary School in Onitsha, destroying three classrooms.

According to DAILY POST, report gathered from the spokesperson for Anambra State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Edwin Okadigbo, that the accident was caused by brake failure.

He stated that no loss of live or injury was registered in the accident, except the destruction of three classrooms in the school.

Okadigbo said, “The accident happened on 07/02/20 at about 18:00hrs.

“A Mack truck with no number plate registration and fully loaded with unrefined Crude oil lost control and crashed into New Bethel Primary School along Court Road adjacent to Central Police Station Onitsha.

“Following a distress call, NSCDC Onitsha North Divisional Officers led by the DO, SC Ike Ejike rushed to the scene and immediately contacted Anambra State Fire Service who responded promptly.

“Meanwhile, the area was cordoned off. Preliminary investigation indicates break failure and loss of control. No loss of life was recorded but three classrooms of new Bethel Primary School was damaged and the crude oil spilled into the classrooms and surroundings.”

A resident of the area who spoke to journalists expressed concern over the incident, saying that if it had happened on a weekday, it would have affected lots of school children.

A man has gone bar-hopping in order to spread the coronavirus after discovering he was infected, reports suggest.

Despite being asymptomatic, he tested positive at a hospital in the Japanese city of Gamagori on Wednesday after both of his parents contracted the virus, and was told to wait at home until space at a suitable medical facility could be found for him the following day.

Instead, Fuji News Network (FNN) reports he decided to visit two bars in the small coastal city after telling a family member: “I am going to spread the virus.”

The man, in his 50s, allegedly took a took a taxi to an izakaya bar – informal establishments akin to pubs – before walking on foot to a Filipino bar, according to the Tokyo Reporter.

After eating and finishing several drinks, the man reportedly told fellow customers he had tested positive for coronavirus, at which point a concerned member of staff called local health authorities.

Police clad in protective suits appeared at the second bar, however the man had already taken a taxi home.

He was reportedly sent to a treatment facility the next day.

The two bars were being disinfected and sterilised, a city official told FNN, while staff members and customers were reportedly being tested for the virus.

“I can’t get this straight in my head. I cannot express it in words since I only have anger,” local media reported a staff member as saying.

Officials held a press conference and apologised for the incident, with the city’s mayor, Toshiaki Suzuki, saying: “It is highly regrettable that he did not remain home as instructed.”

Japan has seen more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, although the majority of these were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise liner, which for some time was home to the largest outbreak outside of mainland China and was moored off the coast near Yokohama.

Nigerian multi-platinum selling recording artist, Asa is set to bring the Lucid Album Tour home to Nigeria with “Asa Live In Lagos.”

The event is scheduled to take place on April 11th, 2020, at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Since its release in October 2019, the Lucid album which chronicles the 12-year journey from Asa’s critically acclaimed debut eponymous album to now, has enjoyed massive reception from her staunch fans and supporters.

Kicking off late November 2019, the Lucid Album Tour has visited major cities in France, Germany and Switzerland, and is now coming home to serve the Nigerian fan base a taste of quality live indie pop, jazz, and soft-soul music.

Nigerian singer and Grammy Award-nominee, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, on Sunday shared good news to his dedicated fans over the Gold plaque received in France.

The Gold plaque was given to him for garnering 15 million streams in France via his 2019 hit single titled ‘On The Low’.

According to Burna Boy, the song went Gold in France without any promotion by his team.

He said: “On the low” went Gold in France without any radio push or promo. Love every single one of you that streamed it over 15m times.”

View this post on Instagram

“On the low” went Gold in France 🇫🇷 without any radio push or promo. Love every single one of you that streamed it over 15m times, it’s still #FOOTONNECK2020 - - 📸 @sanaabstrakt_art

A post shared by Burna Boy (@burnaboygram) on Mar 8, 2020 at 2:07pm PDT

In another post via his verified Instagram page, Burna Boy also thanked everyone for his new achievement, he wrote: “Thankful.”

Meanwhile, 4 days ago, Burna Boy shut down his ‘African Giant Returns’ tour in Marseille, France.

In a post shared on his Instagram page, Burna thanked his amazing French fans who pulled up for him.

The Marseille tour came two days after he released his first official single, “Odogwu” this year, 2020.

Saudi Arabia rattled the already depressed oil market to its foundation early Monday after unilaterally slashing prices and promising to increase output, after deal with Russia collapsed.

The moves sent the prices of oil futures southwards, suffering their biggest daily loss since the Gulf War in 1991. The Saudis also triggered a price war with all players offering discounts.

Saudi Arabia cut its OSP(official selling price) for April for all crude grades to all destinations by anywhere from $6 to $8 a barrel, sending oil into a tailspin.

Brent futures fell $9.95, or 22.0%, to $35.32 a barrel by 6:34 p.m. EDT (2234 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $8.99, or 21.8%, to $32.29.

Those moves came after Russia on Friday balked at OPEC’s proposed steep production cuts to stabilise prices hit by economic fallout from the coronavirus.

Saudi Arabia said it plans to boost crude output above 10 million barrels per day (bpd) in April after the current deal to curb production between OPEC and Russia – known as OPEC+ – expires at the end of March, two sources told Reuters on Sunday.

Earlier in the session, both contracts fell to their lowest since February 2016, with Brent down to $31.02 per barrel and WTI at $30.

That puts Brent and WTI on track for their second biggest daily percentage drops in history behind declines for both in January 1991 over 30%.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced earlier on Sunday that present oil prices were sustainable for the Russian economy. He said Russia has the tools to react to any adverse results of the spread of the coronavirus on the global financial climate.

“I want to stress that for the Russian budget, for our economy, the current oil prices level is acceptable,” Putin explained in a meeting with Russian energy officials.

According to some oil analysts, barrel prices as low as $20 are possible within the year.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed Nigeria’s ex-Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her new appointment.

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, named the former Managing Director, Operations, World Bank, as a member of the country’s Economic Advisory Council.

Cyril Ramaphosa heads the council which comprises local and international gurus.

“I congratulate Dr.@NOIweala who served as the co-ordinating minister for the economy/finance minister in my cabinet, on her appointment as a member of South Africa’s Presidential Economic Advisory Council,” Jonathan wrote on Twitter.

“As a two-time minister in Nigeria you left indelible marks as an astute manager of the nation’s economy and resources. I am delighted that you have continued to place your substantial wealth of experience as a development economist at the service of many nations and international organisations to aid global growth and progress.

“I have no doubt in my mind that you will excel in the new assignment,” he added.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last election, had earlier hailed the Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala, on her new appointment.

One of the big promises made by President Muhammadu in his campaign for Nigeria’s presidency is the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project.

The project entails the “engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning” of 614-kilometers gas pipeline and stations, traversing the states of Kogi, Niger, FCT, Kaduna and Kano. It is to transport dry gas from the nation’s rich gas fields in the Niger Delta to the Northern parts of Nigeria.

This pipeline project is itself a section of an ambitious pipeline project to supply gas to Europe through the proposed Trans Sahara Gas Pipeline (TSGO) and Nigeria Morocco Gas Pipelines.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) under President Buhari last week took the important and decisive step to fast track the closure of all outstanding issues relating to the financing and the issuance of a Sovereign Guarantee (SG) to support debt service and China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, SINOSURE’s policy to underwrite up to a maximum of 85 per cent of the project cost, which is now reduced to USD 2,591,849,049.19. The earlier contract, approved by this administration for the AKK was USD2,890,522,548.37 based on 100 per cent “Contractor Financing Model.”

This changed when SINOSURE offered to underwrite 85 per cent only of the entire contract sum and the basis of the relationship changed to “EPC Lump Sum Contract Award.”

It arose from a rethinking on the part of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) which came up with a new project financing design with the balance of 15 percent of financing taken up by them. The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) a subsidiary of the NNPC quickly intervened to provide the required 15 per cent, the equivalent of US 434 million equity contributions from internal sources and accumulated revenues.

To quicken the speed of the project takeoff, this 15 per cent equity funding has been paid and will be used to proceed with the project to mitigate further delays and ensure that the project is back on track.

The “gas penetration” to these areas of the country will significantly reduce energy cost for industries along the pipeline corridor in addition to the massive generation of employment during and after the construction.

In addition to the creation of employment and serving as a boost to industrialization through gas based industries and power generation sectors as beneficiaries of this project, the AKK will increase government revenues, encourage exports and enhance the nation’s foreign reserves by reducing dependence on imports. It is equally hoped that the project, upon its completion, will ensure that economic challenges being witnessed in the northern region due to shortage of gas supply are addressed.

It will also give the nation energy security and act as a catalyst to propel industrial development and boost agriculture in the country.

This project is among the cardinal policy objectives of the Buhari administration and its realization will be a major accomplishment of the government’s efforts in the delivery of democracy dividends.

The project is environmentally friendly as it will contribute to the elimination of gas flaring, improve the health of communities in the oil producing areas, reduce the nation’s carbon footprints and comply with climate control treaties to which the nation is signatory.

The resolution of the outstanding issues around the AKK project at this time should send an important message that the journey to its realization is for real.

The President is determined to accomplish the project in the 24-month period of the signed agreement. The period falls within the balance of period covered by his Second Four Year Term.

We are a country notorious for truncating government projects on account of changes in administrations. Except for the Buhari experiment, marking a break with the past, Presidents, governors and council chairmen don’t come to office with the mind of completing projects they met.

They alone want their signature on the projects they execute. So they stop work on those projects they met and start new ones. In the end, they leave office without finishing what they started, adding thereby to the nation’s mountain of uncompleted projects.

The difference President Buhari makes is that he insists on completion, rather than the commencement of new projects except where it is extremely necessary.

If you take away the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, all the major projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund with dedicated funding from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and lately the recovered loot from Abacha are all inherited from past administrations: the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Mambila Power Project.

All the major spendings in the Ministry of Transportation, specifically the standard gauge railways linking the south to the north and the west to the east are geared towards project completion.

Under the Ministry of Water Resources, no new projects have been budgeted in the last five years. All money allocated to the ministry is towards the completion of projects started and abandoned, some of them going back to the President’s years in the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).

Thankfully, we are seeing a harvest of so many of these projects, due to the President’s insistence and the focus and dedication of the ministers in his cabinet.

The AKK project which will now leave the drawing board towards its execution and completion was agreed to in June, 2009 between Gazprom, the Russian gas monopoly, in a signed deal to invest at least $2.5bn in a new joint venture with Nigeria’s state-owned oil company NNPC to explore and develop the country’s vast gas reserves.

The formation of the 50:50 joint venture, between Gazprom and the NNPC named Nigaz, followed a prolonged courtship by Russia which began under Vladimir Putin by the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. If floundered with his death.

This time around, there is no going back on the AKK project because there is a market already waiting. It has off-takers, when completed, with Abuja on cue to having a 1,350MW power plant, Kaduna, 900MW and Kano, 1,350MW.

President Buhari is determined to take it forward. It’s another signature project on which the name “Buhari” will be written in gold, to be remembered long after he leaves Aso Rock.

By Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity)