Oyo Govt Set To Install Solar Powered Lights At Palaces, Hospitals And Major Markets

Oyo State Government has revealed that it is set to install All-in-One Solar Powered lights at palaces, hospitals and major markets across the geopolitical zones in the State. This, it said would further tighten security in the nooks and crannies of the State and develop its infrastructures.

This was revealed by the State’s Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Raphael Afonja, yesterday in Ibadan, while addressing pressmen.

“With a view to further expand the security network of the State and consolidate on this administration’s recorded achievement in this sector, it has therefore, become highly imperative and urgent to provide adequate security through provision of streetlights for our esteemed traditional rulers who have recently become targets for kidnappers in the recent times”, he said.

Afonja added that this initiative is aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges in the State, such as incessant and perpetual hoodlum attacks on traders in major markets and hindrance to medical services delivery at nights, due to poor illumination of hospitals premises.

He explained further that the illumination of major markets places will give room for night transactions which will boost the socio-economic status of the citizenry, and consequently improve the State’s IGR.

Prof. Afonja alluded that the illumination project in palaces, major markets and hospitals, would efficiently complement the ongoing ‘Operation light up Oyo State’ project.

Task Force to engage governors after Borno, Gombe, Zamfara, Adamawa Reopened Mosques and Churches

 

Borno, Gombe, Adamawa and Zamfara on Thursday reopened Mosques and Churches.

It was a major easing of the lockdown imposed to curb Coronavirus spread.

The Federal Government frowned at the situation having not been consulted as expected, in line with the COVID-19 protocol.

Besides, the Federal Government believes that the situation of the virus spread had not reached the stage of lowering the guard.

Coronavirus cases in the country last night surpassed the 5,000 mark, with close to 200 deaths recorded.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Control has resolved to engage with the governors.

Minister for Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed said: “We are always working together with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). We believe that the governors won’t do anything that will put in jeopardy all we have achieved in the last few weeks of lockdown. So, I think it is better that we continue the engagement and I am sure that the chairman of the taskforce who is constantly in touch with the governments will take up this matter and we hope that he will be able to give a feedback.”

Read Also: Cleric cautions churches about reopening

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said places of worship could be opened, only when members wear face masks, keep social and physical distance, as well as maintain regular hands washing and the use of hand sanitizers.

Yahaya said members of aid groups in Mosques and the Boys Brigade in Churches would be trained to ensure full compliance and the enforcement of the protective measures.

He warned that any violation of the measures would force him to reverse the decision to ease the lockdown, because “he would not afford to compromise the health of the people of the state”.

The Adamawa State Government also as lifted the ban on religious congregations with immediate effect.

Press Secretary to governor, Mr. Humwashi Wonosikou, in a statement said: “Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has eased the restriction on worship places and social gatherings earlier imposed on the state, following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Churches, Mosques and the international cattle markets under lockdown can now reopen.”

The Borno state government has also announced an indefinite suspension of lockdown for COVID-19.

The government also approved religious gathering in strict adherence with social distancing and use of facemasks.

Umar Kadafur, said the state has recorded significant progress in the fight against COVID-19 over the last three weeks

The Deputy governor, who is also the COVID-19 Response Committee Chairman in the state disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, “All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno Chapter in strict adherence with social distancing and use of facemasks.

“The ban on the sales and consumption of liquor and other intoxicating substances is still in force. Defaulters will be dealt with severely in accordance with the liquor law,” he said.

Bello Matawalle also lifted the ban on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches.

Matawalle, in a radio broadcast, said: “I want to commend the people of the state for supporting government in our effort to frustrate the spread of coronavirus in our dear state by complying with the lockdown orders.

“In the light of this, therefore, we are suspending restrictions on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches while appealing to people not to converge in large numbers at the same time.” he said.

The governor said urged the people to continue to observe social distancing when they meet as well as use face masks to prevent spread of the virus.

NANS declares school children feeding during lockdown a fraud

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday said plans by the Federal Government to continue feeding school children during the COVID-19 lockdown is fraudulent.

According to the student body, the plan by government to spend N13.5billion on feeding school children when schools are not opened is only an avenue to deplete the scarce resources of the country.

Comrade Azeez Adeyemi made the NANS position known in a statement in Abeokuta on Thursday, declaring that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq’s announcement that the Federal Government would continue with the school feeding programme even as schools are shutdown is nothing but an attempt to ridicule Nigeria.

“The Federal Government’s insistence to go ahead with the school feeding programme despite criticism by Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the education sector has shown that the programme is another way of perpetrating a fraud on another large scale”, Adeyemi said.

NANS also questioned the government’s intentions in the continuation of the programme “when the priority of the government should be on finding a cure for the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.”

“We suspect that the continuation of feeding school children at their homes is another sham and a smokescreen hope at deceiving Nigerians.

“We are calling for the suspension of this structured daily looting and fraud under the guise of home feeding of pupils.

“Where is the money to execute this programme coming from given the fact that the government has always been crying of no money?” the student body asked.

NANS further queried the source of the proposed N697million to be spent daily, amounting to N13.5billion a month on the programme, describing the decision as not only “reckless spending, but also a misplaced priority.”

COVID-19: OGUN COMMISSIONS FIFTH ISOLATION CENTER

The Ogun State Government has commissioned an additional 100- bed isolation and treatment center for Covid-19 patients with a firm assurance that the facility will further increase the state capacity to fight the pandemic.

The center, which is a donation from the private sector Coalition Against Covid-19 ( CACOVID), sits in the Oke-Mosan area of Abeokuta, the State Capital.

Speaking at the Commissioning, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker said the state government now has over 300 beds across its isolation and treatment centers, describing the donation as a milestone in the State's response to Covid-19 since the government woke up to the index case on February 27, 2020.

Coker recalled how the State which has the longest standing Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) in the country sprang into action to address the index case and prepare the four walls of the Gateway State in the event of any outbreak of Coronavirus.

She said that the present administration which has strategically set up isolation and treatment centers in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ikenne and Iberekodo in Abeokuta for high risk and low risk cases respectively, said that the new facility will basically take care of low risk cases.

Dr. Coker pointed out that the private sector gesture will further boost the State's capacity to fight the pandemic, adding that the donation of the much sought after equipment, including mobile x-ray, multi-parameter patients monitoring equipment, among others, will strengthen the State's health sector after the Covid-19 saga.

Acknowledging the generousity of CACOVID,the Commissioner assured that the resources will be efficiently used, noting that the state government will continue to test and treat cases accordingly.

In his remarks, the Representative of CACOVID, Mr. Ademola Bilesanmi, described the Covid-19 pandemic as a global issue which called for the support of the private sector to complement government efforts.

Appreciating the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government for the creative approach it had deployed so far in addressing the pandemic in the state, Bilesanmi thanked the present administration for the partnership opportunity at this critical moment.

EFCC Hands Over Building Forfeited By Diezani To Lagos State As Isolation Centre

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a building reportedly forfeited by Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum, as an isolation centre.

The anti-graft agency handed over the property to officials of the Lagos state government on Friday.

Lagos, which has the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the country, is struggling with bed spaces.

The property consisting six flats of three bedrooms and a boys’ quarter was forfeited by Mrs Allison-Madueke  following an order of Lagos State Federal High in 2017.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Lagos Zonal Head of the EFCC, Mohammed Rabo stated that the gesture was part of the Commission’s social responsibility efforts towards the fight against the spread of Corona virus.

“In addition to our mandate to fight economic and financial crimes, the Commission is committed and ready to render essential services that may be required of it in the fight against covid-19.

Therefore, Lagos State should not hesitate to call on the Commission anytime the need for such essential service arises,” he said.

In his remarks, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thanked the Commission for the gesture, noting that it was a welcome collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State Government.

FG Releases Guidelines For Resumption Of Flights

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released guidelines to be followed by air travellers ahead of the resumption of flight operations in the country.

The government had extended the flight ban for another four weeks on May 6.

But in a move indicative of the federal government’s plan to lift the flight ban at expiration of the four weeks extension, FAAN has released a document to guide resumption of flight operations at all airports in the country.

“The main objective is to protect all our stakeholders and prevent further spread of COVID-19,” it said.

FAAN said ahead of resumption of flights, it would ensure the, “Establishment of a Coordination and Monitoring Team at FAAN Headquarters that would ensure smooth take off of passenger facilitation. Airports would also establish their teams that would report to Headquarters. This team would consist of the following departments: Operations, Aviation Security (AVSEC Crowd Control/Enforcement Unit), Safety and Environment.

“The Corporate Affairs Department would sensitize and educate our stakeholders and the traveling public on new travel procedures and guidelines at our Airports. This would be done using media such as radio jingles, handbills, newspaper publications as well as social media handles.

“Announcements would be made intermittently from the announcement rooms, on the new guidelines and procedures at our Airports.”

FAAN noted that all air travellers would be required to arrive departures, “properly kited with their face masks on,” adding that, “AvMED/Port Health personnel would screen each passenger’s temperature, and ensure the use of other personal protective equipment such as hand gloves,” before boarding.

It said passengers must strictly adhere to the recommended two meters social distancing, and must follow the markings, queue ropes and signage put in place by its officials, among others.

On arrival, ” passengers would observe physical distancing as they board the Co-Buses. hand sanitizer would be provided in the buses,” said FAAN, adding that passengers would be required to wash their hands at the entrance of the arrival halls or protocol lounges.

FAAN added that passengers must equally,” observe physical distancing protocols at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided”

Lady Discharged From COVID-19 Shares Her Experience In Lekki

A lady simply identified as Ivuoma Tom took to her Facebook page to share her experience during here Treatment at the isolation

center.

she said:

 " Have you ever have air hunger , looking for air to breath but it seems far away... and my heart beat was out of control. That was how I was from 25th April to 2nd May, 2020. That was the severe type of COVID-19. My case was critical but God was there, He preserved and kept me as always".

 This is summary of my COVID-19 experience;
I was exposed, I went on self Isolation for 14 days, Within those 14 days, I got tested, my result came out on 27 th April , 2020, I was called by NCDC representative to get my things ready. I never had symptoms until 16 day when I noticed I couldn't breath I have to sit all through the night.

Due to NCDC late response, I was evacuated the 3rd day with worsening cases to the first Isolation centre in Lekki. The next day, I was dying but thank God for my Friend, Lola who raised alarm( I never knew we were in the same centre until that morning).

I was placed on Oxygen and transferred to Yaba Isolation Centre. While admitting me, I was told by the Doctor that if my condition worsen, I will be transferred to ICU,Intensive Care Unit. Thank God, I never went there. I was on Oxygen for 5 days, but God delivered me on the six day.

 I read about a study that if you lie prone, that is lying on your stomach with head of the bed raised, helped patients with COVID-19 who has breathing problem recover fast so I did it and it helped me sleep better if not, I have to sit down throughout the night.

 Also, some breathing exercises helped me a lot to inflate my lungs, I spent 17 days in Isolation centre, I was discharged yesterday, 14th May, 2020 having tested Negative. I sincerely want to appreciate the Love of my life, Samuel Peter, my Love for the part he played in hesitating my transfer to Yaba, his prayers strengthened my faith to hold on despite death knocking on my path, You're one in a billion.

Some guys would have disappeared at the mention of COVID-19...kikikikk...Lol But he stood by my side, all through and always brightened my day, I love you dearly, thank you.

My beloveth Sister Ann Uvere, my prayer warrior you are sister in deed, I love you and her Husband Onyebuchi Emmanuel, a man with a heart of gold, thank you so much. May God bless the Doctors and Nurses, they were indeed wonderful and nice.

Above all, I want appreciate God, the giver of life and every good thing. For keeping and Preserving my life once more. That my one week Facebook vacation, was a battle for life, I fought and beat COVID-19. Most of those posts were from my hospital bed...Lol.

For you out there who still think COVID-19 is a Scam , wake up from your denial and know that COVID-19 is real.

COVID-19: Benue index case threatens to sue FG if she is not released within 7 days

The Benue state COVID-19 index case, has threatened to sue the Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC if she is not released from the Abuja isolation center within the next seven days.

Idoko has been having a faceoff with the government since she was diagnosed with the virus. She has been in isolation for 53 days now without showing any symptoms of the disease. She insists she doesn't have the virus.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire on Wednesday, said Mrs. Idoko had refused to let the NCDC and other medical personnel  take her samples so they can do a final test on her before she is discharged

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday May 15, her lawyer, Mr. Steven Eke said his client has lost confidence in the capabilities of the NCDC. He said Mrs. Idoko demands an independent test to be conducted by the World Health Organization under the supervision of the British High Commission and her personal physician.

The lawyer said the continued detention of Mrs. Idoko,  in the name of isolation is a clear violation of her fundamental human rights and that she will head to court if it persists.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health., Osagie Ehanire, at the daily press briefing of the Presidential Task Force in Abuja on Friday, May 14, said he has persuaded Mrs. Idoko to consent to being tested. He says her sample has been taken and the result will be out in a couple of days.

Covid-19: Ekiti Receives N600m Donations, Records Four New Cases

The Ekiti State Government has revealed that it has received over N600 million donations from philanthropists and private organisations since the lockdown was pronounced by Governor Kayode Fayemi in respect of the coronavirus pandemic.

The government also revealed that it has recorded four new cases, which involved tree males and one female, who sneaked into the state from Lagos, Katsina and Oyo States during the lockdown.

The revelation was made in Ado Ekiti Friday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, when members of the Covid-19 Taskforce gave an update on the spread of the scourge in the state.

Yaya-Kolade said though the state has discharged some patients from the isolation centre, but hinted that three of the four new cases were those that have been quarantined having come to the state from places considered as epicentre of Covid-19.

“We have four new cases now. One of the cases is an old man that has been isolated in one of our tertiary health institutions for a while. He is an elderly person who is in a critical condition.

“Others included a 35-year-old female from Katsina and 32-year-old male from Ibadan, while the third one is a 38-year-old male from Lagos, who all sneaked into Ekiti during the lockdown.

“But despite all these, no community spread, because they all came from outside. We beg our people to always alert us when new people come into town, because this has been working.

“But we are begging that nobody should come to Ekiti now, it is an executive order given by Governor Kayode Fayemi that nobody should come at this precarious time.

“It constitutes financial burden to Ekiti for victims of Covid-19 to come from Lagos, Oyo, Katsina to our state for treatment,” she stated.

Yaya-Kolade added that the government has trained a total of 80 civil servants on how to test the people using infra red thermometer.

She added that a total of 234 blood samples had been taken and tested since the outbreak of the disease, adding that more will be done to safeguard the state from calamity.

The commissioner added that Ekiti has set up a molecular laboratory situated within the premises of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, which she said will be launched soon.

Also speaking, the Director General, Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, stated that the state has received the sum of N631.083 million cash donations through the Covid-19 Fund Mobilisation Committee, headed by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).

“We have received a sum of N631.08 million from 535 contributors which the breakdown includes 231 donors and 234 political appointees.

“About 50 private organisations had donated food items and other consumables to fight this scourge by way of cushioning the effect of lockdown on the people,” he said.

Aluko said the state government will continue to work with security agencies and border towns to make the borders safe and impenetrable by intruders.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon Gbenga Agbeyo, said drone fumigation by Oodua fumigating team being powered by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will soon commence as part of the measures to curb the menace.

Immigration boss has directed that the redeployment of five female officers who took part in a viral social media dance challenge be put on hold

In a statement posted on its official Twitter handle on Friday, May 15, the NIS said staff deployment remains a vital practice of regimented organisations and that it maintains zero tolerance to matters bordering on offences against discipline among members of its workforce irrespective of gender.

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, reports emerged that five female officers of the NIS who were queried for misconduct after appearing in a viral dance video were reposted from their current places of assignment in Abuja, Lagos and Enugu and redeployed to Borno, Kano and Yobe.

Following their appearance in the viral ‘DontRushChallenge’ video, Priscilla Irabor, Catherine J. Bakura, Blessing Alfred Udida, Binti I. Attabor and Ockiya Eneni were the subject of a disciplinary memo dated April 15, 2020.

When the disciplinary memo leaked online, many social media users, women groups and celebrities criticised the NIS for being ‘high handed’ and accused it of gender discrimination.

Despite the backlash, another memo leaked on May 13, showing that the five officers have been handed punitive postings. The memo confirmed that Priscilla Irabor was transferred from the Lagos State Command to the Nigeria Immigration Training School, Kano (ITSK), while Binti Attabor was moved from the service headquarters in Abuja to the Yobe State Command.

Catherine Bakura was moved from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja to the Nigeria Immigration Training School Ahoada, Rivers State, while Blessing Alfred Udida was redeployed from the FCT Command to the Akwa Ibom State Command and Ockiya Eneni was transferred from the CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) Production facility to the Borno State Command.
The memo also stated that the relocation will be done at the personal expense of the officers involved, and they have been given just 7 days to report at their new places of assignment.

However, General Babandede has directed that the earlier Posting Order be put on hold pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The statement from NIS read: “The attention of the Comptroller General Muhammad Babandede has been drawn to some trending matters on some social media platforms regarding the deployment of some of our Personnel to some Formations across the country.

“It is important to note that staff
deployment remains a vital practice of regimented organizations such as ours and should be seen as such. As an agency, we maintain zero tolerance to any matter bordering on offences against discipline among members of our workforce irrespective of gender.

“We have high premium for staff development and indeed encourage personal efforts but that must be within the confines of our rules and regulations.

“The matter involving the Personnel in question is still being investigated and therefore,the Comptroller General has directed that the earlier Posting Order be put on hold pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

 

PRESS RELEASE BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES OF OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT TO CURB FURTHER SPREAD OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HELD ON FRIDAY, 15TH MAY, 2020

My dear people of Ogun State,
A week ago, specifically on Friday last week, I addressed you on the then status of the COVID-19 situation in our dear State. I consider it imperative to provide an update, on the medical statistics, the lockdown measures and other initiatives to ensure the overall objective of safeguarding the health and well-being of our people.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria Friday, 15th May, 2020

2. First the medical update. In my last week briefing, the number of confirmed cases in Ogun State was 100. But, by yesterday, Thursday 14th May, 2020, we have recorded 34 more positive cases of COVID- 19, bringing the total to 134. This shows an increase of more than 30%, in just one week.
3. In the same period, we also discharged 20 additional patients who have been successfully treated at our isolation centers, in addition to the 39 earlier discharged thus bringing the total to 59, who have been given a clean bill of health and have since rejoined their respective families. The rate of recovery is very heartwarming and encouraging and we pray that this pattern continues. Unfortunately, we have recorded 5 deaths in total. We pray God to repose their souls. This leaves us with 70 active cases who are currently receiving care at our treatment centers. As usual, we hope and pray that they will also be discharged in due course.
4. The spike in the number of positive cases, particularly in the last one week, is attributable to two main factors. First is the expanded testing capacity, currently at 450 per day, that has enabled us to embark on aggressive testing, especially in the communities with possible high prevalence of infection such as our border communities. The testing has presented us with the stark reality that community transmission is on the increase in our rural and urban communities in Ogun State. We will keep expanding our testing capacity by deploying more personnel and testing centers to every nook and cranny of the State. This leads me to the second factor for the increase in the number of positive cases. In spite of several warnings and the concerted efforts of our security agencies, a number of our people have continued to flout the measures in place to flatten the curve of the spread. Some residents still come out in the public without the use of facemasks or use the facemasks in a manner that do not shield their mouths and noses; motorcycles and tricycles riders still carry more than the approved number of passengers of one and two respectively; and drivers of taxi cab and passenger buses are also culpable in this flagrant violations of the extant guidelines. Our markets have also not fully compiled with physical distancing and other measures to ensure the markets do not become the COVID-19 transmission centers.
5. Between 4th May and yesterday, 108 violators of the lockdown and other measures have been apprehended and prosecuted. They were promptly tried by the newly introduced mobile courts, with some of them made to pay fine whilst some are undergoing community service. In the same vein, 517 vehicles, 109 motorcycles and 6 tricycles were impounded for breaching the Presidential directive on curfew within the same period. In addition, security agencies also intercepted migrants from other states, who defied the ban on interstate travels, and promptly turned them back at our borders with other states. We thank the security agencies and the judiciary for the patriotic duties of apprehending and bringing to justice the violators whose activities are capable of undermining our collective wellbeing.
6. We have continued to interface with the various Baales, Obas, opinion leaders and others in our border communities to report immediately any suspicious movement of people across the borders. In the same vein, we have also continued to interface with leaders of the various non-indigenous groups in Ogun State to educate their people on the prevailing laws and its consequences. This is just as we have reinforced the intelligence apparatus in the various non-indigenous settlements and markets especially at Ogere and Kara markets along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; Olomore pepper market at Abeokuta; Eleweran Onion and other markets in our major towns of Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ilaro and Ota etc.
7. You will recall that last-week we commenced the gradual easing of our modified lockdown by extending relaxation hours from 7am – 2pm to 7am – 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This allowed for conduct of essential business activities and has been acclaimed to have positive psychological benefits. We continue to work with statistical data and feedback from the field and endeavor to strike a balance between the health of our people and these restrictions. Consequently in view of the evidence of community transmission and poor compliance with the lockdown measures, we are constrained to extend the lockdown for another week till Sunday 24th of May. The current pattern of lockdown, with relaxation windows from 7.00am to 5.00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday continues. We will continue to monitor the level of compliance with the lockdown measures and incidence of community transmission and hopefully, there will be positive developments that will enable us further ease the lockdown at the end of this new lockdown period. We must also bear in mind that the daily curfew from 8pm to 6am and the ban on non-essential inter- State travel as directed by Mr. President still stands.
8. Interestingly, the feedback from you, the people of Ogun State, from the Public Opinion Poll hosted on the Twitter, also support the extension of the lockdown. Out of about 6,000 respondents of the online poll, 53% support the continuation of the lockdown whilst 43% want a review with 4% undecided.
9. Ideally, compliance should be seen as a moral responsibility and civic duty. Let me state that we will not tolerate any form of sabotage in our approach and efforts at flattening the curve of COVID-19 in our dear Ogun State. We will not tolerate any act of smuggling of people, either indigenes or non-indigenes in to our dear Ogun State. Anybody found contravening this restriction will be immediately prosecuted.
10. My dear people of Ogun State, let me reassure you all that your Government will continue to do what is right for the general good of all the people of our dear State. But I must also state that, at this time, survival is also a personal responsibility. We must join hands to flatten the curved of COVID-19 in our dear Ogun State. As we continue to help ourselves, we must also help one another and help our Government. 11. Let me also state that we appreciate the need to continue to mitigate the effects of the lockdown on the people of our dear Ogun State. We have continued to do this through the distribution of our palliative materials.
11. Whilst we battle the pandemic, we also continue to focus on our Agriculture sector, as food security occupies a prime position in the overall wellbeing of the citizens and the society. Last week, I flagged off the new planting season with presentation of fertilisers and other inputs to our farmers and beneficiaries of our Anchor Borrowers Programme. In furtherance of our commitment to leveraging the Agriculture for socio-economic transformation of the state, we are finalizing arrangement to select 250 youths (food vanguards) per Local Government for a new initiative aimed at further providing employments to our youth and preserving the agriculture value-chain. This is besides the fact that we have always classified agric as a critical and essential sector with full and unrestricted access during the period of lockdown for operators in both public and private sectors.
12. I must also appreciate the various individuals and organisations that have continued to partner and support us in managing the pandemic and mitigating the effect on our citizens. Particular mention must be made of the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs. Over 60, 000 school children in primary 1-3 in all the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of our dear Ogun State will benefit from the Home Grown School Feeding Programme and be provided nutrition needed for their mental development and physical growth. In the same vein, we are almost completing enumeration for the beneficiaries of the Federal Government Conditional Cash Transfer in all our 20 LGAs. With this effort, Ogun State is finally benefiting for the first time since inception of the initiative four years ago. By these kind gestures, you have all continued to strengthen our will and give deep assurances for the successful implementation of our “Building our Future Together” Agenda.
13. Finally, I commend all our State healthcare workers for their understanding and partnership with Government, particularly in this trying times. As a responsible Administration, we have not taken your commitment and sacrifice for granted. I also appreciate all the other frontline officers; and all the various security agencies and journalists for their continued devotion, resilience and patriotism. You have continued to put your lives on the line to protect the rest of us. We appreciate you and we pray that God will continue to protect you in the line of duty to humanity.
14. I thank you all for listening and God bless.
    “Igbega Ipinle Ogun, ajose gbogbo wa ni!”

COVID-19: Lagos Confirmed 179 out of 288 new COVID-19 cases, as total Confirmed cases now 5,445

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on Friday, confirmed a total number of 288 new coronavirus cases in the country.

This brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases Nigeria to 5,445.

The centre made this known via its verified Twitter handle on Friday night.

It tweeted: “288 new cases of #COVID19; 179-Lagos 20-Kaduna 15-Katsina 15-Jigawa 13-Borno 11-Ogun 8-Kano 7-FCT 4-Niger 4-Ekiti 3-Oyo 3-Delta 3-Bauchi 2-Kwara 1-Edo.”

288 new cases of COVID-19;

179-Lagos
20-Kaduna
15-Katsina
15-Jigawa
13-Borno
11-Ogun
8-Kano
7-FCT
4-Niger
4-Ekiti
3-Oyo
3-Delta
3-Bauchi
2-Kwara
1-Edo

5445 cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria
Discharged: 1320
Deaths: 171 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants three signings in summer window

• 
  
  

Axel Disasi fight

Arsenal have unwanted company in their pursuit of Reims centre-back Axel Disasi.

Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his defensive ranks and find a long-term partner for incoming recruit William Saliba.

Reims value their 22-year-old, who has made 52 appearances for the club, at £13million excluding bonuses.

But the Gunners face competition from north London rivals Tottenham and Southampton for Disasi, whose contract expires in June 2021.

Website GFFN believe Reims will get their asking-price for Disasi 'in the coming weeks.'

(Image: GETTY)

Adrien Rabiot to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally contacted the mother and agent of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

That's according to Italian website Calciomercato24, who claim Arsenal have joined Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle in the battle for the Frenchman's signature.

It's said Arteta even spoke to Rabiot himself back in the January transfer window before Juventus decided to keep him within their ranks.

It's unwelcome news for Steve Bruce's Newcastle, who have engaged in negotiations with Juventus over a £26million deal.

Unai Nunez interest

Arsenal are set to intensify their efforts to sign Unai Nunez.

The Athletic Bilbao centre-back, 23, received his first international cap for Spain against the Faroe Islands in August 2019 and is considered a rising star in La Liga.

However, the Gunners will have to pay full whack to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.

And that, according to Spanish newspaper El Correo, is because Athletic Bilbao will NOT negotiate his price-tag and expect Arsenal to trigger his £25.7million release clause.

• 
• Dani Ceballos return
  

Dani Ceballos says he plans to return to Real Madrid and fight for his place in Zinedine Zidane's starting XI.

Ceballos joined the Gunners last summer on a season-long loan with the aim of sealing a place in the Spain squad for Euro 2020.

However, after a bright start to life at the Emirates, Ceballos' form dropped off and he picked up a hamstring injury that would keep him out for several weeks.

"I am happy and I have a contract with Real Madrid," Ceballos told Spanish publication Deportes Cuatro. "I am 23 years old, I’m not over the hill yet. "Now I feel much more a player and I am prepared for any challenge that comes my way."

Willian future

Willian is in an awkward situation regarding his expiring contract at Chelsea, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian.

Willian’s current deal expires on June 30 and it is looking increasingly likely that the experienced winger will remain in the Premier League with Arsenal and Tottenham linked.

“There will have to be a lot of conversations over possible extensions," Joorabchian told talkSPORT. “It’s not just Willian, I think all free agent players are in an awkward situation because do you sign a new contract, do you extend for a month, do you extend for a longer period?

“I think that will be something that will just play itself out closer to the time.”

Jadon Sancho to Liverpool

Liverpool could pull off the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

That's the opinion of Glen Johnson, who believes the England international would find it 'very difficult' to reject Jurgen Klopp's side if they made an official approach.

"Sancho has been linked with almost all of Europe’s top clubs, but from my perspective he’ll surely find it very hard to turn down Liverpool if they come knocking," Johnson told BETDAQ.

"I know exactly what it means to put on the shirt and for any young English footballer playing at Anfield it is what you dream of.

"They’ve got one of the best managers in the world in Jurgen Klopp, they’re European champions and are going to win the Premier League, so it would be very tough to not be seriously tempted if they were after Sancho’s signature."