We are ready to reopen schools – South-West Governors

The six South-West states have signified readiness to reopen schools for pupils to sit for the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination amid the coronavirus pandemic.

This was part of the resolutions reached by the state governments at the end of a virtual meeting initiated on Tuesday by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria otherwise called DAWN Commission in collaboration with the forum of South-West education commissioners, special advisers on education and the State Universal Basic Education Board chairmen.

The Federal Government had on July 8 reversed its earlier decision authorising schools’ reopening for Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 students, who are expected to participate in the Junior Secondary School Certificate and the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations respectively.

According to the statement made available to journalists, on Wednesday, by the Director-General of the Commission, Seye Oyeleye, the statement read in parts, “The Forum, after careful deliberations, considering peculiarities of each state and options available reached a consensus on the subject matters and are expresses thus: On WAEC examinations; State Commissioners for Education have signified readiness to sit students for the 2019/2020 WAEC examinations.

“At the least, August 3rd, resumption for final year SSS3 students, states should approach the Federal Government at the first instance seeking the postponement of the WAEC exam by at least three weeks from proposed resumption. At the second instance states should directly approach WAEC to seek for an extension of the WAEC Examinations to week commencing August 24.

“All schools, when reopening should have in place incident managers and classroom wardens for every school and every classroom. The designation of the Quality Assurance Department for each state to issue a Safety Compliance Certificate to each school before reopening.”

The state governments also urged WAEC to encourage the administering the use of Computer-Based Tests while each state should deliberately intensify efforts and invest more in education technology.

COVID-19: Ogun govt speaks on school reopening

The Government of Ogun State said it had set up a committee to look into the possibility of reopening schools in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

The committee will work in collaboration with the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and the Federal Ministry of Education.

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said this on Tuesday while addressing newsmen after assessing the COVID-19 compliance level of an amusement park in Ibafo area of the state.

Salako-Oyedele, however, maintained that schools, religious and tourism centres among others, will remain closed until government’s further directives.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun has set up a committee to work in collaboration with the Presidential Taskforce and the Federal Ministry of Education to look into the reopening of schools in compliance with Coronavirus safety measures,” she said.

The Deputy Governor urged stakeholders affected by the ban to begin to put COVID-19 related measures in place while awaiting the state government’s response.

Speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said the government will not let its guard down on containing the spread of Coronavirus in the state, saying it has stepped up measures on ensuring quality healthcare system.

However, no date has been given for school resumption

Lagos schools resume Aug 3, churches, mosques remain closed‌, Ogun extends weekend lockdown by two weeks, schools to remain shut.

Lagos schools resume Aug 3, churches, mosques remain closed

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• Ogun extends weekend lockdown by two weeks

The Lagos State Government, on Friday, directed that schools should reopen on Monday, August 3, for only Senior Secondary School Class 3 and Technical Schools Class 3.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 16th briefing on the COVID-19 response at the State House in Marina, adding that pupils in Junior Secondary School Class 3 would need to wait for “about a week or two before resumption.”

Sanwo-Olu also sustained the ban on churches and mosques, as well as on social gatherings, while clarifying that the schools’ reopening was only for day schooling as boarding activities were prohibited.

For the Primary 6 pupils, the governor noted that they would be graded by their already recorded Continuous Assessment to cross over to secondary schools.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had on Monday approved the “safe reopening of schools in the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown” ordered to stop the spread of the infection.

Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, announced the gradual reopening of the schools from August 3, directing students in transitional classes, with mandatory public exams ahead of them, to resume for revision classes and examination.

He said, “Students in transitional classes, who have mandatory public exams ahead of them, are now permitted to resume revision classes and examination. All education establishments are to follow established public health guidelines and protocols for reopening the schools for these categories of students. The commencement date for this opening will be August 3, 2020, for SSS 3 and TEC 3 students only. Dates for JSS 3 schools’ reopening for revision classes and examinations will be announced in due course.”

The governor added that churches, mosques, bars and other public places remained closed until further notice.

 

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has said it is sustaining the closure of schools, churches and mosques as COVID-19 cases reached 898 in the state with 270 active cases and 19 deaths on Friday.

The state government said this in statement by Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, adding that one of the border local government areas had the highest number of cases.

The state added that it was sustaining the phase of eased restrictions for another two weeks, after which it would review and modify the guidelines.

“Schools are to remain shut. A committee has been set up to engage all stakeholders, public and private school owners, and develop guidelines for a safe reopening of our schools, especially to allow certificate classes to resume and sit for their examinations,” it said.

Ogun State Ministry of Education Set Date For Digital Class Assessment For SSS 3 Students

Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science & Technology wishes to inform the general public that the assessment examinations for students in Senior Secondary School Three ( SSS 3) both in public and private schools in the state on virtual learning, tagged ‘Ogun Digital Classrooms’, comes up Saturday 27th June 2020. 

The Special Adviser on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, indicated that the examination, which will take place online, was meant to test the abilities of students in preparation for the West African Secondary School Examination (WASSCE).

She noted that the concerned students should visit the Ogun Digiclass website on www.ogundigiclass.ng on the date specified above beginning from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Subjects to be assessed include:

Science Students: Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Art Students: Mathematics, English Language, Civic Education Government and Economics. 

Commercial Students: Mathematics, English Language, Civic Education, Accounts and Economics.

All school administrators and teachers are enjoined by this release to spread this news to their students.

Ogun State government has, yet again, extended the existing lockdown by another week.

Ogun State government has, yet again, extended the existing lockdown by another week.

Gov Dapo Abiodun made this known while briefing journalists on Friday in Abeokuta.

He maintained that the state was constrained to extend the lockdown for another week as it continued to record more cases of the Coronavirus.

According to the governor, it is a painful but necessary decision that has to be taken to maintain the balance between lives and livelihood.

“We cannot ignore the fact that we are having a sudden rise in the number of new cases. We all decried an increase of 30 per cent last week when I was giving the weekly update.

“This week’s increase of over 37 per cent is even more worrisome, particularly as we are still under an eased lockdown, and considering the demography and location of the confirmed cases, we can confirm that community transmission is on the increase in our state.

“I have to state that after all considerations, we are constrained to take the painful, but necessary decision to continue the eased lockdown of Ogun State for another one week till Sunday, May 31.

“As we have always maintained the delicate balance between lives and livelihood, we will continue to have our window of relaxation, from 7 am to 5 pm on Monday, 25th May; Wednesday, 27th May, and Friday, 29th May.

“We must also bear in mind that the daily curfew from 8 pm to 6 am and the ban on non-essential inter-state travel as directed by Mr President still stand,” he said.

Gov Abiodun, however, said that the second phase, to begin from June 1, would be accompanied by further ease of the lockdown and expansion of the windows of relaxation.

He said that the guidelines and details would be provided in due course.

The governor felicitated with the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting, but cautioned them against any form of gathering.

He enjoined them to comply with directives of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and offer their Eid prayers at home.

OGUN SECURITY: GOV. ABIODUN RECEIVES PROGRESS REPORTS IN MEETING WITH OFFICERS

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, today, met with the Commissioner of Police in the State Command, Mr Kenneth Ebrimson and Deputy Commissioners in his Office in Oke-Mosan.

At the meeting, the Governor was briefed with the latest updates on the current security situation in the State, as well as on compliance with measures and directives rolled out by the Federal and the State Governments on COVID-19 containment.

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi and the Chief of Staff, Mr Shuaib Salisu.

The meeting was necessary, as the discussed updates would influence the decisions being regularly taken on COVID-19 and the emergent situation.

OGUN STATE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE SUPPORTS THE LARGEST TILAPIA FISH FARM IN NIGERIA LOCATED IN OGUN STATE

OGUN STATE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE SUPPORTS THE LARGEST TILAPIA FISH FARM IN NIGERIA LOCATED IN OGUN STATE

As part of Ogun State’s COVID-19 Agricultural response plan to support private food production and processing locations in Ogun State, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Team of the Ogun State Ministry paid a scheduled visit to Oyan Dam, an Aquaculture/Fisheries Value Chain location in Abeokuta North Local Government, On Tuesday, 19th May 2020.

One of the private investors in Aquaculture Value Chain at Oyan Dam, has the largest tilapia fish farm in Nigeria with a production capacity of 10million tilapia fishes to serve local and international markets. The farm is a key partner to Ogun State Government in the State’s all-inclusive response to envisaged COVID-19 induced food security challenges.

This private sector led food security location is being supported by Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture on fisheries value chain coordination, demand creation and technical issues.

The Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture will continue to support all food production and processing locations to enable them continue to play enhanced roles in Food Security and Job Creation during this pandemic period.

Covid 19 Restrictions: FOUR ARRESTED IN ABEOKUTA FOR RIDING BIKE FROM MINNA

Operatives of the NIgerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have arrested four Northern Youths who sneaked into the State from Niger State despite inter-state travel ban by the Federal Government.

Parading the youths in Abeokuta, the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Hammed Abodurin, said they were intercepted at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta at about 10:30 Tuesday for violating the State lockdown rules and for being in the public without using face masks and riding unregistered motorcycles.

Abodurin said, "further interrogation showed that the youths who are from Niger State with their motorcycles. They claimed to have boarded a truck conveying foodstuff from Kotangora to Lagos, alighted at Ogere and continued the journey with their motorbikes to Abeokuta where they were arrested".

The Commandant condemned drivers for using their trucks meant to convey food items to bring in people who do not have fixed addresses and means of livelihood to State.

He added that they would be handed over to the State Mobile Court for violating the lockdown and ban on inter-state travel for appropriate sanctions.

He decried the non-challant attitude of the people for not obeying the sit-at-home order, but still move within the State, calling on his men to be vigilant and arrest violators as part of their efforts to curb the pandemic in the State.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Goverrnor on Security, Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Sola Subair, reiterated the commitment of the government to protect the people at all times as well flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He warned that any person or group of people who enter the State, especially during this period of inter-state travel ban, would be returned back to their State.

Also, Mr Kunle Somorin, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun said no matter where they hide or the means: air, road or through subterfuge, like in this case, by which these lawless people try to enter Ogun State, our law enforcement agencies would fish them out.

Responding to questions from newsmen, one of the youth, Ayuba Musa, aged 27, denied knowledge of the lockdown in the State and the ban on inter-state travel, saying they came from Niger State as a result of hunger to Abeokuta to make a living.

Others arrested are, Luda Joshua, 26, Amos Ibrahim, 25 and Samuel John, 30.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and NAOSS are set to begin a Mass Protest tomorrow, Monday May 18th in Ogun state.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has concluded plans for a state-wide protest on Monday in Ogun State over alleged incessant extra-judicial killings of students by the operatives of the State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The students said the seven-day ultimatum was earlier given to the Comptroller General of the NSC, Hameed Ali, to remove the Ogun State Controller, Michael Agbara expires on Monday, May 18, 2020

The protest is being organised by NANS in conjunction with the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS).

NANS and NAOSS in a statement jointly signed by the National Vice President of NANS, Comrade Ojo Raymond and the National President of NAOSS, Comrade Gbemileke Ogunronmbi and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday insisted that there was no going back on the planned protest.

The students alleged that there has been the incessant killing of residents of Ogun State border communities all in the name of fighting smugglers.

The statement read:

“We are embittered that since the issuance of the seven-day ultimatum given to the Comptroller General of the NSC, Hameed Ali to remove the Ogun State Controller, Michael Agbara, nothing has been done about this.

“In line with our earlier position, the national leadership of NANS is calling on all the students in Ogun State to be prepared for the planned protest to fight the injustice and inhumane treatment by the men of the Ogun Customs Service on them.

“We are calling on all students to come out and support this protest as it is the fight for the emancipation of Ogun students from the callous hands on the men of the Ogun Customs Service. This is a fight for liberation, the incessant killing our students must stop and nobody except us can fight for this.

“Ogun State Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Michael Agbara must not only be removed but he must also be made to face the crimes against humanity committed by his men under his watch.

“There is no going back on this protest. Nigerian students will occupy the Headquarters of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service until Agbara is removed.

“This protest is tagged Agbara Must Go! Agbara Must Face Criminal Against Humanity. Agbara Must Pay For The Blood of Every Student Killed Under his watch.

“We hereby urged every student in Ogun State to remain strong, resolute and committed to this course as victory is ours. Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!”

COVID-19: REGBEREGBE GROUP APPEAL TO OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT FOR AN ISOLATION CENTRE

A Group (Regberegbe) has appealed to Gov. Dapo Abiodun to create an Isolation centre in Ijebu Ode local government considering the possible outbreak that might likely occur based on the announcement of Mr President on the relax of the lockdown in the state.

The group made the appeal in a letter addressed to the governor and jointly signed by its Coordinator and Public Relations Officer, Oreagba Olatunbosun and Adepoju Adekiitan respectively.

The group appreciated all the medical teams working so tirelessly day and night to ensure infected people in the state were reduced drastically.

The group noted that the isolation centre would guaranteed security of lives of Ijebu Ode indegenes and it’s environs, adding that it would increase the people’s sense of belonging and more trust in the present administration.

We are Ijebu born young men between the age grade of 1983-84-85.

We must congratulate you and your team on the success recorded so far towards the curb of the spread of the dreaded virus COVID-19 in Ogun State.

Sir, In our own little way to show our support and interest in this government, we distributed palliatives and stimulus package to the less privileged and the agedin every nook and cranny of Ijebu land.

We indeed do not have any doubt in us that the distribution of palliatives to 1,000 youths of our dear Ijebu-Ode local government, and as replicated in other local government in Ogun State, will also go a long way most especially in this “Stay Home and Stay Safe” era.

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.

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!”

Bakare donates church halls to Lagos, Ogun as isolation centres Saying 'I’m here to correct lamentations of certain people’

Tunde Bakare, the serving overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, has donated three church buildings to the Lagos and Ogun state governments as isolation centres.

In a broadcast shared by the church on Sunday, Bakare called on other churches, with multiple facilities to do the same, rather than criticise the government for shutting down congregational worship.

He said he has not asked the churches to do what he himself has not done, stating that his church had donated their facilities to the government in Lagos, while a private residence in Abeokuta has been granted to the Ogun state government.

“This morning, I would like to bring ethical correction to some of the lamentations of certain people within the church over the ban of congregational worship in churches across the land, while markets and hospitals are allowed to operate,” Bakare said.

“I am so glad that no only churches are prevented now from congregating, the mosques also are lockdown.

“The government order to open the markets to operate for a few days is to prevent hunger, especially in the life of daily earners because the palliatives from the government cannot go to every citizen.”

NO SOCIAL-DISTANCING IN THE SPIRIT

 He called on the church to lead the campaign against COVID-19 and support the government, stating that there is no social distancing in the spirit.

“Those churches with multiple facilities, rather than their leaders criticising the government, they should collaborate with them. They must be prepared to offer some of their halls to governmental authorities as isolation centres in support of the efforts of the government,” Bakare added.

“After all, it was to the safe custody of the Inn Keeper that the good samaritan in the parable of the good samaritan kept the wounded man left for dead on the way to Jericho.

“The Inn Keeper is the pastor, the inn is the church, the wounded man is the sick world, and the two denarii is wages for two years because a day with the lord is like a thousand years.

“I recommend that our church halls be made available to the government as isolation centres, and those of us who could afford it should be there to support the government.”

Bakare prayed for health workers, and called on every Christian to make their homes, neighbourhood, and workplace as the new pulpits for preaching God’s word.

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Nigerian Police Force In Tears As Coronavirus kills Officer at Federal Medical Center Idi - Aba in Ogun hospital

The authorities of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta have confirmed the death of an officer of the Nigerian Police Force as a result of coronavirus-related complications.

The Head of Public Relations at FMC, Segun Orisajo, on Sunday morning, confirmed the death of the police officer without giving a name.

Orisajo said the officer died at the facility on Friday.

According to Orisajo, the deceased presented in the General Outpatients Department at the FMC about three days ago and died the same day.

The spokesperson said the officer’s COVID-19 test result returned positive on Sunday morning.

“His body is being prepared for release to his family for burial in strict compliance with World Health Organisations guidelines.

“All staff who came in contact with the deceased are currently on self-isolation,” Orisajo said in a statement.

Orisajo had on Saturday night confirmed three new cases involving two staff of the hospital – a nurse and administrative staff, as well as another patient.

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Ogun State To Continue Lockdown But Change Time Duration For Curfew.

Ogun State government has reduced the time duration but continue with lockdown.

The table is as follows:

Monday 11th May Relaxation window 7am - 5pm

Wednesday 13th May  Relaxation Window 7am - 5pm 

Friday 15th May Relaxation Window  7am - 5pm 

Curfew is from 8pm - 6am  everyday 

Facemask is very important ,dont go out without your facemask 

Taxicab for within must carry only 3 passengers 

14  seaters for within must carry only 7 passengers 

Tricycle can carry only 2 passengers 

Okada should carry only 1 passenger 

All Educational Institutions remains close while students in public schools will continue with Digiclass 

30% of public servants are to resume work only on days of window relaxations 

All essential service personnel will continue to work despite the lockdown 

All public religious gatherings remains banned 

All pubs,clubs ,stadia , public pools spars ,gyms , salon etc and all assembly of more than 15 people remain banned 

Restaurants may open on the approved days for take outs meals only 

Burials and naming ceremonies are allowed but they must not be more than 15 people including the officiating ministers

Ogun Task Force Cause Drama In Ogba-ayo As Okada Rider Goes Into Coma After His Bike Was Seized

Drama came up between a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider, simply identified as Gideon on Thursday, May 7, 2020 around 7.30 in the evening in Ogba-Ayo, Ijoko, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun state as the okada rider who was said to be resisting the arrest of his bike from men of the Ogun State Task Force on Lockdown was beaten to coma by the Task Force officials who also took his bike away.

The incident got the attention of some residents and passersby who came to the rescue of the okada man before he could regain his consciousness.

Opera news report that "An eye witness who spoke to them on Saturday, May 9, 2020 gave a detailed account of the ugly scene narrated, "It's true something like that happened on Thursday around 7.30 pm. I was about closing from shop that day when we noticed some people running here and there. I later saw the okada riders who came out to operate despite the lockdown, now scampering from being arrested by the task force officials after sighing them from a far but some were unlucky as they eventually ran into their hands. That's how they were arrested with their bikes. But there were some of their colleagues who came later, including one man called Gideon. I think they were defiant to the information by those that escaped among their colleagues that men of Ogun Task Force on Lockdown were still around people that they should clise for the day to avoid being arrested. They insisted to pick some passengers but unknowingly, the Task Force officials suddenly came via the opposite side of the bridge and ambushed them. Others left their bikes and took to their heels while few others were not lucky enough and they had to surrender their bikes to the task force men immediately. But instead, Gideon was sighted dragging the bike with one of the security men. Maybe that's what attracted the attention of other officials who now descended on the stubborn man. I think he was given a hot slap and that's why he fainted. Before we knew it, people who were passing and watching the incident with wrap attention quickly gathered on him. They started pouring water on him until he was able to regain his consciousness. He was later taken to a nearby chemistry store for first aid treatment. He was just stubborn. Now he had lost the okada to them, he. just punished himself for nothing.

"Although, no okada is allowed anywhere in Ogun state now until the lockdown is over, the task force officials also need to take it easy with them because everybody is very hungry at the moment. And all these okada riders don't have any other means of livelihood. That's why they're still coming out to operate, but they have to be doing it with wisdom. Things are not easy anywhere now. Now, we learn Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended the lockdown by another one week. It's only God that can save us from the present situation we are in."

OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT EASE LOCKDOWN TO THREE DAYS OF MOVEMENT IN A WEEK

highlights of H.E Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun, MFR press briefing on COVID-19 today, 8th May, 2020 with updates on the lockdown, windows, measures, and response strategies and facilities:

1. Ogun State has discharged 20 patients, who have rejoined their families to continue normal living. However, considering the astronomical increase that we have witnessed in the number of confirmed cases in the last one week with 100 confirmed cases and 78 active cases as at Thursday, 7th May, it is important we maintain measures that we have so far practised.

2. These measures, which will be reviewed on a weekly basis and remain effective till Friday, 15th May are as follows:

(i) Relaxation windows are to be observed between 7am (morning) to 5pm (evening) on Monday, 11th May, Wednesday, 13th, and Friday, 15th;

(ii) Daily curfew remains in place at all other times, as well as the ban on non-essential interstate travels; and

(iii) Facemasks must be worn, if we must step out. We have provided a good number to frontline workers, civil servants and persons deemed incapable of buying the masks but individuals who can buy the item are advised to do so.

3. We have tested 10,000 people and traced over 551 contacts of all confirmed patients. As a further step, we have also included security agencies, particularly Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), across all 20 LGAs in the State COVID-19 Enforcement Task Force to ensure adherence to these recommended measures.

4. The Task Force has been directed to tackle effectively, the smuggling of persons, especially non-indigene relations of Ogun residents, in large vehicles conveying essential items such as livestock and other food items. We have also met with traditional leaders, especially in our border communities, to report suspected arrivals and movements.

5. In the last one week, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital welcomed a 65-bed Treatment and Isolation Centre, in addition to its Infectious Disease Hospital in Iberekodo, giving the State a cumulative 300-bed capacity.

6. I have received encouraging updates on the second phase of our distribution of palliatives to targeted beneficiaries, with improvement in logistics and cooperation from the end of the people.

7. I however wish to stress again that it is unpatriotic, especially during this pandemic, for anyone to spread fake news and malicious stories. I plead that we make it a duty to verify forwarded news and refuse to concoct malicious claims, so that we do not cause unnecessary panic.

8. I want to again express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed positively by any means to the joint fight against this pandemic, including all frontline health and security officials, individuals and organisations, especially Hon. Titi Oseni-Gomez who made available, her Event Centre in Abeokuta to be the additional Isolation Centre I announced in (5) above.

Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters. May Allah accept our worship, forgive our sins, and look upon us with His grace.

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OGUN REFUTES VIDEO OF 25-YEAR OLD COVID-19 PATIENT'S PURPORTED DEATH

The Ogun State Government has distanced itself from the video of a 25-year old young man who purportedly died in an isolation center, condeming the reckless act of filming a dying person.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker said that there is no 25-year-old (Male) admitted into any of the isolation centers in Ogun State and the arrangement in the state wards is spacious to meet with the social distancing regulation stipulated by World Health Organisation ( WHO) contrary to the space displayed in the propaganda video.

She said that the logo on the cabinet showing that it was donated by a Bank is a clear sign that the place in question is not an Ogun State isolation centre, adding that no single COVID-19 relief item was donated to Ogun State government by the bank.

Coker pointed out that the inscription on the wall of the background does not tally with any of the numerous encouraging wall inscriptions in Ogun State wards.

The Commissioner said that none of Ogun State isolation centres is painted in the colour shown in the footage.

Condeming the video, Coker said that it is inappropriate for an hospital environment meant for caring to be turned into such frivolous use

She described the action as disheartening and futile smear campaign designed to denigrate the steady battle against COVID-19 in Ogun State.

"It is unfortunate that anyone would take delight in filming a dying patient rather than assist as the footage suggests," the Commissioner stated.

Commenting on another mischievous picture depicting health workers in the State wearing bin bags as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the Commissioner clearly stated that "all our health facilities are provided with appropriate PPE," reassuring that health workers well-being and safety remain a priority to the present administration.

OGUN COMMENCES VIRTUAL PROCEEDINGS FOR JUSTICE DISPENSATION

The Ogun State Judiciary on Wednesday began virtual proceedings to accelerate justice dispensation in the state.

The State Attorney General, Mr Gbolahan Adeniran, while speaking after virtual sitting at the High Court1 presided over by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, stated that the process became necessary to speed up the judicial process as regards different cases before it.

He noted that the judicial process had been stalled due to the spread of coronavirus, hence the need for it to test and ensure that judicial proceedings are done partly online and partly physically in the courtroom.

The AG said that judicial process in the country had to move towards an electronic management system, document management system and electronic proceedings.

He added that judicial staff would be trained on the new development for an effective and efficient system.

He added, “Today, Ogun State judiciary tested and ensured that we can host proceedings partly online and partly physically in the courtroom and this is to enable us to return to business because even though the coronavirus is here with us and even though it’s going to come and stay for some time, it cannot put an end to judicial proceedings because justice must always be present.

“It’s the only way to go and, even though before coronavirus, judiciary across the country should have been moving towards more electronic management system, document management system, electronic proceedings, being able to have witnesses and defendants attend or participate online and we are aspiring towards that.

“Now, today, what we did was proof of concept to show that it can work and indeed it worked. In order for it to expand to all phases of proceedings because as you can see to do a trial is a different thing. All the cases today were for mention but when it’s a full-blown trial, we also need to make sure that technology is available to support it.”

In his own submission, the Director of Public Prosecution, Olusegun Olaotan, commended the State Government for introducing technology into the criminal justice in the state.

“You know nothing is static in life, the coronavirus pandemic has brought out the ingenuity in us to look for a way out so we don’t keep criminals in detention perpetually. Nobody knows when this thing is going to leave us and does it mean as long as it is with us, we keep them there? So, this is an avenue for us to begin to work on their cases even though we are having the lockdown.

So, everybody in the state should be happy that we have this technology with us now. And it is not only for now, even after the lockdown, but it’s also a way for us to go. We have to make progress,” he added.