No One Knows Tomorrow ! See Rare Throwback Photos Of Funke Akindele, When They Had Nothing

No One Knows Tomorrow!, See Rare Throwback Photos Of Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo When They Had Nothing

Throwback Photos Are Said to be a picture that Shows us were We Started From in other to Honour God and Lift Men up and Also Share Our Success Story

A glimps Into The Life Of Funke Akindele

Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde(popularly known as Funke Akindele)is a Nigerian on-screen character and maker. Funke featured in the sitcom I Have to Know from 1998 to 2002, and in 2009 she won the Africa Film Foundation Grant for Best Entertainer in a Main Role.She plays the lead character in the show Jenifa\'s Journal, for which she was named Best On-screen character in a Parody at the 2016 Africa Enchantment Watchers Decision Grants

Akindele was conceived on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.Funke is the second of three youngsters (two young ladies and one kid). Akindele\'s mom is a Clinical Specialist while her dad is a resigned School Head. Funke acquired a Customary National Certificate (OND) in Mass Correspondence from the previous Ogun State Polytechnic, presently Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

On May 26, 2012, Akindele wedded Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. The couple separated in July 2013, refering to hostile contrasts. Akindele wedded Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016. Gossipy tidbits about her pregnancy ruled quests on Google web index in August 2017. Akindele brought forth twin young men in December 2018 and has a few stage kids.

See Throwback Photos

Covid-19: Governor Fayemi gives man who denied his son entry into his house appointment

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi has appointed the father in the viral video who insisted that his son must be quarantined for 14 days after the latter secretly entered Ekiti State from Lagos.

Governor Fayemi on Thursday appointed the man whose name is Mr. Adeoyem, COVID-19 Response Ambassador for Ekiti State, a statement from the government said.

“Governor Kayode Fayemi has appointed Mr. Adeoye as a #COVID19 Response Ambassador in Ekiti State. He will help to propagate the message as a member of the COVID-19 Task Force in the State,” the statement reads.

“By denying his son entry into his household having travelled from places under Federal lockdown against his fatherly advice, Mr Adeoye has proved to be a worthy ambassador of Ekiti State…

Video: Man who returned from Lagos in trouble as father blocks him from entering home over COVID-19 fears

“The Government and the good people of Ekiti State are very proud of this chivalrous act of courage and principle which are the hallmarks of the Ekiti person.

“Mr. Adeoye represents the kind of self-discipline, selflessness, and sense of collective responsibility that Ekiti State and Nigeria need desperately today to progress.

Mr. Kayode Fayemi (R) and Mr. Adeoye (L) (C) Ekiti Govt

“Ekiti State will in future recognize Mr Adeoye’s valour as an example of the rebirth of Ekiti Values Orientation which is the central focus of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration.” 

Nigerian video vixen and dancer, Kodak dies after allegedly being electrocuted while charging her phone

Popular Nigerian dancer and video vixen, Kodak has been confirmed dead in the late hours of Wednesday April 29.

According to reports, Kodak was electrocuted while charging her phone at a video director’s home in Omole Estate, Lagos. She was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital she was rushed to.

Olamide who penned down a tribute to her wrote;

“Rest up Kodak”

Popular dancer, Poco Lee also wrote;

“We lost A Legend in the Dance Industry & Nigeria at large….Forever in our Hearts #restinpeacepicturekodak”

JUST IN: A 25 years Old male has died due to COVID-19 Complications at the time of Admission Today in Lagos.

Unfortunately, 1 #COVID19 death was recorded. The deceased, a 25year old male was at the time of admission in a state of severe breathlessness. This brings total number of #COVID19 related deaths in Lagos to 20

They will do anything for Ventilators” – Donald Trump confirms speaking with President Buhari and promising Nigeria 200 ventilators

US President, Donald Trump, has confirmed his government will be gifting Nigeria 200 ventilators as the nation battles the Coronavirus pandemic.

Recall President Buhari had a telephone chat with the US President who promised to give Nigeria ventilators.

President Trump had a press conference where he confirmed his government will be giving Nigeria 200 or more ventilators. According to him, we will do anything for ventilators.

''I spoke today to Nigeria. They will do anything for ventillators. We are going to send at least two hundren ventillators to Nigeria, probably more than that'' he said

Watch the video below

Watch video here

President Buhari reportedly appoints dead Ebonyi lawmaker as member, Board Of Federal Character Commission

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a dead former lawmaker from Ebonyi State, Tobias Chukwuemeka Okwuru, to the board of the Federal Character Commission, SaharaReporters reports.

The appointment of the late Okwuru alongside 37 others was contained in a letter Buhari sent to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, read out the letter on Tuesday during plenary. 

But findings by SaharaReporters has revealed that Okwuru, who once represented Ikwo/Ezza Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, died in February 2020 at the age of 59. 

During his lifetime, he served as state auditor of Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Whip of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, before moving to represent his constituency at the National Assembly. 

Interestingly, this won’t be the first time President Buhari will be giving appointment to dead people.

In 2017, the list of appointments into the boards of federal agencies and corporations released was enmeshed in controversy after the names of five persons said to be dead appeared on it.

The dead persons alleged to be on that list were Senator Francis Okpozo (Delta), Rev. Father Christopher Utau (Benue), DIG Donald Ugbaja (retd), Garba Attahiru (Kaduna) and Umar Dange (Sokoto).

 

Similar things have happened over the years. In 2017,  this won’t be the first time President Buhari will be giving appointment to dead people.

In 2017, the list of appointments into the boards of federal agencies and corporations released was enmeshed in controversy after the names of five persons said to be dead appeared on it.

The dead persons alleged to be on that list were Senator Francis Okpozo (Delta), Rev. Father Christopher Utau (Benue), DIG Donald Ugbaja (retd), Garba Attahiru (Kaduna) and Umar Dange (Sokoto).

FG through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 read out the new guidelines for the ease of the lockdown.

This applies to Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja and will commence next week Monday, May 4, 2020.

Briefing newsmen on the guidelines for ease of the lockdown is the National Coordinator of the PTF, Sani Aliyu.

He said interstate travels still remain on lockdown except for the movement of essential services. Banks are to open between 8:00 am to 2:00 pm while adhering to the prevention guidelines.

Schools and restaurants are not to open but home deliveries for restaurants can resume. Concerts, cinemas, and leisure centers are to remain how they have been these past one month.

 

Sani’s statement reads:

”For government offices, government staff will be allowed to resume from the 4 of May but it will be based on specific grade levels and specific days so that we can reduce the amount of congestion that we might have in our government offices and we will be discussing further with state governments to make sure that we have a common approach to this.

Banks will be allowed to open but there will be a restriction in the opening hours to between 8am to 2pm and together with all the other preventive measures I have already mentioned.

In addition to this, from the point of agriculture and rural development, companies involved in food processing can commence operation. In construction sites, critical road will be allowed but waivers will be provided by state governments to enable movement.

For the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, we will encourage shift work and limiting staff to only 30 to 50 percent to maintain social distancing, and pharmacy shops may remain open overnight.” He concluded.

Also addressing the media is the chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha. He said the management of various offices is to fumigate and decontaminate their offices before they resume operations.

He said that the management should make arrangements for the physical distancing of their staff while at work. And finally, they should ensure all staff use face mask and hand sanitizer.

196 new cases of Coronavirus recorded in Nigeria - 87 in Lagos alone

196 new cases of #COVID19 reported;

 87-Lagos

 24-Kano 

18-Gombe 

17-Kaduna 

16-FCT 

10-Katsina 

8-Sokoto 

7-Edo 

6-Borno 

1-Yobe 

1-Ebonyi 

1-Adamawa 

 As at 11:55pm 29th April- 1728 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. 

 

Discharged: 307 Deaths: 5.

“I wonder how the whites successfully convinced Africans that polygamy is a sin but gay is a right”

The North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed concern over the way America and the West are toasting Africa about, making the statement “I wonder how the whites successfully convinced Africans that polygamy is a sin but gay is a right”

“Africans should learn on how to practice their religion. Until the day that Africans will start practicing their own culture they will never develop”.

“Globalization has never helped any country or continent, so if any Africa must succeed they should never take global standard as a way of life. Practice what you know best in accordance to your culture”.

Breaking News this Afternoon in Nigeria Wednesday 29th April 2020

Breaking News this Afternoon in Nigeria Wednesday 29th April 2020

Top Nigeria News Dailies Update from Newspaper Headlines Today this Afternoon

COVID-19 Lockdown: Vigilante flees after allegedly killing commercial bus driver in Kwara

Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin Residents of Eyenkorin, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, last night went on the rampage after a vigilance officer, identified as Sule shot dead a commercial bus driver, known as Idowu, while returning from a trip to Ibadan. Investigation revealed that Sule and his colleagues were said to have stopped the …

The Sun Nigeria.

Let’s work together, Umahi tells journalists

Okey Sampson, Umuahia and Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi has asked journalists to partner with his government. Speaking in a live broadcast in Abakaliki, yesterday, Governor Umahi described an earlier misunderstanding with The Sun and Vanguard newspapers as unfortunate. He urged journalists to always report with facts while bearing in mind the peculiarities …

The Sun Nigeria.

Elumelu donates to Delta communities

Christopher Oji Chairman of UBA Group and Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has donated six trailer-load of rice to his home town Onicha-Uku, and mother’s place of birth Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State. A cabinet member of Onicha Ugbo palace, Chief Ken Iwelumo, said communities that benefited from the palliative included, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North …

The Sun Nigeria.

Group demands 3 testing centres for Anambra

Obinna Odogwu, Awka International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (INTERSOCIETY) has demanded the establishment of three COVID-19 testing centres in Anambra State. This was contained in a letter addressed to the Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, which was endorsed by the Board Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi; …

The Sun Nigeria.

Again, Buhari nominates dead person into board

Magnus Eze, Enugu President Muhammadu Buhari has once again appointed a dead person into the board of one the federal government agencies. The dead man is Chief Tobias Chukwuemeka Okwuru, the member-nominee for Ebonyi State, listed as number 12 in the president’s letter to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; he died on February 27, 2020. …

The Sun Nigeria.

COVID-19: Sokoto records 3 deaths as cases soar to 19

Tunde Omolehin, Sokoto Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has announced the death of three COVID-19 patients in Sokoto State. Tambuwal through a statement released by Mohammed Bello, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity said the patients were among the 19 positive cases under treatment in the State. He indicated that the victims …

The Sun Nigeria.

Lockdown: Taraba disciplines local chairmen for non-compliance

Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo The Taraba State Deputy Governor Engineer Haruna Manu has said that two caretaker local government chairmen in the state are currently facing disciplinary action for not complying with the lockdown order put in place by the state government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manu, who disclosed this at a …

The Sun Nigeria.

Niger governor declares all-out war on bandits

John Adams, Minna Worried by the rise in banditry in parts of the state in the last two months, Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has declared an all-out war on the armed criminals terrorising the state. The governor said the dialogue and amnesty offered the bandits seems to have failed and that therefore “the …

The Sun Nigeria.

How Enugu spotted new COVID-19 case

Jude Chinedu, Enugu The Enugu State government has revealed how a new COVID-19 case was discovered in the state barely a week after two patients were discharged from the state isolation centre, having recovered from the disease. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Health, Ikechukwu Obi, said that a vigilant health …

The Sun Nigeria.

COVID-19: FG flags off donation of food, other items to Benue IDPs

Rose Ejembi, Makurdi The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has flagged off the distribution of food and other essential items to reduce the suffering of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in host communities within Benue State. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony which held at the premises of the Benue State …

The Sun Nigeria.

C’River to FG: We can’t do mass testing, give us COVID-19 vaccine factory

Cross River State government has appealed to the Federal Government to stop insisting that the state should carry out massive test for the dreaded coronavirus and instead, should site a COVID-19 vaccine factory in the state. Commissioner for Health, Betta Edu made this appeal on Wednesday when she addressed journalists in Calabar on the progress made so far by the state committee on the disease. She said the state was in need of a vaccine factory in order to create job opportunities for the teeming youth population…

Lockdown: Hunter allegedly kills commercial driver in Kwara

Residents of Eyenkorin in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday night went on rampage after a hunter, simply identified as Sule, allegedly shot dead a commercial bus driver, known as Idowu while returning to Ilorin from Ibadan. The driver reportedly drove through forest routes where he had the unfortunate encounter with the hunter engaged by the Eyenkorin community. According to the Police Public Relations Officer Ajayi Okasanmi the community association that engaged the hunter has been invited by the police. Sule was reported to…

Don’t reinstatement Dokubo – Niger Delta group begs Buhari

A group, under the aegis of Niger Delta Patriotic Youths, has pleaded with the President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow Professor Charles Dokubo the suspended coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to be reinstatement, insisting that he should be made to account for his stewardship. In a protest letter to Buhari over the alleged planned reinstatement of the suspended Coordinator and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Yenagoa by the President of the group, Comrade Timi West, NDPY queried the rationale behind the said move.…

AU hails support from Jack Ma, Alibaba foundations to public health in Africa

The African Union (AU) Commission on Tuesday commended Jack Ma and Alibaba foundations’ multifaceted support in strengthening public health Africa, with a particular emphasis on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. The statement was made by John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), a specialized healthcare agency of the 55-member pan African bloc, reports Xinhua. Nkengasong said the support ranges from the much-needed material support to experience sharing on fighting the pandemic. “The Jack Ma Foundation is now taking its support…

FG dispatches 110 trucks of rice, grains to Kano

The Federal Government has dispatched 110 trucks of palliatives foodstuff to Kano State. The foodstuff, including rice and grains, are to be distributed to the needy, vulnerable and people of concern in the state. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the ministry delivered 10 trailer-loads of parboiled rice to the state government about two weeks ago. In addition, the minister added that directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had also been directed to deliver 100 trucks of grains to five locations…

Dybala tests positive for COVID-19 — ‘for the fourth time in six weeks’

Paulo Dybala, Juventus forward, has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 for the fourth time in six weeks. On March 21, Dybala confirmed that he and Oriana Sabatini, his girlfriend, had contracted the novel coronavirus after his first test came out positive. But according to El Chiringuito, a Spanish programme, the Argentine forward has had a total of four tests in six weeks as a result of his initial diagnosis, with his most recent coming back positive. “Luckily we are much better, these days we do not have any symptoms,” he had told the club’s…

Boris Johnson, Carrie Symonds announce birth of baby boy

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a “healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning”. Both mother and baby are doing very well, their spokeswoman said. “The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team,” the spokeswoman added. Johnson only returned to work on Monday after spending time in intensive care during his battle with coronavirus, reports Sky News. The couple announced at the end of February that Ms Symonds was pregnant and they had got…

Derby players, staff agree wage deferral amid coronavirus pandemic

Derby County players and staff have agreed to take wage deferrals amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Championship side has not revealed how big a percentage of wages are being deferred but said it was “considerably more than has been reported”. Last week a spokesman for captain Wayne Rooneydenied the former England skipper was leading a player rebellion over wage deferral talks, reports the BBC. A Rams statement “specifically” thanked Rooney for his “help and support”. The statement also acknowledged the role played by Curtis Davies, the Professional Footballers Association’s club representative.…

Indian actor, Irrfan Khan, dies after long battle with cancer

Irrfan Khan, an Indian filmstar who brought a modern sensibility to recent hit movies and featured in several Hollywood films such as “Life of Pi” and “The Namesake”, died on Wednesday. Khan’s death, after a prolonged battle with cancer, was confirmed by a spokesman for the actor in a brief statement, reports Reuters. Khan was among the first Indian actors to make a consistent mark in western cinema, following earlier crossover pioneers like Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth and Om Puri.

Boy, 13, ‘stabs seven-year-old brother to death’ after ‘losing video game’

A teenage boy has reportedly confessed to police that he stabbed his seven-year-old brother to death in a fit of rage after losing on a mobile phone video game. Russian 13-year-old Alexander allegedly trashed the family home and broke his phone before killing his unnamed brother over fears he would tell their mum what he’d done, reports mirror.co.uk. The boys’ mum Olga, 32, left them sleeping in the house in Dudinka in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Krai region on April 23 while she took her six-month-old daughter to the girl’s grandparents’ home.…

See the giant asteroid 'half the size of Mount Everest' scientists say will fly by Earth today (photos)

A giant asteroid will fly close to earth on Wednesday morning (European time) but will not collide with earth according to the National Space Agency (NASA).

The giant rock half the size of Mount Everest, is officially named 1998 OR2, and will fly by at almost 19,500 miles per hour today (29 April).

The Asteroid 1998 OR2 is thought to be sized between 1.8 and 4.1 kilometres in diameter. That's roughly 0.5 to 2.5 miles and will be visible from Earth as it comes close to the planet and can be seen with a telescope as it can't be seen with the naked eye.

Asteroid 1998 OR2 will come 3.9 million miles close to the earth's surface, and the distance not considered near by a layman, is close enough to the earth according to scientists.

Close enough to be considered a "Near Earth Object" (NEO) by NASA.

Even though the asteroid won't hit Earth, NASA unfortunately reckons there are still 22 space rocks that could hit Earth in the years to come.

Any fast moving space object that comes within around 4.65 million miles is considered to be "potentially hazardous" by NASA.

The space agency explained: "Sentry is a highly automated collision monitoring system that continually scans the most current asteroid catalog for possibilities of future impact with Earth over the next 100 years.

"Whenever a potential impact is detected it will be analyzed and the results immediately published here, except in unusual cases where we seek independent confirmation."

The asteroid flyby is expected to occur at 5:56 a.m. ET, according to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies. The center tracks Near-Earth Objects, or NEOs, that could collide with Earth.

NASA says they have been tracking this particular asteroid for 20 years, according to NASA.

The asteroid has a mask like wearing look, making it more interesting as the world battles Coronavirus with the use of face masks this period.

"The small-scale topographic features such as hills and ridges on one end of asteroid 1998 OR2 are fascinating scientifically," said Anne Virkki, head of planetary radar at Arecibo Observatory, in a statement.

Arecibo Observatory is a National Science Foundation facility managed by the University of Central Florida

"But since we are all thinking about Covid-19, these features make it look like 1998 OR2 remembered to wear a mask."

195 new cases of Coronavirus recorded in Nigeria - 80 in Lagos alone

195 new cases of Coronavirus have been recorded in Nigeria.

According to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC, 80 of the new cases were recorded in Lagos, 38 in Kano, 15 in Ogun, 15 in Bauchi, 11 in Borno, 10 in Gombe, 9 in Sokoto, 5 in Edo, 5 in Jigawa, 2 in Zamfara, 1 in Rivers, 1 in Enugu, 1 in Delta, 1 in FCT and 1 in Nasarawa State.

As at 11:50pm 28th April- 1532 confirmed cases of COVID19 were reported in Nigeria. Discharged cases: 255 Deaths: 44

Photo From Late Nnamdi Kanu's Funeral Trends As Kemi Olunloyo Expose Shocking Revelations - Focus Naija

Medical Journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo recently posted on her twitter:

#BREAKING UPDATE I was briefed by a top military defense dept source that Nnamdi Kanu did pass away in an Italian hospital as reported. I was also told that whoever is broadcasting is an impostor meant to keep IPOB together. The Italian Hospital source also confirmed it #RIPKanu

She supported the above claim yet with another another tweetÂ

Kanu’s wife is in the UK and is reportedly angry at IPOB Spokesmen for “covering her husband’s death up” and not announcing. I asked my defense dept source if they will announce, they said in due course. Meanwhile a double is on air on his program. I have asked for a live video

She also said there is possibility of an impostor pretending to Nnamdi Kalu.Â

Nobody knows where the double is broadcasting from. IPOB continues to be a nuisance and reportedly working on who will head the terror group next or if Biafra will be achieved. #RIPNnamdiKanu

Nnamdi Kanu has died and gone. The person on a radio/video show yesterday didn’t have to hide their face. That person was physically in Nigeria doing his voice over. As a broadcaster, I can do voices of many public figures. #RIPNnamdiKanu

Shehu of Bama has died

A first class Borno monarch, His Highness, the Shehu of Bama, Kyari Ibn Umar Elkanemi, is dead.

The monarch died today Monday April 27 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). He was in his mid-60s.

Borno State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Babakura Abba Jato confirmed the death to journalists during a routine media briefing usually held daily by Borno’s high powered response team on prevention and control of COVID-19.

Jato said the Shehu was known to have been battling with protracted illness as many people of his age, often deal with. The Commissioner said the Shehu’s palace will announce funeral arrangements that will be communicated to members of the public.

The deceased monarch ascended the throne in 1990.

Owner of AIT, Raymond Dokpesi's son, Raymond, tests positive for Coronavirus

Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, son of the founder of DAAR Communications Plc and the owner of AIT television, Raymond Dokpesi Snr, has tested positive for Coronavirus.

Dokpesi who is currently the chairman of the communications company, disclosed this in a short message to members of staff today Monday, April 27th.

“ I got a call this morning confirming the result is COVID-19 positive. I am leaving now to the Gwagwalada Isolation Centre for treatment and hope to be back in two weeks. Many of you may have interacted with me during our various meetings and I would advise you to get tested as soon as possible.” his message read as posted by AIT

Dokpesi Jnr who has been on self-isolation for the past one week, began feeling ill with symptoms similar to malaria. He also started experiencing coughing and as a precaution, reached out to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, for a test which later turned out positive for the COVID-19.

He has been evacuated by the NCDC to the isolation centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, for treatment.

Efforts are currently being made to trace all those he must have had contact with in the last two weeks.

Breaking: Government Extends Lockdown By 30 Days

Breaking: Government Extends Lockdown By 30 Days

The Kaduna State Government has extended the COVID-19 lockdown by thirty days.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai disclosed this via a Twitter thread on Sunday evening.

The governor’s statement as posted on Twitter reads:

KADUNA UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai has extended the quarantine orders in the state for another 30 days, effective from 26th April 2020. The decision follows a recommendation to that effect by the State Standing Committee on Covid-19, chaired by @DrHadizaBalarabe

With Covid-19 cases rising rapidly in neighbouring states and the FCT, and with strong evidence of interstate travel being a major means of spreading the virus, the Standing Committee’s evaluation is that measures to protect Kaduna State residents require further strengthening…

Malam Nasir @elrufai has endorsed this evaluation. Quarantine Orders have been reviewed to strengthen the provisions against unauthorised movements. Henceforth, only Wednesdays will be lockdown-free, until the trajectory of Covid-19 infections becomes clearer.

All persons that venture out of their homes for whatever reason must wear facemasks and observe social distancing everywhere they go, in markets and in authorised vehicles. Government is making efforts to provide facemasks for poor and vulnerable residents..

Lockdown: President Buhari to address Nigerians by 8pm today

President Buhari will address the nation at 8pm today, April 27.

This was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, on Monday.

This would be the third time the President would be doing a live broadcast since the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The statement enjoined broadcast stations to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively for the broadcast.

The president will be expected to speak on the current lockdown he had earlier imposed on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states as some state governors have called for an interstate restriction of movements to contain the virus.

After four weeks of two instalments, the lockdown expires today.

JUST IN: 87 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria

87 new cases of coronavirus have been reported.

This was disclosed by Nigerian Centre for Disease Control in a tweet Saturday evening.

Lagos State had 33 new infections, Borno State has 18 new cases while Osun State has 12 new confirmed coronavirus infections.

According to Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) total new COVID-19 cases in Nigeria had jumped to 1182, with 222 patients have treated and discharged while 35 deaths have been recorded so far.

33 in Lagos

18 in Borno

12 in Osun

9 in Katsina

4 in Kano

4 in Ekiti

3 in Edo

3 in Bauchi

1 in Imo

As at 11:55 pm 25th April there are 1182 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria.

Discharged: 222

Deaths: 35

Nigeria is not yet at its Coronavirus peak yet; we still have a number of weeks to go - NCDC DG, Chikwe Ihekweazu

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu has revealed that Nigeria still has some number of weeks to go before reaching its Coronavirus peak.

Chikwe however stated the agency he heads is instituting different measures to ensure the nation’s health system does not get overwhelmed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said on Channels Television’s 'Sunrise Daily';

“From our projection, we are not near the peak yet; we still have a number of weeks to go.

“But we are trying to stretch out these weeks even further so we can push the peak a bit further out but make sure that the peak is not as steep as it would otherwise have been if no measures were put in place.”

The NCDC DG who decried the limiting factors making the transmission of coronavirus possible in the country, said they are completely outside the control of the health sector.

Chikwe added;

“Of course, we are over-stretched … but we will not stop because we really don’t have an option NCDC boss admitted.

"At the moment and from what we know, we will not be able to radically stop in a day or two, or even a few weeks but what we are trying to do is really to stretch out that curve so that the health system can cope with the number of cases coming in.”

Coronavirus: Over 40 Nigerian health workers test positive – Minister

About 40 health workers in Nigeria have, so far, tested positive for COVID-19, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has said.

Mr Ehanire made this known at the daily Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing on Thursday.

He cautioned health workers to ensure safety precautions are taken when treating any patient.

”This warning has become necessary due of the number of health workers who have tested positive for COVID-19, They are over forty now.

He said apart from the over 40 health workers, there are others “who have been quarantined in the last 2 weeks due to exposure and have not been able to contribute to efforts of the health sector.”

The federal government had earlier barred private hospitals from treating COVID-19 cases, saying many of the health workers there are not trained to handle such a disease.

At least 17 private hospitals in Lagos have admitted that their staff have been exposed to COVID-19 through patients.

The hospitals were subsequently bared from admitting any patients while their buildings are disinfected.

The federal government has now asked private hospitals willing to treat COVID-19 patients to register with their state’s health ministry and ensure proper training of staff.

Nigeria currently has 873 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of these, 197 infected people have recovered and have been discharged while the death toll is 28.

Healthcare workers at risk

Healthcare workers are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 virus as they are the first responders to patients.

On April 4, Aliyu Yakubu, a medical doctor aged 60, died at the Nigeria Air Force Reference Hospital, Daura, Katsina State, after contracting the deadly virus. A week later, his wife and children tested positive for COVID-19.

Due to their vulnerability to this disease, health workers have been advised to take extra precautions in handling suspected cases.

Earlier, some health workers working at isolation centres across affected states expressed their dissatisfaction over the lack of necessary insurance and other welfare policies despite the risk involved in their profession.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Blessing Israel, who works at the Lagos isolation centre, said:

”While we care for the patients, nobody cares for us. Despite being the backbone of the health sector in this period, there is nothing like a welfare package or insurance for us.”

Life Insurance

Following the complaint by the health workers and their unions, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha said life insurance for health workers is being planned considering the danger they are exposed to during this COVID-19 pandemic.

”In recognition of the danger to which our frontline health workers are exposed to, the government is working with other stakeholders to structure medical and life insurance cover for their protection.

READ ALSO: CELEBRITIES WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

“I, therefore, wish to assure them of our commitment and urge them to put in their utmost best as they battle to save us from this ravaging disease,” Mr Mustapha had said.

While the federal government is yet to conclude on the incentives for its health workers, the Lagos State Government has increased the hazard allowance of all its health workers from N5,000 to N25,000.

PPE

Meanwhile, Mr Ehanire said the government will continue to provide health workers with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

He advised that no patient should be treated without adequate PPE.

He urged health workers to take all necessary precautions for their own safety.

”The government will continue to provide you with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).

”I urge you to take all the necessary precautions for your own safety,” he said.

National lockdown: FG replies governors

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha said only President Muhammadu Buhari can decide on the 14-days national lockdown proposed by governors of the 36 states of the federation.

The governors had on Wednesday unanimously agreed to implement a 14-day national lockdown as part pf measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in the country.

He said the governors’ proposal and every inputs would be collated and submitted to the President.

“Basically what they (governors) are suggesting is that travels from one state to the other should be stopped with certain exemptions of essential services, petroleum products, farm inputs, fertilizer so that we can keep the wheel of our economy ready. 

“Like I said, that is their proposal, federal government is yet to take a decision and as to whether that will be part of our report, the presidential taskforce will meet and take holistic look at all the proposals that are coming in as to the next line of action going forward. 

“This will not be taken in isolation and so I want to assure you that we are working in synergy and collaboratively with the state governments and subnational entities that with this phase going into the third phase, it will be more collaborative that we would have taken into consideration the inputs and interests of different segments of our society,” he said.

Also speaking, National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force, Dr Sani Aliyu, said they would continue to engage closely with the state governments to control spread of the disease in the country.

“We are particularly pleased to note the decision by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to restrict inter-states travel. This is really important when it comes to reducing the risks of inter-state spread and transmission of the virus,” he said.

FCT will force evacuation of stubborn coronavirus patients treating themselves at home

 The FCT will also start widespread testing in communities where local transmission of the coronavirus has been established.

FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello [Guardian]

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Muhammad Bello, has raised alarm over reports that some coronavirus patients are refusing to be moved to treatment centres.

The minister announced late on Thursday, April 23, 2020, that he has received reports some who have tested positive in the capital city have opted instead to treat themselves at home.

He said relevant laws will be invoked to evacuate such "recalcitrant COVID19 patients" to appropriate treatment centres.

The minister said widespread testing will also be carried out in communities where local transmission has been established.

"We have also resolved that massive testing will be carried out in areas where community transmission has been established, including Mabushi, Gishiri and Utako, in order to prevent further spread of the virus within the communities," he tweeted on Thursday.

Bello also praised frontline workers for their efforts in combating the spread of the disease that has infected over 2.7 million people across the world.

He called on residents to continue to follow laid down preventive measures such as observing social distancing, constant hand washing, observing stay-at-home directives, and maintaining respiratory hygiene.

The FCT has recorded the second highest number of coronavirus cases with 133, behind Lagos which has recorded 582.

Nigeria has recorded 981 coronavirus cases in 26 states and the FCT, as of April 23.

197 people have recovered and been discharged, 35 of them in the FCT.

A total of 31 people have died, three of them in the FCT.