COVID-19: Ogun – Gov. Abiodun reopens worship centres Aug 14

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July 30, 2020

IMG_20200730_093902 — Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun during a media briefing at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. July, 29, 2020.

The Governor Dapo Abiodun-led Ogun State Government has announced that worship centres would tentatively reopen across the state from August 14.

Giving an update on strategies his administration was employing to combat the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Abiodun explained that the decisions were reached after rigorous deliberations.

According to him, “After rigorous deliberations by the related committee, I can announce that worship centres will tentatively reopen on Friday, 14th August, on the condition that they adhere to agreed guidelines, failing which we shall not hesitate to impose severe sanctions on erring centres.

“These are on the use of face masks and hand sanitisers; distancing; and provision of medical, toilet and hygiene facilities including Veronica buckets.

“Others include: Muslims should perform ablution at home and go to mosque with personal praying mats; certified medical personnel to check worshippers’ temperature before admittance to venues; handshakes, hugs and air conditioners to be avoided in all centres; provision of isolation rooms, as well as digital cameras to record services, in each centre; and adequate medical support to be provided for sick persons.

“Other measures are: duration of services not to be more than an hour and a half, while intervals in the case of multiples should be of the same duration; constant sensitisation on COVID-19, its dangers, preventive measures, and especially the susceptibility of the elderly, to be included in sermons; and large worship centres (with more than 200 worshippers in a given service) to further pursue concurrence with Ogun State Government Committee, towards ensuring ventilation and effective entry and exit management procedure and the avoidance of item sharing during Holy Communion.”

The governor said it’s worrisome that Ogun State, like Nigeria, has been witnessing an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

He noted that despite his administration having screened over 10,000 persons and also tested about 5,611 people as at July 28, the state has 1,326 confirmed cases; out of which 1,068 have been discharged; while the state has an unfortunate record of 23 related fatalities; with 227 active cases.

COVID-19 Regulation: Buhari to Mark Eid prayers with family at home

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Abuja Bureau

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July 29, 2020

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President Buhari and Family — File Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari and Family

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday said he would observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago, in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.

The President disclosed this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

While wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, the President reiterated the protocols as issued by PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.

“Where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.

“In order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.

“He once again wishes all citizens a safe and happy Eid,” the statement said.

Idowu Sowunmi

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FG says NECO exams will hold from Oct 5 to Nov 18

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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FB_IMG_1591941916108 — File Photo: Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari during a virtual meeting with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the council chamber, State House Abuja; Thursday June 11, 2020

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Wednesday said the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) organised by the National Examination Council (NECO) for the students would commence on October 5 and end on November 18.

Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba, disclosed the dates for the examination at the end of a virtual meeting with chief executives officers of examination bodies in the country.

The minister, in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Goong, said the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Unity Colleges would hold on October 17.

The ministry also said the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, (BECE) for JSS 3 pupils also conducted by NECO would start on August 24 and end on September 7.

The statement added that registration for NECO (SSCE), which is on-going, would end on September 10 and that there would be no further extension.

The statement said the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) examinations would start on September 21 and end by October 15.

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is scheduled to hold from September 23 to October 17, said the statement.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Gov. Abiodun solicits NASS support to take over Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta road

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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IMG-20200729-WA0034 — Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The Ogun State Goverrnor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has solicited the support of the National Assembly for the takeover and reconstruction of the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta and the Sagamu-Ikorodu roads, by Ogun and Lagos State Governments.

Prince Abiodun made the call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who paid him a courtesy visit.

The Governor, who informed the Speaker of the current deplorable condition of the roads, added that the takeover of the roads would enable the two State Governments put them in proper shape, thus taking the load off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and bring succour to users.

He described Agbara and its environs as the industrial hub of the State, but decried the poor condition of the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, noting that some industries may be forced to exit the area, if the road was not fix on time.

“The Agbara-Atan-Lusada road is in a very deplorable condition. Not only that, the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway and the Sagamu-Ikorodu roads are also very bad. I want to call for the support of the National Assembly in taking over or construction by the Federal Government. Our people are really suffering on these roads,” he said.

Governor Abiodun informed the Speaker of the House that his Administration was currently constructing the Ijebu Ode-Epe Road, which would serve as an alternative route to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, for those going to the Northern and Eastern parts of the Country, as well as open up the axis for economic activities.

The Governor said government was trying to tap from the State’s advantaged location, by providing security, infrastructure and making health accessible, saying the State was able to manage and curtail COVID-19 by providing well-equipped Isolation centres and a molecular laboratory.

He described the Speaker as one of the longest serving members of the House and a grassroots politician who has distinguished himself by being a worthy representative, not only of his Constituency, but the whole of the Southwest.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila, said he was in the State to see things for himself, listing road infrastructure as one of the areas where the House would collaborate with the State Government.

“I am here to see things for myself. I have heard of the development that is going on in this State, despite scarce resources. I want to commended the Governor for what he has done, especially in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know the Governor very well. He moves at a very quick pace. With him as the Governor, Ogun State will receive a facelift. So I am here to extend a hand of fellowship as there will be the need for partnership and collaboration particularly on road projects,” the Speaker noted.

He opined that for the Government to make more development strides in the coming years, the Governor may need to rejig his plans, as the Coronavirus has negatively affected every facet of life, calling on the people to rally round him to deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

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Post COVID-19 Market Recovery: OPEC, Nigeria hold dialogue

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Nigeria last week held a bilateral meeting, which signalled a strong dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and Africa’s biggest producing country.

The dialogue was majorly to ensure key compliance with OPEC global production cuts deal of April, to which all of OPEC’s African member countries have agreed to.

Nigeria’s support to global market stability and energy cooperation was significant and gave confidence to operators and future investors, seeking to do business in West Africa.

“African producers and service companies are the hardest hit when there is volatility in the market.

“H.E. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo and Dr. Ayed S. Al-Qahtani leading these discussions sends a strong message that collaboration and sticking to the principles of a stable market is good for Nigeria, its producers and the economy at large.

“We continue to support the government of Nigeria, and the country’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources in their effort to improve the environment for investment and getting the industry to rebound post- COVID-19. We believe they are right in making this a priority and we welcome the bold initiatives by Nigeria’s leadership,” said the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk.

Nigeria’s ongoing Marginal Fields Bidding Round was launched in earlier this year and has already been met with significant success, reportedly attracting hundreds of bidders.

The round is expected to result in a new wave of local content development in Nigeria, a country already widely regarded as the most successful example of local content and capacity building across the continent.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Ogun Assembly passes 2020 Appropriation Amendment Bill

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the 2020 Appropriation (Amendment) Law which seeks to reduce the annual budget from N450 billion to N280 billion resulting in 38 per cent reduction of the initial budget.

The passage of the bill titled: “H.B. No. 050/OG/2020 – A Bill for a Law to amend the Year 2020 Appropriation Law,” was consequent upon the presentation of the report of Ogun State House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by the Chairman, Olakunle Sobunkanla, at a plenary presided over by the Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, in Abeokuta.

Sobunkanla thereafter moved the motion for the adoption of the report, seconded by the Minority Leader, Ganiyu Oyedeji, and supported by other lawmakers through a voice vote.

The Assembly later considered the bill clause-by-clause before the Assembly Committee of Supplies, after which the motion for the third reading was moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by a member representing Odeda State Constituency, Oludaisi Elemide, after which the Clerk of the House and Head of Legislative Services, Deji Adeyemo, did the third reading.

Responding, Oluomo directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

Meanwhile, two bills including Ogun State Energy Board Law, 2020 and Ogun State Safety Commission Law, 2020 scaled the first reading, as they were read by the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service before the lawmakers.

By Idowu Sowunmi

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Amaechi appeals to Reps to stop probe of Chinese $500m

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Rotimi-Amaechi-on-June-12_1596036859274 — File Photo: Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has appealed to the National Assembly to halt its probe of the 500 million dollars loan from the Chinese government.

The Minister made the appeal during an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties and Protocols on Wednesday.

According to the Amaechi, the loan which is meant for the completion of the Federal Government’s rail projects may be truncated by the Chinese government if it suspects that there is a disagreement between the executive and the legislature.

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2023 – Is Mamman Daura revealing unto us Buhari’s state of mind?

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Abuja Bureau

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July 29, 2020

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images (1) — A file photo of Mamman Daura and President Muhammadu Buhari

He’s popularly described as the head of the kitchen cabinet of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

He’s not just Buhari’s nephew. He recently spoke glowingly with passion how he grew up with the President, saying: “My father was their mother’s firstborn. Buhari is the last born.”

That’s the kind of wonderful relationship Mamman Daura enjoys with the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

To a very large extent, Daura is seen as the last man standing of an open-secret powerful political clique in the contemporary Nigeria, after the demise of two of Buhari’s closest friends, Samaila Isa Funtua, and late presidential Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

So, whatever was spewed out by Daura could not be treated with kid’s gloves.

Speaking on the vexatious issue of zoning and rotational presidency in Nigeria on Wednesday, Daura advocated that competence, not mere geographical representation should determine the next presidency of the world’s largest Black nation come 2023 general elections.

According to him, “This turn-by-turn, it was done once, it was done twice, and it was done thrice…It is better for this country to be one…It should be for the most competent and not for someone who comes from somewhere.”

Buhari’s ally, who stated this during an interview on BBC Hausa Service, did not just discountenance the usual political trajectory for power shift in Nigeria, he went ahead to sermonise over, perhaps, newfound philosophy in the present administration towards uniting behind the most competent candidate to take over the mantle of leadership in 2023.

Daura’s philosophical positions were predicated on the fact that the unwritten rotational presidency since 1999 political sojourn in Nigeria has produced little or no significant development across the nation.

He contested that it’s time to go for the most qualified candidate in 2023 irrespective of whether the person comes from the North or the South.

Good thinking!

Is Daura speaking and stylishly revealing Buhari’s current state of mind?

Though Daura explained that he has no right to possibly dictate public policy to Buhari, he said: “Yes, I do visit him to greet him. I do give him advice, but if he asked…I advise him. But I don’t go there on my own and insist I must do this or that. No. You don’t do that to a government.”

Indeed, it can be taken for granted that Daura may not be in position to dictate and teleguide Buhari as it’s being widely insinuated. But what cannot be denied is the fact that Daura has the ears of the President cum unfettered access to the presidency. Whatever he says over a national matter like controversial zoning formula and rotational presidency cannot be dismissed just like that.

If and indeed, in fact, the only next level agenda Buhari can promote in Nigeria is competence over tempestuous rotational presidency, I think Nigeria may just be on the road to a greater height.

Enough of this ethnic-prone rotational presidency which celebrates and massages jingoistic ego at the expense of competence and quality leadership.

By Idowu Sowunmi

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FG to receive $200m from Netherlands, Switzerland, recovers N800b loot

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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FB_IMG_1595864740078 — President Muhammadu Buhari at the virtual meeting of ECOWAS leaders. July 27, 2020. Photo: Femi Adesina

Nigerian Government says it is awaiting the return of $200million from the Netherlands and Switzerland, as part of proceeds from the Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 Malabu oil deal.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, when he gave a presentation at a one-day capacity building workshop organised for judiciary correspondents in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Minister, at the event, presented a scorecard of the Ministry of Justice in the last one year during which he outlined the efforts of the present administration in tackling corruption.

“On the fight against corruption and associated recovery of looted and illicit assets, I am happy to inform you that within the period in contention, Nigeria succeeded in recovering $311 billion from U.S. and New Jersey and the money has been repatriated to Nigeria,” Malami said.

He stated that due to the anti-corruption crusade, the Federal Government facilitated the recovery of $62 billion arrears from oil companies as part of its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

According to him, the money has been paid into the Federal Government treasury for utility development such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Kano-Abuja Expressway, and the Second Niger Bridge, in line with the agreement reached with the foreign partners.

Malami also disclosed that over N685 million was recovered through the help of whistle-blowers within the last one year while N500 million was recovered from forfeited vessels, trucks, and barges.

Elsewhere, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the government has recovered looted funds in excess of N800 billion with over 1,400 convictions secured.

Mohammed, who also addressed reporters in the nation’s capital, stated that the present administration’s fight against corruption was as strong as ever.

While stressing that there were records to back up his claim, he said Nigerians have recently been inundated with allegations of monumental corruption in a number of government agencies.

He listed some of the agencies to include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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NiDCOM to NDDC: Pay allowances, tuition of stranded students abroad now

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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July 29, 2020

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Abike-Dabiri-NIDCOM Chairperson — File Photo: Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has again “appealed to the authorities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to as a matter of urgency intervene by promptly paying the allowances, tuition and other incentives of students on their scholarship scheme, to guarantee their stay and continue their education in the United Kingdom.”

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement in Abuja by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, made reference to a letter written to the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, on June 18: NIDC/001/20/1, drawing attention to the plight of the students, and urging NDDC which is directly responsible for the students’ scholarships to resolve all the lingering issues.

She added that her commission counts on the minister’s assurances that all outstanding payments of the affected students would be made accordingly.

“At the moment there have been persistent calls by the students for urgent intervention.

“While deadline for payment of the fees of some of the students have expired or about to expire, non-payment of their allowances have turned many of them to virtually become beggars.

“NiDCOM chairman once again appeal to Niger Delta Ministry and NDDC to intervene urgently and promptly too,” said the statement.

Idowu Sowunmi

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