Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: covid-19

  • COVID-19: Health Minister warns states on relenting despite case fatality rate drop

    COVID-19: Health Minister warns states on relenting despite case fatality rate drop

    Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has urged state governments not to relent in their efforts at combatting coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The Minister gave this charge Monday during the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 media briefing in Abuja.

    “We urge all state organs not to relent in strengthening surveillance and scaling up sample collection in all the wards of the hotspot Local Government Areas (LGAs).

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    “The logistics for sample retrieval & testing must be assured as Nigerian Governors Forum makes provision for at least 1 lab in every state”, Ehanire said.

    Commenting on plans by the Federal Government to reopen Lagos & Abuja for commercial & international flights, he emphasised the need to guard against new cases coming into the country.

    “It is our collective interest to guard against new cases entering the country. We must review our protocols to ensure early detection, isolation & treatment of positive cases.”

    The Minister disclosed that the case fatality rate of COVID-19 in Nigeria has slightly dropped to 1.88% .

    “The gradual fall is possibly an indication of improvement in response & treatment strategies to contain COVID19.

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    “Part of the strategy is to focus on setting up community support centres particularly in remote areas of the country where those who test positive may be kept if they live in high density areas.

    “Collaboration with states & FCT health sector structure is crucial”, he emphasised.

    Ehanire also noted that to further strengthen government’s capacity, he will commission a study group of the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee to begin processes that will examine all developments & bring new knowledge that can guide response & government decision making.

  • Lagos Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi, Survives COVID-19

    Lagos Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi, Survives COVID-19

    Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, has recovered from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The commissioner, who is also the Deputy Incident Commander, retook a COVID-19 PCR test on Sunday and was returned negative.

    Abayomi expressed gratitude to Lagosians and others for their deep concern through prayers, messages, phone calls and gifts.

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    “It is with gratitude to God that I announce the recovery and subsequent negative test for COVID-19 of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi.

    “Following the mandatory isolation, the Commissioner retook a COVID-19 PCR test which returned negative yesterday evening.

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    “Professor Abayomi is very grateful and humbled by the deep concern shown and expressed by Executive Council members, civil servants, Lagos residents, Nigerians, both locally and in the diaspora, through prayers, messages, phone calls and gifts.

    “He will be returning to his full duties gradually and remains resolute in delivering the mandate of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he says stood by him steadfastly in these trying times and is very appreciative of.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Incident Commander, is excited by the news and urges Lagosians to realise that COVID-19 is still with us; they should keep obeying the guidelines – washing their hands, wearing face masks and avoiding large gatherings, among others,” said a statement by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos Tertiary Institutions to Resume Sept 14, Basic Schools Sept 21 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos Tertiary Institutions to Resume Sept 14, Basic Schools Sept 21 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed all tertiary institutions in Lagos State to re-open for academic activities from September 14.

    He added that his administration was working towards re-opening of primary and secondary schools anytime from September 21.

    However, the governor, said the decision to re-open the basic and secondary schools is not cast in stone, noting that this is subject to a review of our ongoing modelling of the state’s response to the pandemic.

    This was disclosed directive by Sanwo-Olu at the 18th state-wide briefing held at the State House in Marina on Saturday.

    The re-opening order was coming six months after all tertiary institutions and basic schools were shut on the order of the government, following the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Sanwo-Olu said the decision to re-open the schools was carefully thought through, given the decline in the number of positive cases and the progress recorded in the state’s response. He asked the management of the schools to ensure adherence to the safety guidelines as they re-open their campuses for activities.

    The governor, in addition, also permitted the re-opening of recreational centres and social clubs that have registered trustees, but on the condition that they obtain a provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC).

    “I am pleased to announce that tertiary institutions in Lagos State will re-open from September 14, 2020. We are also working towards the reopening of Primary and Secondary Schools anytime from September 21, 2020.

    “However, the decision to re-open the basic and secondary schools is not cast in stone and is subject to a review of our ongoing modelling of the state’s response to the pandemic.

    “Also, social clubs and recreational centers that have registered trustees have also been permitted to open, on the condition that they have applied for and obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of Lagos State Safety Commission.

    “Restaurants are now permitted to open for in-dining services, but they must ensure the maintenance of a 50 per cent maximum occupancy at any point in time. They must also have obtained a provisional Safety Compliance Certificate,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained sympathetic to the plight of business owners, especially those operating in hospitality and tourism sectors.

    He added that the state government was still reviewing the permissible opening dates for businesses tourism and hospitality industry, pointing out that there would be concrete decisions on easing the lockdown on tourism businesses before the end of September.

    The governor directed that all event centres, bars, lounges, night clubs, spas, beaches, cinemas, gyms and game arcades to remain shut till further notice.

    As Federal Government prepares to re-open international airspace for traffic on September 5, Sanwo-Olu said his administration had started to work with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to put adequate measures in place in order to guarantee the safety and well-being of Lagos residents in the light of resumption of international air-travel.

    The governor also ordered civil servants in the state’s unified public service to comply with existing guidelines and roster schedules issued by the Head of Service and the heads of MDAs.

    According to him, “As a government, we will continue to keep our citizens informed and updated on the decisions that we are taking in response to the pandemic.

    “We will also continue to ask for your understanding and cooperation. These are challenging times for all of us, and it requires extra levels of patience, sacrifice and3 understanding.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the observed decline in the number of positive cases did not mean the pandemic was over. He urged residents to continue to adhere to the safety guidelines outlined by the health authorities.

    “The fact that we have been seeing a gradual easing of the lockdown does not mean that we are now returning to our old way of doing things.

    “The easing you are seeing is the outcome of a careful and deliberate attempt to ensure that livelihoods are not crippled by the overwhelmingly disruptive impact of the virus. It is certainly not an invitation to carelessness or nonchalance,” the governor said.

    The governor disclosed that the atate’s Deputy Incident Commander and Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, has been discharging his duty and responding to treatment, adding that Commissioner remained asymptomatic.

    Sanwo-Olu, at the briefing, launched a COVID-19 Care Pack, which contains medications, hand sanitiser, face masks and handy medical equipment that could be used to check temperature.

    The Care Pack is to be given to those who have been confirmed positive of the COVID-19 free of charge and who prefer home-based care.

  • Lagos Issues Guidelines for Reopening of Entertainment, Hospitality & Tourism Business

    Lagos Issues Guidelines for Reopening of Entertainment, Hospitality & Tourism Business

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has listed some modalities, set of protocols and guidelines that must now be put in place and implemented by hospitality and tourism establishments for re-opening of business activities in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said the protocols and guidelines are meant to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff in all the facilities involved.

    “The new rules affect all accommodation establishments such as hotels, motels, apartments, suites, inns, guest houses and so on; tourism enterprises like event centres/entertainment places, and food establishments, like restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounge and bars, and cinemas,” the governor said.

    The statement explained that the ministry arrived at the set of protocols for the practitioners after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector and in recognition of the effects of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the industry.

    While noting that, apart from the general safety protocols which include the compulsory use of face masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers, maintenance of social distancing, temperature check, encouragement of cashless transactions, disinfection of premises and buildings among others, Akinbile-Yussuf stated that owners of hospitality establishments are now required to offer 50 per cent of their space capacity to guests for now in order to maintain physical distancing, in addition to the separation of dining tables.

    “For now, there will be no buffet serving arrangement. All guests (over 18 years old) must be made to sign a COVID-19 form at the reception that has the name, address and phone number of guests for easy contact tracing purpose,” the statement added.

    For owners of food establishments such as restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounge and bar among others, the Sanwo-Olu administration said restaurants and eateries are mandated to indicate two metres spacing on the floor to guide their customers in physical distancing, adding that fast food outlets and eateries are also to maintain take-away services for now.

    On the modalities for tourism enterprises such as event centres/entertainment places, the commissioner directed that they must hold a valid licence from Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to holding an event, in addition to an Event Safety Clearance from Lagos State Safety Commission before such event is held.

    “Occupancy at any event, for now, must not exceed 50 per cent maximum capacity of the hall with a maximum duration of three hours for all social events.

    “Event centres sitting arrangement must also comply with the two metre-physical spacing. All tables must be set at least five metres apart in order to maintain a safe distance and free movements,” Akinbile-Yusuf stated.

    She warned against violation of the stated conditions by event centre owners and party planners, noting that the penalty for the infraction would attract a sum of N1 million.

    While maintaining that owners of cinemas are to follow all guidelines stipulated for the hospitality sector and event centres as it relates to 50 per cent capacity, two-metre spacing and the signing of COVID-19 forms by customers above 18 years, the state government explained that the operation of all cinemas within the state must not exceed the hours stipulated by the government to ensure compliance with the 10pm to 4am curfew directive.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • UK Govt to Replace Expired Visa Free for Nigerians Due to Coronavirus

    UK Govt to Replace Expired Visa Free for Nigerians Due to Coronavirus

    British High Commission Thursday assured it would replace expired visa free for Nigerians.

    The commission also stated that it has reopened its Visa Application Centres across the country, adding that the free replacements would continue until the end of 2020.

    The commission, in a statement, said the decision to replace visa free was taken in view of the disruptions to business activities and travels caused by the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which it said led to an increase in the demand for a 30-day visa replacements for those wanting to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for work, study or to join their families.

    The UK government noted that any individual whose 30-day visa to the UK for work, study or visitation had expired could request for a replacement free of charge, albeit with revised validity dates.

    “As a result of the disruptions to travel caused by COVID-19, we are experiencing high demand for replacement vignettes for 30-day visas to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family.

    “If an individual’s 30-day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family has expired, or is about to expire, they can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge until the end of this year.

    “This does not apply to other types of visas. This process will be in place until the end of 2020. The replacement visa will be valid for 90 days.

    “To request a replacement visa, individuals can arrange to return their passport to their Visa Application Centre in Nigeria without an appointment,” the commission said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

    Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

    Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

    Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

    The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

    “I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

    “Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

    “Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

    “There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

    On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

    “A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

    “He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

    “Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

    “He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

    “So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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    “I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

    “I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

  • Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Pay Glowing Tributes to APC Chieftain, Lanre Razaq

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State APC, Lanre Razaq, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

    Sanwo-Olu, who described late Razaq’s death as a rude shock, said the deceased was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes.

    Tinubu also described the passing of prominent politician, businessman and APC chieftain in Lagos State as a big loss to the state.

    Razaq, Balogun of Epe, died on Saturday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness.

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    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, said the deceased, in his lifetime stood for what is right, always championing policies that would lift the lot of the poor masses.

    The governor added that late Razaq, popularly called KLM did not hide his love and support of his administration especially the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

    “I am saddened by the death of one of our political leaders in Lagos APC, Chief Lanre Razaq. He was a loyal party man and committed democrat, with a deep understanding of the state’s political landscape. He was an extremely loyal politician, who did his best for our party, the All Progressives Congress.

    “Chief Razaq served his people and Lagos State passionately as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and Commissioner of Public Transportation. He brought a lot of development to Epe as a council boss and also made a lot of positive contributions to turn around public transportation in Lagos during his tenure as member of the State Executive Council.

    “Chief Razaq was a great politician, a strong party man and an advocate of masses oriented programmes. His support for our T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda was exemplary. He always propelled us to do more for the people of Lagos State.

    “There is no doubting the fact that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the people of Epe, the Lagos East Senatorial District and the atate as a whole,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The governor also condoled with the immediate family of the departed, Tinubu, other GAC members, Lagos State APC and the entire people of Epe, praying God to grant the soul of the beloved Razaq eternal rest in Aljannah firdaus.

    On his part, Tinubu said Rasaq was a grassroots politician, party loyalist and believer in the progressive cause.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Media Office and signed by his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Lanre Rasaq, a grassroots politician, well-known ally and a defender of the progressive cause.

    “A member of our Governor’s Advisory Council in Lagos and one of the apex leaders in Lagos East, Chief Rasaq is an important part of our political movement.

    “He was a loyal and energetic party man who did a lot for APC, Lagos State and his Epe hometown.

    “Since he joined politics to meaningfully contribute his quota to the development of the people and betterment of the society, Chief Rasaq had had his hand on the plough and never to look back.

    “He served Epe and Lagos State in various capacities including as Chairman of Epe Local Government Area and later Commissioner for Public Transportation in the state.

    “So influential is Rasaq in his hometown that he was gifted the traditional title of Balogun of Epe. His death is a big loss to Lagos and Epe town. Lagos APC and members of the progressive family across the country will deeply miss him.

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    “I mourn with his wife and children and the entire Rasaq family. May Almighty Allah give them the strength to live after their father and patriarch.

    “I commiserate with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and people of the state, particularly the entire people of Epe for the loss of an illustrious son.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive the late politician of his shortcomings, reward his good deeds and grant him Aljanna Fridaus. Amin.”

  • Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Tests Positive for COVID-19

    Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Tests Positive for COVID-19

    Screen goddess, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The Nollywood actress, who is also a singer, Saturday announced that she recently contracted COVID-19 but did not disclose how and where.

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    According to her, “Hello all, I know most of you have been wondering where I’ve been.

    “Well, I contracted COVID-19. I have been ill and now getting better. More on the details of this soon.”

    She, however, took out time to also make comments on recent deaths in the country, most especially that of an Assistant Manager at Cold Stone Creamery, Immaculate Okochu, who was reportedly crushed to death by a truck in Lagos.

    Jalade-Ekeinde said: “I have been reading on the devastating news of how our youths are needlessly dying getting crushed by trailers/containers! This is disheartening and has made my heart really troubled!

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    “This can happen to anyone and enforcements can’t be taken lightly on this. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, please do something!!!”

  • Edo/Ondo Election: INEC fears COVID-19 may cause voter apathy

    Edo/Ondo Election: INEC fears COVID-19 may cause voter apathy

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is concerned about the tendency for voter apathy during the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.

    This concern was expressed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, during a virtual workshop on the commission’s communication policy.

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    The National commissioner noted that INEC fears that there might be difficulties to get voters focus on electoral matters due to uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus pandemic.
    Okoye stated further that the fears of the electoral commission is that the nation is at a time when the dominant issues people are paying attention to is the Coronavirus and the protocols on how to manage it.

    “It is difficult communicating internally and externally, when individuals and groups are facing existential challenges occasioned by a pandemic. It is difficult getting individuals, groups and organisations to focus on the conduct and management of elections in a period of fear, anxiety or worse.

    “It is difficult getting people to focus on elections and electoral matters, when there is looming danger that they may be out of job or already out of work or are in Internally Displaced Persons Camps or in a period of uncertainty. Communicating what people may see as non-essential service in a period of a pandemic or uncertainty requires a new form of capacity and skill. It requires new thinking and new methodologies and strategy”, he said.

    Okoye however assured that INEC is committed to deepening the use of technology in the electoral process, which is why the commission introduced the INEC party nomination portal; election observer accreditation portal and media accreditation portal.

    He explained further that that with a view on transparency as per result transmission process, the commission has developed and deployed the INEC result-viewing portal containing Forms EC8A uploaded for the public to view.

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    “We at the Commission will continue to deepen our knowledge of global trends in election management and communication. We will continue to enhance our knowledge of electoral issues and processes. We urge the media, civil society groups and relevant stakeholders to join in deepening the use of technology in the electoral process,” Okoye added.

  • APC Chieftain in Lagos, Lanre Rasak, Dies of Coronavirus

    APC Chieftain in Lagos, Lanre Rasak, Dies of Coronavirus

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Lanre Razak, and a member of Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC), the highest decision-making body in Lagos State, has died of complications arising from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Razaq, sources said, died early Saturday morning.

    The Epe-born politician was said to have taken ill some days ago now.

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    Information had it that he was already recovering only for him to pass on today at the age of 74.

    Announcing his obituary, Bayo Osiyemi said Razaq died of COVID-19.

    Osiyemi wrote: “Lagos State boisterous politician and the Balogun of Epe, Chief Lanre Rasaq is dead.

    “He succumbed to the coronavirus pandemic on Lagos after a long battle with it.

    “Chief Rasaq was a member of the state’s Governors Advisory Council (GAC) and was a one-time chairman of Epe local government before he was elevated to becoming the state commissioner for transportation in the military administration of Col Olagunsòyè Oyinlola.

    “Bìg and burly, KLM, as he was widely known, was a member of several social organisations.

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    “He ran a flourishing construction company which was involved in many housing programs of govt on private-pinlic partnership basis.”

    Razak had his political base in Epe where he earned the title of Balogun of Epeland. He was also honoured with the title of Fiwagbade of Lagos.

    Idowu Sowunmi