President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned Nigerians to avoid the possibility of a second wave of Coronavirus as the nation’s economy is too fragile to withstand it.
In his message to the Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulid celebration, the President noted with satisfaction that
the country has so far managed the problem successfully by keeping the numbers as low as possible, stressing that Nigerians must not stretch their luck too far.
“Looking at the trends in the other countries, we must do all we can to avert the second wave of the pandemic. We must make sure that our cases, which have gone down, do not rise again. Our economy is too fragile to bear another round of lockdown.”
The President, therefore, advised all citizens to continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, wearing of face masks and washing of hands.
President Buhari called on all citizens to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Maulid to reflect on the virtues of Holy Prophet Muhammad by showing love and understanding for fellow citizens while exhibiting patience, honesty, sincerity, kindness and generosity in all their undertakings.
The President advised the citizens, the youth in particular, to shun all negative tendencies as manifested in the recent hijacking of peaceful protests to loot and destroy public and private property.
He reiterated his promise to bring police officers responsible for misconduct as well as the looters to justice.
President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned Nigerians to avoid the possibility of a second wave of Coronavirus as the nation’s economy is too fragile to withstand it.
In his message to the Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulid celebration, the President noted with satisfaction that
the country has so far managed the problem successfully by keeping the numbers as low as possible, stressing that Nigerians must not stretch their luck too far.
“Looking at the trends in the other countries, we must do all we can to avert the second wave of the pandemic. We must make sure that our cases, which have gone down, do not rise again. Our economy is too fragile to bear another round of lockdown.”
The President, therefore, advised all citizens to continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, wearing of face masks and washing of hands.
President Buhari called on all citizens to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Maulid to reflect on the virtues of Holy Prophet Muhammad by showing love and understanding for fellow citizens while exhibiting patience, honesty, sincerity, kindness and generosity in all their undertakings.
The President advised the citizens, the youth in particular, to shun all negative tendencies as manifested in the recent hijacking of peaceful protests to loot and destroy public and private property.
He reiterated his promise to bring police officers responsible for misconduct as well as the looters to justice.
The European Council has reiterated its support for Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), even though the United States is currently standing between Okonjo-Iweala and the WTO top job despite that she had gotten the support of the majority the member states.
In a video conference with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria today, October 30, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, gave assurance that Okonjo-Iweala will be the
first black and female WTO DG.
This was as President Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria’s candidate.
Buhari seized the opportunity of the conference to discuss other issues, including the debt relief for Africa, EU-African relations and recharge of the Lake Chad, which has currently shrunk to less than one-third of its usual size, and throwing about 130 million people who depend on the Lake into dire straits.
Recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President had vigorously canvassed at diverse global fora in recent time.
President Buhari expressed appreciation to Mr Michel for expected positive developments on the issues.
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to desist from actions and comments that could jeopardise the unity and progress of the nation.
President Buhari, who made the appeal today, October 28 while launching the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem and Appeal Fund, said this year’s occasion reminded Nigerians of the need to guard jealously the unity of the nation which he said was won at great cost.
The President launched the Emblem and Appeal Fund on behalf of the Federal Government with the sum of N10 million, at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said that ‘‘Nigeria’s strength lies in her diversity’’, and used the occasion to honour the memory of the nation’s fallen heroes and veterans, recounting their sacrifices during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and Peace Support Operations around the world.
He also paid tribute to men and women currently engaged in internal security operations, particularly the ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry in some parts of the country, praising them for remaining steadfast in the difficult task of restoring peace and security despite the coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, ”We honour the memory of our gallant officers and men who have paid the supreme sacrifice in order to keep the country united as one entity.
”The nation remains grateful for the efforts and sacrifice of the Armed Forces especially in the fight against insurgency and other internal security challenges confronting Nigeria.
”The Armed Forces Remembrance Day or Veterans Day as it is known in some parts of the world is an important event observed in commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
”In Commonwealth member countries, the Remembrance Day is observed on 11th November yearly. However, for us the date was changed to 15th January annually to accommodate the commemoration of the end of the Nigerian Civil War.”
On security operations in the North West and North Central zones in the country, President Buhari expressed delight at the return of normalcy in some of the areas that previously witnessed security challenges.
He said, ”Our dear nation has witnessed numerous security challenges since independence.
”These security threats have undermined Nigeria in the areas of trade, investment and economy, education, health as well as agriculture and frequently denied Nigerians the freedom of movement.
”I am however pleased to state that a lot has been achieved in the Internal Security operations in the North West and North Central zones where in addition to Operations LAFIYA DOLE, HADARIN DAJI, HARBIN KUNAMA, WHIRL STROKE, other operations such as ACCORD, SAHEL SANITY and KATSINA were successfully launched.
”This has led to the return of normalcy in some of the affected areas. However, all hands must be on deck to check attacks on soft targets.”
President Buhari restated that his administration will continue to forge useful alliances with neighbours and friends in the international community for the total defeat of the security threats affecting the sub-region, and promised to ensure timely provision of adequate resources and necessary logistics support for the Armed Forces.
He pledged that under his watch the Nigeria Armed Forces will operate with the best modern warfare equipment, with welfare issues receiving utmost attention.
He said, ”We are quite aware that it is our responsibility to provide a conducive environment that is devoid of security threats.
”I want to re-assure Nigerians that security being one of the pillars of this administration will continue to be at the forefront until peace and security are restored in the country.”
The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to creating an environment in which all citizens and foreigners are guaranteed freedom and returns on investments.
He, therefore, urged business enterprises to render discounts and rebates to men and women in uniform as a symbol of appreciation for their sacrifices, saying ‘‘this kind gesture will make life easier for them and deepen their patriotism.’’
On support for families of members of the Armed Forces who died in active service, President Buhari acknowledged that the unfortunate cost of the fight against insurgency and other internal security challenges was the unavoidable loss of lives of some gallant compatriots.
He said, ”The reality is that the spouses and defendants of these bread-winners in most cases experience trauma and deprivation. However, we can be of support to them to lighten their burdens especially in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
”I therefore call on all to spare a thought for them and take positive steps to come to their aid.”
He commended charity organisations engaged in the noble cause of bringing succour to the families of fallen heroes and veterans.
Speaking as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, the President expressed delighted that the Nigerian legion has continued to be a rallying point of veterans, doing a lot in catering for the welfare of ailing members
”To ensure that our veterans continue to share the comradeship that existed while in Service and that their welfare is adequately catered for, the Federal Government established the Nigerian Legion as well as fully paid all pension arrears of veterans,” he said.
He urged State Governors, who are patrons of Legions in their respective States, as well as Nigerians, to continue to support and participate in the Legion’s initiatives in the areas of transportation, agriculture and housing development.
The President called on Nigerians and other residents in the country to procure and wear the emblems with pride in order to identify with those who laid down their lives for the peace and security of the county.
”I encourage all to donate generously in support of our veterans and dependents of our fallen heroes,” he said.
In his address of welcome, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd) called on members of the civil society, religious and political leaders, the academia as well as the media to educate and enlighten Nigerians on the need to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of gallant compatriots in uniform.
He also encouraged Nigerians to procure and wear the emblem to boost the morale of serving personnel.
In his remarks, the Chairman Nigerian Legion, Brigadier General Adakole Jones Akpa (retd), thanked President Buahri for his unrelenting support to the ex-servicemen, particularly in ensuring the prompt payment of pensions.
Akpa, who also recognized the presence and support of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Service Chiefs, to the Nigerian Legion, said despite the challenges facing the country:
He said, ”God is with Nigeria. We should sing the Nigerian song as nobody will sing it for us.”
During the emblem launch ceremony, the Chairman Nigerian Legion decorated President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo with the 2021 AFRD emblem.
Present at the ceremony were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Dean of the diplomatic corps.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, National Security Adviser, NSA, Maj. Gen. Babagana Mungonu retd, and the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan were physically present
Also present were the Security Chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olanisakin, Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, Director General, Department of State Services, DSS, Yusuf Bichi and Director General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ahmed Rufai.
Some of the Ministers physically present at the Council Chamber were that of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and Defence, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd).
In another development, President Muhammadu Buhari has administered oath of office to Isa Kwarra, as Chairman of National Population Commission.
Other members who also took oath of office were Ibrahim Mohammed, (Bauchi); Ayodeji Ajayi (Ekiti), Joseph Kwai Shazin, (FCT), Garba A. Garba (Jigawa), Bala Almu Banya, (Katsina); Alhaji Razaq Gidado, (Kwara); and Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, (Lagos).
Others were Ali Silas Agara (Nasarawa), Muhammed Chuso Dottijo, (Sokoto); Mai Aliyu Mohammad (Yobe), and Muhammadu Muktar Rini (Zamfara).
After the ceremony, the President proceeded with the 21st virtual FEC meeting.
Six ministers who were physically present were Finance, Zainab Ahmed, FCT, Mohammed Bello, Defence, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd), Education, Adamu Adamu, Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and Information, Lai Mohammed.
Kubwa Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abdullahi Bello, has narrated how he escaped death from hoodlums who looted the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa recently.
Bello, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said he and his men had to retreat to avoid the hoodlums from attacking them.
He said all efforts to talk to them that there was no palliative stored in the camp warehouse fell on deaf hear.
“When they flooded the orientation camp on Saturday, we talked to them and even opened the warehouse for them to see that there was no palliative materials in the store.
“Today, we did the same talking to them but they did not listen. They started throwing stones while some were pulled out knives and whatever.
“They advanced towards the warehouse where items and food stuff meant for the incoming youth corps members were kept. They looted and made away with items, food stuff, equipment and even old mattresses in the camp.
“I was almost stabbed by them,” he said.
The DPO said 20 officers were deployed initially to safeguard the camp but more officers were later reinforced when things were getting out of hand.
“We deployed additional 20 officers, making 40 personnel,” he said.
Bello, who said that his men decided to exercise great caution despite the provisions of the law that allowed police officers to use minimum force in such situation, said it took military intervention to put everything under control.
Bello, who could not confirm that two people were shot dead during the incident, said at least 38 persons were arrested in connection with the looting
This is to inform all the candidates that participated in the 2020
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the results of the May/June 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Council, which announced the results today, October 27, asked the candidates to check their results online.
According to the statistics released by WAEC, 64 percent, obtained minimum of credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.
WAEC said that in checking for the result online, candidates would not need to buy any scratch card.
“The result checker pin and serial number needed by candidates to check results online are contained on candidate’s smart identity card used during the conduct of the examination.
Police in Lagos have arrested 520 suspects accused of arson, robbery, murder, rioting, malicious damage and unlawful possession of firearms.
Speaking to newsmen today, October 27, the State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu said the arrests were made following the #EndSARS protest hijacked by hoodlums.
Odumosu said that 16 police stations were set ablaze, 13 formations were vandalised, 14 police posts were burnt and five vandalised.
“The command was able to arrest a total of five hundred and twenty (520) suspects for various offences ranging from arson, robbery, murder, rioting, malicious damage, and unlawful possession of fire arms.” The police boss said that six policemen were “gruesomely murdered during the unrest,” even as four civilians killed while 38 policemen were injured.
He said that 58 police vehicles were burnt and 13 were vandalised among other damages.
Odumosu said one of the suspects Olamilekan Ibrahim, 19, broke into a new generation bank in Lekki and carted away cash and other valuables.
He said that the suspect was arrested with a locally-made pistol and N250,000 believed to be his own share of the loot.
“In the light of the above, it is a known fact that the protest was hijacked by armed hoodlums who have been responsible for series of killings, arson and looting of many shopping outlets in the state. Thorough investigation into the cases has commenced.”
Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has exposed his colleagues by saying that the governors of 36 States of Nigeria, including him, have received N1billion each from President Muhammadu Buhari to cushion the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor, who answered questions at the Channels TV Sunrise Daily programme, said that the Governors also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Bank to receive additional sum of N1.1billion for the same purpose.
Governor Yahaya Bello said that all the state governors have since received the N1billion from the Federal Government, adding that he was the only state governor who refused to sign an MoU with the World Bank.
Asked why he received the COVID-19 fund from the Federal Government despite not believing in the virus, Governor Yahaya Bello said: “even though we did not have COVID-19 in Kogi State, we are equally affected; because our economy was equally affected and Federal Government released that fund to assist every state and we cannot reject it.”
He said that he refused to sign the World Bank MoU because it was a one-sided agreement or document.
“Go and check records. Kogi State is the only State that refused to sign that document for N1.1bilion because I don’t believe in COVID.
“N500million has been disbursed, Kogi State did not receive and I refused to receive and I rejected it.”
The Kogi Governor debunked allegations that his government hoarded the CA-COVID relief packages in Lokoja or anywhere in the State as being rumoured.
The allegations, he said, were to discredit state governors and the Federal Government.
Saudi Arabia has offered to pay more than 150,000 dollars (about N60 million) in support for every family whose member died due to Coronavirus infection.
A statement made available to Greenbarge Reporters today, October 28, said the beneficiaries are those in the health sector, whether a Saudi citizen or resident.
It said: “the Saudi Arabian Council of Ministers decided to disburse SR500,000 to the family members of those working in the health sector who died of #coronavirus( saudis and non saudi citizens).”
Nigeria Muslims listen to sermon by Imam (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)
Federal Government has declared Thursday October 29, as Public Holiday to mark this year’s Eidul-Maulid Celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing this year’s occasion.
He enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.
The Minister admonished Muslims to follow the teaching of the Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those from among you who are vested with authority; and if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end”.Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, at this moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country most recently, stressing that Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black people.
While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the Minister urged all Nigerians and the youth in particular, to embrace peace and cooperate with the President Muhammadu Buhari led-Administration in its effort to build a virile nation, which all citizens can be proud of.
Ogbeni Aregbesola who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not dampen it. For him, it is with more democracy that we can overcome our challenges, noting that the challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process.
He wished all Muslims a happy Eidul- Mawlid Celebration and all Nigerians a Happy Holiday.
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Kubwa Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abdullahi Bello, has narrated how he escaped death from hoodlums who looted the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa recently.
This is to inform all the candidates that participated in the 2020
Police in Lagos have arrested 520 suspects accused of arson, robbery, murder, rioting, malicious damage and unlawful possession of firearms.
Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has exposed his colleagues by saying that the governors of 36 States of Nigeria, including him, have received N1billion each from President Muhammadu Buhari to cushion the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
