President Buhari addresses the nation on Covid-19 outbreak
President Muhammadu Buhari has shown appreciation for a rain of commendations by United Nations (UN) on efforts of his government to restore security, strengthen institutions against corruption, improved health facilities and rebuilding of the multilateral institution’s office, which was attacked by terrorists in 2011.
The President, who received a delegation led by the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, said that reconstruction of UN building by the government was in full appreciation of the work of the international organization, saying that the attack by the terrorists was regrettable.
“Thank you for what you have been doing in the country, especially for women and children. I am glad you have put together a dedicated team to work with us.”
The President commended the various programmes of the UN in Nigeria, saying: “I am very impressed with the number of programmes you are carrying out, and I hope that our ministers will continue to cooperate with you.”
On reconstruction of the UN Building and Boko Haram bombing incident, President Buhari said: “I assure that beyond the renovation of your headquarters after that incident, we will continue to make your job feasible and comfortable. If you need anything in the course of your assignments talk to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama.”
In his remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator praised the administration for the rebuilding and modernisation of the UN House in Nigeria, describing it as a commendable support to multilateralism.
“The re-opening of the UN House in October 2019, after eight years, was a day of celebration and remembrance. It was also an act of defiance in the face of terror and attack on our core values of peace, freedom, prosperity, tolerance and justice.”
Kallon commended President Buhari for his leadership and guidance in response to COVID-19 pandemic as well as the wisdom in establishing the Presidential Task Force and adding his voice to the global call for a people’s vaccine for coronavirus.
The UN representative congratulated Nigeria on the successful eradication of polio virus and promised to partner with the country in building more Primary Health Care Centres capable of sustaining universal health coverage.
Kallon further commended the President and his administration for the establishment of the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as well as for his continuous support in advancing gender issues, the girl-child, and rights of the child in general.”
He said the President should be praised for “legacy investments in the administration’s fight against corruption, electoral reforms and census.”
Kallon also commended President Buhari’s “resolve to reform and return discipline in the public service as well as the success in fighting corruption, including convictions and recovery of assets.”
Sixteen persons have reportedly been killed, hundreds of houses destroyed and farmlands washed away in flooding that ravaged seven local government areas in Jigawa State.
Executive Secretary, Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yusuf Sani, said today, August 24 that the flooding was caused by a heavy downpour in the areas last week.
The affected areas include Taura, Jahun, Babura, Ringim, Dutse, Birnin Kudu, Miga, Kafin-Hausa, Auyo, Gwaram, Malam-Madori, Birniwa and Kaugama local government area.
Yusuf Sani said that those who died and those sustained various degrees of injuries were the ones trapped in building collapse as a result of heavy downpour.
He said that the flood had also washed away thousands of farmlands, destroying farm products in the area, adding that the state emergency management agency is working to assess the level of damage and the exact number of persons affected.
He warned people against nonchalant attitude towards dredging of culverts, especially during the raining season.
No fewer than 29,126 exit students have ben penciled down to benefit from the Kano State Government’s N489.25 Million sponsorship for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Sanusi Kiru, in a statement today, August 24, by Aliyu Yusuf, Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the ministry, said that the SSCE examinations include the National Examination Council (NECO) and National Board for Arabic and Islam Studies (NBAIS).
The statement said that the decision followed approval of the release of student’s qualifying examination results by the government.
“This followed the submissions to the State Executive Council (SEC) for the release of their results, in preparations for the 2020 NECO and NBAIS examinations.
“While considering the submission, the state government approved the sponsorship of the students as proposed by the ministry.
“Under this category, the state government is to sponsor the registration fees of 29,126 students that obtained five credits and above.
“The five credits must include Mathematics and English obtained during the Qualifying Examinations.”
Sanusi Kiru congratulated the successful candidates, and askedd them to reciprocate the gesture and dedicate themselves to achieve academic excellence.
He lauded Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and other members of the SEC for the gesture.
The commissioner directed Zonal Directors, Directors and Principals to note the development so as to make follow-ups with immediate effect.
NECO examination will be conducted between Oct. 5 and Nov. 18, while NBAIS examination is to hold between Sept. 23 and Oct. 17.
Segun Awolowo, grandchild of Late Obafemi Awolowo, narrates how he and his wife went through harrowing experience of coronavirus infection and after four weeks of treatment, came out of it alive, to give thanks to God.
Read his story unedited:
It all started on a Saturday morning when I woke up to go for my usual walk, I got dressed and went downstairs and was consumed by extreme fatigue. I sat down, drank some water and watched TV wondering what was wrong with me. Then I ate a banana and drank more water trying to muster enough energy to go for my walk. I suddenly became a bit feverish so I was compelled to turn off the air conditioner. At this point I knew I had to call the doctor, who arrived promptly and took my vitals and blood sample to run a few tests, he advised I take panadol, eat well and have a good rest. Alas that was the end of my day…. No walk for me.
The next day the doctor informed me that I had Malaria and prescribed Coartem – a very powerful Malaria drug that knocked me sideways, I used it for 3 days and felt a bit better but still weak. Strangely enough, my temperature never went beyond 37° and I didn’t have a cough or breathing difficulties and my taste buds were fine. But the body fatigue was something I had never experienced before in my life. I was completely weak and lethargic.
I decided to go home to Lagos and on arrival, I tried to isolate myself from the rest of the house, which was not possible because I was so ill and weak my wife had to take care of me.(for my dear wife of almost 30 years it’s for better and for worse )
Another doctor came and administered a drip as I had started to lose weight from not eating and had severe diarrhoea, a lethal combination l daresay!
Finally, we decided that I simply had to go to the hospital as I wasn’t getting any better. My wife was apprehensive because my hospital is First Cardiology Consultants, and they have not been too popular in the media recently, as the media has chosen to highlight the unfortunate losses of several high profile personalities while failing to document that they have an 82% survival rate which is higher than most hospitals in the United Kingdom. However, I insisted on going there, as both Dr Adeyemi Johnson and Dr Kofo Ogunyakin have my medical history and my greatest confidence.
All the while I was not afraid, I just knew I was ill and wanted to get better.
Then the shocker!
We both tested positive for COVID-19, my wife was asymptomatic while I was already ill. The doctor looked worried as he gave us both diagnoses. Looking at the doctor’s somehow downcast and gloomy mien coupled with my brother Sola Braithwaite’s demeanour who had insisted on accompanying us to the hospital was the moment the fear came down on me! I strongly believe the fear of this coronavirus is the real killer.
Doctor sent us off to perform a CT scan, to ascertain the extent of the damage. The ride to the lab was the longest, my wife drove and I was collapsed in the passenger seat, we were both worried sick about ourselves and our children & domestic staff who had by now reported to the hospital to get tested. Thankfully they all tested Negative). I tried to lighten the mood with some dry jokes but these, of course, didn’t work!
We took the test results back to the hospital and for the first time both Doctors smiled while expressing their satisfaction on the results of the scan. Thereafter we were placed on medication and were told to isolate ourselves at home and return in a week. He prescribed the following drugs: Colchicine, Azithromicine, Vitamins C & D and Rivaroxaban and added that it was important to eat. We were advised to *treat food as medication* and this was a Herculean task as I had no appetite whatsoever. We went home relieved that I was not admitted or taken to any Isolation centre or placed on Oxygen as my blood pressure and oxygen levels were okay.
We isolated ourselves in a wing of the house and did our best to eat as advised by the doctors. We received numerous advice from friends and family to experiment with all sorts of herbal remedies (Our Nigerian way). We however succumbed to the inhalation of the traditional DogoYaro leaves (the bark, leaves of the Neem Tree) but also stayed the course of the recommended treatment by the doctors and by the 5th day I was feeling much stronger. At the end of the week, I got the all-clear and my wife took a little longer to get better, so we switched roles and I had to take care of her. ( remember it’s for better for worse )
After another week we went back to the hospital and we both got the all-clear check. The Total timeframe of our ordeal was about Four weeks.
I knew I was better when I went to see my mother on her birthday and I ate all the birthday goodies heartily! I knew my appetite and strength were back, she was excited to see me as she had been so worried. We observed strict social distancing protocol.
How did I get Covid-19?
I honestly can’t pinpoint how or where I got it. I thought I had been very careful observing all the rules and regulations but as a public officer, at some point, we had to go back to work and one is really exposed to the numerous high profile meetings one attends, entourages of people swanning around you, files and letters you come in contact with etc.
I believe my symptoms didn’t become extreme because I had built up my immunity, with vitamins C, D, zinc and lots of exercise. ( That’s my belief)
I thank God for life and I decided to tell my story because COVID-19 IS REAL.
It is important to try and stay safe, as no country has the solution yet. They say the solution lies in a vaccine but in the interim Mask Up, build your immunity, observe social distancing, stay safe, FOR YOUR LOVED ONES not just yourself. If you feel like you are being careful already, DOUBLE YOUR EFFORTS.
I give special thanks to God for the grace of healing. I thank family and friends for their love and concern for me and my wife which was expressed through numerous phone calls and messages.
I must also mention my boss and brother, the Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry Otunba Niyi Adebayo for his kindness throughout this ordeal. I thank my colleagues at work for their support especially Sidi Abdullahi for holding the reins during my absence. Finally to my doctors at First Cardiology Consultants, Dr Yemi Johnson and Dr Kofo Ogunyakin thank you for taking good care of my wife and I. It is my fervent prayer that the Good Lord will continue to watch over you and all frontline health workers during this period. I must thank our numerous unofficial doctors as well.
Once again I thank God for life. May the Good Lord in his infinite Grace deliver us all from this noisome pestilence.
While Jesus fed the multitude, it is obvious that Churches and men of God are ironically feeding from the multitude, building stupendous wealth and amassing worldly things.
For example, the richest Churches in the world today are:
1- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- $67.0 billon
2- Catholic Church – $30 billion
3- Catholic Church Australia- $20.9 billion
4- Catholic Church Germany- $25.0 billion
5-Church of England $7.8 billion
6-Opus Dei (part of the Catholic Church) Italy- $2.8 billon
7- Church of Scientology- $2.0 billon
The above are not inclusive of …..
RCCG Winners Christ Embassy Synagogue and no Pentecostal church at all*.
Meanwhile, the richest Pastors in the world are: 1 Bishop Oyedepo – $150 Million 2 Bishop TD Jakes – $147 Million 3 Pastor Chris Oyakhilome – $50 Million 4 Pastor Benny Hinn – $42 Million 5 Pastor Adeboye – $39 Million 6 Pastor Creflo Dollar – $27 Million (He used to be #1) 7 Pastor Kenneth Copeland – $25 Million 8 Evangelist Billy Graham – $25 Million 9 Prophet TB Joshua – $10 Million 10 Pastor Joseph Prince – $5 Million
Again, none of the four richest churches mentioned have their leaders on this list of the Richest Pastors.
The Pope is not there. The Arch Bishop of Canterbury is not there. The Bishop of Opus Dei is not there. The Director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not there.
Six out of the 10 Richest Pastors are blacks , with their congregation being predominantly black .
Four out of the 10 richest Pastors have their churches in Nigeria, the poverty capital of the world, the 147th most corrupt nation of the world, the home to the second deadliest terrorist group, the most unsafe place to give birth to in the world.
The Richest Churches are situated in
1- USA 2- Vatican City 3- England
These are amongst the safest, less corrupt and most prosperous Nations.
What a Paradox!! Jesus Christ fed the multitude, but in Nigeria, the multitude feed the Men of God and General Overseers.
The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged officers of the State Security Service (DSS), killed 21 and arrested 47 of its members in a violent clash between the two yesterday, August 23 in Enugu.
IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful in a statement vowed that the group would avenge the killing of its members.
The group said: “Today (Sunday), the Nigerian security personnel stormed IPOB meeting ground in Enugu and started shooting sporadically which consumed the lives of 21 members and 47 arrested for no just cause or provocation.
“Those responsible for this barbaric killing in Enugu today must pay for their actions against IPOB at the appropriate time. It is laughable for the DSS to be claiming that they lost five personnel in the hands of unarmed and peaceful people. It is clear to all that IPOB doesn’t carry arm.”
IPOB warned that its silence and maintenance of peace should not be misconstrued as weakness on its part.
“We are warning and asking the Nigerian government and its security operatives to stop this atrocity. Why have they refused to confront Fulani terrorist herdsmen, Boko Haram terrorists, Ansaru group, Fulani bandits, ISIS and other groups ravaging the country and busy killing innocent and unarmed citizens of IPOB?”
The Department of State Service (DSS) has announced the brutal killing of two of its officers in Emene, Enugu State by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
A statement by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said that the unprovoked attacks were carried out today, August 23 against its patrol team, leading to the death of the two officers.
Afunanya said that all measures have been put in place to ensure that their killers and everyone involved in the dastardly act are promptly apprehended and brought to justice.
“Consequently, a full scale investigation will be carried out with regard to the incident.
“Once again, the Service reaffirms its commitment to assiduously work with other security agencies to maintain public safety and order. It, therefore urges law abiding citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.”
The Service condoled with families of the departed officers and also prayed for the repose of their souls.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced a total crude oil and gas export receipt of $378.42 million in June as against $133.16 million it posted in May 2020, signalling a marked improvement in revenue earnings following the ease of coronavirus pandemic global lockdown and the subsequent increased demand and firmer prices for the black gold in the international market.
In a statement today, August 23 by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, the Corporation said that petroleum receipts for the month reflected crude oil earnings of $230.65 million, with gas and miscellaneous proceeds standing at $75.97 million and $71.80 million, respectively.
The statement said that details of the earnings were contained in the June 2020 Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR) of NNPC, which it said, is the 59th edition in the series.
The report, which was released in Abuja today, put total crude oil & gas export receipts for the period, June 2019 to June 2020 at $4.60 billion.
In the Downstream Sector, the NNPC monthly report said in order to ensure continuous supply and effective distribution of petroleum products across the country in June, 2020, 1.34 billion litres of white products were distributed and sold by NNPC’s Downstream subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), saying that the figure was significantly higher than the 950.67million litres of white products sold and distributed in May 2020, again an apparent reflection of the gradual ease of the lockdown in the Country and the picking up of business activities.
A breakdown of the June 2020 figures indicated that over 1.3 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 5.10 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 1.65 million litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were sold and distributed during the period.
White products sale for the period June 2019 to June 2020, the report said, stood at over 19.104 billion litres, with PMS accounting for over 18.9billion litres or 99.36 per cent
In monetary value terms, the volumes translated to a total sale of ₦134.22 billion of white products by PPMC in June 2020, compared to ₦92.58 billion sales in May, 2020.
Total revenues recorded from the sales of white products for the period June 2019 to June 2020 stood at over ₦2.267 trillion, where PMS contributed about 99.12 per cent of the total sales with a value of over ₦2.247 trillion.
During the month under review, 33 pipeline points were vandalized representing about 11 per cent decrease from the 37 points recorded in May 2020.
Mosimi-Ibadan accounted for 33 per cent, while Atlas Cove-Mosimi and Warri-River Niger recorded 27 per cent of the breaks each; other locations made up for the remaining 13 per cent.
The NNPC monthly Financial and Operations Report for June, 2020 explained that in collaboration with the local communities and other stakeholders, the corporation would continuously strive to rein in on the incidences of pipeline breaches across the Country.
In the Gas sector, out of the 232.03 billion Cubic Feet of gas (BCF) supplied in June 2020, 148.66BCF of gas was commercialized; consisting of 34.64BCF and 114.01BCF for the domestic and export market, respectively.
This, the report explains, translates to a total supply of 1,154.78 million Standard Cubic Feet of gas per day (mmscfd) to the domestic market and 3,800.45mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month, implying 64.07 per cent of the average daily gas produced was commercialized, while the balance of 35.93 per cent was re-injected, used as Upstream fuel gas or flared.
The NNPC report stated that gas flare rate for June 2020 stood at 6.11 per cent, that is: 472.94mmscfd, compared with average Gas flare rate of 7.84 per cent, equivalent of 611.73mmscfd for the period June 2019 to June 2020.
First Lady, Aisha Buhari, returned to Nigeria today, August 22, from a medical trip to the United Arab Emirates, recounting a near plane mishap experience on her way coming back.
In a statement today, Aisha Buhari herself said: “I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians for their prayers and well wishes while I was away on medical treatment in the United Arabs Emirates (UAE). I am well now and fully recovered and had since returned back home, Nigeria.
“On our way back, the Nigerian Airforce Flight encountered a violent clear air turbulence which was navigated safely and professionally by the Captain and crew of the Flight.”
The First Lady commended and appreciated the courage and professionalism of the Captain and his crew, the wonderful gallant service men and women of the entire Nigerian Airforce for their dedication to duty and the quality of maintainance of its Fleet.
She recalled hosting the private healthcare Providers earlier in the year “and we had a very productive engagement where the issue of building the capacity of Nigeria health sector was the major focus, and funding was discovered to be the major challenge.
“I therefore call on the healthcare providers to take the advantage of the Federal Government’s initiative through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines for the operation of NGN100 Billion Credit Support for the Healthcare Sector as was released recently contained in a circular dated March 25, 2020 to the Commercial Banks. “This will no doubt help in building and expanding the capacity of the Nigerian health sector and ultimately reduce medical trips and tourism outside the Country.”
The Debt Management Office (DMO) has described as false and outright lies a report published in the Vanguard newspaper of an alleged N1 billion fraud in the organization.
In a statement today, August 22, the DMO said the Vanguard story titled: “Alleged N1.08 billion corruption scandal hits DMO” is a twisted and distorted information designed by the purveyors to discredit the credible image of the Office.
“The DMO hereby states unequivocally that the story is false, full of lies and the documents referred to in the Vanguard’s report have been twisted and distorted with the intention to misinform the general public and discredit the institution. The Vanguard story is not a true representation of the dealings in the DMO,”
The statement said that the DMO is an accountable, transparent and responsible organization that works in accordance with laid down civil service procedures and that it is highly regarded by Multilateral Agencies and financial institutions as a reputable Government Agency.
“The sponsors of the story are disgruntled elements who have not only breached the Civil Service Rules but have also contravened laid down procedures for dealing with official matters.”
The DMO said that those who authored the false documents “have resorted to illegally leaking official documents due to their recent redeployment” and “colluded with other disgruntled persons who have failed in their attempts to control the running of the affairs of the DMO, which has blocked their ability to pilfer public funds.
“The story referred to documents that, on their own, are incomplete and do not reflect the whole story or the purpose of any transaction. The claims that events and travels by officials of the DMO either did not take place or did not hold are false and an attempt to discredit the impeccable records of the organization. These speak to their desperation to give the institution a bad name.
“It is unfortunate that a reputable news medium such as Vanguard would lower its guard by allowing its platform to be used to promote falsehood by disgruntled and fraudulent elements in the DMO without cross-checking with the management of the organization”.
“The DMO, in line with laid down Civil Service Regulations, will brief relevant security agencies in the country to thoroughly investigate the sources of the documents, on which the sponsors based their story, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to bookin line with Public Service Rules No. 030401 and 030402 which prescribes dismissal for unauthorized disclosure of official information as a serious act of misconduct.”
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