Category: News

A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Nigeria news, Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc

By Henry Umoru

AHEAD of the September 19 Governorship election in Edo state, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark has raised the alarm that the bitterness and violence that have defined the path to the poll was worrisome and frightening.

In a statement on Sunday, in Abuja, Chief Clark also condemned in very strong terms, attack on the Resident Electoral Commission, REC of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Akwa Ibom, Barrister Mike Igini, adding that the attack is disincentive for people of integrity to serve in government.

The statement read,  “I MUST observe that the bitterness and violence that have defined the path to the Edo Gubernatorial Election is not only worrisome but frightening given that persons who are not part of the election are now being castigated needlessly. It is shocking that someone with impressive track records, a tested character and one of the rare and finest public officers of his own generation, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa-Ibom State, Hon. Barr. Mike Igini could be characterised and portrayed in a manner completely contrary to his antecedent that Nigerians know him for in this Country, and when he has no function in the Edo State election which has its own Commissioner, by the duo of one Rtd. Col. Imuse and John Mayaki both of whom made some unbelievable allegations against him.

” Expectedly, the nationwide condemnation and reaction of Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country in the last few days would have shown clearly to those who went all out to smear the name if this young man that he is one person that the overwhelming people of this country have confidence in and acknowledged as an exemplary individual they could applaud when it comes to issue of character, integrity decency and probity in public office.

“Political competition is regarded as one of the distinctive hallmarks or attributes of democracy. But a bitter competition is a dangerous enterprise for a nation. The language of political campaigns should embody the principles of restraint, decency and accommodation, it should concentrate on issues contained in Political Party’s Manifesto, and not on reckless and irresponsible assassination of people’s character, especially those not involved in the contest. It should not be characterised by desperation to pull down everything in order to win elections. Such an attitude is a recipe for political chaos.

“I want to commend the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmoud Yakubu for the disciplined and restrained manner he spoke few days ago over these wild allegation as distractions by the partisan accusers in Edo State who maligned Barr. Mike Igini for simply passing through Benin to a funeral event in Delta State. Public institutions must protect people of integrity like Barr. Mike Igini.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Lagos Govt reopens 2 recreational parks

“If one May ask, is it possible for someone who was in Lagos with his family to be in Benin the same day holding meeting at 3am with anyone in Edo? How could someone claim and expect to be taken seriously that Barr. Mike Igini of all people would sit with anyone to discuss how to produce “fake ballot papers” to rig election as well as recruit Youth Corpers when in fact NYSC members are in their various homes because of the Corona Virus? These are mere fabrications as the Federal Government announced only a few days ago that NYSC Camps should now open nationwide which means that these politicians lied as at the time of their press conference that took place last Saturday the 29th of August.

“While we urge people who work in very sensitive public institutions like INEC must continue to maintain absolute neutrality and be above board all the time, politicians should not throw baseless allegations at them because it will undermine public confidence and de-legitimize the electoral process. That is why I commend the re-assuring candour with which the INEC Chairman spoke to the press on this matter which confirmed what the general public already suspected to be the real intention  of these wild allegations aimed at ensuring that Barr. Mike Igini who is known for his good work by Nigerians when it comes to the conduct of elections is not posted to Edo State. But must this be achieved at the expense of his good name and reputation?

“I must say without equivocation that like many other Nigerians who have testified to the character and integrity of this young man in the various Television Stations, that I have observed his consistency and unwavering commitment and advocacy for credible elections and good governance for so many years before he was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 and has remained consistent till date.

“Barr. Igini stands out very tall amongst respected Electoral Commissioners, he has served the Country well by distinguishing himself as a true umpire in several challenging electoral situations in Anambra, Imo, Cross River, Rivers, Edo and Akwa-Ibom States, where voters have given a general verdict that the outcome of such elections reflected their will as expressed in the ballot. If he was easily swayed by monetary rewards, he would not have declared in the 2019 election that his job as an umpire was to count votes and not to count money in exchange for rigged election. Ironically, only in Edo State in 2015 election, that APC won Senatorial and Federal seats.

“It was in this same Edo State that in the build up to the 2015 elections that he said publicly that there will be no federal might to determine the outcome of election in Edo State but the might of the people through the ballot papers. That was the only State in 2015 that the President secured 46% of votes, APC won Senatorial and Federal seats in the National Assembly and won majority seats in the State House of Assembly in the entire South-South and South-East. Everybody commended him, particularly opposition parties in Edo and across the country who were calling other States to emulate this patriotic statesman. Barr. Mike Igini is a fetching symbol of hope for credible election in Nigeria.

“That was why Nigerians were not surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari re-appointed him and the only person so-re-appointed amongst the old Resident Electoral Commissioners from the whole of South-South and South-East. He has the distinguished honour to be appointed by two Presidents from two different political parties because of his competence, honesty and demonstrable strength of character and sense of duty. It is against this well-earned reputation and public trust that those of us who have monitored and observed his exemplary conduct and performance in office, are proud of him and take serious exception to the clearly baseless allegations aimed at defaming his enviable character by political actors in Edo State.

This must stop!”

Vanguard

Muhammad Musa Bello

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has urged Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to address traffic congestion that occurred regularly at the Lugbe axis along the Airport Road especially in the evenings.

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the minister in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said Bello made the pledge when he received a delegation from the FRSC, led by the new Zone 7 Area Commander, Assistant Corp Marshal, Jonas Agwu.

The minister noted that the Airport Road was the gateway into the City and should at all times reflect orderliness.

He assured that the FCTA would support and partner with the FRSC for the effective use of  Mobile Court system to correct traffic offenders.

ALSO READ: Alleged €14.7m fraud: Real reason 2 Nigerians were arrested

The minister stressed the need for the corps to deploy more men and equipment to ensure enforcement of road safety laws on the roads.

“Particular attention should be placed on the traffic congestion that occurs regularly at the Lugbe axis along the Airport Road,  especially in the evenings, where unauthorised trading takes place usually under the pedestrian bridges,” he said.

The minister also emphasised the need for enforcement of traffic and road safety laws,  adding that enforcement was key to the success of FRSC operations.

Bello, who said that the laws establishing the FRSC were explicit and very strong, called on the FCT Sector Command of the FRSC to put the laws to good use.

Earlier, Agwu commended the minister for his openness and support for the FRSC, which had contributed to the successes achieved by the corps in the nation’s capital.

ALSO READ: Afe Babalola laments dearth of facilities in public higher institutions

He also appreciated the good working relationship among the various relevant agencies in the FCT involved in management of traffic and curbing insecurity in the territory.

Agwu pledged to build on the existing structures available in the FCT to meet the effective road safety and traffic management objectives of the FCTA.

He said that the creation of more designated bus stops and deployment of more high capacity buses would further aid traffic flow in the city.

NAN

Vanguard

From left— Administrator of the hospital, Rev. Sister Hyacinth Ihedike; His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie; Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Rev. Father Joe Ben Onyia, and the Afolabi family members at the commissioning of Dialysis Unit of St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos.

By Chioma Obinna

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, has called for the establishment of more specialist health facilities nationwide to reduce the challenges faced by Nigerians with kidney-related problems in their quest for better treatment and more successful kidney transplant within the country.

Martins also called on the Federal and State governments to invest more in healthcare with a view to addressing energising infectious diseases as well as other major ailments contributing to increased mortality rates in the country.

The Catholic Bishop made these calls while unveiling the Dialysis Unit of St. Raphael Divine Mercy Specialist Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos, designed to improve the treatment of people with kidney diseases in Nigeria.

Inaugurating the dialysis centre donated by Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, which he said would curb medical tourism, particularly at a time COVID-19 had affected overseas travels, he also pointed out the need for more medical professionals who would provide adequate treatment with no kidney diseases.

ALSO READ: Healthy women of child-bearing age can donate kidney ―Nephrologist

The cleric said: “Kidney disease is much more now than it used to be and there is so much of money being spent going to India and different parts of the world for treatment.

“There is a great need for more specialist hospitals all over this country and I believe that this country is rich and well endowed enough in terms of people, professionals and finances to establish that.”

On his part, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie said the facility will ensure people with kidney disease access treatment without barrier to cost, adding that government officials should ensure that funds are directed to the proper direction and expended in things that will really make an impact on the lives of people; such as health facilities like this dialysis centre commissioned.”

Speaking, the hospital’s Director of Administration, Hyacintha Ihedike, noted that early diagnosis of kidney diseases ensures proper treatment and also prevents deaths from the disease.

She said the Centre would ensure access to quality and affordable health care services for people with the disease.

Also speaking, a Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Stella Alagbe, said lack of access to dialysis centre has triggered more mortality due to untreated kidney diseases.

Alagbe noted that the few centres available in the country are not affordable as treatment is expensive due to the consumables which are imported and are also affected by the high exchange rate.

She said government, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians should begin to fund dialysis and treatment of patients as well as provide health insurance to be able to take over such services as many patients cannot afford it and die in the process of seeking help to fund treatment.

VANGUARD

The Police on Sunday said it has arrested two suspects for allegedly defrauding a German Company of 14.7 million Euros  in pretext to procure COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba,  disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

He said the suspects were arrested by the Cybercrime Unit of the Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja.

Mba said one of the suspects, 50, was a Master Degree holder in Cell Biology, while the second suspect, 41, is the Managing Director of Musterpoint Investment Nig. Ltd.

READ ALSO: INTERPOL best agency to track criminal activities – Minister of Police Affairs

He said the duo were members of a sophisticated transnational criminal network that cloned the corporate website of ILBN Holdings BV, Holland to defraud one Freiherr Fredrick Von Hahn.

The FPRO said Hahn is a representative of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

He said the arrest of the suspects was sequel to a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) received by the Bureau from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Mba said the MLAT was a request from the German Government for investigations into a fraudulent transaction on the procurement of COVID-19 PPE linked to a Nigerian based bank account.

“Discrete investigations by INTERPOL Nigeria revealed that the suspects and their Holland-based cohorts, specialized in identity theft, cyber-stalking, cloning of corporate websites amongst other cyber mischiefs to defraud unsuspecting members of the public across the world.

“In this instance, the suspects fraudulently obtained from the victim, the sum of 1.5m Euro and another 880,000 Euro as advanced payment for the supply of COVID-19 PPEs valued at 14.7million Euros.

“Disturbed by the non-arrival of the PPEs, the victim visited the corporate office of ILBN Holdings BV in Holland to inquire reasons for the delay in supplying the items.

“That was when we fnd out that the company never did business with him and that the transaction was a scam,” he said.

Mba said the fraudsters merely cloned the company’s website and falsely presented themselves as representatives of the company before executing the fraudulent transaction.

He said it was on this ground that the victim reported to the Police in Holland and this led to the arrest of two suspects in Holland and investigations extended to Nigeria.

According to him, investigation by INTERPOL Nigeria further revealed that one of the suspects received 498,000 Euro from the suspects arrested in Holland through his Citibank London account.

He said same was transferred to an account number domiciled with a Lagos branch of a leading commercial bank in Nigeria belonging to Musterpoint Investment Nig. Ltd.

Mba said the Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Adamu,  commended the Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL, Mr Garba Umar, and operatives of INTERPOL Nigeria, Cybercrime Unit for a job well done.

He said the I-G pledged the commitment of the Police to tackle cybercrimes and other transnational crimes, adding that there would be no hiding place for internet fraudsters in the country.

Mba said the suspects would be arraigned before a competent court of law upon completion of investigations. (NAN)

Akinwumi Adesina

By Ibrahim HassanWuyo

Workers worldwide have said the re-election of Nigeria’s Adewunmi Adeshina as the President of African Development Bank (AFDB) was a victory for Africa, and commended the Bank’s approval of a $10 billion facility to support African countries to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

They called for economic transformation in Africa and decried fuel, energy price increase in Nigeria.

The workers also frowned at alleged corruption in South Africa on issues pertaining coronavirus.

“As African countries gradually ease the lock down occasioned by COVID: 19 pandemic, organized labour has cautioned African governments against a return to socio economic policy measures said to have undermined the continent’s  capacity to respond in terms of protection of lives and livelihoods,” the said.

Addressing a virtual meeting of Africa Regional Executive council of IndustriALL Global Union anchored in Johannesburg, South Africa at the week end, Comrade Issa Aremu decried what he called a return to “business  as usual” policies of deregulated fuel price and electricity tariff in Nigeria and alleged mismanagement of five billion rand (US$299 million) award of tenders to supply the government with personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa.

Comrade Aremu who is also the Vice President of Industriall Global union declared   support and solidarity for the resistance of trade unions in Nigeria against fuel price hike and protest against “Coronavirus corruption” in South Africa adding that, recovery of African  economy is only possible “through enhanced purchasing power of citizens through lower prices and transparency in corporate and national governance”.

Covid -19 pandemic he observed,  impacted negatively  on  mining sector in South Africa, where some mines shut down completely with some workers leaving with little after toiling in the mines for many years, reduced , reduced working hours and retrenchment in automobile, textile and garment sectors, oil and gas sector in Nigeria and Kenya.

READ  ALSO: COVID-19: WHO says 220m vaccine doses to be tested in Africa

He therefore suggested that  what Africa needs under the “new normal” is a radical departure from “the  past   unhelpful neoliberal economics of liberalization, deregulation and high prices, factory closures and export orientation into urgent diversification, import substitution, re-Industrialization and beneficiation.

“This is the time to re-inflate the African economy as commendably being done by the  African central banks in the wake of Covid -19 and not a panicky contraction as wrongly being proposed by some fiscal authorities based on the advice of IMF and World Bank”.

While he said in the coming years, the Bank must deepen partnerships even more with organized labour, civil society as well as businesses. “With the disruptions of global supply chain, AFDB must rise to promote agricultural and industrial revolution in the continent. Global resources must be allocated for real economy rather than bailing out financial institutions. All financial institutions including AFDB must place employment and decent work at the centre of macro-economic policies alongside emergency debt relief to enable African countries to return to the path of development” he said. He also said all AFDB projects must ensure secured Decent full employment to get African youths back to work away from insurgency and ill informed desperate immigration.

In her report the Regional Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, Paule Ndessomin observed that impact of Covid: 19 is not gender “neutral”  adding that gender violence during the pandemic deepened. She called for intensified union campaign against gender based violence.

Comrade Paule Ndessomin also called for more investment in communication infrastructure in Africa if the continent will reap the benefits of digitalization.

She said for effective organizing trade unions under the new normal must invest in equipment, devices, software, and data.

“Countries should have infrastructure for telecommunications for us to be able to have sustainable meetings. This remains a challenge in our region because of intermittent disconnections. Sometimes this is worsened by our energy infrastructure that has limited capacity and is often unreliable”.

Vanguard

Chief Afe Babalola SAN

By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ado-Ekiti

Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola,SAN has lamented the dearth of facilities in public universities across the country, calling on the federal government to cancel the N186 billion earmarked for school feeding programme and use same amount in supporting public higher institutions.

The frontline lawyer who argued that it was needless for the federal government to plan feeding school children who are currently with their parents, noted that the amount for the programme should be invested in transforming public universities in procuring necessary equipment and facilities to aid safe reopening of higher institutions after over five months of closure due to coronavirus pandemic.

While explaining that it would be practically impossible to close schools for too long due to COVID-19, he advised government to take a clue from the private universities in the country with provision of modern facilities and equipment for safety of students and staff ahead of reopening.

ALSO READ: Security alert: DHQ assures residents of FCT, adjoining states of safety

In a statement he personally signed on Sunday and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, Babalola backed the agitations of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the need for government to invest in public universities in the country, “which are currently being grossly underfunded, stressing university education is crucial to development of any nation.

He said it would be impossible for public universities in the country to meet the requirements set by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 for safe reopening of schools, adding, ” It is trite to note that no nation develops without a sound educational system and the foundation is really not in the Primary School, It is the university level education because it is the university that trains other levels.”

According to him, ” There should be an immediate cancellation of the N186 billion slated for feeding of school children when schools are closed and the school children are with their parents and especially when their addresses will be impossible to trace. Instead, the N186 billion earmarked for the feeding should be used to support public institutions to purchase testing machines such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Machine, Face Masks, Sanitizers and Serological Test Machines.

” These safety measures will enable the public higher institutions to re-open because the hygienic status of their campuses would have been guaranteed with enhanced thereby making it possible for them to comply. I believe that using the money for public universities, which are currently being grossly underfunded, would enable the Federal Government to take care of students of such institutions and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

He described the ongoing strike by ASUU as, ” understandable strike” as a result of the lack of facilities in public schools, noting that government must engage the university lecturers with a view of  meeting their demands to make public institutions more attractive to parents.

” The Federal Government should call ASUU which is currently on an understandable strike because of lack of necessary facilities, equipment and infrastructure in most of the public universities, negotiate with them, pay their salaries and equip the various public universities with a view to making them safe for reopening. The Federal Government needs to concentrate on the provision of the necessary equipment and infrastructure to make them attractive like their private counterparts.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Nigeria’s fuel import bill rises by 42% to N1.09trn in six months

” You can imagine a public university which recently announced a reduction in students’ fees from N150,000 to between N100,000 and N120,000/session. This is one of the reasons why the quality of education in public institutions in the country continues to wane. It therefore follows that because of its importance, education should not be politicized particularly now when the trend all over the world is for students to pay fees in the universities in order to guarantee quality.

Because of those who cannot afford school fees, government should set up Banks to give loans to students at NO interest of Low interest as practiced in some more developed countries and also give scholarships to deserving students,” he said.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria reiterated that for quality of education in public institutions to be improved, government must increase provision for the education sector in the budget from its current meager seven percent to twenty-six percent as directed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Vanguard

A non-governmental organisation, known as the Corrupt Practices Eradication Organisation of Nigeria (COPEON), has called for attitudinal change among Nigerians as a panacea to corruption in the country.

The Director-General of the organisation, Mr Emmanuel Adeyanju, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday.

Also read: Ondo 2020: Remain loyal to PDP, Deputy Governor urges supporters

Adeyanju said the organisation had embarked on a campaign across the 774 local government councils in the country, advocating attitudinal change in people’s ways of doing things.

He said: “We noticed that there is corruption in every facet of human endeavour in this country.

“We believe we should not fold our arms and let this thing continue like that.

“We know that corruption cannot be totally eradicated. What we are trying to do is to reduce it to the barest minimum.”

Adeyanju said that through its advocacy programmes, the group had been persuading Nigerians not to joke with their integrity wherever they found themselves.

“This is because, if you lack integrity, you cannot go anywhere,” Adeyanju said.

He said that the organisation had a robust collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies in Nigeria.

He said that such collaboration became necessary because “government alone cannot fight corruption”.

He said that it is unrealistic to expect the three major anti-graft agencies in the country, with less than 10,000 personnel, to successfully fight corruption in a country of at least 200 million people.

He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to give COPEON full recognition, saying that the group was ready to partner with government and Nigerians in the anti-corruption war.

He said: “Nigeria has three major anti-graft agencies, the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Code of Conduct Bureau.

“If you put their staff together, including their cooks and drivers, they are not up to 10,000. So we believe that the government cannot do it alone.

“We are passionate Nigerians, who believe that things should not continue like this.

“That is why we came together to form COPEON to help Nigerians and federal government fight corruption in our own little way.

“We, therefore, need the assistance of government to give us full recognition.”

He said that the organisation had secured the approval of the Oyo Ministry of Education to establish anti-corruption clubs in all the secondary schools in the state.

He said that the organisation had also successfully organised the first-ever anti-corruption summit in the state, where it X-rayed some of the corrupt practices prevalent in the country.

He also recalled COPEON’s role in exposing the people involved in the celebrated “Ajumose bus saga”, which led to the sanctioning of some civil servants in the state.

He said that the affected workers were caught by some of COPEON’s members while trying to siphon diesel from a government-owned bus.

He promised that the organisation would continue to pursue the objectives for which it was established, in collaboration with relevant agencies in the anti-corruption fight.

NAN reports that COPEON was registered in 2017 with the objective to support governments’ efforts aimed at eradicating corruption in the country.

Vanguard News

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A chieftain of the pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Richard Ozobu, has faulted those describing the Governors of the South East zone as weak.

There have been reports in some quarters that the South East Governors are weak and also slow in response to issues affecting Ndigbo.

Ozobu, who stated this in an interview with Vanguard, urged the people not to expect the governors to take hasty decision without being briefed with the facts of any situation.

In his words; “I read Chief Jim Nwobodo’s statement on this matter, he was right, South East Governors are not weak. Chief Jim Nwobodo was a governor; he was talking from privileged position. Remember, Governors have access to classified security information which the ordinary people have no access to. Governors are better positioned to get information.

READ ALSO: Just in: Gunmen attack Kajuru, kill Reverend, 2 others

So, you don’t expect the Governors to act hastily when there are incidents, especially security matters. Taking hasty decisions may aggravate problems.”

Ozobu, however, called for a sense of patriotism and commitment  to solve problems and ensure peace whenever issues arise.

“There should be no delay in such issues to deliberate and take decision on issues. It has to be timely. Again, the federal government may also be looking on the same issue. However, the state must have a stand.”

Vanguard

The Defence Headquarters has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and adjoining states that the military and other security agencies had been on red alert to ensure their safety.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Also read: Military airstrikes hit bandits’ hideout, kill scores in Kaduna forests – DHQ

Enenche said the armed forces had intensified effective surveillance of the FCT and other states to checkmate activities of the criminals.

He said the assurance was “imperative sequel to a purported memorandum from the Nigeria Customs Service warning its staff on a possible attack on the FCT”.

“The Armed Forces in conjunction with other security and response agencies particularly the core intelligence agencies hereby assure the public that preventive and preemptive intelligence is ongoing.

“The general public is thus advised to go about their lawful businesses undeterred.

“Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wish to assure the general public that the offensives against the common enemies of this Nation will not cease until normalcy is restored in all parts of the country.

“Hence, the public is equally enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity accordingly,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the military had recently raided identified camps of the DarulSalam/Boko Haram terrorist group in parts of Kogi and Nasarawa States.

It neutralised scores of the terrorists and rescued over 700 of their family members and abductees in the raid following verified intelligence reports on the locations.

Vanguard News

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan Chapter, has warned against the reopening of schools without provisions for schools to meet COVID-19 precautionary guidelines.

Its chairman, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, stated this in a release he made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday.

Akinwole stated that the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools could be enormous if responsibility was not taken to ensure safety.

Also read: COVID-19: ‘POS, Mobile transactions volume hits 4-year high in Nigeria’

He warned that no pecuniary gains would be more than the lives of lecturers and their students.

Akinwole noted that before COVID-19 pandemic, public varsities were overcrowded with students and hostel facilities took more than its capacity.

He then warned parents not to jubilate at the news of a possible reopening of schools.

However, they should ask the government to put measures in place so as not to have a surge in COVID-19 that might happen as a result of ill-thought-out reopening, he said.

“What we are simply saying is that the Federal Government should adhere to their own set guidelines.

“Our position, as a responsible union in all these, is that; throwing schools open in the midst of all these, is an open invitation to the tragic explosion of the COVID-19 scourge on a scale never witnessed anywhere since its outbreak.”

He said that the union was aware that there had been agitations from some quarters for the government to reopen schools.

He said that those leading the campaign are the proprietors of private universities.

He said, “ASUU is not in any way opposed to this call.

“However, Nigerians should honestly interrogate this position. Has the Nigerian government met the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) criteria on COVID – 19 protocols in our institutions?

“COVID-19 pandemic is still very much with us. It is in recognition of this fact that the government itself has rolled out certain conditions to be met before schools are reopened.”

According to the ASUU chairman, How many of our public institutions can confidently vouch for the safety of our children given the available facilities such as the provision of running water for handwashing; social distancing among students.

Did he list others to include: the use of recommended face masks and shields, which are key components of NCDC protocols?

Vanguard News

…Says God fought my many political battles

The immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, has said that he does not have any power outside of God in his political career.

The former Governor said that he did not need occult powers and cult activities register victories in political battles, as power comes only from  God.

A statement by his Media Advisor, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the Governor as having made the comment during a thanksgiving service at his country home of Toru-Orua on Sunday.

The Governor stressed that God strengthened him and indeed fought the many battles he won in politics as Governor for eight years and even before then.

READ ALSO: The Igbo 2023: The potential candidates

The former Governor who spoke about the victory of the PDP in the last gubernatorial election said that God Himself, who he described as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Universe used his own court to deliver the verdict which stopped the All Progressives Congress from taking over the state.

He said that the fact that people imported drinks to celebrate the planned APC take over of Bayelsa State but could not drink them should convince political actors and indeed the citizenry that power comes only from God.

“So many things happened in this state in the past eight or nine years but the Lord gave us victory in all the challenges.

“The unprecedented battle of my re-election in 2015, after which they decided to make the State ungovernable should come to the mind. Bayelsa had over 15 police commissioners in a few months.

“And, of course, you remember the last miracle of the 11th hour! The man himself was preparing for inauguration when God used His own court to deliver the verdict because He didn’t like what they were doing for our people,” He said

Chief Dickson described the reception given to him by the people of Ekeremor and Sagbama as unprecedented saying he did not receive such unique honour even during his days as governor.

He thanked the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, his Deputy Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,  the commissioners and assembly members from the district, the  delegates and all party members for affirming his nomination  as the PDP Senatorial Candidate.

He said that the Senatorial election was crucial and of interest to Bayelsa West, Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation, as the country would be expecting a Senator with the experience and capacity to speak in the Senate.

Vanguard

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) carefully selected its candidates for the October 31 Central and West senatorial districts bye-election.

Governor Diri spoke at the weekend after his predecessor, Chief Seriake Dickson and the immediate past chairman of the party, Pastor Moses Cleopas, emerged as candidates for Bayelsa West and Bayelsa Central senatorial districts respectively.

A statement by his Acting Chief Preas Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the governor lauded the transparent and peaceful conduct of the primary elections held in Yenagoa and Sagbama.

Speaking to journalists at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa where the Central district primary held, Diri said he was satisfied with the process and commended the aspirants and delegates for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise.

He called on members of the party to close ranks and work for the success of its candidates in the senatorial bye-elections.

He expressed the confidence that the PDP will emerge victorious in both elections.

His words: “You will attest to the fact that the primary was very orderly, transparent and fair. I am very sure that everybody is satisfied with the conduct. PDP is always throwing up the best candidates.

“You can also agree with me that in PDP we carefully select and nominate our candidates. You can see the difference between the candidates of the PDP and any other party.”

READ ALSO: Bayelsa Executive Council holds maiden meeting

While congratulating former Governor Dickson and Pastor Cleopas, he described them as the perfect choice to emerge as candidates.

“We are presenting our best in the election. The former governor is highly experienced in the legislature and running of the executive arm. He is a lawyer too.

“Our former chairman is a good party man with oratory power and great leadership skill. They will be good representatives in the Senate and strong voice for Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation. I call on our people to support these great men in the election.”

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President Muhammadu Buhari

Berate FG for failing to live up to its promises on micro-economy

Urge Buhari to focus on poverty alleviation programmes

Say Nigerians deserve to live better lives

By Luminous Jannamike

Senior Catholic Prelates have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the latest increment in the price of petrol and electricity.

The Archbishops, while condemning the increase in fuel price, said that it would cause more Nigerians to suffer.

They spoke during the First General Assembly of Abuja Archdiocese, held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Pro-Cathedral, Weekend.

It would be recalled that the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) recently increased the ex-depot price of petrol from N138.62 to N151.56 per litre.

Consequently, petrol marketers jerked the price of the product from N148 to between N158 and N162 per litre.

Earlier, electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in the country began implementing a new cost-reflective electricity tariff plan.

Speaking, therefore, Archbishop Emeritus, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, lamented that the price increase did not come with a boost in the average income of citizens.

He said the government had previously assured Nigerians that it would make life better for them. However, he added that the reverse is now the case.

ALSO READ: Buhari loses family doctor, says she is a woman of integrity

“Mr President, in the same breath, was telling us he was going to do all he can to make life easier for Nigerians and one of the things he can do is those increases.

“Let the Federal Government put the fuel price increase and electricity tariff increase in a wider context. We wouldn’t complain about the fuel price increase if the salaries also increased.

“The problem comes when you leave the people with nothing to eat. I don’t think the government is supposed to be doing that. They should find a way to make life liveable for Nigerians,” Onaiyekan said.

Focus on Poverty Alleviation Programmes

Similarly, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, asked President Buhari to give more attention to policies and programmes that would reduce poverty and hardship.

He said: “With the current economic crisis occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a huge increase in poverty levels.

“So, we call on the government to give priority to alleviating poverty and improving life situations among Nigerians.

“I can only beg on behalf of the poor and the needy that government should have mercy on us. We are at the grassroots and I meet people who are really poor and in need and with all these increases, it makes life more intolerable.

“As a priest, I can only pray that God will do something for the poor and the needy, but God doesn’t operate in a vacuum; He uses our leaders, the president, the governors and local government chairmen. I know they can do something.

“Let them just look at the poor and the needy with the eyes of mercy and strategize. There is a way out, the government can help the masses.

“As a witness, people are in agony and are suffering. The government is their father; the government is their leader. Let them do something.”

In the same vein, the Archbishops called on Christian and Muslim leaders to join hands in advocating for a better life for all Nigerians.

“We must shun the mentality where everyone is for himself or herself and cares only for those who are friends, family or from the same tribe, region, religion or political party, to the extent that we subordinate the common good to selfish interests, and even consider others as outsiders, thus triggering the feelings in certain quarters of being neglected, abandoned or marginalised,” they said.

On the controversial section 839 (2) (11) of the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAMA Act (2020), the Senior Bishops said the provisions should either be corrected or expunged.

They, however, described as valid and wise, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s position on the new CAMA that anyone aggrieved by the content of the law should approach the National Assembly for amendment.

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Governor Godwin Obaseki (right) and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

…Denies Rift with Ize- Iyamu

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

CANDIDATE of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) for the September 19, 2020 Governorship election in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has vowed to make his predecessor and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, politically irrelevant.

Obaseki disclosed this weekend when the PDP Campaign rally berthed in Ward 8 and 10 at Edaiken market in Egor Local Government Area of the State

The PDP Candidate declared that the battle over who wins the forthcoming election in the State was between him and Oshiomhole, saying that he does not have any quarrel with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

“We had democracy in 1999, a Child that was born 22 years ago, is the child not old enough to be a man by now? This democracy will continue and even beyond us by the grace of God.

“You came and do your own and another comes, allow him to play his own part and leave. That man is very dangerous.

“He knows the right thing. See the party they put him, he destroyed it… This fight is between me and Oshiomhole. The fight is not between me and Ize-Iyamu.

“We will bury Oshiomhole politically.  We have retired him and on September 19, we will bury him politically”, he boasted.

READ ALSO: God is my godfather not Oshiomhole – Osagie Ize-Iyamu

The governor stated that he was constrained to speak up due to misinformation in the public over his frosty relationship with his predecessor.

The PDP candidate whose first tenure in office will elapse on September 19, 2020, also reversed the sale of lock up shops at Edaiken market to friends of the former governor at the cost of N1 million and made gave out the shops at highly subsidized rate, pitted him against the former Labour Leader.

According to him, “He (Oshiomhole) sold the market for N1 million. He said that I cannot be be a governor. Is he God? Are we fools?”.

Addressing PDP members and supporters at the rally, Edo State deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, emphasized that government was about building institutions and not individuals.

“As a Comrade, Government will come and go, but institution will remain”.

He also said that he will defeat Oshiomhole in gubernatorial election including his Ward 10 in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State.

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…praises peace initiative in Jema’a LGA

Executive Governorof Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai

By Ibrahim HassanWuyo

The Kaduna State Government has received briefs from security agencies stationed in Giwa, Igabi, Chikun, Kauru and Kajuru LGAs, of bandit attacks which resulted in the deaths and kidnapping of some citizens.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Internal Security & Home Affairs, in a statement, informed that these attacks were actions of criminality and sheer evil, which stand condemned by the government under the leadership of Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

“The Governor received briefs on the situations in Kidandan, Rigachikun, Kuyanbana, Buruku general area and also Buda, within the five LGAs listed, and condoled families that lost their loved ones in the attacks.”

ALSO READ: Olubadan directs Ndigbo leader to settle dispute in Oyo

“Government condoles with the families that lost their loved ones to the sheer criminality of the bandits. Security agencies have been directed to double up and intensify operations against bandits and raids on their hideouts.”

“Our communities are strongly urged to stand together to confront criminality. Bandits should not be allowed to inflict such pain and then have their actions be allowed to divide their victims along religious and ethnic lines. This criminality is an attack on our unity and collective well being.

“The Kaduna State Government continues to work with the security agencies in the ongoing operations against bandits, being coordinated by the Defence Headquarters”, the Governor stated.

ALSO READ: Just in: Gunmen attack Kajuru, kill Reverend, 2 others

Similarly, the Governor has also been briefed on a peace pact between some communities in Jema’a LGA.

According to the security briefs, community leaders of Dangoma, Takau, and Zikpak confirmed the peace pact under the leadership of the LGA chairman, Mr Peter Danjuma Averik.

The Governor welcomed this community action as a step towards restoring peace and charged the communities to uphold their obligations in the agreement to secure peace and advance development.

The Governor noted that this agreement in Jema’a LGA is another significant step in advancing the ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the southern Kaduna general area of the State.

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…We will follow Shaibu to any party, says Apostle Suleiman’s father

By Gabriel Enogholase

GENERAL Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman has disclosed that he owes the Edo State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, a debt of gratitude for saving his life and that of his family from assassins in 2018.

Apostle Suleman who stated this Sunday while receiving the governor, his deputy, Comrade. Philip Shaibu and other top government functionaries at the church headquarters in Auchi, Edo State, said, “Something happened in 2018; some people came to kill me. They hired assassins to kill me on New Year’s Day. They were waiting for the church to start shouting Happy New Year before they would open fire in the church to kill me.

“His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki got the information before me and sent security personnel to track the assassins and deal with them. He saved my life and that of my family.

“The altar is not for politics; I am not a politician and nobody gives me money to talk, rather, I say things the way they are. God used the governor to save me and my family. Time and eternity will help me to show how grateful we are.”

On his part, Governor Obaseki thanked the Christian community, especially religious leaders, for their support and cooperation, thanking God for the successful completion of his ward-to-ward reelection campaign across the 192 wards of the state.

Obaseki said: “We are here to worship with you and thank God for what he has done for us. If anyone told us that we would go through the COVID-19 experience no one would have believed.

“The Church was our pillar when COVID-19 broke out. I was worried and didn’t know what to do but we continued with zoom meetings with our senior pastors to find a way out. The prayers of the church have greatly helped the situation.

“We are here to thank God and urge you to pray for us. In the last five weeks, we have gone through the various communities in Edo State, campaigning and trying to see for ourselves the situation of things.

READ ALSO: OBASEKI OPENS UP: How I fell out with Oshiomhole, Edo APC leaders

“For those five weeks, we travelled thousands of miles and ended up in my ward in Benin City. All through the journey, my convoy did not have any accident.”

Meanwhile, the clergy’s father, Hon. Imoudu Sule, thanked the governor and his deputy for saving the life of his son, promising to mobilise other voters to ensure the governor’s reelection.

He said: “Your Excellency, remember I once told you that if the Deputy Governor finds himself in ‘Zero’ party, that is where I will be. He saved my family. Apostle Suleman is the oxygen of my family, the live wire of my family. That act saved everybody in Omega Fire Ministry and all around him. I am with you 100 per cent, your Excellency.”

In his remark, Shaibu noted: “Apostle Suleman has been wonderful; he doesn’t praise-sing anyone like some other clergymen, rather he says things the way they are without fear or favour. He is a very sincere person.

“He has always told me that we must not allow violence in the electioneering process and God has done it. We must allow our people to come out and vote. I want to promise you that we would abide by the rules because it is with the rules that God has done it for us.

“I want to thank you and reassure the church again, that God is working for the betterment of Edo State. Obaseki and I are preaching a violence-free election in the state.”

Vanguard News Nigeria

…Records 39% dip in crude oil export to N4.5trn

By Michael Eboh

Nigeria spent N1.09 trillion to import Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, in the first six months of 2020, rising by 42.3 per cent, compared to N766.06 trillion recorded in the same period in 2019, according to data obtained, weekend, from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

The NBS, in a series of reports, however, disclosed that the country’s crude oil export dropped sharply by 38.5 per cent to N4.5 trillion in the first half of 2020, compared with N7.32 trillion earned from crude oil export in the first half of 2019.

In addition, the value of crude oil exported in the first half of 2020, represented a decline of 39.02 per cent, compared with N7.38 trillion earned from the export of crude oil in the second half of 2019.

The sharp increase in the value of Nigeria’s PMS export can be attributed to the devaluation of the country’s currency, with the dollar reaching as high as N480 to a dollar in the parallel market, compared to N379 to a dollar in the official market, from about N307 to the dollar, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the contrary, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority, PPPRA, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had declared a significant reduction in Nigeria’s fuel import and fuel consumption figure since March 2020, going by the COVID-19 pandemic induced global lockdown, which started from March.

The lockdown can also be blamed for the drop in Nigeria’s crude oil export in the first half of 2020, as the supply glut that followed the pandemic, forced the price of crude oil into the negative terrain in April, called ‘Black April’, while demand for crude oil crashed, in some cases to zero, with storage space for the crude oil causing major concern globally, as the world seemed to run out of space to store crude oil.

In the second quarter of 2020, the NBS stated that Nigeria spent N87.08 billion on fuel import; while N1.003 trillion was spent in the first quarter, according to the updated figure provided by the NBS.

READ ALSO: Fuel price hike: FG currently not financially able to pay subsidy – Sylva

This was in comparison with N190.78 billion spent on fuel import in the first quarter of 2019, and N575.28 billion spent in the second quarter of 2019.

Petrol import, according to the NBS reports, accounted for 2.16 per cent of Nigeria’s total imports in the second quarter of 2020, the fourth largest import in the second quarter, topped by used vehicles import, which gulped N198.4 billion and accounting for 4.93 per cent of total imports; durum wheat import, which accounted for 4.01 per cent of total imports with N161.35 billion and motorcycles import, which accounted for 2.29 per cent of total imports in the second quarter, with N92.09 billion.

The NBS further stated that in the first and second quarter of 2020, crude oil export stood at N2.94 trillion and N1.55 trillion respectively, compared with N3.38 trillion and N3.94 trillion in the first and second quarter of 2019 respectively.

Crude oil export, the NBS noted, accounted for 70.01 per cent of Nigeria’s total export in the second quarter of 2020, with The Netherlands emerging the highest buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil in the second quarter, with N221.68 billion; followed by China, with the purchase of N189.91 billion worth of Nigeria’s crude oil; while South Africa purchased N171.78 billion crude oil from Nigeria.

Nigeria also exported crude oil valued at N147.61 billion, N133.98 billion, N68.94 billion and N67.38 billion to India, Spain, Togo and Indonesia respectively in the second quarter of 2020.

Vanguard News Nigeria

…abduct 5 from neighboring village

By Ibrahim HassanWuyo

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen on Sunday, attacked the Adara community in Buda of Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state, killing Reverend Alubara Audu and 2 others. The gunmen also abducted 5 persons in a neighboring village.

Awemi Dio Maisamari, the National President Adara Development Association, in a statement, lamented over the continued attack on their communities and called on the authorities to deal with the gunmen.

According to  Maisamari, “the premeditated and unprovoked attack claimed the lives of three people namely Rev. Alubara Audu, 45, with 5 children; Adamu Tata, 40, with 4 children and Ishaku Peter, 37, with 5 children. Furthermore, the following persons were abducted: Sani Peter, 25 and Esther Sani Peter, 20.”

“At around the same time, the terrorists also abducted five people from neighboring Kemara Rimi community of Buda Ward. They are: Ojo Aminu, 35,  Danfulani Makaranta, 37, Namiji Gwamna, 36. Ali Musa, 36 and Grace Mathew, 16.”

“These callous and barbaric attacks sometimes abate but never really stop in Adara community. On Sunday 16th August, 2020, another fatal attack occurred at Kallah village on the banks of river Kaduna. This resulted in the death of Mr. Danladi Abashi, a 50years old farmer who ventured near the villages that were invaded and are still occupied by Fulani herdsmen in the Kallah/Gefe/Libere area of Kajuru LGA. His body was only recovered with the help of the police because the herdsmen disallowed Adara people from even approaching the occupied enclave.”

“Similarly, the incidents of abductions of innocent people for ransom are also continuing. On 27th August, 2020, five incidents of kidnapping occurred including that of Daniel Shuaibu and Abednego Paul from their residence at Maraban Kajuru. During the operation, Mr. Sunday Barau was shot and injured and the abductees are still with their abductors because his helpless family has been unable to meet their demands.

READ ALSO: Police Inspector, councillor, 4 others abducted as one killed in Adamawa

Another of the incidents is that of the abduction of Master Pius Gargai who was abducted from their family residence at Maraban Rido. He too is still with the kidnappers because of inability to meet their demands. Also, on 2nd September, 2020, four persons were abducted from Rafin Roro village in Kasuwan Magani Ward of Kajuru LGA. One of them managed to escape and three are still being held.”

“With the continuation of such hostilities by Fulani herdsmen even when various peace moves are being initiated, it is becoming clearer that the purported dialogue is serving as a diversion to enable the attackers to continue their diabolical activities. We are left wondering whether it is worthwhile engaging in such dialogue and peace talks if this continues.”

“Finally, the Adara Development Association (ADA) wishes to state that the time for civil and security authorities and even Fulani community leaders to continue feigning ignorance of the perpetrators of these crimes and their whereabouts has since gone.

“Also, the challenge thrown by Governor Elrufai asking for details of occupied villages in Southern Kaduna has since been adequately answered. Any further failure to adequately address these issues will be a confirmation that government is only interested in reeling out rhetoric while their actions and inactions serving as encouragement are speaking loudest,” he stated.

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By Ozioruva Aliu

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the wife Edo State Deputy Governor Marry-Ann Shaibu of threatening violence against anyone associating with APC supporters, in a video that has gone viral.

The APC said Mrs Shaibu took a violent cue from her husband, Comrade Philip Shaibu as she spat fire, threatening to flog any woman she sees associating with a group, which is suspected to be an affiliate of the main opposition party, APC, in Edo.

The APC said this action violates the rights of Edo people which grants them freedom of association and the recent peace deal convoked by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

A statement by the Chairman, APC Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki while explaining the viral video showing the wife of the Deputy Governor, who was seen gesticulating and requesting the picture of every woman attending the meeting she was addressing be captured, vowing afterwards that anyone of them found identifying with another group would be flogged with the cane.

Mayaki said, “The sense of urgency and desperation in the tone of Mrs Shaibu, who has been making frantic but futile moves to boost the chances of the temporary ruling party, PDP, in Edo North, through a series of meeting with women at different parts of the region, is no doubt as a result of the chill wind reaching her.

“Although women openly support her to enjoy what pleasures they could, she had realized, they secretly intended to vote for APC.

READ ALSO: How God used Obaseki to save my life, church, family ― Apostle Suleiman

Mayaki who criticised the deputy governor’s wife’s “imprudent choice of words” said, “I am not surprised that she is threatening violence. We know that her husband arms thugs. Her imprudent choice of words, though regrettable, is simply a manifestation of what they bring to the table in Edo State. Every step of the campaign, they have brutalised us, and unleashed weapons of warfare. But they are making martyrs of us. All we want is good governance in Edo state and now she is threatening to whip us.”

Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to Shaibu, Musa Ebomhiana said the video was manipulated just as he said it was the APC that broke the peace deal by Oba Eware II.

He said: “Even before we left the palace, APC was reporting that Oba of Benin said it was Shiabu that was arming thugs, that was already a breach of Oba’s message but we chose to ignore. Now they have come out with a video that was simulated. They edited her voice and the environment and are now attributing it to her.

We can as well do that but we want peace to reign before, during and after the election. This is sheer blackmail and it is because they know they have lost the election and this their strategy will not work, it will not help them”

Vanguard News Nigeria

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lapos State.

…Stresses adherence to COVID-19 protocols

The Lagos State Government on Sunday announced the reopening of two of its recreational parks for public use, stressing that visitors to the parks must comply with the subsisting COVID-19 protocols.

Mrs Titilayo Ajirotutu, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Parks and Gardens (LASPARK), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.

According to Ajirotutu, the reopened recreational facilities are the Ndubisi Kanu Park in Alausa and the Dr Abayomi Finnish Park in Oregun, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state had closed down all parks at the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic to contain the community spread of the virus.

This measure denied fun seekers the opportunity to relax in the open and hindered government revenue from the facilities.

The statement quoted Mrs Adetoun Popoola, the General Manager of LASPARK, as saying that the agency had made necessary arrangements and put in place relevant safety protocols for the public to visit the parks.

“Strict observance of COVID-19 guidelines including physical distancing, use of face masks, temperature checks and washing of hands with soap and running water is germane to reducing the risk of exposure to the virus.

“It is also pertinent to mention that children below five and adults above 65 years are advised to stay home to reduce their risk of infection.

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

“All play items and games which have high touch surfaces will also not be operational for now at the parks,” Popoola said.

The LASPARK boss said further that the occupancy limit of the parks had been restricted to 150 people for Ndubuisi Kanu Park and 100 people for Dr. Abayomi Finnih park to prevent overcrowding.

She said that other public recreational parks in various parts of the state are still being assessed for reopening, adding that the public would be notified accordingly. (NAN)

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