Connect with us

COVER

COVID-19: FG, FCTA, States Shut Schools

Published

on

Minimum wage: FG inaugurates committee to adjust workers’ salaries
Share

By Mathew Dadiya, Laide Akinboade, Abuja and Vincent Nyinongu, Makurdi

The devastating effect of Coronavirus reached a climax yesterday, as four new cases were recorded in Lagos even as the daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari proceeded on self-isolation on return from the United Kingdom.

Reports at our disposal showed that over seven states have shut schools, while other installations have been put under observations.

The First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, said yesterday in Abuja that one of her daughters was in self-isolation having returned from the United Kingdom, one of the high risk countries being ravaged by the virus.

Although the President’s wife did not mention the name of the daughter, a source at the office of the First Lady revealed that the President’s wife had shut down her office for two weeks as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19 among her staff.

 

It was also gathered that one of her aide, who travelled to London and on return, was advised by the First Lady to should stay away for 14 days, but the staff defiled the advice.

Angered by the nonchalant attitude, the First Lady, on her Twitter handle @aishambuhari,  tweeted thus: “Good afternoon Nigerians. Earlier today my daughter returned from the UK being among the high burdened listed countries of COVID-19.

“Based on the advice of the Hon. Minister of Health, Presidential Task force on COVID -19 and that of NCDC, she is on self-isolation, not because she displayed any symptoms of the Covid-19. Please I urge all parents to do the same if possible as prevention is better than cure. 

“Similarly, I have shut down my office for two weeks with immediate effect while essential staff can work from home as a result of some staff, who recently returned from the UK.

“I commend the North Western governors, including Niger and Kwara on preventive measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 at their security meeting yesterday in Kaduna.

“Let’s keep following the  advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, which encourages maintaining social distancing, high hygiene culture through regular washing of hands with soaps and sanitizers.

“Let’s adopt preventive measures and ensure the safety of our families and that of General public.

“We will overcome the Covid-19 pandemic if we all take the necessary precautions at the same time”.

Four New Cases Confirm in Lagos

President Buhari’s wife directives came on the heels of four confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Lagos state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, at a press conference yesterday, said the state government had commenced contact to trace 1,300 people suspected to has contacted the virus.

The Federal Ministry of Health had on Wednesday, announced five new cases of the COVID-19, bringing the number patients in Nigeria to 12.

Abayomi said 19 people were tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday, with four out of them testing positive to the virus.

According to him, the patients have been isolated for treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

“One of the four new cases is a woman who had contact with the Nigerian woman who returned from UK and currently receiving treatment for testing positive.

“The second new case is a female who returned from France on March 14 on a Turkish Airline TK 1830,” the commissioner said.

“The third case is a Nigerian male in his 50s who had not travelled anywhere but tested positive to the virus.

Abayomi added that the fourth new case is a Nigerian male who arrived in Lagos from Frankfurt on Lufthansa Airline flight number LH568 on March 13.

He said that more tests were still ongoing with some suspected cases while appealing to passengers on the two flights to self-isolate themselves and contact the government.

The commissioner noted that the state government had commenced intensive contact tracing of over 1, 300 people to get information, monitor their health status, adding that the number of contacts was increasing.

“It is clear that we have combination of imported cases and local transmission. The Executive of Lagos State is meeting on the next stage on social distancing.

“The best way to slow the rate is to halt movement of the virus from person to person,” Abayomi said.

FCTA Shuts Abuja Schools

Meanwhile, Federal Capital Territory has directed that all schools in the territory be shut from today till further notice.

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who gave the indication in Abuja during a meeting with heads of Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) under her supervision, also directed that both public and private schools in the territory should be shut down until further notice.  

The minister also directed that social gatherings and worship centres should be restricted to avoid large gatherings that could further endanger the health of others, stressing that shop owners who fail to provide hand sanitizers and other preventive measures should be closed down indefinitely.  

According to her, “we should not endanger the lives of children for whatsoever reasons. You know, when these children are in schools, they pick up anything and put them in their mouths without taking precautions of washing their hands. Therefore, the best and safer thing to do is to close down the schools for a week, two or even a month pending on the outcome.  

“It might interest you to know that some states have gone ahead of us by closing down schools and we in the Federal Capital Territory, the seat of government cannot fold our hands and watch helplessly. As a matter of fact, as from tomorrow being Friday, all public and private schools in the territory should be closed down indefinitely.  

“In the same vein, social gatherings and worship centres should be restricted to avoid large crowds because of body contact. Health officers will ensure that shop owners who fail to put in preventive measures would be closed down”.  

Aliyu, however, stated that sensitization would be intensified in all the six Area Councils across the territory to prevent possible outbreak of the disease.  

On his part, the Acting Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Iwot Ndaeyo, said the board will mobilize all the stakeholders in the rural communities to drive the campaign.  

Benue Orders Closure of Schools

Similarly in Benue, the state Government ordered the closure of all schools from tomorrow as part of measures to protect the state from Coronavirus pandemic.

State Commissioner for Education, Prof Dennis Ityavyar, said all schools in Benue had been directed to conclude examinations on or before March 27 and proceed on holiday.

The commissioner urged schools to ensure that physical contact was restricted before the end of the examinations.

He stated that the decision to close schools before the scheduled end of the current academic term had become necessary as part of measures to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the state.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the state, Dr Sunday Ongbabor, said Benue had established an isolation centre at the state University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, the capital.

He said surveillance against Coronavirus had been stepped up and advised people to avoid shaking of hands and observe personal hygiene.

COVER

FG Invests $617m in Creative Enterprise Fund

Published

on

Share

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Federal Government has invested $617million in Digital Economy and Creative Enterprises as initiative to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital economy and creative industries.

The Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo who disclosed this during his address at the African Fashion and Arts Award Business and Mentorship Summit held in Abuja yesterday said the initiative tagged the iDICE fund offered access to start-up capital and resources for the nurturing of talent in Nigeria.

While describing the formation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy by the president as a “remarkable investment”, Adeagbo added that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa should ensure the building of greater pathways for young talent to reach their global potential

“After the inauguration of Mr President, one of the remarkable investments he made into the country was the creation of a ministry to handle the affairs of art, culture and creative economy.

“The ministry, ably led by Hon. Hannatu Musawa has achieved significant strides in less than a year for the benefit of our creatives and the nation as a whole.

“Some pivotal actions taken include the significant $617 million investment in Digital Economy and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), known as the iDICE Fund – an initiative that aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in digital technology and creative industries.”

While unveiling the enterprise, the minister made it known that the fund offers access to start-up capital and resources essential for nurturing talent in Nigeria.

The Acting Director of the FCT Department of Arts and Culture, Kayode Aiyegbusi, who also represented the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud noted the importance of a synergy between the private sector and the government to grow the creative economy, adding that while the government would continue to create the enabling environment, to allow the industry to thrive.

Similarly, the convener of the AFAA, Kingsley Amako, described the creative industry as “the next oil boom”, and encouraged youths to develop their skills, build capacity and learn to produce and market their products, noting that the AFAA provided a platform for their recognition.

Continue Reading

COVER

Reps Query OAGF Over N15bn Payment  to Remita

Published

on

Share

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives yesterday queried the payment of N15 billion to Remita, a payment platform from the Office of the Accountant General for the Federation (OAGF).

The committee accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Commercial Banks of complicity in the sharing of the N150 billion remittance.

Rep.

Bamidele Salam, Chairman PAC made the allegation at the resumed investigative hearing on revenue leakages in Abuja.

Salam said that the payment of N15 billion to Remita from the OAGF from 2016 to 2018 was questionable, adding that the OAGF paid the money without agreement or contract.

He described the payment as illegal. “The money is an illegal payment. There was no budget provision, so where did they source the money from?” the chairman queried.

He said, “The CBN also shared in the money. The money is an illegal payment. There was no budget provision so where did they source the money from?

 “Ordinarily, that whole sum of VAT ought to go to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) but what they are doing in this transaction is that they will now add that VAT to the N150.

“They will add it up, and take it to the CBN,” he alleged.

He said, “System Spec and Remita, both collect revenue for the federal government, will share 50 percent, while the banks and the CBN will also have their share.”

He said that by the time the committee finishes its reconciliation, “I am very sure that hundreds of billions of naira will be the VAT component that was not remitted to FIRS.”

According to him, each bank ought to take the money and directly remit it to FIRS.

“Now Remita is saying that those collecting should calculate the money that has been shared. How do we track this kind of money?” he asked.

The PAC chairman warned the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji against disregard for the committee, stressing that Adedeji’s actions amounted to contempt of parliament.

Salam said that for four times the committee invited the FIRS chairman but he failed to show up.

According to him, “In addition to writing him officially, we have also made sure that such letters were delivered personally to his mail box and his WhatsApp number.

“And we condemn and describe it as irresponsible and arrogant, and we tell him that there will be consequences if he continues this contempt of parliament.”

He said that several letters had been written him without responses, adding that the Value Added Tax (VAT) that the federal government should be collecting on Remitta had not been collected by FIRS.

The Director of Banking Services of the CBN, Mr Ahmed Abdullahi said they deemed it fit to source for an alternative way of remitting revenue and Remita and System Spec were selected because they had been rendering similar services to banks.

According to him, Remita was engaged in 2011 and operations commenced in 2012 with system module names. The CBN only finalised the transaction

He said that the fees charged under the TSA were in line with the structure of banking. The volume of revenue collection that passed through Remita was N86 million.

Mr. Oyewole Adewale, Chief Accountant, TSA Department, representing the Accountant General for the Federation, accused the CBN of not honoring its letters to reconcile the revenue accrued to the country through TSA.

He said the OAGF had developed a system where all revenue generated by the Ministries of Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) could now be monitored without any interference.

Mr Aderemi Atanda, the Director of Remita Payment Services Ltd., while reading the summary of the TSA collection record, said that 10, 20, and 50 percent were shared among CBN, commercial banks, and Remitta.

He said that collections are not static, they vary.

“From 2015 to 2016, it was N4.2 million, and the fee paid was N8.5 billion; in 2016, N1.3 billion was paid.”

Continue Reading

COVER

Tinubu Makes Numerous Promises at Slain Soldiers Burial

Published

on

Share

President Bola Tinubu has directed the military to within the next 90 days ensure that all the benefits of the 17 officers and men of the army killed in Okuama on March 14 be paid to their families.

Tinubu said that government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

He said that all the children of the deceased would enjoy a Federal Government scholarship up to University level.

He described the officers and soldiers as patriotic, brave and gallant Nigerians.

The president said that the deceased gave their lives to defend and protect the Nation against internal and external threats.

At the burial ceremony of the officers and soldiers on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said that their death serves as a rallying point for Nigerians to condemn crime and criminality.

“They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats,” he said.The 17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.The rest were Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.Tinubu said that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.“The four gallant Officers have been awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON). And the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded Officer of the Federal Republic Medals.“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery.

“I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.”The President urged the officers and men of the military not to be deterred by these setbacks and be prepared to continue to work for peace and harmony.Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to rebuilding communities and making them places where love, tolerance and harmony reigns.“Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.“The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.”The president commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.”

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were gruesomely murdered in Okuama Community in Delta on March 14, left behind 10 widows three of whom are pregnant and 21 orphans.Lagbaja made this known at the burial of the 17 personnel comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.According to him, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian army and, by extension, the Nigeria state, 10 widows, three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant, 21 orphans, and many other dependents, including parents.“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.“We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones,” he said.Lagbaja said he considered his toughest job to be putting fine men and women in harm’s way, sometimes knowing that they might not return to their families and loved ones.He added that his men, correspondingly and intriguingly, know that in spite of the equipment, training, and other forms of preparations, sometimes some may not make it back alive, while some may return handicapped.According to him, “when soldiers die in the hands of the enemies of the State, we take it as dying for what the nation has considered a just cause; we celebrate them as gallant heroes.“But when they are gruesomely murdered by the very people they are trained, equipped, and took an oath to protect, it is highly demoralizing.“It is no longer news that 17 of the Nigerian Army’s finest men, whom we have come to bury, were murdered in a reprehensible manner on March 14 in the Okuama community of Delta State while they went on a legitimate peace-making mission.

“It grieves my heart that it took our search and recovery effort over 72 hours to recover some vital organs of the decapitated and disembowell bodies of my men that were scattered all over the Okuama community by the community youths and their friends.“I consider it the most barbaric act any citizen or community can commit against the authority of the state, and I must place on record that a lot of restraints have been exercised so far in our search and recovery efforts for missing arms, ammunition, other equipment, and body parts.“I assure the President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community.“As tasked by the President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.“The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, towards swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations,” he said.The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.The defence chief said the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

“We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice.“The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.“Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.“We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.“Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.“To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty.“Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable,” he said.Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Kogi and Imo states amongst others attended the burial ceremony.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS35 mins ago

AfDB Signs $75m Loan Agreement to Boost Indorama’s Fertilizer Production, Export Capacity

Share The African Development Bank (AfDB), has signed a 75 million dollar loan agreement with Nigeria’s Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and...

NEWS43 mins ago

NSCDC Arrests 3 Suspects with 1,625 Litres of Adulterated Diesel

Share The Anambra Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects with 1,625 litres...

NEWS1 hour ago

Good Friday: Catholic Bishop urges Leaders, Nigerians to Emulate Christ’s Sacrifice

Share As Christians celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Good Friday), the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel...

Foreign News1 hour ago

Earthquake Shakes Western Greece

Share A strong earthquake has shaken western Greece on Friday morning, but no casualties reported. The Greek Geodynamic Institute in...

NEWS1 hour ago

Tinubu’s Refusal to Celebrate 72nd Birthday Mark of Good, Great Leadership – Aide

ShareMr Tunde Rahman, a Senior Presidential Aide to President Bola Tinubu, says the President’s refusal to celebrate his 72nd  birthday...

dailyasset-greetings dailyasset-greetings
NEWS1 hour ago

New Banks’ Minimum Capital Requirement will Enable Long-term Loans, Says ex-ANAN President

ShareA financial expert, Dr Samuel Nzekwe, says the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new minimum capital requirement for Nigerian banks...

NEWS9 hours ago

Board Sanctions 118 Immigration, Civil Defence Officers

ShareThe Board of NSCDC, Fire Service, Correctional, and Immigration Service, has approved the sanction of 118 personnel for various offences....

NEWS10 hours ago

NSCDC Inaugurates Female Strike Force to Secure FCT Schools

Share The FCT Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Olusola Odumosu, has inaugurated the corps Female...

NEWS10 hours ago

Tinubu Appoints Bello as new Chairman of CCB

Share President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau...

NEWS10 hours ago

170 Incidents of Electrical Installation Vandalism Reported in 2 years in S/East – EEDC

Share The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), says at least 170 incidents of electrical installation vandalism were reported within two...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc