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Five new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Nigeria: 3 in FCT & 2 in Oyo State

Coronavirus

The Nigerian centre for disease control, NCDC has announced five new cases of COVID19.

This brings the official number of coronavirus cases in the country to 70.

Coronavirus

The tweet on the NCDC reads ;

Five new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria: 3 in FCT & 2 in Oyo State

As at 08:00 pm 27th March there are 70 cases of confirmed #COVID19 reported Nigeria. 3 have been discharged with 1 death.

Currently ;
Lagos- 44
FCT- 14
Ogun- 3
Ekiti- 1
Oyo- 3
Edo- 1
Bauchi- 2
Osun-1
Rivers-1

Sad video of a Pregnant woman fighting to save herself and baby after contracting coronavirus

A heartbreaking video making the rounds on social media captures the moment a heavily pregnant 39 year old mum, Karen Mannering, revealed the anguish she faces as she battles to save herself and unborn child after contracting the deadly coronavirus.

Karen is bedridden in a British hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and filmed an emotional video showing herself struggling to breathe as a result of the attacks to her immune system caused by the deadly virus.

Sharing the video, she wrote ;

‘I am 39 years old and I am 26 weeks pregnant nearly with my baby. I have just been told that I have Covid-19 and I have been ill for two weeks. ‘I have been in hospital now since Saturday and today is Wednesday. I have pneumonia in both lungs and I’m fighting for me and my baby. ‘It is not worth going out and you might think you wouldn’t but you can get another time.’

‘I have three kids at home and a husband who I can’t see. I don’t know where I caught it from but I’m very ill.

‘I’m telling you now if you are going to meet your friend for a stupid beer or a sea walk because the weather is nice you are going to take this home and you are going to kill someone, one of your family members.

‘Stop going out and listen to Boris, just don’t go out it is not worth it.’

See video below ;

Chinese Company closed down in Ogun State after its owner refused to comply with ban on large gathering (video)

A Chinese company has been shut down in Ogun State after its owner refused to comply with a coronavirus-induced ban on large gathering issued by the state government.

This came after a Twitter user @Psalm_B raised an alarm on micro-blogging website, Twitter.

The Twitter user shared a notice in which the management of the company “Huafu Plastics Industry Co, LTD” told its staff that the “holiday” has been cancelled. Workers were also told to come to work on Sunday as “overtime”.

He tweeted;

AMIDST CORONA VIRUS, PANDEMIC, SOME *CHINESE* GROUP OF COMPANIES REFUSE TO LOCKDOWN IN NIGERIAAMIDST CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC, SOME *CHINESE* GROUP OF COMPANIES REFUSE TO LOCKDOWN IN NIGERIA

This is real and serious guys and I’m ready to tender any prove/evidence. The workers working in these factory needs your help cause they certainly can’t do anything about it..

One of these companies which produces all kinds POLYTENE NYLON wrote that above N.B(pic attached) concerning their salary which was initially supposed to be paid today. The salary is the only reason these workers will continue working for the remaining days of the month…

Population of people working in these said Chinese companies are over 300 people trooping in and out(day and night). They are five different Chinese companies running their operation in a designated location, These f*ck*rs ain’t giving a hell about the FG announcement

This CHINESE now refuse to lockdown cuz initially they planned working indoor(all workers work inside the factory with no going out or coming in)within the period of lockdown,but the workers disagreed as their safety is important and favorable than d conditions they were offering

They weren’t satisfied, now they are forcing workers to work(either you come to work or get sacked) saying government hasn’t contacted them personally cause they are private organization, these people ain’t even concern about the fact the whole issue originated from them..

They are here acting there’s nothing anyone can do to stop them and I believe their location is what causing all of these nonsense, they believe no government officials can locate them…

These bastards inflates the prices of their goods already and does not want to stop production risking the lives of their workers. They only provide nose mask(we use that for three days before given another) and a one-time sanitizer to wash your hands when going in…

Another scary thing is there’s a particular CHINESE among them who got back from China just less than 14days, we don’t know how clean this man is and here they are trying to enslave us in our own country just for their personal interest.

Reacting on the intel, the company was shut down after the Director General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera acted on the credible information about the company.

Psalm B later confirmed that the company has been shut down. The workers were however reportedly sent home without pay.

See the video he shared below ;

Coronavirus: Pastor Adeboye donates ICU beds, ventilators to Lagos.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has donated Intensive Care Unit beds with ventilators to Lagos State.

The revered cleric also donated ICU beds and ventilators to the Ogun State and Plateau State governments.

According to a statement by the church, the equipment would help the states in the fight against the rising cases of coronavirus.

It read, “Pastor E. A. Adeboye through RCCG Christian Social Responsibility has donated 11 Intensive Care Unit beds across the country fully fitted with ventilators that will be most needed in the care for COVID-19 cases.”

“RCCG through its CSR arm has been very concerned about the loss of lives due to inadequate healthcare facilities in the country and has provided various health intervention activities.”

#Covid-19: Lagos government fumigates markets in the state (Photos)

The Lagos state government on Friday morning commenced the fumigation of markets areas in the state with workers using spray disinfectants.

The action is part of the measures that were announced by the state’s government to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the state.

A statement released by the government on Thursday March 26th, said food markets have now been moved to the premises of any school located near it.

See photos of workers disinfecting already vacated market areas,

Lagos government fumigates markets

Lagos government fumigates markets

#Covid-19: Lagos state CP organizes sitting arrangement on a bus to enforce social distancing (Video)

Commissioner of Police in Lagos state, Hakeem Odumosu, was videoed intervening in the sitting arrangement on a commercial bus to ensure that the passengers comply with the social distancing directive.

In the video that’s making the rounds online, Odumosu is seen insisting that passengers must not exceed two on a seat.

He was in the company of other police officers that had hand gloves and face masks on.

However, Odumosu took down his mask to speak to the passengers.

Watch the video below,

Nigerian PhD student allegedly found dead in his hostel room in Malaysia amid Coronavirus lockdown

A Nigerian man from Adamawa state who was undergoing his PhD at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Dr. Chiroma, was reportedly found dead in his hostel room on Friday March 27.

Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, who also studied in Malaysia, said that the deceased might have died yesterday but his body was discovered on Friday morning.

He wrote on facebook ;

“A Nigerian from Adamawa state studying PhD at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Dr. Chiroma has died in his hostel room amidst coronavirus lockdown. He might have died since yesterday, but his body was seen dead today after several hours without seeing him. He is a nice and friendly man, also so jovial.

May Allah forgive him and give the family fortitude to bear the loss. Amin”

Abule-Ado Explosion: Rev. Sister who died saving her students, laid to rest in Edo state

Rev. Sister, Henrietta Alokha who died saving her students, laid to rest in Atani -Uromi, Edo state.

Rev. Sister Henrietta Alokha who died saving her students was the principal of Bethlehem High School, Abule Ado.

The sister was hailed as a hero as she reportedly rescued the students under her care before she fatally succumbed to the fire. May her soul rest in peace.

See photos below ;

Billionaire, Femi Otedola to donate N1 Billion to help Nigeria fight Coronavirus

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola has revealed that he will donate the sum of One billion Naira to help Nigeria tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

As of this moment, the total number of confirmed cases in the country is 65 with the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed revealing that there could be even more cases, as practitioners are using ‘contact tracing’ to find over 4,000 more potential cases.

So far, Nigeria has been doing all it can to contain the virus but only 1 life has been claimed from the virus in the country.

In more developments to curb the spread of the virus, state governments shut down activities and encouraged residents to self-isolate.

In the meanwhile, affluent Nigerians and other top firms have been donating to fund the fight against the virus. Popular Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola just recently announced his intention on social media.

The Billionaire generously followed in the footsteps of fellow billionaire, Tony Elumelu as the country unites to battle the global pandemic.

Otedola wrote on social media ;

“I will be donating 1 billion naira towards the eradication of COVID-19 across Nigeria.”

“We must all do what we can to flatten the curve.”

Nigerian footballer, Taye Taiwo loses his father

Nigerian footballer, Taye Taiwo has taken to his Instagram page to announce the demise of his father.

Taye Taiwo loses

The former Super Eagles player shared a photo of his father with the caption;

RIP in peace my father

Taye Ismaila Taiwo (born 16 April 1985) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender for RoPS Rovaniemi.

In 2018, Taye Taiwo joined Veikkausliiga side Rovaniemen Palloseura for the season 2018.

Coronavirus: President Buhari approves use of Stadia, NYSC orientation camps as Isolation centers

President Buhari

President Buhari has reportedly approved the use of four stadia as well as all NYSC orientation camps in the country, as isolation centres in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.coronavirus lagos

Minister of Youth and Sport, Sunday Dare made this known via social media page this afternoon.

He wrote;

“Mr. President has approved for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to open and make available the stadiums in Surulere Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Kaduna as well as our NYSC camps nationwide for use as isolation centers as they are needed. We are in touch with relevant authorities.”

We are in this together. And together we shall overcome. I call on the Youth of Nigeria to be at the vanguard of dissemination of timely and accurate information via social media to Nigerians in their communities. We must ratchet up the awareness campaign for our people.”

U.K Prime Minister, Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson has reportedly tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.

According to the BBC, Mr Johnson has mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Downing Street.

“He was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty,” a statement said.

He will still be in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis, the statement added.

The Prime Minister confirmed the news on twitter, his words ;

Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.

I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.

Together we will beat this

“You have failed as a woman if your stomach is bigger than your a$$” – Nigerian lady

A Nigerian lady potentially seeking clout in these Corona times, has taken to her Twitter page to make a controversial statement about ladies’ bodies.

Dike Anita, on the platform bluntly stated that any lady whose stomach has more mass than their buttocks has failed as a woman. Without giving any reason for her statement – which is why she’s considered a potential clout chaser – Anita, who’s an influencer on the platform caused a stir amongst her followers over her statement.

She wrote,

You have failed as a woman if your STOMACH is bigger than your ASS

She took a couple of backlash for her tweet as many condemned her and said she’s failed as a human for having such thought at this time and age.

See some reactions below,

Lesbian shares reaction she received after disclosing her sexuality in a saloon

A Nigerian lady has taken to microblogging platform, Twitter to share an experience she had while making her hair in a saloon.

@ojochideobd on Twitter, told of how she disclosed her sexuality in a salon and the effect it had on everyone there. According to her, she told the hairdresser making her hair that she would marry her sister if she (stylist) injures her.

Curious about her statement, the hairdresser asked why she wants to marry her sister and not her brother and after @ojochideobd revealed that she is into girls, she said the entire saloon went silent for a minute.

She wrote on her page,

“so the lady making my hair almost hit my neck by mistake and so I said you will provide your sister for me to marry if anything happens to my neck. The madam asked why I said “sister” instead of “brother” and I said I like girls- believe me when I say they was a minute silence.”

Omoyele Sowore accuses FG of planning to arrest and infect him with COVID-19

Founder and CEO of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has in a new social media post, accused the Federal government of planning to arrest and infect him with the novel Coronavirus disease.

Omoyele Sowore accuses FG

In a post shared on his page, Thursday night, Sowore claims the alleged attack is because of the exclusive report his platform shared about Abba Kyari, the President’s Chief of Staff, testing positive for Coronavirus.

He wrote,

Folks: It is important to inform you that we are facing some unusual circumstances, and the days ahead might be very tense and difficult, but we will conquer. Following the revelation by SaharaReporters that the Chief of Staff. Abba Kyari contracted Corona Virus and subsequent revelations about the criminal conducts/negligence that has brought Nigeria to the nadir of this global pandemic, the Buhari regime today sent some high powered delegation to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of NIGERIA to help procure a judge to grant a detention order against me.

The courts are reportedly on break due to COVID-19 pandemic. This was leaked to our lawyers a few minutes ago. They plan this time is to use the Nigerian Army for the sinister plot. The plan is to obtain a court order and then send soldiers to shoot up my residence in Abuja by claiming that I resisted arrest with armed colleagues, if I am arrested alive they would take me to an Army Barracks in Abuja to be tortured and /or infected with COVID-19. I am not raising the alarm to scare anyone, it is to inform our compatriots that we should brace for difficult days ahead.

However, rest assured that we are in high spirits and are totally convinced that we may be turning a historic corner in the face of brutal repression.
I am urging all to stand firm, unbowed and unbroken.
Thank you
#RevolutionNow

Omoyele Sowore accuses FG

I tested positive for Coronavirus – Ogun ex-Sports Commissioner, Olopade (Video)

Former Ogun State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Bukola Olopade, has revealed he tested positive for Coronavirus.

Olapade, who is currently in Lagos, disclosed his Coronavirus status in a video he released on social media.

Three days after he revealed he was self isolating for five days, Olopade said he developed two of the Coronavirus symptoms and he has taken a test.

On Thursday, Olopade however released another video saying he tested positive to the virus although he says he feels strong and healthy, with no serious symptoms.

See video below

Man apprehended for stealing seven cars at redemption camp

The police in Ogun State have apprehended two men who allegedly stole seven cars at the Redemption Camp during their various religious programs.

The suspects have been identified as one Friday Ezi and Onyekachi Atama – both men were arrested after they were reported by one Titilayo Otitodogbon, whose Toyota Camry car was stolen on February 1, 2020.

Ezi, who actually stole the car, was traced to Edo State. He made a confessional statement that led the operatives to Onitsha, Anambra State, where his accomplice was also arrested.

Atama was a motor park dealer at motor parts market in Onitsha, who used to receive the stolen vehicles from Ezi. Atama confessed that once the vehicles were brought to him by Ezi, he used to balkanize them and sell such vehicles in parts.

House of Reps take delivery of exotic cars and begin distribution amidst Covid-19 outbreak

The Nigerian House of Representatives has started taking the deliveries of the Toyota Camry 2020 model cars acquired for members as official cars.

In a report by Punch, some of these exotic automobiles were spotted by their correspondent at different parking lots within the National Assembly Complex, on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Though the buildup for the delivery of the cars spans to a month and few weeks back, the delivery comes at a time when the country is battling the Coronavirus crisis and as such, Nigerians took to Twitter to blast the move.

On the 5th of February, 2020, legislators held a closed-door where they resolved to purchase 400 units of the exotic car. The House has, however, kept sealed lips on the cost of each unit.

The Punch correspondent observed that the House procured the V6 Limited Edition variant of the car.

Chairman of the Committee on House Services, Mr. Wale Raji, who confirmed delivery of the cars declined to respond to further enquiries.

A check on the website of Toyota revealed that each of the vehicles – depending on the variant, has a price tag of between US$25,000 to US $35,000, excluding the cost of shipping and custom duties, which is about 100 per cent of the actual cost of each unit.

See how some Nigerians are reacting to the development,

Please pray for me – Lady who tested positive for coronavirus says

Lady who tested positive

Another victim of the dreaded novel Coronavirus, has taken to her social media page to share a really heartbreaking video of the ordeal she’s facing after she tested positive for Covid-19.

Precious Williams has had many sympathize with her after she disclosed in a message on her page that she’s tested positive for the virus and asks her friends to put her in their prayers as she hopes for a speedy recovery.

Precious has been in the hospital for a week and so far, the experience hasn’t been a good one as she’s described the dreaded COVID-19 as a “monster”.

She revealed that she’s had difficulty breathing due to the damages the virus has caused to her lungs and asides that, she’s also a pneumonia patient.

She wrote on her page,

”I’ve tested positive for the corona and I have pneumonia! Been n the hospital for a week dying! Well at least that’s wat it feels like! This thing is a monster! Not being able to breathe is one of the worse feelings in the world!!! It’s not a game ppl plz pray for me,” Precious sadly wrote.

Fidelity Bank staff tests positive for coronavirus

In new reports over the Corona Virus Disease 2019, Covid-19 that’s sent a shock wave and panics across the globe, including Nigeria… one of the country’s commercial bank has reported the first case of a staff contracting the virus.

A staff of Fidelity Bank PLC, who according to a statement by the corporate body, recently returned from a trip to the United Kingdom has tested positive for the disease.

Although the said staff whose result came out positive for the virus, has not been at any of the bank’s facility as he has been self-isolating since he returned to the country, it was disclosed that he however, brought some consignments for two of his colleagues which were delivered to them individually.

The staff of the bank who received these consignments from the coronavirus patient, have been made to self-isolate and the office where they work has been temporarily closed.

No customer was identified in the contact tracing that was carried out. A statement released by the bank’s divisional head for brand and communications, Charles Aigbe reads;

Coronavirus will make some people know they can survive without sex- Leke Adeboye

Leke Adeboye, the son of popular Pastor, Enoch Adeboye, has reacted to a trending suggestion that the novel coronavirus disease can be transmitted through sex.

Leke in his reaction, said the new information would make people realize they can be celibate and still survive.

He shared a post which reads ;

Coronavirus will let some people know that they can be celibate and not die.

See below ;

Chinese club offers Jude Ighalo £400k (N180million) a week contract

Shanghai Shenhua offers

Shanghai Shenhua of China has offered Nigeria International and Man Utd forward, Odion Ighalo an eye popping £400,000 (N180million) per week contract to stay with them – a huge blow to his current team who this week offered the Nigerian a new deal to remain at the club.

Ighalo was signed by Manchester United in January on loan from Shanghai Shenhua as a back up for injured, Marcus Rashford but has surpassed expectations with his performances and goals for the club.

Ighalo was already making £300,000-a-week contract in China before joining Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side but took a 40 percent pay-cut to seal his switch to United.

Manchester United added £8,000 per goal bonuses to sign him up in January and were already planning to give him a new permanent deal to ward off suitors. But with the offer coming from China, Manchester United’s plans of signing him could now be in limbo as they have no plans of even matching up to half of that offer.

”I did not commit a crime and i am in prison” – BBNaija star Khloe cries out

BBNaija 2018 star, Abiri Oluwabusayomi popularly known as Khloe has lamented about the fact that she can not leave her house following the “Stay at home” instruction advised by FG in other to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease.

In a video was heard complaining bitterly about having to stay at home all day and doing nothing.

Sharing a video of her current state , she wrote ;

I’m losing my damn mind …. pls check on me .. How can I not commit a crime and be in prison … what is my offense . Ehn

See video below ;

Former Super Eagles star, Victor Moses flees Italy after observing 14-days quarantine

Victor Moses flees

Ex-Chelsea player, playing for Italian club, Inter Milan, Victor Moses has joined the league of athletes who have left Italy following the massive outbreak of Covid-19 in the country. He leaves after observing a 14-day quarantine.

According to L’Equipe, Moses has joined other seven Inter Milan players who jetted out of the country this week after the compulsory 14-day quarantine.

A report from Goal.com also revealed that Antonio Conte’s side was forced into self-isolation after some cases of the pandemic were discovered in the league.

The new development of Inter Milan going into self isolation occurred after Juventus defender, Daniel Rugani was diagnosed with coronavirus some days back.

Despite him being an unused substitute in the Derby d’Italia game that ended 2-0 in favour of Juve, he still became a victim of the pandemic.

Moses who has showed no symptoms of the virus, has reportedly returned to his base on Tuesday alongside Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, Christian Eriksen and Diego Godin.

Only Giveaway can make Nigerians happy – Naira Marley

Naira Marley

Controversial Nigerian singer, Naira Marley has revealed the only thing that can make Nigerians happy is cash ‘giveaways’. According to the “Soapy” crooner, the only thing that can make Nigerians happy is to give them money.

In his words “The only thing that can make Nigerians happy on twitter is GiveAway”

Naira Marley’s tweet comes just days after, singer, Douglas Jack Agu, popularly known as Runtown, announced a 10 million naira giveaway on Twitter to support Nigerians amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The 30-year-old fulfilled his promise by putting smiles on the faces of so many Nigerians.

Comedian Seyi Law and his wife celebrate 9th wedding anniversary

Nigerian Comedian, Seyi Law and his wife Ebere, are celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary today March 27.


The comedian shared the above photo of himself, his wife and their daughter, Tiwa, on his Instagram page and wrote;

It’s 9 years and we are still counting.
She said, “I love your confidence on stage” 13 years.
I got beautiful Yes when I proposed 11 years ago.
I almost made her Lord of the rings for 2 years.
We walked down the aisle exactly 9 years ago.
Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary to Us.
It’s been God through it all.
Thanks for sharing our joy always.
EBYLAW 2011 now SST 2020 (STACY, SEYI, TIWA)

P.S

Before you complain of the Arsenal tracksuit. It is significant. It means despite our losses, the things we are yet to attain, we count our winnings and blessings, hopeful for a better tomorrow and the loyalty to stay with each other. TIWALOLUWA is a beautiful blessing beyond the losses.

Congrats to them!

Refer anyone with Coronavirus to me for free treatment – Bishop Sam Zuga

Bishop Sam Zuga of house of Joy ministry, the founder of both Samzuga free medical treatment and Samzuga international has offered to treat anyone with coronavirus free of charge and also said, “anyone with corona virus should be referred to him for treatment”

Speaking at the healing crusade organised to sensitize people about Coronavirus in Yola, Adamawa, Sam Zuga shed more lights on why he is not afraid of the deadly virus.

He also reiterated his willingness to heal anyone who has the virus also known as Covid-19.

Bishop Sam Zuga said: “No virus can survive in my body, my body is the temple of God, it can’t accommodate anything called virus.”

He continued, “Corona virus is not different from other diseases God has been using me to heal. A virus cannot decide for me. I can stay at home when I want, not when Corona is giving orders.

I can’t stop going to church because of a mere virus. How can I dishonor the Creator because of the creature? I cannot help the devil to kill people by forcing them to stay at home and be killed of hunger. There is no difference between who died of Corona virus and who died of hunger.

People that are killed by Boko Haram and herdsmen are more than Corona in Nigeria.

If we acted drastically against these two as we did to Corona virus, Nigeria could have finished with the issue of insecurity since.

I am the light of the world. Light is needed when there is darkness. Corona virus is the current darkness in the world. How can light run away from darkness?

Christians were crying that Buhari is islamizing Nigeria. Now that common virus is closing churches, what name can we give this? Is it ‘coronising’ Nigeria or ‘virusing’ Nigeria?

The darker the darkness the brighter the light, I will use this thick darkness and shine the light of Christ among Nations. This is the best time to prove that Jesus Christ defeated Satan truly.”

The Bishop widely known for his philanthropy also challenged the devil together with his killing agent called Coronavirus.

He personally anointed over ten thousands participants in the healing crusade tagged, ” ANOINTING FOR PRESERVATION”.

“I am calling on all sick people, not only victims of Coronavirus in Nigeria and beyond to meet me in Yola, Adamawa State. They will surely go back with a tangible testimony,” he assured.

President Buhari approves 10 Billion Naira Grant to Lagos State to fight Coronavirus.

Nigerians say

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has revealed he has approved a grant of 10 Billion Naira to Lagos state and also the immediate release of a 5 billion Naira Special intervention fund to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control to fight the novel coronavirus.

 

The President who made this known via social media, further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains commited to protecting all Nigerians.

Read his post below ;

Over the last few days I have received extensive briefings on the state of the nation as it relates to the Covid-19 pandemic, from the relevant Federal Government agencies as well as the Lagos State Government.

Accordingly, I approved the following:

The immediate release of a 10 billion Naira grant to Lagos State, which remains the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak in Nigeria. This grant will enable Lagos State increase its capacity to control and contain the outbreak, while also supporting other States with capacity building.

The immediate release of a 5 billion Naira special intervention fund to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to equip, expand and provide personnel to its facilities and laboratories across the country.

The Nigerian Air Force is already making its fleet available to the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, to enable a better coordinated and more effective response across the country.

To protect our homeland from external exposure, I directed the immediate closure of our International Airports and Land Borders for four weeks in the first instance, to enable us put up the appropriate policies, processes and infrastructure to cope with suspected and confirmed cases at home, without risking a compounding of the situation with more imported cases.

The inconvenience caused by these flight and travel restrictions to our fellow citizens abroad who want to return home is regrettable, but it is necessary for the greater good, and I thank you all for your understanding and cooperation.

I have also directed that only cargo vessels that have been at sea for more than 14 days be allowed to dock in our ports, after the crew have been tested and confirmed disease-free by the Port Health Authorities. This 14-day restriction however does not apply to vessels carrying oil and gas products as by their nature, there is minimal human contact.

We have also suspended the movement of commuter trains to limit the spread of the virus to other parts of the country.

I have directed the NCDC to draft all its recent retirees back into service to beef up our manpower as we respond to the pandemic.

Furthermore, all NCDC staff and experts who are away on training or international assignments are to return immediately. Already the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are conducting an evacuation mission to bring back some of our specialists in Central Africa, to enable them support the national response.

I commend the monetary policy authorities for their financial intervention to support our entrepreneurs and companies as we go through this difficult time. We are also looking at fiscal measures to minimise the negative impact of this pandemic on the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

As you are aware we have begun the process of reviewing the federal budget. We shall communicate our fiscal interventions once the budget review process is concluded.

In the meantime, I have directed the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, to work with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, to ensure that all production of essential items such as food, medical and pharmaceutical products continues unhindered.

We are engaging our international friends and partners to share knowledge and to seek their support in our response to the pandemic. We are grateful for the show of support thus far – we have already started receiving goods and supplies intended to help us scale up our efforts.

Let me specially thank and commend all of the hard and heroic work being done by our medical personnel, the NCDC, Port Health Authorities, Security Agencies, State Governments, and all ad-hoc staff and volunteers.

I urge all Nigerians to be mindful of those among us who seek to spread panic and misinformation, and sow confusion at this time. We must all pay attention only to the relevant government agencies working day and night to make accurate and useful information available to the public.

I will also ask all of us to strictly obey all public health guidelines and instructions issued by the Federal and State health authorities, regarding personal hygiene and social distancing. These guidelines will be updated from time to time as new information and treatments are obtained.

In the meantime, I want to assure all Nigerians, that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting all Nigerians. We seek your full support and cooperation as we go through this very difficult time. Together we will triumph over this pandemic.

Muhammadu Buhari
26/03/2020

Coronavirus: France evacuates 260 citizens from Nigeria through Lagos airport

260 French citizens were evacuated from Nigeria on Thursday March 26, following an approval given by the Federal Government to a request by the Air France General Manager in Nigeria, Michel Colleau.

Air France Aircraft used for descriptive purpose

Colleau had sought for permission for the airline to land in Lagos to evacuate Dutch and French citizens stuck in Nigeria after the closure of all the major international airports to international flights.

The Nigeria Government through the Ministry of Aviation granted the permission for the Air France/KLM flight to operate on the platform of essential flights.

An Air France aircraft came in via Cotonou at 2.05pm today, and with the pre-boarding formalities completed, French nationals boarded the aircraft which took off at about 3.44pm Nigerian time. The evacuation exercise is expected to continue on April 2nd and end on April 9th 2020.

The Airport General Manager in Lagos, Mrs Victoria Shinnaba confirmed that the airline has three special flights to operate.

She said;

“We have one or two flights that will be coming in to pick their nationals, KLM is coming in today, there are three flights not only today, we have the approval, their crew are not even coming down, the crew will not come out at all.”

14 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Nigeria; 2 in FCT, 12 in Lagos.

14 new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria: 2 in FCT, 12 in Lagos

Of the 14, 6 were detected on a vessel, 3 are returning travellers into Nigeria & 1 is close contact of a confirmed case

As at 8:35 pm 26th March, there are

65 confirmed cases
3 discharged
1 death

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