₦airaland Forum

Music legend, Alhaja Hawawu Alake Aminulahi, popularly known as Iya Aladuke Abolodefeloju, speaks to TUNDE OYEKOLA about her experience as a musician, her life and music genre, Senwele

You are popularly known as Iya Aladuke, how was the name derived?

My name is Alhaja Hawawu Alake Aminulahi. My husband is Alhaji Aminulahi Adisa. The name – Iya Aladuke – which people call me was derived from the name of one of my daughters. People call me Iya Aladuke (mother of Aladuke).


When did you become a musician?

I started singing about 75 years ago, but I didn’t go into commercial music then. It used to be done as a pastime. I sang at social functions like christenings or marriages and while doing chores like picking vegetables or pepper. At such times, I would sing so that the work would not be boring. That is how I started singing but at that time, there was no drumming. I started playing proper music when I was grown, and by that time, my children had grown and got married.

How did you learn to sing?

I didn’t learn it from anybody. It is a gift from God. I was selling food at the time and my friends encouraged me to go into music. I told my husband about it and he said I could do it.

Is your husband a musician?

No, he is neither a drummer nor a musician. He endorsed it wholeheartedly.

How did you come about the type of music that made you popular, Senwele?

I am the originator of Senwele music. When I started, anytime I went for christenings or marriages with other women from my husband’s family, and whenever I was chopping okra or things like that, I would be singing: ‘Olomo lo pe mi o, Senwele o.’ So, Senwele was the chorus of the song that I used to sing. Eventually, anytime someone had to do christening, they would send for me – Iya Senwele – to come and perform. Senwele music originated from there. Senwele was not known before then.


How many records have you produced?

So far, I have 21 records in the market.

Which one is your first record?

My first record is, ‘Won lasewo ni wa’ (We’re called sex workers) and the marketer is Kade Aweda in Oshodi, Lagos. He is a native of Idofian in Kwara State. That record brought me fame. My second record is titled ‘Wonderful’ and it also did very well and was sponsored by Bomode Oku from Ijebu Ode. ‘Mo tun gbe tuntun de’ was sponsored by Igbalaye in Osogbo, Osun State. They all did very well commercially.


Many people criticised you when you recorded ‘Won lasewo niwa’, how did you handle the public criticism?

Yes, they questioned me for singing the song because I said, “Won lasewo niwa; ale mesan lawa ni” (They call us sex workers, we have nine lovers). But I justified it. Then they took my case to the Emir’s palace. The inspiration of the song came from what men used to say about women who dressed well; they would call such a woman a sex worker. I turned it into a song which people embraced well and it thrust me into the limelight.

When did you record your first song, ‘Won lasewo niwa’?

I recorded it about 41years ago.

How old were you then?

I’m over 80 years old now. I celebrated my 80th birthday few years ago. Taye Currency and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma entertained guests at the occasion.

Is ‘Won lasewo niwa’ your best record?

No, it is not my best record but it was the one that thrust me into the limelight.

Before you went into music, were your parents alive?

Yes.

What was their position?

My father opposed it, but my mother supported me and convinced my father to allow me to go into music since all my children were already grown by then. They were already married. Later, my father succumbed and my husband supported me to go into music.

What other profession would you have gone into if you had not gone into music?

I was a food vendor and I had a shop. I had two apprentices before I delved into music so if I had not become a musician, I would have continued as a food vendor.

Do you sometimes get criticised by your fans?

No, they don’t criticise me. Although some of them used to complain that I didn’t praise them in my songs, I appealed to them that I would do that in subsequent ones.

Has any of your children gone into music?

No, none of my biological children is into music.

Did you prevent them from singing?

I started singing at an old age. So if they like, they may also go into music in their old age. And if they decide to go into music, I will encourage and support them.

Senwele music and Waka music (played by Salawa Abeni) are unique; did you ever have any collaboration or are you planning to do that?

Though, we are close , there is no plan yet to collaborate and do a record together. Anytime she comes to Ilorin , she visits or calls me to tell me where she will be staying and I go there to see her . Anytime I go to Lagos too , I usually visit her , but as for music collaboration , we have not planned it .
You said you did not want to go into commercial music until people pushed you into it …
Yes , they pushed me into it and when people push you , you have to take the plunge .
Music took you to so many places in Nigeria and outside, where are some of the places you have performed ?
Yes , music took me to so many places . People would invite me to come and entertain them and I would go perform for them . I’ ve lost count of the number of shows I have done in Ilorin . I have been to Kaduna; Kano ; Sokoto ; Yauri , Kebbi State; Jos, Plateau State; Ibadan , Oyo State ; Lagos ; Osogbo , Osun State; Iseyin and Shaki in Oyo ; Abuja ; Abeokuta , Ogun State, etc. Outside the country, I have been invited to perform in Cotonou and Ajase in Benin Republic ; Togo ; Accra , Ghana; and Abidjan in Cote D’ Ivoire .
Which of the outings can you say fetched you the kind of money that you can never forget ?
I went for an outing in Lagos ; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu invited me to the installation of Iyaloja and Lai Mohammed ’ s (now Minister of Information and Culture) wife was also installed as Aseto Ilu. They invited Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and me . We were sprayed with naira notes and I was able to spend the money realised that day on something tangible . Another one happened in Togo, where 13 people jointly invited me to play for them. It was an all-expenses- paid trip to Togo . I didn’ t know that 13 people could jointly invite a musician to come and play for them.
We all laughed from Togo back home . From Togo, we went to Abidjan and then went to Cotonou . When we went to Kaduna , we were given a great welcome and in Jos , they welcomed us very well . For someone who is appreciative , those occasions are things to remember with joy .
Sometimes , thugs threaten to disrupt performances if they are not paid , how do you handle such issues?
They come to every function but we always pay them so that they will not constitute a nuisance . There is no place where we go to perform and we won ’ t make provision for them. Any musician that does not make provision for them is doing so at their own peril . It is compulsory for us to give them money before we are allowed to perform. They send messages to high profile musicians that they need to ‘ settle ’ ( pay) them first .
Do you play at night parties ?
Well , we play at night parties if it is allowed by the government of the state . In Kwara here, night parties are not allowed ; it has been banned by the government . You cannot perform any time after 7 pm or when they are observing the Muslim prayer because at that time , drumming or music is not allowed . You will have to stop the music until after the prayer session .
Has there been any experience that really embarrassed you ?
In 1992 , I went to perform for somebody and he gifted me a car . On the third day , the car was involved in an accident and one of my granddaughters died in that accident . The vehicle was a complete write- off . The death of that girl was very painful and it affected me . Anytime I see her peers, I remember her but I believe the accident was an act of God .
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But the person that gave me the car is a nice person . The accident happened in Ilorin Township. When he learnt about the accident , he was sad . He pitied me and came to sympathise with me .
We often hear about musicians using juju to try to prevent rivals from performing , do you believe in it?
That type of situation is happens a lot . We were invited to a place to perform and our instruments did not work . We were at another place and people did not allow us to pass. We were at another place where our vehicle had a breakdown and we were at another place where we could not perform because of a heavy rainfall. We have various experiences .
These problems affected my band members but they were not caused by any musician . Sometimes , I was the only musician invited to the functions .
Do you believe in the existence of juju ?
Yes , it exists . In those days , rival artistes used to do such things . If you wanted to sing , they could make you to start vomiting blood or lose your voice . But civilisation has changed that ; musicians don’ t do that anymore . The world has passed that stage. Even in those days , a musician might bury juju at a site where their rival was expected to perform or tell your admirer not to invite you to perform at their event , but those things don’ t happen again.
How did the parents of your granddaughter who died in an accident in your new car take the loss ?
The father took it as the will of God . The girl that died was not my only granddaughter in the car ; they were about three. When the father got to the police station , the police wanted to prosecute the case but he said he was not interested . He said he believed that the accident was the will of God .
What about the rest of the children ?
Yes , they are all alive . They have been married . It was the saddest day of my life because that day , we lost a soul. The car was badly damaged and we also lost a child . It was a period of trial from God .
You spoke about your saddest day , what day would you describe as your happiest day ?
That would be the day I went to Mecca on holy pilgrimage . We landed in Saudi Arabia , climbed Mount Arafat and performed all Hajj rights . After that, we arrived in Ilorin safely and my children brought a car to bring me home . I was very happy that I went to the house of God to worship him . I became an Alhaja and got a car . That has been my happiest day; my mother was alive then. She was also very happy .
How would you describe your life as a spinster ?
I was a beautiful lady and I behaved like one. Many boys ran after me as they saw me as a pretty lady . They all wanted to marry me . Many guys fought over me as they all wanted to marry me . Later , my mother and father called me and advised that I should choose one of them so that they would stop fighting over me . So , I chose one of them and started my life . It was after I got married that the guys stopped fighting over me because they knew I was married .
When do you plan to retire from music ?
Retirement ! No, I’ m not retiring. Even in some weeks time , I have a show in Ilorin . A musician can retire if they like , but musicians don’ t really retire unless people don’ t like them again and don’ t invite them to perform for them at events . That is when a musician can retire . I have no plan to retire . Anytime we are invited for a show , I get my band together and we play . My band is always ready to play at any event .
When are you likely to release another record?
I have a record currently in the market titled ‘ Package ’ . It was a video recording that featured Mukaila Senwele and Saheed Osupa. I also have a record that will soon be released but I can ’ t say whether it will be in video or audio as it depends on the producer . I have collaborated with Dauda Epo -Akara in the past.
Has any record producer refused to pay your entitlements ?
Yes , that was over 30 years ago when a producer in Osogbo did that to me . The matter was taken to court. He said he gave me money for two records and I said he paid for one. He later accused me of breaching the contract by recording an album instead of two albums that he paid me for .
He took the matter to court and I told the court that I was illiterate and didn’ t know how to read and write . I said he deceived me by telling me to put my thumbprint on a document that I did not know its content .
What advice do you have for upcoming musicians?
They should love one another so that the music industry can continue to grow. What they should strive for is to succeed in their music career . They should love one another and respect their leaders.
Many musicians have adopted my style of music . We have Mukaila Senwele and many other musicians who play Senwele music . Among my band members , some of them sing Senwele . Many musicians also borrow from my style of music but they acknowledge me by announcing that they are copying Iya Aladuke ’ s Senwele music .
Musicians in the past sang about current affairs, why are you not singing about current affairs?
I don’ t compose music about current affairs so as not to run afoul of the law or get into trouble with the government of the day . Some politicians invite me to their campaigns but I won ’ t abuse the opposition in my songs . I don’ t abuse politicians .
What is the title of the song that you said would soon be released ?
I can ’ t tell you the title because it is the producer who determines the title of the record because a woman cannot be pregnant and the unborn child will be given a name when it has not been delivered . You cannot put a price on a fish that is still in the river .



https://punchng.com/i-was-so-beautiful-men-fought-to-marry-me-iya-aladuke/?fbclid=IwAR05ZlzNVIsqoM2ZFGC9Xw0Dh0KcWmXYtlmJXbkVciGbDMF38I2iSL5zLX0

Ogun State Governor has hinted that the state would be on total lockdown until Tuesday morning when it would be reviewed.

The Governor said the total lockdown imposed on the State which had commenced 11pm of Friday, would be lifted every two days to ameliorate the effects of the lockdown order.

Abiodun said this during a press briefing held at his residence in Iperu-Remo, on Friday night.

He, however, explained that the state would relax the lockdown for seven hours every 48 hours.

The governor also said the period of the lockdown would be used to fumigate the state public places such as markets, motor parks and other essential areas across the state.

According to Abiodun, the lockdown will be lifted by 7.00am and 2.00pm on Tuesday and subsequently every other day to allow operations of essential services.


He said this would give an opportunity for economic activities to strive within the few hours of the relaxation time

He explained that personnel of essential services providers such as security and fire service personnel, petroleum products dealers, food producers, and water distributors would have unlimited access to movement to perform their duties.

He said “The lockdown will be total from now till 7.00am on Tuesday. The lockdown will be suspended between 7.00am and 2.00pm to allow for essential business activities.


This 7.00am to 2.00pm window will be observed every other day therefrom that is, Tuesday instant, Thursday, and Saturday for the coming week.”

https://punchng.com/we-will-relax-ogun-lockdown-tuesday-says-abiodun/?fbclid=IwAR3Qgeg7K5f7JfiQf7OMrlQ4fE3NqkXEX8q7KkrvPiDJJOebbi9Qf3JTRfA

Reactions as Hausa woman accuse Yoruba soldiers of unprofessionalism.

Herdsmen Kill Farmer, Son In Ondo As Villagers Allege Seeing Helicopter 'Dropping Weapons' In Forest


here is currently tension in Arimogija under Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State following the brutal killing of a farmer and his son by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The victims – Mr Oguchi Jacob and Adura Jacob – were killed while on their farmland around 12pm on Tuesday.

Another son of the farmer, who was identified as Eneku, was also hit by bullets fired by the hoodlums and is in a critical state in the hospital.


Wife of deceased, Joy, who spoke with SaharaReporters on Friday morning, confirmed the incident, adding that the case had been reported to the police.

She said that the killing of her husband and son triggered a protest in the village as the locals demanded the intervention of the government over incessant attacks on them by herdsmen.

The incident has already forced many of the residents of the agrarian community to abandon their homes over fear of renewed attacks.

“We were inside the community when we heard shouts that Fulani herdsmen had killed a man and his son on their farmland while working.

“This is not be the first they will be doing this evil to us. There was a time they attacked a farmer and buried him in a shallow grave.

“They come with their cattle and destroy people's farms and if you challenge them, they become aggressive and try to kill you,” one resident said.

Another villager, who spoke with SaharaReporters, said they saw a helicopter dropping weapons in the forest for Fulani herdsmen.

He said, “We saw a helicopter dropping some items we suspected to be weapons for herdsmen in the forest and we called the attention of the police to it.

“What I am telling you is the fact and if you see some of the weapons in the hands of these herdsmen, you will understand this.”


Police spokesperson in Ondo State, Tee-Leo Ikoro, confirmed the incident during a chat with our correspondent.

He however, denied that those who perpetrated the attack were Fulani herdsmen.

He said, “The police are already on the trail of the gunmen because from the moment it happened, the incident was reported to us.

“In fact, the Commissioner of Police has ordered our men in operation Rapid Response to ensure they arrest whoever perpetrated this dastardly act.”

Meanwhile, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Security Matter, Jimoh Dojumo, has led a government delegation to the community to commiserate with the people over their loss.


http://saharareporters.com/2020/04/03/herdsmen-kill-farmer-son-ondo-villagers-allege-seeing-helicopter-dropping-weapons-forest?fbclid=IwAR0Vy4ZHMZXlTGduhhKftIGP7-25ARplksh5re7muiZoADCjZjF8xVCtdoE

No Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom, State Govt Insists
Akwa Ibom State Government thursday denied any confirmed or positive test of the dreaded COVID-19 in the state.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Dominic Ukpong thursday alleged what he described as a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure.
“All five reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms.”
“Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news.bThe Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement.
“While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation.
“Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results.
“Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the five reported cases.
“Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have also appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process.
But in his reaction, the NCDC DG, Ihekweazu has cautioned that this was not the time to make insinuation about the result, adding that out of five results there could be an error in one.
The NCDC DG described the laboratory in Irrua, Edo State where the test was conducted to be one of the best in the country, saying the centre could not have made such error.
“My appeal for all the states is that this is time for all to come together. There is no reason why anybody will give result without verifying. We are working very hard to make sure these results are correct. Sometime we delay these results. Why the results taking so long is because they are being repeated to be sure. But Irrua is one laboratory in Nigeria that I can almost be 100 per cent sure of the validity of their test. Of course there can always be mistakes, but to have a mistake in five results in a lab like Irrua will be very unlikely. I like to come on everyone in the states in Nigeria to have confidence in the work we are doing,” Ihekweazu said

Coronavirus: Akwa Ibom questions NCDC’s announcements, demands second tests


The Akwa Ibom government appears to be contesting the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s announcement of cases of the novel coronavirus in the state.

The government has demanded a “reconfirmation” of the the announced cases, according to a statement released Thursday.

The NCDC on Wednesday said there were five confirmed cases of the virus infection in the state.

But the state government, in a statement from its Commissioner for Health, Dominic Ukpong, raised questions over the announcement by the NCDC, saying that there was “a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure” adopted by the agency.



The Akwa Ibom government said it only heard about the results of the test in the news.

It is unclear, for now, if the NCDC is required by protocols to inform state governments before the agency goes public with the results of COVID-19 tests.

The statement from the Akwa Ibom government said even the director general of the NCDC was unaware of the result that was announced by the agency.

“All 5 reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms.

Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the 5 reported cases,” the statement said.

The government said samples they have sent to the NCDC for the COVID-19 testing have all returned negative results.

“While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation.

“Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process,” the statement said.

The Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel, a few days ago signed into law an executive order banning public gatherings in the state.

Shops and businesses have been temporarily closed down, while vehicles from other states have been barred from entering Akwa Ibom

The state government in its latest statement appealed to residents to remain calm and continue to practice personal hygiene and maintain social distancing.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/coronavirus/385584-coronavirus-akwa-ibom-questions-ncdcs-announcements-demands-second-tests.html?fbclid=IwAR0-8YCGK6bxEyI5pVuCzDHnLZ1Q1jHmNBPhu-TIpTWi9jx_qETCX3MfnKw

US Based Rivers Groups commend Wike for taking measures to check spread of coronavirus

Two groups based in the United States of America, Ikwerre Peoples Forum, USA and Rivers Development Forum have commended the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for taking proactive measures to check coronavirus in the state.
In separate press statements on Thursday, the two groups praised expressed satisfaction that Governor Wike is committed to the protection of Rivers people through actions that have stopped the explosion of coronavirus in the state.
Chairman of Ikwerre Peoples Forum, USA, Mr
Michael Ewule said that after Lagos State, Rivers State is the next major hub in the country that can be accessed through air, land and sea. He said that the determined efforts of Governor Wike saved the state from the uncontrolled spread of coronavirus.
The Ikwerre Peoples Forum, USA stated that: "We have watched closely what is happening all around Nigeria and we are happy that our Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has worked hard to prevent coronavirus from spreading.
"We support the measures that he has taken by Governor Wike to stop coronavirus from killing our people. Worldwide, such measures have been taken by governments to stop coronavirus ", he said.
The group urged the Rivers State Government to continue to review the measures in line with new developments.
They stated that are working with non governmental organisations and faith based groups in Rivers State to reach out to Rivers people with donations of hand sanitizers and face masks.
The group also commended Governor Wike for setting up a world class treatment centre which is handling the index case in the state. They also lauded the Rivers State Governor for mobilising health professionals, facilities and drugs to tackle the disease.
Similarly, the Chairman of Rivers Development Forum, USA , Piegbara Baridoma said the union is happy with Governor Wike for working for the people at this tough time.
He called on Rivers people to support Governor Wike to keep the state healthy through the right measures.
The group noted that the sensitization process by the Rivers State Government since the index case of coronavirus in Nigeria has helped to create awareness of the disease. He said because the people are aware, it is easier for health professionals in the state to contain the disease

[VIDEO] # Lagos State # Government begins sharing of # Corona Food to the poorest of the poor in the state.
CONTENT
5 Cups of Rice
5 Cups of Garri
1 Loaf of Bread
2 Tin Tomatoes
The families are expected to eat this for 2 WEEKS
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION?


https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3119616594738835&id=871775049523012&anchor_composer=false

Submit yourselves to test, Elumelu tells Gbajabiamila, others

Addressing journalists over the issue on Monday, Commissioner for Information in Delta, Charles Aniagwu, said, "Our neighbouring states are yet to close their borders and this poses a serious danger to us in Delta.


As the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus disease continues, the Delta State Government has raised concerns over neighbouring states yet to close their borders.
Addressing journalists over the issue on Monday, Commissioner for Information in Delta, Charles Aniagwu, said, "Our neighbouring states are yet to close their borders and this poses a serious danger to us in Delta.

"If Anambra and Edo are yet to close their borders and Delta has done that, it poses danger to us. 

"The Federal Government should order the shutting down of the nation to avoid more infections as far as the COVID-19 is concerned. 

"We are appealing for cooperation especially from the general public. Let's all comply strictly to the safety measures outlined so far." 


http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/30/covid-19-delta-government-raises-concerns-over-neighbouring-states-yet-close-borders?fbclid=IwAR3BHq7InJMm7N4st5Dc-0ALLq1UFbo3Z2p2wxuqqykU2R5WY6v_I8Bwhng

Public Service Announcement On the Closure Of All Anambra State Land Boundaries
This is to notify Ndi Anambra, motorists in the state, and those wishing to pass through Anambra state that ALL Anambra State land boundaries with other states will be closed to human and vehicular traffic, beginning midnight on Monday, 30th March, 2020.
The Government of Delta state has also announced the closure of all its land boundaries with effect from Sunday, 29th of March 2020.
Motorists are advised not to travel through the Niger Bridgehead, Onitsha to avoid queuing and putting pressure on the bridge. Motorists will not be able to drive into Delta state as a result of the boundary closure order in place.
The government of Anambra state is also announcing the closure of Niger Bridgehead, through Upper Iweka to Zik’s Mausoleum from midnight on Monday, 30th March, 2020, to discourage vehicular and human movements.
The members of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) and other security agencies are hereby directed to enforce this.
Motorists should also note that the government of Enugu state has announced the closure of its land boundaries with effect from Tuesday, 31st of March, 2020.
Only vehicles transporting food items and medicines will be allowed passage.
The government of Anambra state hereby reiterates its earlier directive for people to stay at home and observe strictly the coronavirus advisory.
Announcer
Professor Solo Chukwulobelu
Secretary to the State Government
Anambra State
Sunday, 29th March, 2020.

FOLLOWING the enforcement order of border closure in Delta, hundreds of travellers in and out of the State were Sunday stranded at the River Niger bridge head at the Asaba end.

Also, commuters and travellers were reportedly barred at the Agbor, Koko junction and Patani borders from entry or leaving Delta.

Heavy-duty trucks, buses and cars stretched over two kilometres on the busy Onitsha-Benin Expressway as they were stopped by security agents from entry or leaving the State.

Some of the commuters claimed ignorance of the widely publicised border closure order of the State Government by 6:am with effect from yesterday Sunday.

Some of the travellers who spoke to newsmen expressed sadness that they could not continue their journeys onward or backward.

Meanwhile, some of the travellers attempted to cross the River Niger using boats stationed under the bridge.

Security personnel who were stationed at the borders had a hectic time trying to enforce the order.

At about 8:15am, the Onitsha bridgehead border was thrown opened for commuters and travellers as the Anambra State Commissioner of Police who was perhaps returning from a journey got there.


Security personnel who pleaded anonymity, however, said one of the reasons they relaxed the order was to ease the weight on the Niger bridge.



He said the order would be enforced once the bridge was cleared.

Expressing his displeasure, Mr James Orji, a commercial transporter, said he was going to Lagos from Owerri, Imo State.

Fuming with anger, a woman who simply gave her name as Theresa, said she was molested by a soldier while trying to cross from Asaba to Onitsha.

She explained that she crossed to Asaba from Onitsha around 6am Sunday morning to buy garri using the footpath in the bridge.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/travellers-stranded-as-security-agents-enforce-lockdown-order-in-delta/?fbclid=IwAR0t2w31U51fFWIOu6HhKZUecWFP2hwLkCZ4aAm51VKzGK65p75b2e3zrCA

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Lalasticlala

Entry to Delta state blocked. No movement ( Photos)

Okowa mean business

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on 10 February 2016 said Benin Kingdom in Edo State remained part of the expansive Yoruba people, a pronouncement that may spark fresh rivalry and altercation between people of the two ancient kingdoms.


Yoruba Kingdoms - Benin and Ife
In 1975 the Republic of Dahomey changed its name to the Republic of Benin, after the Bight of Benin ["Where few come out but many go in”], which in turn was named after the Benin Empire, a powerful entity that existed from 1440 to 1897 in what is today Nigeria. "Benin" is a Portuguese corruption of "Ubinu," the administrative center of the Empire, which is today called Benin City, capital of Edo State. Dahomey's rechristening in 1975 caused no end of confusion ever since, so to clarify things: Benin City (the historical Benin Empire) is approximately 250 miles east of Porto Novo, capital of the present-day Republic of Benin. The two entities have no historical connection whatsoever.

The Yoruba kingdoms of Benin and Ife sprang up between the 11th and 12th centuries. The present-day Benin monarch declared his ancestry from Oranmiyan through Ekaladerhan and direct to the Ogiso dynasty. The statement made by the Ooni of Ife debunked the Oba of Benin's declaration of the ancestry of Benin Kings, insisting that Benin was one of the kingdoms founded by Oduduwa who descended from heaven to Ile-Ife with four hundred deities.

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on 10 February 2016 said Benin Kingdom in Edo State remained part of the expansive Yoruba people, a pronouncement that may spark fresh rivalry and altercation between people of the two ancient kingdoms. The monarch made the comment in reaction to a statement credited to the palace of the Oba of Benin challenging the claim by the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, that the Ooni of Ife remained the pre-eminent spiritual leader in Yorubaland and environs. Oba Gbadebo said Oba Ogunwusi was number one of the five principal Obas in Yorubaland, followed by the Alaafin of Oyo, then by the Oba of Benin (in third position), the Alake of Egbaland (fourth) and the Awujale of Ijebuland (fifth). But in a swift reaction, the Esogban of Benin and Odionwere of the Kingdom, David Edebiri, rejected the ranking, saying the Ooni of Ife was a son of the Oba of Benin and that the Oba of Benin stool had no relationship with the Yoruba people.

As far as historical memory extends, the Yoruba have been the dominant group on the west bank of the Niger. Of mixed origin, they were the product of the assimilation of periodic waves of migrants who evolved a common language and culture. The Yoruba were organized in patrilineal descent groups that occupied village communities and subsisted on agriculture, but from about the eleventh century A.D., adjacent village compounds, called He, began to coalesce into a number of territorial city-states in which loyalties to the clan became subordinate to allegiance to a dynastic chieftain. This transition produced an urbanized political and social environment that was accompanied by a high level of artistic achievement, particularly in terra-cotta and ivory sculpture and in the sophisticated metal casting produced at Ife. The brass and bronze used by Yoruba artisans was a significant item of trade, made from copper, tin, and zinc imported either from North Africa or from mines in the Sahara and northern Nigeria.

The Yoruba placated a pantheon headed by an impersonal deity, Olorun, and included lesser deities, some of them formerly mortal, who performed a variety of cosmic and practical tasks. One of them, Oduduwa, was regarded as the creator of the earth and the ancestor of the Yoruba kings. According to a creation myth, Oduduwa founded the city of Ife and dispatched his sons to establish other cities, where they reigned as priest-kings and presided over cult rituals. Formal traditions of this sort have been interpreted as poetic illustrations of the historical process by which Ife's ruling dynasty extended its authority over Yorubaland. The stories were attempts to legitimize the Yoruba monarchies—after they had supplanted clan loyalties—by claiming divine origin.

Ife was the center of as many as 400 religious cults whose traditions were manipulated to political advantage by the oni (king) in the days of the kingdom's greatness. Ife also lay at the center of a trading network with the north. The oni supported his court with tolls levied on trade, tribute exacted from dependencies, and tithes due him as a religious leader. One of Ife's greatest legacies to modern Nigeria is its beautiful sculpture associated with this tradition.

The oni was chosen on a rotating basis from one of several branches of the ruling dynasty, which was composed of a clan with several thousand members. Once elected, he went into seclusion in the palace compound and was not seen again by his people. Below the oni in the state hierarchy were palace officials, town chiefs, and the rulers of outlying dependencies. The palace officials were spokesmen for the oni and the rulers of dependencies who had their own subordinate officials. All offices, even that of the oni, were elective and depended on broad support within the community. Each official was chosen from among the eligible clan members who had hereditary right to the office. Members of the royal dynasty often were assigned to govern dependencies, while the sons of palace officials assumed lesser roles as functionaries, bodyguards to the oni, and judges.

https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/africa/yoruba.htm

Lack of Access to Water in Rural Communities - A COVID-19 Risk Factor


The women and children in Idoka are responsible for fetching water for their families as they do not have access to water on premises. On average, they have to travel for about 3 kilometers (to and fro), which is approximately 20 minutes to fetch 25 litres of water at a time.

Washing your hands regularly is one of the first things that public health officials in Nigeria and the World Health Organization have recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Globally, access to water is a recurring challenge to millions of people where an estimated 40 percent of the global population is faced with water scarcity.

In Nigeria, about 63 million people or 33 percent of the population do not have access to improved sources of drinking water and only about 42% of households in rural areas have access to safe water. This presents a major challenge to the citizens and public health officials particularly at this time with the COVID19 pandemic.

Women and girls bear the burden of collecting water for domestic and household use. Indeed, in Nigeria, there is a total of 68.2 percent of households without drinking water on premises and 80 percent of the households without access to water across the globe depend on the back-breaking chore that women and girls have to do every single day. In Nigeria, adult women constitute 40% and female children under age 15 constitute 11% of those responsible to provide water for their families.

This lack of access to water and sanitation in Nigeria remains a major contributing factor to high morbidity and mortality rates among children under five. The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has confirmed that the use of contaminated drinking water and poor sanitary conditions result in increased vulnerability to water-borne diseases, including diarrhea which leads to deaths of more than 70,000 children under five annually.

Nigeria and Demographic Health Survey in 2018 revealed that 41.6percent of the rural households access water from unimproved sources like unprotected dug well, unprotected spring, surface water and sachet water. It also revealed that 65.8 % rural households use 30 minutes or less to access water outside premises for a round trip. With the added threat of the COVID19 virus, women and girls have to bear the additional burden of making numerous trips just for the household to have adequate supplies of water for hand washing.

Delay in accessing safe water, apart from the health implications also threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and contributes to low levels of school enrollment, especially among girls who have to fetch water for their families. Women with disabilities in rural communities are also more challenged with double barriers to accessing water, for instance, a physically challenged woman who uses a walking aide or a blind person who uses guide cane and a deaf woman who cannot communicate with others without the use of sign language interpreter are unable to get water easily like women without disabilities.

Idoka Community Facing the Challenges of Water

While numerous rural communities across the country are being faced with water challenges, residents of Idoka community of Obokun Local Government area of Osun State also have their fair share in accessing drinking water.

Idoka has a population of about 3,200 with women and children constituting the huge proportion of about 2,400. The community has three main access entrances; one through Ilowa (on the East) another through Iregun (from the North) and the last through Ibala (from the West). Those living around the entrance from Ilowa constitute the larger part of the community and it is called, ‘Oke-Ode’.

The Palace is located around the Eastern part of the community and a bit close to the Northern entrance which makes it quite far from those in Oke-Ode but the palace is not too far from the other entry from Ibala.

The women and children in Idoka are responsible for fetching water for their families as they do not have access to water on premises. On average, they have to travel for about 3 kilometers (to and fro) which is approximately 20 minutes to fetch 25 litres of water at a time. For any individual who wants to fill her 100-litre drum or water reservoir at home, she is required to do at least five trips daily which is equivalent to two hours daily. Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic, women would need to embark on more trips, at least 7, to make water available for all members of the family to observe regular handwashing.

This combined with other household chores and business may also cause some economic loss on a daily basis.

In addition to the long distance they have to cover, they also have to climb hills before they could fetch drinking water from the only source within the community.

Popularly called ‘Omi Oko’, the only source of drinking water in Idoka community also serves three other neighbouring communities; Iregun, Idominasi and Ilowa, especially during dry season.

While scooping the water, women and children have to be extremely careful to ensure they do not scoop up the soil and other sediments which mix with the water. And when it does, they have no choice than to collect the water as it is and allow the sediment to settle before it can be ready for drinking.

Some of the women who due to old age and ill-health cannot climb the hill have to allow the younger women and children fetch drinking water for them or engage the services of those who would fetch the water but at a fee.

Majority of the women and girls prefer to collect their water from ‘Omi Oko’ instead of any other water source within the community, as they believe it has some ancestral relevance to the community and it has been in existence for a very long time. It is also the only water source that does not have a ‘taste’ in the community.

The residents believed that other water sources within the community, some of which are no longer functional, have sour taste and could not ascertain the cause of the contamination due to lack of technical capacity to understand and address the water challenges.

Despite the satisfaction they derive in drinking from ‘Omi Oko’, the time spent on collecting the water has an impact on their source of income as they have less time to spend on their farm work or other businesses.

Chief Mrs. Deborah Adebisi, the YeyeRisa of Idoka Community explained that fetching water from ‘Omi Oko’ is a difficult task for all and unfortunately that is the only source of drinking water within the community except for sachet water. Not everyone can afford to buy sachet water whose quality has also been found to be sketchy.

Chief Mrs. Adejoke Obileye, YeyeRangun of Idoka Community said pregnant women and nursing mothers faced exceptional challenges as they find it difficult to climb the hill after fetching water. Elderly women who cannot climb the bill with their jerricans of water have to depend on their children to fetch or are forced to pay for people to fetch the water for their daily needs.

Mrs. Agbola Comfort, a nurse in Idoka Primary Health Care Center who is also a resident in the area confirmed the residents preference for the Omi Oko water source and said this was because there has never been an outbreak of waterborne disease in the community.

She said, “Omi Oko is the only drinking water in this community and it doesn’t affect the residents in any way, the only challenge with the water is the stress the women go through to fetch it.

“Nowadays, the old women no longer go there because it is affecting their health, so they would rather send their children to fetch the water for them, little do they know that it would soon affect the health of those young children too.”

On the sidelines of COVID-19, Nurse Agbola believes the residents need to adhere strictly to the recommendations from the WHO and State’s Ministry of Health in combating the virus. She added that residents should not disregard the fact that there is no confirmed case in Osun yet, but should take all necessary precautions.

A corps member serving in the community, Omeke Ikechukwu, said himself and other corps members in the community buy sachet water to drink as they could neither go to the stream nor drink from the well which is close to their residence. Omeke believed he would have been able to save more from his monthly allowance if he didn’t have to buy sachet water for drinking purposes.

Previous interventions to make water accessible for all within the community were described as either insufficient, inappropriate or inaccessible. The community in 2003 after the ‘Idoka Day’ Celebration used the funds generated to build boreholes in 3 strategic locations within the community but they are no longer functional as some of the wells are already dried up or the taps completely spoiled.

http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/27/lack-access-water-rural-communities-covid-19-risk-factor?fbclid=IwAR0OLOungWKAsFApel7IMUoip0AAWtWgiJehE07YYXW8V7b8dTuidJbKDLU

Lalasticlala

Okowa Closes All Borders, Airport, All businesses-malls, supermarkets, markets and shops



STATE BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR, DR IFEANYI OKOWA, GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, ON THURSDAY, 26TH MARCH 2020 ON THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
My Dear Deltans,
This is the third time I am addressing you on the coronavirus pandemic.
2. As promised, we have continued to monitor and review developments concerning this global pandemic on a daily if not hourly basis. Although there has been no confirmed case in Delta, nevertheless, we deem it fit to take further measures to avert any outbreak or contain its spread if it occurs.
3. Consequently, after a meeting with the Central Committee on Managing/Containing the Coronavirus Pandemic headed by me, several far-reaching decisions were made, and I hereby order as follows:
Asaba airport is to close to traffic effective from Friday, March 27, 2020 by 6pm.
All land borders into and out of Delta are to be shut effective 6am, Sunday, March 29, 2020.
All businesses-malls, supermarkets, markets and shops -are to close from Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
All residents in the State are to stay at home from Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Food sellers are to conduct their businesses within the precinct of their homes and are required to strictly adhere to the social distancing rules.
Deltans are advised that there will be increased security presence on the streets and land borders to ensure strict compliance with these directives.
These restrictions are for two weeks in the first instance but do not apply to persons providing essential services namely;
Security
Healthcare (Pharmacies are to remain open)
Water
Fire
Power
Essential Departments of Media Houses
Essential Departments of Telecommunications companies.
Officials of these agencies/companies must carry valid identification tags to ensure easy identification and smooth passage.
4. I urge all Deltans to adjust to the new normal and cooperate with the Government and law enforcement agencies. Drastic as these measures may seem, they are for our collective good. At the same time, we must keep on praying to God to save us from the seismic effects of this global pandemic.
5. Thank you.
6. God bless us all.
Office of the Governor
Government House
Asaba
March 2020

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Gov Hooe Uzodimma Procures Innos Vehicles for operation search and flush In Imo state

Governor Hope Uzodimma patronises Innoson Motors, procured more trucks for operation Search and Flush in the State, which will be launched in due course.

No doubt Hope will make a good Governor.

Coronavirus update: A $20 trillion lawsuit has been filed against Chinese authorities in the US over coronavirus outbreak. American lawyer Larry Klayman and his advocacy group Freedom Watch along with Texas company Buzz Photos have filed the lawsuit against the Chinese government, Chinese army, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Director of Wuhan Institute of Virology Shi Zhengli and Chinese army's Major General Chen Wei.
The plaintiffs have sought $20 trillion, which is a bigger amount than China's GDP, claiming coronavirus is the result of a biological weapon prepared by the Chinese authorities.
They have accused China of aiding and abetting death, provision of material support to terrorists, conspiracy to cause injury and death of US citizens, negligence, wrongful death, and assault and battery.
They allege the virus had released from the Wuhan Virology Institute. The plaintiffs stated that the COVID-19 virus was "designed" by China to kill mass populations. Biological weapons were outlawed in 1925 and hence such a biological weapon is a terrorist-related weapon of mass destruction, the lawsuit mentioned.
The American group cites multiple media reports that said that there was only one microbiology lab in China that handled advanced viruses like the novel coronavirus -- in Wuhan. To cover up, the plaintiffs alleged, China linked statements on coronavirus with national security protocols.
Klayman and the plaintiffs also alleged that Chinese doctors and researchers who spoke out about coronavirus and "raised the alarm to the outside world internationally" have been "silenced". They added that such was the desperation of Major General Chen to save herself from the virus that she injected herself and six members of her team with a potential vaccine that was yet to be tested.
They also alleged that all the defendants were working together to perpetuate "international terrorism".
The lawsuit stated that while coronavirus is slow-acting and slow-spreading to be used against a country's military, "it was designed to be used against the general population of one or more of China's perceived enemy nations, such as the United States."
The American plaintiffs also asked for a jury trial against the Chinese defendants.

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COVID ALERT.
IF U KNOW ANYONE THAT ATTENDED PA George Adesola Oguntade, Nigerian High Commissioner’s 80th Birthday PARTY on March 14, 2020 at Hilton Park Lane Hotel, LONDON, kindly Inform them to Call the NHS UK Immediately for COVID-19 Test.
Two people that allegedly contacted the Virus at party died in the last two days and another one is at the ICU.
WE MADE THIS SAME POST LAST WEEK AND WONDERED IF THE WARNING WAS ADHERED TO. THIS WEEK AND NEXT WILL BE CRITICAL.
plz SHARE this POST. -

Coronavirus: Anambra State Govt Announces 3 Isolation Centres
...creates additional Surge Centres
The Isolation Centres in Anambra State are:
1. Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital in Nnewi
2. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka
3. The General Hospital in Onitsha
Also, there are 3 Surge Centres:
1. The General Hospital in Ekwulobia
2. The General Hospital in Umueri
3. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka
The surge centres are created to absorb patients who may not be accommodated in the hospitals with Isolation Centres based on existing facilities.
Coronavirus is Real... Stay Home 2 Stay Alive!

Ebonyi state governor, Chief David Umahi, has barred an Ebonyi man who recently returned from China and currently in Lagos state from entering Ebonyi state.
The governor warned that he would take drastic action against the man if he dares enter the state without embarking on self – isolation for 14 days.
Umahi who stated this on Tuesday during a state broadcast on the COVID-19 at the Exco chambers old Government House in Abakaliki said the man was insistence on returning to the state against family and government advice.
The man was said to have returned from China on Monday evening and made spirited efforts to return to Ebonyi before he was alerted.
Umahi who did not give the name of the man however said the China returnee is a driver to one of his exco members.
He said he had directed the man to isolate himself in a hotel in Lagos for 14 days at government’s expense or any place of his choice after which he must go for to a test before returning to the state

The All Progressive Grand Alliance has said a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Soludo, has not informed the party of his reported intention to vie for the governorship of Anambra State in 2021.

The Anambra State Chairman of APGA, Mr Nobert Obi, said this during a stakeholders’ meeting of the party at Nri in the Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.


He said as of the time he was addressing the stakeholders nobody had informed the party of Soludo’s  aspiration to contest the 2021 election.

The former CBN governor and an Onitsha-based estate surveyor and valuer/lawyer, Damian Okolo (both from the Southern senatorial zone of the state) are among those said to be nursing the 2021 governorship ambition.

Speaking at the stakeholders meeting, the APGA chairman, said party leaders only heard about the aspirations of these individuals in the media.

He said, “No single person has visited the party office to announce his or her governorship aspiration.

“People of substance are joining APGA in large numbers and it is a welcome development. We have heard of so many of them wanting to contest for governor in 2021, but nobody has told us he is contesting for anything.

“As far as APGA is concerned, they are on their own for now. Until such people come to the party secretariat to inform us of their aspiration, we do not know who is going to contest what.”

He said the leadership of APGA was at Justice Peter Umeadi’s Nri home to celebrate his one year of joining APGA, and not that the ex-Chief Judge had expressed interest in contesting any elective office.

Umeadi, who hosted over 800 women from the 326 political wards in the state, said he would vie for a public office, but did not state the office he was eyeing.

 Umeadi said “One year ago, I joined APGA. After one year of being a member of the party, I feel I should begin to build my political structure and that is why I invited women from all the 179 autonomous communities in the state to introduce myself to them as a starting point.

“I joined the party just as an individual who did not have any political structure and I know that for me to realise my political ambition, I need to build a formidable structure.”

https://punchng.com/anambra-2021-apga-distances-party-from-soludo-others/?fbclid=IwAR3hMCwWwSZo6fGvqOzw8NnVC9KqRqAoCGIVw9GmeG-P5B8wCY8qizYo_uE

Coronavirus update: 5 new cases confirmed, 2 in FCT, 2 in Lagos, 1 in Edo



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/coronavirus-update-5-new-cases-confirmed-2-in-fct-2-in-lagos-1-in-edo/?fbclid=IwAR38p3fM0gkdLImhSjPe4heTP-WFsN1sl66kgGgPVn1X2mNve43s7Dou83s

The Delta State Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Prof. Godini Darah, has blamed former Governor-General of Nigeria, Lord Frederick Lugard for some of the challenges confronting the nation.

He stated this while reacting to the Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege-led committee set up by the Senate to review the 1999 constitution.

Recall that Lugard amalgamated the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914 to form Nigeria.

According to him, the former British soldier forcefully brought ethnic nationalities together, mostly through bloodshed.

Darah, a former Chairman of the Editorial Board of Guardian newspapers, said that a lot of children and women were killed or exiled to achieve Lugard’s faulty contraption called Nigeria.

“The atrocities committed by Lugard are so unpardonable that no matter how wide the gates of heaven is he will never get there,” he said.

The PANDEF chieftain noted, “Lugard had been sent to Uganda, earned more laurels, killing more people revolting against British rule. In 1913 Lugard was sent to Hong kong another British colony. Lugard massacred there the way he did in Uganda and Nigeria, he became a darling to the British colonial leaders.

“This kind of murderer, you need him if you want to conquer people. This was also among why Lugard was promoted as security chief in the Royal Niger Company and made Governor-General of Nigeria.

“The British had to withdraw the charter in 1910 to establish Nigeria. Between 1910 and 1914 was a critical point. Southern Nigeria already had a robust economy, it was not so in the north. When the matter got to the British parliament, the parliamentarians kicked against using British money to run Nigeria.

“It was at this point that Bruce Harcourt who was secretary of states for the British colony wrote another memo.

“He argued that to save the situation and to retain the two places as our colony, we should merge the north and south as one country. In the merger we should make the north husband and make the south wife, I quote him. By the law of husband-wife relation in England that time, a husband owned what a wife had.

“It is that law of romance that was introduced into the amalgamation. By that law, southern Nigeria was to provide the resources to run the south and the north. That system is still in force today and it is 106 years.

“Southern Nigeria is the feeding bottle.”

https://www.herald.ng/why-lord-lugard-will-never-make-heaven-prof/?fbclid=IwAR2qtygNcQtAdCzJGMGxD233GBethMyuMDCsY31uz0qIuCsR4jk7Go6lKn8

The Lagos State Government has banned all religious and social gathering of over 20 people.

The state government announced this on its Facebook page after 22 cases of coronavirus were recorded in the country on Saturday.

Before the new development, the LASG had imposed restrictions on gatherings of over 50.

It urged residents in the state to adhere to the new directive.

The Federal Ministry of Health had on Saturday confirmed 10 new cases of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria – three new cases in the Federal Capital Territory and seven in Lagos State.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 22 (twenty-two), The PUNCH reports.

However, the index case and the second case have both been discharged.

All 10 new cases are Nigerian nationals; nine of them travelled to Canada, France, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The 10th case had close contact with a previously confirmed case.



Details later…

https://punchng.com/breaking-coronavirus-lagos-bans-gatherings-of-over-20-after-cases-hit-22/

Rivers PDP elects Ambassador Desmond Akawor as new State Chairman
•as Governor Wike calls for the amendment of Electoral Act to promote credible elections
Former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Desmond Akawor has been elected as the new Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State.
This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike called on Nigerians to mount pressure on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to ensure credible elections in 2023.
Ambassador Desmond Akawor was elected by PDP Delegates during the PDP State Elective Congress at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The New Rivers State Working Committee will assume office in May 2020, when the second term of Bro Felix Obuah comes to an end.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, National and State Assembly members joined other party delegates to vote during the State Elective Congress.
Akawor takes over from Bro Felix Obuah, who served out his two terms as Rivers State PDP Chairman, leading the party to elecroral victories in 2015 and 2019.
The Rivers State PDP Congress was marked by strict observation of the coronavirus medical preventive measures, as medics were on ground to run temperature checks on delegates as well as apply hand sanitizers on them. For now, Rivers State has no confirmed case of coronavirus.
The accreditation of delegates and the voting process for all the officials of the new State Executive Committee went on peacefully. The Ward and Local Government Congresses were conducted across the State without rancour.
In a remark, Outgoing Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah thanked the Rivers State Governor for his support that helped the party to be successful in the last six years.
He said that PDP enjoys unprecedented internal party democracy because of the leadership provided by Governor Wike. He said the strength of party is exemplified .
Chairman of Rivers State PDP Elective Congress Panel, Senator Sam Anyanwu said that 39 Party positions were listed, with 39 officials picking forms for each of the post. The entire 39 officials were elected unopposed.
PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus voted first, while Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was the second delegate to cast his ballot. Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, Former Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru, National and State Assembly members proceeded to cast their votes.
Delegates from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State thereafter cast their votes in alphabetical order.
Senator Anyanwu announced that that Ambassador Desmond Akawor polled 2908 to emerge victorious as the Rivers State PDP Chairman.
Born on December 1, 1964 to the family of late Eze and Lolo Jackson Akawor of Egberu Ndoki in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State , Ambassador Akawor is loaded with political and administrative expertise
He was Former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Former Minister of State, FCT,Former Executive Director, Projects, NPA, Former GM/CEO, NDBDA, One time Commissioner for Water Resources & Rural Development , Former Commercial Manager, First Aluminum Plc, Director General, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike Campaign Organization 2015 & 2019 .
Until his election as Rivers State PDP Chairman, he has been the Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA) .
Other major officials elected at the State Elective Congress are: Mr Chukwuemeka Aaron, Deputy Chairman and Secretary , Benibo George, Financial Secretary, Shedrach Chukwu, Publicity Secretary, Sydney Gbarah, State Legal Adviser, Barr Kingsley Chukwu and State Woman Leader, Mrs Miriam Ogbonna.
Others are: State Youth Leader, Ikpechi Oriji, , Assistant Youth Leader, Mrs Joy Oyaghiri-Fagbem
i, State Auditor, Philip Onyeche, State Treasurer, Barrister Blessing Amadi and State Organising Secretary, Kagbang Offis.
In his acceptance speech, Rivers State PDP Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor commended the Rivers State Governor for creating the platform for peaceful congress in the state.
He said Governor Wike has been a worthy ambassador of the PDP through his superlative performance since 2015.
He said that members of the new Rivers State Working Committee will serve the party and lead it to greater achievements. He assured the party of the loyalty and commitment of the new executive committee.
Ambassador Desmond Akawor said that the leadership and membership of the new Rivers State PDP Executive Committee will always stand by Governor Wike throughout his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike while addressing the congress said that PDP remains a force in Rivers State because his administration delivers on its development agenda.
He said : "We must continue to do what will sustain the hope our people have in government. If INEC conducts credible elections at any time, PDP candidates will win all the positions."
Governor Wike called on the party to continue to support the State Government for the benefit of Rivers people.
"The party must continue to support the State Government. Don't allow anyone to deceive you into distracting the State Government.
This is a time for governance, " he said.
Governor Wike urged the new State Working Committee of Rivers State PDP not to lower the standard of performance set by the outgoing State Executive. He appealed to the incoming State Chairman to apply his wealth of experience to sustain the party.
The Governor praised the outgoing Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah for his commitment to the growth of PDP and his total loyalty to the leadership in the state.
He said: "Loyalty is not by mouth, showing appearance or seeing the Governor regularly. Loyalty is by conduct and the things you do at the back."
Governor Wike said when the struggle to win back Rivers State started 8b 2013, a decision was made to elect Bro Felix Obuah because of his pedigree.
"We concluded that Bro Felix Obuah will not sell out. He stood firm, despite all temptations. Since he became chairman, he has never waivered. He has never sabotaged the State Government and the party.
"If it was constitutionally possible for anyone to stay, we would have allowed Felix Obuah to stay. It is going to be difficult to replace Obuah," he said.
PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus said that the State Congress is a transparent process that threw up new State Working Committee in Rivers State.
He called for electoral reform ahead of the 2023 General Elections to avoid further electoral mandate.
The PDP National Chairman commended Rivers state Governor and Rivers people for standing firm to defend their mandate. He said that some other states were not as lucky as their mandate was stolen.
Secondus declared that Governor Wike has done very well for Rivers State.
The Rivers State PDP Elective Congress was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as represented by Emmanuel Wonke HOD EPM, Representative of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Don Umealor, HOD Legal, INEC Rivers and four other officials of INEC Rivers. From the National Headquarters of INEC: Stephanus Nsima, Imelda Okwute and Ngozi Onwuka monitored the Rivers State Elective Congress.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
21st March, 2020.

Air Peace, today, stopped a passenger billed to travel from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State over fears of coronavirus. It was learnt that the passenger was isolated by the airline’s coronavirus screening team when the passenger was discovered to be “very sick.” Daily Trust reports that Air Peace had initially deployed personnel at every airport it operates as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus. The airline conducts temperature checks on passengers and provide them hand sanitizer while anyone with high temperature is referred to Port Health.

Our correspondent learnt that when the temperature of the passenger was checked, he was found to be very sick while his temperature was “very high.” He was subsequently isolated and the airline informed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Port Health. A source hinted that the affected passenger recently returned from the United Kingdom and he had been taken to hospital without the knowledge of the Lagos State Government or the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). There was a mild drama at the MMA2 when other passengers and airport users kept distance from him as he was isolated. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, who confirmed the incident said the passenger was checked in by proxy apparently to avoid being noticed. She said the management of the airline had deployed staff who strictly monitor passengers checked in by agents, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/covid-19-drama-as-air-peace-stops-asaba-bound-passenger.html

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