₦airaland Forum

The motion picture industry in Nigeria has been thrown into mourning again with the death of veteran actress and filmmaker Chizoba Boye.

It was gathered that the actress died after a brief illness.
Chizoba Boye, who is the wife of veteran filmmaker, Sam Boye, was a regular face on television series, ‘Tinsel.’
They recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.

Late Chizoba, a strong advocate for Nollywood Igbo, would be remembered for her pioneering role in ‘Living in Bondage,’ ‘Checkmate,’ ‘Scandals’ among others


Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/another-nollywood-actress-dies/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

But he was insinuating that he will attend the next senate plenary. Or has Nigerian senate relocate to Kuje prison?

A member of the Nasarawa House of Assembly Isa Muhammad Bello has reportedly been placed on isolation for displaying suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
A source said he was rushed to an isolation centre at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia from his residence.

When contacted, Commissioner for Health, Muhammad Ahmad Yahaya said: “Governor Abdullahi Sule will brief the press later.”

It was later stated 21 of out the samples of 23 House members tested negative.

Member representing Nasarawa central in the House of Assembly, Mr. Sule Adamu, died of coronavirus on May 3.


Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/another-nasarawa-lawmaker-hospitalised-over-suspected-covid-19/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Lies

The Jigawa State government has announced the death of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Adult and Higher Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Isma’il.
Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Jigawa State on New Media, Auwalu D. Sankara confirmed the death to DAILY POST.

He said the deceased died in the hospital after suffering from a brief illness.
Before his death, he was traditional title holder (Jarma of Ringim), and Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.

He died and left wives, many children and a grandson.

Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has condoled with the entire people of Ringim Emirate over the death.
The Governor described the deceased as a gentleman with a kind heart, who always prioritized the needs of others over his.

Alhaji Badaru prayed to “Allah subhanahu wataala to grant the deceased jannatul firdausi and give his family the fortitude to bear with the irreplaceable loss.”

DAILY POST reported that the Governor had lost his special adviser on Assembly matters Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad (Big man) recently.


Source: https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/09/governor-badaru-losses-another-aid/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, announced that Lagos Mainland has the highest coronavirus cases in the State.

The list of areas with the highest number of confirmed cases were released by Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi
According to him, Lagos mainland tops the list, followed by Alimosho, Oshodi, Mushin, Ikeja, Kosofe and Isolo LGA.

Abayomi said the State was using the data to plan its strategies and where to place increased surveillance and isolation capacity.

Recall that Lagos on Friday confirmed 176 cases as the country recorded 386 COVID-19 cases.


Source: https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/09/lagos-releases-lga-with-highest-covid-19-cases-see-full-list/

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has confirmed that Liverpool-owned midfielder, Ovie Ejaria, wants to play for the country.
DAILY POST had reported that Ejaria has picked the Super Eagles over the English national team.

Pinnick, speaking with ESPN, says paperwork has already been filed with world football’s governing body, FIFA.
The only delay is Ejaria’s Nigerian passport which has expired.

Two out of the five documents NFF must submit to FIFA, are a copy of Ejaria’s passport evidencing his Nigerian nationality and a copy of an identification evidencing his English nationality.

“Yes, he has agreed to play for Nigeria. His documents have been sent to FIFA since,” Pinnick said to ESPN.


https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/08/nff-confirms-liverpool-midfielder-has-chosen-nigeria-over-england/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has directed officials of the Local Government Task Force to identify hotels operating during the lockdown for demolition, following the spread on the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Governor Wike gave the directive on Thursday while inaugurating the Rivers State COVID-19 Local Government Task Force at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

He also charged the officials to identify erring beer parlours.

“From tomorrow, move into any hotel that is operating, identify it and we will bring down the hotels.

“I have the political will. Those people who disobey will face the consequences.”

Governor Wike said that the officials must be decisive to ensure that the virus is not accommodated in the state, adding that they are being drafted to fight an invisible killer as well as defend the state.

“Nobody should come from outside to compound our problems and import this invisible killer. We will not accept that”.

Governor Wike appealed to the residents of the state to sacrifice their time in the fight against the pandemic, emphasising that all hands must be on deck.

“We should not allow what is happening to continue, we don’t have the capacity to face it and there will be no support from any quarter,” he said.

The Governor informed members of the Rivers State COVID-19 Local Governments Task Force that they will be on the payroll of the State Government.

He said that the Task Force will enforce key aspects of the State Government’s directive on COVID-19 in all the Local Government Areas.

He also instructed that hotels with existing guests should send their lists to his office for scrutiny and approval.

A body of Northern and Southern organisations, Peace Accord Forum (PAF), has dismissed comments credited to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) about First Lady Aisha Buhari.
The outspoken Biafra agitator was quoted as saying: “They have been fooling their fellow Nigerians and I am certain Aisha Buhari and her gang will end up in jail.”
In its reaction Thursday night by the National Coordinator, Ambrose Omorodion, PAF mocked the pronouncement and declared that “Nnamdi Kanu is dead and buried; IPOB knows his grave.”

The coalition, in a strongly-worded statement, noted: “The delusional mind of Nnamdi Kanu’s impostor or whoever uses his social media accounts in recent days seems to be on overdrive gear. We appeal to gullible minds to seek light or remain in IPOB darkness and captivity forever.

PAF said the IPOB’s several attempts “to prove to the world that their so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is not dead have been futile, hence, the verbal attacks on anyone and everyone”.
We wish to state that baseless allegations can only come from deceptive and unsound humans, bigots and riff-raffs. The late Nnamdi Kanu was nothing but a common criminal, a proscribed terrorist, a fugitive of law and a coward. It is cheering that the majority of South-Easterners are not like him or his adherents,” the statement read.

“Individuals using Nnamdi Kanu’s name should be informed that their game is up and we urge them to join the leader in his Danse Macabre. We will no longer watch as they continue to dish out gibberish to the public via tweets, broadcasts, press statements or interviews. All forms of fabrications will now be replied accordingly.

“Indeed, we are wholly amazed that people are dropping Nnamdi Kanu’s name on a daily basis. These people have chosen the path of hatred and stupidity; their sentiments never allow them to think properly. They need fervent prayers, sacrifices to the gods or both; whichever will break their bondage is urgently needed.
Don’t they breathe properly unless someone is condemned? In the last few years, the late Nnamdi Kanu and his sympathisers have carried on as if they have the monopoly of insults and falsehood. We are happy to announce that the joy ride is over. It is fire for fire henceforth. The good people of Nigeria want a break from IPOB inanity.

“The deceased Nnamdi Kanu and his chalartans have ceaselessly attacked President Muhammadu Buhari, his family, federal and state governments. All for what? This is 2020, the era of achieving independence through constant vituperations are gone. Governments can be criticised; however, it must be based on verifiable proof, facts and figures

“First they claimed the President was dead; now, the nitwits insist he is not the one in Aso Rock. We are happy that Nigerians have since overlooked their gullibility. Nnamdi Kanu’s apologists lack basic intelligence, this has been the greatest hindrance to their ability to pause, seek knowledge and try to assimilate what they are told.

“Mrs. Aisha Buhari is contributing to humanity through donations, several acts of kindness, fighting for the wellbeing of the society particularly women and children, even before the COVID-19 crisis. This woman minds her business. Simpletons saying trash do not have to like her, they only need to seek divine intervention in order to return to their senses.

“Of course, Nigeria is not where it should be. Notwithstanding, authorities are not resting in ensuring that the lives of all citizens get better. IPOB should swallow and digest the fact that Nigeria is not a zoo. There might be some issues, same as many countries worldwide, but Africa’s biggest nation is strong, united, forging ahead and will never break.

“To this end, those who listen to the ghost of Nnamdi Kanu should give up the gimmicks; those who go to his grave before they tweet and issue press releases stop the lies. It is miserable that IPOB and their congregation have elevated ignorance to a professorial level. Since they have refused to stop moving mad, PAF will cleanse their lunacy.

“We have observed that the busy-bodies that were around Nnamdi Kanu in his lifetime got enough peanuts to keep his foolishness alive; they are probably still being funded anyway. We officially welcome them to the shouting bout they long started and would like to assure them that in this war of propaganda, IPOB will not win. PAF now fully in the battle.”


Source: https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/07/aisha-buhari-nnamdi-kanu-dead-ipob-knows-his-grave-coalition-explodes/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has explained the continued absence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
In an interview on Wazobia Radio, Adesina insisted that Osinbajo is busy working with the Economic Sustainability Committee.

“He heads the Economic Sustainability Committee. They hold meetings and these news (items) are on the televisions,” he said.
Adesina noted that some of these meetings are now virtual or through videos, assuring that Osinbajo is hale and hearty.

He also explained that Lagos State secured a grant of N10billion from the Federal Government in the fight against the outbreak of COVID-19, because of their commitment to curb the pandemic.

“Technical support is very very important, very vey important… Lagos State got technical support before it got financial support, manpower support is very good, facility support is very good,” he added.


Source: https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/07/covid-19-presidency-opens-up-on-osinbajos-whereabouts/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

381 new cases of #COVID19;

183-Lagos
55-Kano
44-Jigawa
19-Zamfara
19-Bauchi
11-Katsina
9-Borno
8-Kwara
7-Kaduna
6-Gombe
5-Ogun
4-Sokoto
3-Oyo
3-Rivers
2-Niger
1-Akwa Ibom
1-Enugu
1-Plateau

3526 cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria
Discharged: 601
Deaths: 107 https:///H5ouYwO9Cj

Four patients with Covid-19 symptoms have been reported dead at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja
The patients were said to have died after exhibiting "manifested respiratory issues" with their samples not being taken "dead or alive"

Kogi government had earlier alleged that there was an "unholy conspiracy" to import case of coronavirus into the state
Kogi state has been thrown into anxiety following the alleged death of four patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja who are speculated to have died of coronavirus, Daily Trust reports.

An investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, had through a series of tweets alleged a cover-up in coronavirus death in Kogi.
He said one of the patients died at FMC, Lokoja, Kogi state capital after exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms without his sample taken.
That was the fourth such death at the FMC last week alone. Not once were the patient’s samples taken, dead or alive. It was a familiar cover-up," he alleged.

“March 22 was the first time this scenario occurred. A patient who came into Kogi from Lagos required a CS. The patient exhibited COVID-19 symptoms, prompting the hospital to request for her to be tested. It was turned down.

"The patient was isolated for some time, surgery was done and she was discharged without testing."
Kogi is one of the two states that have not recorded cases of coronavirus and there is a mounting fear the government is not doing enough to establish the Covid-19 status of the state.

The north-central state on Tuesday, March 5, said that the state is under pressure to declare the presence of coronavirus as the pandemic spreads across states of the federation.


Source: https://www.legit.ng/amp/1327321-coronavirus-anxiety-alleged-death-4-patients-covid-19-symptoms-lokoja.html?__twitter_impression=true

FEAR has gripped residents of different parts of Abia State following the interception Tuesday of a group of Almajiris loaded in cattle truck on their Way to Abia.
Vanguard gathered that Abia State Homeland Security agents led by the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Prince Dan Okoli intercepted the Almajiris hidden in cattle trucks at Enugu-Abia border, along the Enugu – Aba Highway.
A release by the Abia Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, explained that overnight, several trucks conveying food items with several almajiris hiding in them were turned back at the same border until the interception on Tuesday.
The Commissioner said that Government has directed that more homeland security agents be deployed to one of the borders with Akwa Ibom State as well following the interception of another truck conveying almajiris alongside goods destined for Akwa Ibom State.

Abia State Government had earlier on Monday alerted citizens that it received intelligence report on the planned movement of a group of almajiris into the state within the next 24 hours
Some residents of Aba, the commercial hub of the state who spoke to our reporter pleaded with the state government to quickly do the needful to beef up the security within the state especially at the borders.
Mr Jackson Akudiwe said, “Since the news broke out, we’re all jittering because we’ve been hearing that the level of deaths in Kano state was as a result of these Almajiris.

He said “How come they want to shift them into our peaceful and less disturbed state? I thank God that the government uncovered this evil plot, but uncovering it is not enough. We’re also happy that they’ve apprehended some of them and that’s a wonderful achievement. We plead with them to quickly strengthen the borders
Possibly withdraw some compromising police officers and replace them with any other local security here because our policemen are too corrupt.”

Meanwhile, Okiyi-Kalu said that the State government has directed that traditional rulers and TC Chairmen of inter-state boundary communities will be held responsible and sanctioned for any of such unauthorized entry into the state.

He stressed that the government has warned that all necessary lawful measures must be taken to stop the entry of not only the almajiris but also other unlawful migrants.
He added that the measures will remain till the Federal Government-backed inter-state border closure regulation put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 from one state to another is lifted.

Source; https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/anxiety-in-abia-as-security-intercept-truckload-of-almajiris-from-north/amp/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&__twitter_impression=true

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday opened up on projects that the repatriated $311m from the United States will be expended on Nigeria.
The amount is part of funds looted by the late Head of State, Sani Abacha and stashed away in the United States.

President Buhari indicated that the funds have been allocated for infrastructure development that is decades-overdue across Nigeria.
A statement by the President’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu said the money has been allocated for the completion of the second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway.

Also, part of the money will be used for the creation of tens of thousands of Nigerian construction jobs and local skills, which can then be useful in future projects.

The statement reads: “On Monday, May 4, 2020, some $311 million US Dollars – stolen from the citizens of Nigeria during the Abacha regime – were safely returned to our country from the United States.
These funds have already been allocated, and will be used in full, for vital and decades-overdue infrastructure development: The second Niger Bridge, the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressways – creating tens of thousands of Nigerian construction jobs and local skills, which can then be useful in future projects.”

He also disclosed that part of the funds will be invested in boosting Nigeria’s power sector.

The statement added: “Part of the funds will also be invested in the Mambilla Power Project which, when completed, will provide electricity to some three million homes – over ten million citizens – in our country
The receipt of these stolen monies – and the hundreds of millions more that have already been returned from the United Kingdom and Switzerland – are an opportunity for the development of our nation, made far harder for those decades the country was robbed of these funds.

“Indeed, previous monies returned last year from Switzerland – some $320 million US dollars – are already being used for the government’s free school feeding scheme, a stipend for millions of disadvantaged citizens, and grain grants for those in severe food hardship.”


https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/05/abacha-loot-buhari-opens-up-on-how-returned-311m-will-be-spent/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has distanced itself from query allegedly issued to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, over allegations of a N5.5bn contract scam involving Signora Concepts Services Ltd.
The query was purportedly issued by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC demanding explanation on the alleged contract scam.

But the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olusade Adesola, said in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, that an internal probe had proved that no fake or unauthorised transaction was conducted.
According to him, “The attention of the Ministry has been drawn to an alleged letter circulating on social media purporting that the Honourable Minister, Senator (Dr.) Godswill O. Akpabio, CON directed the issuance of a letter/query to the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC demanding explanation on the allegation of a contract scam of N5.5 billion issued by the Commission to Signora Concepts Services Ltd within three days.
It is to be noted that the Niger Delta Development Commission had in its various publications in the media denied without equivocation the alleged contract, stating that the ‘document is simply fake or at best unauthorised.’

“The company, Signora Concepts Services Ltd, also issued a statement that it did not receive any payment for the purported COVID-19 contract before the NDDC withdrew the said contract paper it described as either fake or unauthorised.”
He said “the ministry is satisfied with the explanations provided by the commission and the company,” and had gone ahead to confirm that “no single payment was made on account of the ‘fake or unauthorised’ transaction.”

“Wherein lies the use of the words ‘scam’ or ‘fraud’? Therefore, the ministry has no intention or need to demand any further explanation from the NDDC.
In the light of the above, the purported letter/query said to have been issued by the ministry to the NDDC was only a figment of the imagination of the mischief-makers who, in their trepidation on witnessing the takeoff of the forensic audit of the NDDC directed by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, have persisted in their campaign of calumny and would stop at nothing to stultify the exercise, including the vilification and mudsling of the person of the honourable minister and the IMC of the NDDC.”
The permanent secretary underscored that the ministry had not issued or authorised the issuance of any query/letter demanding answers from the IMC of the NDDC on any of its well-intentioned actions so far.”

“The Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary and Management of the MNDA, therefore, disassociate the entire ministry from the said fallacious letter/query in all respects.

Adesola, however, advised the general public to exercise great caution in receiving correspondences concerning the Ministry and its parastatals from sources other than the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/alleged-n5-5bn-scam-no-query-issued-to-nddc-by-akpabio-ministry/amp/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&__twitter_impression=true

Jigawa State Government has confirmed the death of a pregnant woman who tested positive for COVID-19.
Chairman of the state task force, Dr Abba Zakari confirmed the death to DAILY POST.

He said the woman was among the nine cases confirmed in the state.
He explained that the patient who is from Zareka ward in Miga local died on Sunday at the isolation centre in Duste, the state capital.

A family member who spoke to DAILY POST confirmed that the woman bled to death as a result of the miscarriage she had at the isolation centre.

He said the woman has been buried according to Islamic teachings.


Source: https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/04/pregnant-woman-dies-from-covid-19-in-jigawa/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

With this increasing number of cases, the govt still insist on relaxing lockdown. God help us.

A four-year-old child and four health workers are among the COVID-19 positive cases discovered in Bauchi State as the state recorded five positive cases.

The five new positive cases were all contacts of the existing active cases in the state who are presently in isolation receiving treatment.

Earlier on Friday, it was discovered that six out of the repatriated Almajiri boys from Kano had tested positive to COVID-19 after the samples of all the returnee almajiris were taken for testing.

The health workers who have tested positive to COVID-19 infection include two medical doctors, one nurse and one public health worker, all of them have been engaged in the management of all the patients from the onset of the outbreak in the state.

Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, in a telephone interview early Sunday morning confirmed the development in the state.
He added that all the new positive cases are immigrants into the state from the high risk states particularly Kano and Lagos, assuring however that the state government has put everything in place to check the spread.
With the five new positive cases discovered, Bauchi State now has a total of 53 confirmed cases out of which 47 are active while six have been treated and discharged from isolation having tested negative.


https://tribuneonlineng.com/four-year-old-two-doctors-two-nurses-other-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-bauchi/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, has released 41 inmates from all the six correctional centres in the state in the ongoing effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

A breakdown shows that 35 inmates were released from Koton-Karfi, Kabba and Okene correctional centres, while six regained their freedom from Ankpa and Dekina centres respectively.

Speaking when he visited Dekina correctional center, Justice Ajanah said that the exercise was in line with federal government directive to decongest correctional centres following the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The decongestion exercise differs from the normal exercise we normally conducted annually. The reason for this particular exercise was at the instance of directive from the federal government to all the states to decongest correctional centers to prevent the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are here to look into some cases with minor offences or some inmates that may be sick and such sickness can be contagious to other inmates in the centres. Also some inmates who have stayed for too long in the custodial centres as a result of minor offences without trial were also released unconditionally,” he explained.

North Central Trust reports that after the review of various cases, the chief judge handed money to all the released inmates to enable them transport themselves back to their respective destinations..

The chief judge, who also donated hand sanitisers, face masks, plastic buckets and and other valuables to the correctional centres, urged those released to go home and embark on meaningful ventures that would improve their standard of living and shun negative tendencies that can push them into crime.

In his remark, the Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Mr. Ohiakosim Malachy Chimezie, commended the federal and state governments for the initiative, while assuring that the items donated to the centres would be utilised for the benefits of the inmates and the officers.


https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/covid-19-kogi-chief-judge-releases-41-inmates-from-prison.html/amp?__twitter_impression=true

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared at the state government rejected a trailer-load sent to the state as palliatives from the Federal Government because the rice was not good for human consumption.

This is as he confirmed that six more persons have tested positive to coronavirus in the state, bringing to 13, the total number of cases recorded in the state.

The governor said the state government will challenge the decision of the Federal Government to remove N11Billion from the Federation Account for the funding of the Nigeria Police without the consent of the state government.
Wike, who addressed a televised press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, said it was a show of insult for the Federal Government to tell the state government to go to Cross River State to get its own share of the palliatives.

He said: “You don’t have to loss your dignity because you are a poor. Come to think of it, we are not the only state that rejected the Federal Government palliatives.

“Oyo State rejected it, Akwa Ibom State rejected it. They are not edible. They even told us to go to Cross River State to carry a trailer-load of rice. I said no, I cannot go to Cross River to carry rice for Rivers people.

“You can’t just send rice to us without asking if that is what we want. Rivers people prefer garri to rice. In fact, the rice is expired.”

Wike stated that out of the 13 confirmed cases in the state, nine are active while two have been discharged and two deaths, pointing out that the active cases are receiving medical attention at the state treatment centre.

The governor said: “As at today 1st May 2020, Rivers State has recorded 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections, 4 females and 9 males. Out of this number, 2 have recovered and discharged, 9 are active and receiving medical attention in our treatment centre, while unfortunately, 2 lost their lives because of COVID-19.

Furthermore, apart from the sixth case who has no travel history, the rest were returnees to the State from Italy, United Kingdom, and Lagos or persons who had close contacts with already affected persons. Indeed, five of the most recent cases are all children and a relative of the second death case.

“The logical conclusion therefore, is that the pattern of transmission of COVID-19 in the State is evidentially predicated on importation from outside, just as the rate of infection and progression is also relatively low and arithmetical, when considered from the date of the index case.

“This is not to say that we are at the peak of this crisis and that everything about the containment and transmission of COVID-19 is under control. No; we are not, because of the challenges occasioned primarily by the negative elements that continue to deliberately undermine and sabotage our efforts to protect our people from this disease.
For instance, the 7th infected case was an offshore oil and gas worker who went and passed a night in a Lagos hotel before returning to Port Harcourt on the 9th of April 2020 with the aid of the security personnel manning our borders.

“When his symptoms started, he was admitted to a private hospital, (St. Martin’s Hospital) on the 20th and discharged on the 21st of April 2020 before testing positive to the virus after almost over two weeks of close contacts with other people.

“Had the security agencies not compromised their responsibility at the borders, this man would have been prevented from coming into Port Harcourt and threaten the lives of other people with this virus.
Again, on the 29th of April 2020, our surveillance team picked up two men from Niger Republic, who came into the State from Lagos with the help of security personnel despite the closure of the entry routes into the State.”


https://leadership.ng/2020/05/01/covid-19-why-we-rejected-fgs-palliatives-wike/

Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly been awarded the French Ligue 1 title after the season was forced to come to an end due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to French publication, L’Equipe.

DAILY POST recalls that Ligue 1 and all other major European football leagues suspended their domestic competitions due to the Coronavirus pandemic across the globe.
PSG was 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille when the season was called off by the government on Tuesday and had a game in hand over their rivals.

France’s Prime Minister Edouard Philippe stated that the return of games would not be authorized before September, even behind closed doors, as part of the next stage of the country’s lockdown plans.

In a statement, Philippe said: “The big sporting affairs cannot occur before September. The 2019-20 football season cannot return.”
It is not yet known whether any teams will be relegated to Ligue 2, with Nimes, Amiens, and Toulouse facing an anxious wait over their topflight future.

https://dailypost.ng/2020/04/30/coronavirus-psg-reportedly-crowned-ligue-1-champions/

A 25-year-old man has died of coronavirus-related complications in Lagos State.
The state’s Commissioner for Health made this known via his Twitter handle on Thursday.
He said, “87 new #COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Lagos on April 29, 2020. The total number of confirmed cases in Lagos is now 947.
“The good news is that 49 additional #COVID-19 survivors have been discharged following their full recovery. The total number of discharged patients in Lagos now stands at 187.
“We regret to announce additional #COVID19 related death involving a 25-year-old male who at the time of admission was in a state of severe breathlessness. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Lagos is now 20.
“I again urge Lagos residents to remain committed to observing necessary precautionary measures to stop COVID-19 infection. Let’s be vigilant and report any concern about COVID-19 infection in our communities.”
However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Wednesday announced that Lagos had recorded 21 fatalities from COVID-19.

https://punchng.com/breaking-25-year-old-man-dies-of-covid-19-in-lagos/?amp=1&__twitter_impression=true

The Secretary to the government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has disclosed that Nigeria may ask Madagascar to send a plane load of “herbal solutions” for treatment of COVID-19.

Speaking during the daily briefing of the PTF on COVID-19, Mustapha noted that the government was not oblivious of what is happening in some countries.

The chairman of the task force said government would request that President Buhari allow them import a plane load for a trial.

He said, “I want to assure you that whatever is happening in the world, we are mindful of it and we are keeping tab. I was reading of the experiences in Madagascar– of why everybody is drinking some solutions that have been prepared.
“This morning I was sharing with my wife, and I told her that probably I would request that Mr President to allow us import a plane load for a trial because we are all navigating an unchartered cause. Nobody has ever been on this road. So, every attempt to find solution that would bring succour to our people, be rest assured that this task force is very responsible and we would do everything to ensure that we get what will benefit our people and what will help them in the processes that we find ourselves today.”

LEADERSHIP recalls that the president of Madagascar, Andry Rajolina had a week ago launched a herbal medicine believed to cure the novel coronavirus.
Branded COVID-organics, the medicine which contains artemisa, a plant used in treating malaria, was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research.


https://leadership.ng/2020/04/29/covid-19-treatment-nigeria-may-request-herbs-from-madagascar/

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the reopening of markets on selected days in the state.
He spoke during a televised press conference on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, in a series of tweets, said the governor also ordered that schools should remain closed.
He tweeted, “Eateries and restaurants to open between 9 am -3 pm and are to do only takeout. No eat in. Also, 9 am – 3pm only! Take note! Must wear gloves and masks. Markets to open from 9am to 3pm on selected days.”
He also instructed that entertainment centres within private estates be closed for two weeks starting from May 4.
“All entertainment centres including gyms, spa, recreational facilities inside private estates are to remain closed for two weeks post lockdown in Lagos. This would be reviewed after two weeks,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu also said tricycle operators must only take two passengers in areas where they are allowed to operate.
“Commercial motorcycle operation (Okada) is also suspended across the state during the period of lockdown while tricycles (Keke Napep) is limited to two passengers only.
“All commuters to wear masks and gloves. Handwashing equipment and thermometers must be provided. Buses to load 60 per cent capacity. No standing.”
He also said only 20 people are allowed to attend a funeral.
“Funerals are permitted. Only 20 people permitted and that includes the officiating ministers and Imams. No party to follow it,” the governor added.

https://punchng.com/sanwo-olu-orders-markets-restaurants-to-reopen/?amp=1&__twitter_impression=true

Prime Minister Nuno Nabiam of Guinea-Bissau and several other senior officials have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the Lusa news agency reported on Wednesday.

Nabian and at least three other members of his government are infected, Lusa quoted Health Minister Antonio Deuna as saying in a televised address.

A government source told Lusa that the other infected officials are Interior Minister Botche Cande and two secretaries of state, Mario Fambe and Monica Buaro.
The cases are related to a senior Interior Ministry official who has died, Lusa reported.

Guinea-Bissau had recorded 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death by Wednesday, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The small country, which has a population of about 1.8 million, is considered one of Africa’s most volatile states, with 16 coup attempts since it gained independence in 1974. Four succeeded.
Nabian has served as Prime Minister since February

https://punchng.com/guinea-bissau-pm-three-ministers-test-positive-for-covid-19/?amp=1&__twitter_impression=true

9. Akwa Ibom state
Akwa Ibom State is another wealthy state in the country. It is also listed among the oil producing states located in the southern part of Nigeria. It generated N14.79 billion as IGR in 2016 with a GDP of $11.17 billion and per capita of $2,779.

Located in the southern part of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state has a territory of 7.081 square kilometers with a total population of 5.5 million people of various ethnic groups such as Ibibio, Oron, Annang, Eket and Obolo respectively.

10. Kano State
Kano State was rated the most populated state in Nigeria as of 2016 as opposed to Lagos by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics. This is the only North western state in Nigeria that is ranked as the 10th richest state in the country.

With a population of over 13 million citizens, Kano state generated N13.6 billion as IGR with a GDP of $12.39 billion and a per capita of $1,288.

https://nigerianinfopedia.com.ng/richest-states-in-nigeria/

7. Oyo state
In terms of internally generated revenue, Oyo state boast of generating N16.6 billion in 2016 with a GDP of $16.12 billion and a per capita of $2,666.
This is also a Yoruba speaking state with a population of about 12 million people in a territory that covers a land area of 28.454 square kilometers. Agriculture has also being one of the major source of wealth for Oyo state and its people. No wonder most of the working class populace are farmers.

Some of the agricultural produce from this state include: cashew, cocoa, palm oil, plantains, cassava, yam, rice, millet and maize. Most of these products are exported to other countries internationally.

8. Anambra state
Formerly the wealthiest state in the southeast region of Nigeria, Anambra state houses most of the richest Igbo people in the country. These men are billionaires, millionaires and have been dully ranked by Forbes.

Anambra state generated N14.79 billion in 2016 making it the 8th richest state in the country in terms of IGR.

5. Edo state
Edo state is also ranked the fifth richest state in Nigeria in terms of IGR. It generated up to N19.11 billion in 2016 with a GDP of $11.88 billion and per capita of $3.623. The source of wealth of this state is tourism. You can find tourist attractions like Emotan Statue in Benin City and the Ise Lake in Aghenebode in Edo state.

Edo state is also one of the oil producing states in the country located in the southern area of Nigeria. The state is rich in terms of culture and tradition. Edo states also has over 3 million people living within itself in terms of its population and covers a territory over 17.802 square kilometers.
6. Enugu state
Carved out from Anambra state in the year 1991, Enugu is the among the richest Igbo states in Nigeria currently. It generated about N18 billion as seen in the IGR report.

The major language of this state is Igbo and it is located in the Southeastern area of the country. The GDP of Enug

3. Delta State
Delta State is also another wealthy oil producing state that accounts for Nigeria’s sustainability on crude oil. With an internally generated revenue of N40.8 billion, Delta state is ranked the third richest state in Nigeria 2020.

Apart from being on of the largest depositor of Natural gas and oil in the country, other mineral resources found in delta includes decorative rocks, limestone, tar kaolin, sand, industrial clay, lignite and silica.

According to the IGR report, the GDP of Delta state stands at $16.75 billion with a per capita of $3,990. It is also one of the Niger-delta states located at the southern Geo-political area of Nigeria. Population as taken from the last census of the state is estimated at 4 million people living at Delta state in a territory of 17.698 square kilometers.
4. Ogun state
Ogun state is also one of the richest states based on IGR. You might be surprised but it would shock you to know that the state generated an estimated N34.59 billion in 2016 with a current GDP of $10.47 billion plus a per capita of $2,744.
Ogun State has over 4 million residents and a land area of 16.980 square kilometres and it is located in the south western area of Nigeria just like Lagos. It is also a Yoruba speaking state.

You can find top manufacturing companies and plants in Ogun state such as Dangote Cement in Ibese, Procter and Gamble in Agbara, Lafarage Cement in Ewekoro, and Coleman Cables in Arepo.

Nigeria is an independent country with 36 states blessed with numerous natural resources. Even though crude oil has been the main source of the country riches, there are some of these wealthy states that produce them.
In this article, we list the top 10 richest states in the federation based on IGR i.e Internally Generated Revenue. Please note that these states can survive on their own without the help of the federal government, as the source of their wealth comes from sectors like tourism, agriculture, sports etc.
1. Lagos State
Lagos stands first as the current richest state in the country based on internally generated revenue (IGR) of about N268 billion. The highest any oil producing state in Nigeria can boast of.

With a GDP totaling $33.6 billion and per capita of $4,333, Lagos state occupies the position as the fifth largest economic centre in Africa at the moment. Even if the National Population Commission rates this state as the second most populous in the country, to many it remains the highest.
Lagos houses many headquarters and organizations. The state relies heavily on taxes. No wonder, its slogan is the centre of excellence but its still one of the smallest states in the country in terms of land mass. The size of Lagos is 3.577 square kilometers.
Not only does Lagos state stand as the richest state in Nigeria, it is also the most developed state in the country boasting of the top infrastructural facilities to validate its claim as a mega city.
Although, it is located in the southwestern geo-political zone of the country, Lagos state was once the capital of Nigeria and its the hub of business for most citizens.
Lagos has a small land mass but still remains the most populous Nigerian State with an estimated population of 18 million inhabitants and is seen as the major centre for commercial activities.

Lagos is one of the few states that can stand on its own without the Federal government allocation as she can survive with her Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

2. Rivers State
Rivers occupies the position as the second richest state in the country, generating an IGR of over N80 billion in 2016 as seen in a report. According to Wikipedia, the source of wealth of rivers state is crude oil and natural gas. In fact, over 50% of crude oil produced in Nigeria comes from this wealthy state.
Rivers state boost a GDP of $21 billion with $3,965 per capita. Since it is one of the major oil producing states in the federation, many oil and gas firms such as NNPC, Shell, Total etc are situated in its capital city, Port Harcourt. The land mass size of rivers state is approximately 11.077 square kilometers and the population is estimated at 5.2 million people.