₦airaland Forum

Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, in this interview with TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI, speaks on the outcome of the September 19 governorship election which was won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki. He also speaks on expectations from the governor in the next four years as well as allegations of arrest and bankruptcy leveled against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Excerpts:

Before the Edo election, you boasted that that your principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki has 75 percent approval ratings and that the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu won’t score up to 30 percent votes. With the election over, can you say that you have been vindicated?

I believe that I have been vindicated by the outcome of the election. That was manifested in the massive votes the PDP got in the election. The APC only got few votes in Edo North which makes it appeared as if it was their stronghold but we all know what happened during the election which I don’t want to stress here. There were lots of vote buying and other illegal things. That was why they were able to get the number of votes they got in Edo North. But with the kind of margin we saw in Edo South and Central, it is clear that my prediction about the personality of the governor was spot on. In Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor which are the three largest local governments in Edo state, the governor scored over 70 percent in those three local governments. He scored 70 percent in Oredo; he got 71 percent votes in Ikpoba-Okha and scored 73 percent in Egor local government. He even defeated the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu in his local government of origin, which is Orhionmwon . So, it is clear that the people of Edo state believe in the governor. They see that he has worked hard for them in the last four years and they gave him another term overwhelmingly. Overall, his victory is a collective one for the PDP and the good people of Edo state and we believe he will justify the fresh mandate given to him with more laudable and people-oriented projects.

There are reports that some aides of the governor, about 42 or so who resigned their appointments and joined the opposition prior to the election are already returning to him, seeking forgiveness. How true is that?

I can only speak to what I have seen. For example, I have seen that those three duly inaugurated House of Assembly members who at the last minute went to join the illegal assembly they were having in Ize-Iyamu’s house, the three of them have come back to join their colleagues in the legitimate House of Assembly. The three of them, Yekini Idiaye, Nosa Okunbo and Emmanuel Agbaje even paid the governor a congratulatory visit yesterday. Based on that, one can rightly say that other things may be happening behind the scene as those who were deceived and left the governor’s camp have now seen the light. But I can’t say what I don’t know. What I have seen and know is that three of the House of Assembly members who initially pitched their tents with the opposition have come back. I believe that as we get along, many more people will see the futility of working against Obaseki because he is the person God and the people have chosen at this time to lead the good people of Edo state. He is also the most popular and qualified person to play that leadership role as at today.

The APC has raised alarm that the governor has ordered the arrest of members of the party after his victory in the election. How will you respond to that?

That is absolutely false. Since his victory, the governor has been waving the olive branch and white flag to the extent of even calling on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole that the fight is over and they should join hands together in building the state. That alarm that he has ordered the arrest of APC members is just untruthful statement. It is that irresponsible fellow called John Mayaki that is doing all that and he should be ignored. It is completely false and there is no truth in it. Like we said earlier, the Police is an independent institution with a clear mandate to ensure the security of life and property in the country. The police is controlled by the Inspector General of Police in Abuja and it is wrong for the APC to accuse the Edo State Governor who is still relishing the victory given to him by Edo voters in the September 19 gubernatorial election, of ordering the arrest of its members.

Now that his mandate has been renewed, what should the people of Edo expect from Governor Obaseki in the next four years?

The governor has performed his duty as governor in his first term with a lot of tact and planning. That planning was not just confined to the first four years; it actually extends to the next four years and even beyond. For example, the modular refinery is almost completed in Edo state now. What has happened now is just the first phase. The second and third phase are about to start. Also, there is the Ossiomo Power Plant project which 55 megawatts have been completed now. That project is actually a 550 megawatts project. So, the governor has his work well-planned out for him already from now till the next four years. Most of the developmental initiatives that he introduced in his first tenure, he has done it in such a way that it will span into the next four years , which is why it is very important that he wins this election. Edo people realised that if anything contrary had happened and another person emerges, a lot of this big dreams that have been started will all be cut short and the people will be shortchanged. So, our plans are very elaborate. What we are going to be doing in the second term is scaling the initiatives that we already started and ensuring that it spreads across the state. We have Edo Production Centre where small and medium scale businesses are using to enhance their outputs as at today in Oredo. More of these projects are going to be established across the three senatorial districts. The planning has been done and the strategy has already been established. It is just to ensure that now, all these things get to the entire Edo state. We have created about 200,000 jobs. With the establishment of all these projects, I can assure you that hundreds of thousand jobs will be created and more developments will be visible across the state.

During the election, the APC raised the alarm that the governor has frittered the resources of the state on seeking reelection and that the state may go bankrupt. What is the financial strength of Edo at this moment?

Governor Godwin Obaseki is an astute planner and a prudent manager of resources. He did not use state funds to prosecute his reelection. He had massive support from the people and all of these people put their money where their mouth is and they contributed to sponsor his election. If you recall, a pressure group made up by some supporters of the governor by the name, Obaseki Mandate Forum, purchased the expression of interest and nomination form for the governor when he was in APC. That is the kind of massive support that the governor received throughout the election period. Just few days after the election, the governor paid salaries and pensions to the tune of billions of naira. So, that tells you the financial state of Edo state. We are very financially stable; we have planned very well and operated the government in a very responsible manner. There is no such thing as bankruptcy in Edo state. With Governor Obaseki, the finance of Edo is in safe hands.


https://www.independent.ng/obaseki-never-used-state-funds-to-finance-his-reelection-osagie/

INDEPENDENCE DAY STATEMENT

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our great nation Nigeria, I salute all Edo citizens and Nigerians, who have continued to work towards actualizing the vision of a truly great and prosperous country.

I also rejoice with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on this auspicious occasion.

Despite our travails and challenges as a country, we give thanks to Almighty God for preserving us as a people and ensuring that the labour of our heroes past has not been in vain.

The just concluded governorship poll in Edo State is evidence of the commitment of the government and people to the deepening of our democracy, which invariably is the instrument for the upliftment of our people and improving our collective wellbeing.

We are conscious of the daunting task of charting the course of our collective destiny, and the personal and collective sacrifices required, but remain committed to upholding the unity of our country and striving together to attain assured greatness.

We are confident that after 60 years of nationhood and having surmounted numerous obstacles and uncertainties, our faith in the future of our country remain unwavering, as we continue to forge ahead as one indivisible and prosperous nation.

Happy Independence Anniversary. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed
Mr. Godwin Obaseki
Governor, Edo State

This is evil o.

Imagine what Akeredolu thugs did to this innocent men

September 28, 2020

Press Statement


… Says It Is Highest Form of Political Terrorism

The PDP National Campaign Council for Ondo Governorship Election strongly condemns Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s recourse to hate comments against patriotic leaders and citizens of Ondo state over the consensus by the people to replace him with the PDP candidate, Eyitayo Jegede.

The PDP campaign is shocked by the latest of such hate comments, wherein the deflated Governor Akeredolu, on a national television on Sunday, declared key Ondo citizens as his “enemies for life” for rejecting him and his party, the APC ahead of the October 10, 2020 governorship elections.

Akeredolu’s statement that former Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Chief Judge, Seyinde Kumuyi “are my enemies for life because they chose to support someone else. I hope God will forgive me” is an irresponsible hate speech and the highest form of political terrorism in our national contemporary history, which must be condemned by all.

We know that Governor Akeredolu and the APC have become deflated and overwhelmed by the massive support for Eyitayo Jegede and the PDP across the state, but it is indeed unfortunate that the Governor can toe such ungodly path in his desperation to cling to power despite being rejected by his people due to his failures.

It is equally unfortunate that even as a Christian, Governor Akeredolu had decided to tread a course that is totally against the tenets of the holy book, to name others “enemies for life” because of a blind desperation to hold on to office.

This is akin to the desperation exhibited by the biblical rejected Cain, who slew his brother Abel, out of envy for being more preferred because of his good works.

Our party can also relate this to the desperation with which Governor Akeredolu and his agents have been hounding the PDP candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, including their attempt on his life at Oba-Akoko, just because the people had accepted him.

Furthermore, Nigerians now better understand why Governor Akeredolu has refused to serve the people of Ondo state; because he sees them as “enemies for life”. This explains why Governor Akeredolu and his party the APC have been imposing heavy taxes, increasing levies and fees and taking all manner of steps to make life miserable for the people.

Our campaign wants Governor Akeredolu to note that the Ondo people cannot be cowed by his enmity towards them. Ondo state belongs to the people and Governor Akeredolu cannot intimidate anybody to submission.

The PDP counsels Governor Akeredolu to look around and see that he is now standing alone. He should realize that no serious Ondo leader is still with him and quietly accept the fact of his rejection by the people ahead of the October 10, 2020 election.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee

Great NEWS
����

The *Edojobs Internship and Apprenticeship scheme* is back! �


Thanks to German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) applications for Stream 4 of the scheme is open and will be open till the 7th of October.

For 4 months, 100 SMEs and 400 bright young job seekers will benefit. Apply as an intern or apprentice to get relevant work experience in your chosen field and get paid while doing so.

Trust you don't want to miss out on this opportunity, #NoSidonLook

Below� is the link to REGISTER

https:///EdojobsIAS2020

Thank you @governorobaseki for this great strides thank you GIZ Skye and cheers� to a greater Edo work force

More pics

The movie parade array of stars

The Good Husband, a Nigerian movie which explores the challenges that comes with marriages, will hit the cinemas in Nigeria from November 13, 2020.

The film, which was originally scheduled for release on April 17th before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, is produced and directed by multiple award winning filmmaker, Dickson Iroegbu DGN, and distributed by Genesis Cinemas; promises to thrill anxious audience.

‘THE GOOD HUSBAND’, narrates the story of a marriage counselor, who is committed to the success of other people‘s marriages, but allows his passion drive a wedge into his home − a generous case of taking the log out your eyes before the spec in your neighbour’s eyes.

‘THE GOOD HUSBAND’ is a timely tale in today‘s Nigeria where divorce and sometimes spousal murder is assuming alarming proportions. It explores themes of sex, communication, rigours of different perspectives of couples and respective relatives, as well as themes of love and forgiveness.

The movie promises the twist and turns of marital journeys, providing rib-cracking and reflective moments. It boasts of some of Nigeria‘s best and brightest movie exports such as Sam Dede, Monalisa Chinda, Francis Duru, Thelma Okoduwa-Ojiji, Paul Sambo and Bassey Ekpo Bassey. It also has in its cast Eeefy Ike, Shield Nwazuruahu and several others.

The producer and director of this movie, Dickson Iroegbu, a leading and talented filmmaker in Nigeria, and his company, Teamwork Studios Limited, has reached out to Churches and Mosques within and outside Nigeria to encourage the viewing of THE GOOD HUSBAND movie in order to help fight the scourge of divorce and spoilers in marriage.

Mr. Iroegbu, has produced and directed over twenty blockbuster movies, and revolutionized the Nigerian film industry with many of his movie productions such as, ‘Women’s Cot’, ‘Critical Condition’, ‘Unfaithful’ , ‘Romantic Attraction’ and ‘The Mayors’; which earned him Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Director at the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA.

Details of THE GOOD HUSBAND, including the movie thriller and synopsis can be obtained by visiting the official website http://www.thegoodhusbandmovie.com/

Tatashi:
I laugh when I hear men whine how much of a cheat they are. Lol See ehn Women are better coded cheats oh. the only crime this one committed is that she was caught. Treat your wifes right, because Men full everywhere wey go help you do your job.

When last did you tell her shes beautiful, when last did you make her feel young? OK na,continue raising your manly shoulder until your fellow man prove you wrong.

You are obviously ill-trained

We have been relief of United State of America’s action against the election riggers in Kogi state, this development is a welcome one and that shows somebody somewhere is listening to our plights and our position .

This is an indictment of our Supreme Court action, and is obvious that Bello’s so called Supreme Court victory is a mere charade and an indictment that the so called victory do not reflect the reality on ground, and this called for electoral amendment and reform

It is also a vote of no confidence on the entire Nigerian judical system, which call for complete overhaul of all facets of our political adjudication.

With this developement,it calls for concerted efforts by Nigerian government to review some of the politically motivated judgement of all the courts,to avoid further rape on our democracy in Nigeria.

This situation if not checked now,is capable of setting the citizens against each other and by extension the constituted authorities for obvious reasons.

Aside sanctioncing the perpetrators of a sane election process through rigging,killing and clamp down on opposition elements, judical officers involved in the controversial judgements of these states, should be brought to book through sanctions by the National Judicial Commission NJC.Okai said.

‘The embarrassing situation both Nationally and Internationally had brought a self imposed shame on the Nation ,a situation that had not been witnessed since the conception of Nigerian as a State of an independent Nation.’

An election where voters right to exercise their franchise were muzzled, helicopter was used to disperse and shot at voters,is enough practical and technical evidence that could warrant the utter victory or else cancellation of the process as charade.

He however appeal to the United States not to reverse the stringent decisions and monitor to the later,some of the so called public officers involved and their families,as they could continue to flout the orders by proxy/ies.

Okai also appeals to European Union to follow suit by imposing more sanction on the perpetrators of electoral offenders.

https://observerstimes.com/us-visa-ban-on-kogi-election-riggers-we-are-vindicated-our-mandate-was-stolen-usman-okai-austin-celebrates-the-action-asks-eu-to-follow-suit/

Laureta Ujunwa Uzoma has spent her life aspiring to be a prominent media personality and with her internship experiences which helped her established, stablized and still growing in the industry as a radio broadcaster reaching out to the people within and beyond.

As the daughter of an African man (Nigeria) she understands how vulnerable and ignorance people are with information dissemination in our society which can affect every facet of one’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones.

While her focus is on veteran reach. She also provides listenership for children, adults and families who are lacking information reach mostly in the rural areas.

She knows there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she continues to educate herself on emerging programs and information trends to provide the most comprehensive program that works for each of her listeners individual needs. She has experience in Program Production, Voice Over Production, Content Production Experiencing, and many others.

She received her education at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri IMO State Nigeria with HND in Library and Information Science.

Laureta is currently working with Darling Fm 107.3 Owerri as the Female Pidgin Broadcaster.

Laureta is currently seeking vote for OAP of the year at the 2020 E-Celeb Awards.

To vote follow the following steps:

visit http://www.metrolife.ng/e-celeb-awards-2020-voting/
Scroll to “OAP of the year” and select Laureta Ujunwa Uzoma “Radio tata (Darling fm)
Connect with Laureta:
Email: whiteeverex@gmail.com
Facebook: Laureta Uzoma
Twitter & Instagram: @Radio tata

Wiseandtrue:
Na house them dey look before them name a child

APC

He is a failed aspirant

Anthony IGBINOSA used to be a diehard supporter of Pastor Ize-Iyamu. He even donated vehicles to support the campaign of the Pastor.

Soon, all the few supporters of Ize-Iyamu will abandon him and join the winning team

“I AM DISAPPOINTED BEYOND LEAPS AND BOUNDS”- ANTHONY IGBINOSA CRIES OUT.

Yesterday was a very tough day for me , my friends , family and most especially my wife here in Huston, Texas.

Before the channels TV Governorship Election debate yesterday, I invited my friends over to my house and then I went to the supermarket to get the necessary drinks in preparation for the debate, because I assured them that Pastor OSAGIE Ize Iyamu was going to flaw Governor Godwin Obaseki in the debate.

At the beginning of the debate, I actually thought I was day dreaming when Pastor OSAGIE Ize Iyamu was dodging almost all questions. What really got me angry was the fact that he was attacking the Governor, he was looking angry, bitter, frustrated and at a point my Congolese friend had to tell me that “your candidate does not seem prepared for this debate”.

From what happened yesterday, I just called my friend Osarentin EDOSOMWAN who happens to be my childhood friend and through whom I have donated two sienna vehicles and many other campaign materials to Pastor OSAGIE Ize Iyamu campaign organization including the campaign face caps and tshirts that I have done.

Since I can’t retract the other things I have done for them, I have directed my mechanic to go to osarentin EDOSOMWAN’S house to retrieve my two sienna vehicles because Ize Iyamu is not the right man for the job, he is not looking prepared and he has to go and fix his anger issues.

I have also directed my family members at home to vote en masse for Governor Godwin Obaseki this Saturday. I have changed my mind and I am pledging my support for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki because the performance of Ize Iyamu at yesterday’s debate was laughable and not one to be associated with.

I have been calling osarentin EDOSOMWAN but he is not taking my calls and he is not returning them as well. I am going to retrieve my sienna vehicles this morning. COPIED from fb
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2778547485750465&id=2045648479040373

The Police should be neutral and unbiased, and not turn itself into a political organisation

EXCLUSIVE: IGP ABUBAKAR DEPLOYS CP UMAR, DCP KYARI, DCP KOLO AND ACP SHEM TO RIG EDO FOR OSHIOMOLE, IZE-IYAMU


The Inspector General of Police, IGP Adamu Abubakar, has deployed Commissioner of Policr GB Umar, Deputy Commissioner Yusuf Kolo, Deputy Commissioner Abba Kyari and Assistant Commissioner Evans Shem, to Edo state for the governorship election that will hold on Saturday but without any specific official responsibility.

A reliable source at the police force headquarters who is privy to the deployment of the officers, confirmed that their deployment to Edo state was at the behest of Adams Oshiomole, the former APC national chairman that was disgraced out of office in July.

Adams Oshiomole, also a former governor of Edo state, has been jittery of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his sterling performance since both men fell out in 2019 due to obnoxious demands by the former APC national chairman.

In June 2020, the Oshiomole, knowing that he couldn't stop the governor from securing a second term, manipulated a Committee of APC to disqualify Governor Obaseki participating at the party's primary. He was however shocked when the Governor, alongside majority members of APC abandoned the party for the Peoples Democratic Party. A few weeks after the move, Governor Obaseki was adopted unanimously as the gubernatorial candidate of PDP; which was greeted by wild jubilation across the state.

Oshiomole, who is backing the unpopular candidacy of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a controversial pastor that was rusticated from the University of Benin several years ago, vowed to employ every shenanigans to distract and frustrate Governor Obaseki and stop him from getting a second term.

Our source informed us that in order to achieve his sinister desire, the former APC national chairman coopted IGP Adamu to sanction the deployment of the 4 senior police officers to help him manipulate the election and subvert the will of the electorates against Governor Godwin Obaseki.



#APCRiggingMercenariesInEdo

Obaseki is working... He will do more in the next 4 years

Governor of Edo State and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 19 governorship election in the state, has promised to tackle the unemployment situation in the state by encouraging private sector investment in the state if elected for second a term.

Obaseki was speaking Sunday night in the Channels Television-organised governorship debate, promising to create 157,000 jobs for indigenes of the state.

He said his administration has opened up the airport in the state which was attracting about eight flights daily to the Benin airport.

“I will create 2,000 jobs in the next four years. We hope to create 157,000 jobs and creating an enabling environment for the private sector,” Obaseki said.

“We are not competing with the private sector but aim to open up the state. Since we came on board, we have opened up the Benin airport, now we have about eight flights to Benin airport daily,” he said.

On his part, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), promised to revitalise the security architecture in Edo State and increase funding to them to enable creation of 10,000 jobs in the sector for indigenes of the state.


He lamented the poor state of security in the state, stressing that if elected, his administration would give it a priority.

https://businessday.ng/politics/article/edo-governorship-debate-ill-encourage-private-sector-investment-to-create-jobs-obaseki/

Press Statement

Fuel Hike: You Are Pushing Nigerians to the Wall, PDP Cautions Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautions that the Buhari Presidency is pushing Nigerians to the wall with its arrogant display of insensitivity and total disregard to the demands by the citizens to effect an immediate downward review in the pump price of fuel.

The party described the attempt by the Buhari Presidency to justify the wicked increase in the pump price of fuel from N87 per liter under the PDP to N160 as provocative, confrontational and totally unacceptable to Nigerians.

Our party holds that the defence of such a humongous hike, which has worsened the hardship being suffered by Nigerians under the Buhari administration, is in bad taste and should be rescinded immediately.

It is indeed an unpardonable slap on the sensibilities of Nigerians that after running a heavily corrupt oil trade and subsidy regime, through which over N14 trillion naira had been allegedly frittered by its officials, the Buhari administration seeks to put the burden of high costs on innocent and already impoverished citizens.

The PDP totally rejects this attempt to hinge the increase in fuel price on presumed removal of oil subsidy when it has failed to account for the proceeds of oil sales in the last five years, even in the face of confession by the Managing Director of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, in April this year, that the APC administration had been running an over-bloated and sleazy oil subsidy regime.

Also the Buhari administration had failed to account for the confession by the NNPC that it was engaged in secret siphoning of oil money through a clamed subsidizing of fuel for certain West Africa countries.

The PDP recalls that prior to his emergence as the President, General Muhammadu Buhari (as he was then known) had declared fuel subsidy a fraud. Five years after, the government, which he heads, is watching over a subsidy regime that is brimming with corruption.

Our party insists that Nigerians should not be made to bear the brunt of the huge corruption in the Buhari administration which has wrecked every aspect of our national economy.

It is incredulous and shameful for this administration to predicate the reckless increase in the cost of fuel on a faulty comparison with costs in other countries of the world, whereas the daily standard of living, the purchasing power and living wage of the average Nigerian in the last five years cannot be compared with what obtains in those countries.

Such comparison is therefore not only absurd but also completely illogical.

Our party had at the wake of this increase cautioned the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to misinterpret the patience and law-abiding nature of Nigerians as a sign of weakness on this issue.

It is clear that the APC administration is completely anti-people as displayed in its refusal to heed to the cries of suffering Nigerians, who have rejected the fuel price increase, and there is no way history can be kind to any President who subjected Nigerians to the economic anguish and pains they have been suffering in the last five years.

Again, we caution the Buhari Presidency and the APC not to continue to test the elasticity of the will of the people.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the hike in the price of petrol by the Nigerian Government.

PDP warned that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government was pushing Nigerians to the wall.

A statement by party’s spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the hike as an “arrogant display of insensitivity and total disregard to the demands of the citizens to effect an immediate downward review in the pump price of fuel.”


In the statement entitled: ‘Fuel Hike: You Are Pushing Nigerians to the Wall, PDP Cautions Buhari,” the former ruling party stressed that the Buhari administration was anti-people.

Ologbondiyan maintained that the current administration has further worsened the hardship of Nigerians through the latest hike in the price of petrol.

The party stressed that the hike should be “rescinded immediately.”

The statement reads partly: “It is clear that the APC administration is completely anti-people as displayed in its refusal to heed to the cries of suffering Nigerians, who have rejected the fuel price increase, and there is no way history can be kind to any President who subjected Nigerians to the economic anguish and pains they have been suffering in the last five years.

"Again, we caution the Buhari Presidency and the APC not to continue to test the elasticity of the will of the people.”
https://dailypost.ng/2020/09/07/petrol-price-hike-pdp-warns-buhari/

The Federal Government has called for caution as some state governments announce reopening of schools, saying that COVID-19 remains potent and very dangerous.

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the 62nd joint national briefing of the taskforce.

According to Mustapha, as the nation plans to re-open more sectors, everyone must stay the course and stick with the winning strategy which is anchored on the ability of our health institutions to contain the virus.

“While citizens wear facemasks properly, stay away from crowded places, avoid mass gatherings, maintain simple hygienic practices and as much as possible protect the elderly and most vulnerable to this pandemic.

“It is in the above context that the PTF appreciates the on-going calls for re-opening of the education sector and indeed some sub-nationals are already making preparations for such.

“Whilst the PTF does not discourage making such preparations, we need to be guided by experiences from countries such as Germany, France, the United States and the UK where opening of schools in some cities led to an increase in confirmed cases and fatalities,” Mustapha said.

The SGF also noted that the taskforce would be submitting the seventh Interim Report to President Muhammadu Buhari and would be guided by his directives on the next phase.

Mustapha said that the decisions and approval would be transmitted at the national briefing on Sept. 3, 2020.

He said that as the nation entered the last few days of the extended eased lockdown phase of the Nation’s National Response this week, the PTF, like the global community, was confronted with a series of emerging new developments around the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the global number of confirmed cases has exceeded the 25 million mark and is attributable to resurgence in countries hitherto considered to have effectively contained the virus.

“While a good number of countries that have relaxed restriction measures are actually re-introducing such, which in some cases are being made more stringent on the basis of lessons learned.

“The PTF has observed that South Africa is no longer in the top five with the global cumulative cases. It has similarly observed that Ethiopia is also rising strongly.

“The PTF will continue to monitor developments all over Africa even as we prepare to open up the international air space for flights.

“The PTF has also observed that from the point the global numbers entered the 20th million, growth in cases has been on the average of a million cases every four to five days.

“This is a trend that deserves a lot of attention and the PTF is doing that. For us in Nigeria, the last three weeks have shown a slowdown in the number of confirmed cases.

“Indeed, in the last four months of testing, the lowest daily figure of confirmed cases, 138 was reported on 30th August 2020,” he added.

He, however, called for caution and vigilance on the declining numbers because the virus was still potent and very dangerous.

Mustapha said that the position was informed by the fact that in spite of the nation’s enhanced testing capacity, the number of samples collected for testing have not been encouraging.

He said that while government intensify its targeted testing strategy, it still urged the states to expand the scope of their sample collection.

The SGF also recalled that at the outbreak of the pandemic, it was predicted that the African continent, with its weak health infrastructure and propensity to high disease burden, would be the worst hit.

He, however, said that a recent publication by the Weekly Science Review had indicated that in spite of having 17 per cent of the global population, Africa had accounted for just five per cent of global confirmed COVID-19 cases and three per cent of deaths.

Mustapha said: “ A recent study by a group of African countries in East Africa indicates that Africa has weathered the storm of the pandemic with a death ratio of 1:10000 persons at a total of 23,000 so far.

“According to the study, far more Africans have been infected with the virus and are now resistant to it for reasons such as more exposure to variants of the coronavirus and regular exposure to malaria and other infectious diseases, which prime the African Immune system to fight new pathogens.

“The PTF is, however, studying the manifestation of the virus in Nigeria and in other countries and continents in order to understand its nature.

“This should ordinarily give us encouragement that we are winning the war against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But unfortunately, the science, data and experience from other parts of the world indicate that such data should be viewed with extreme caution, as it is prone to be very deceptive and could be misleading.

“If we let down our guards and be influenced to deviate from our strategy of cautious optimism that have brought Nigeria this far.”

The SGF said that the noticed gradual shift in areas of high infection burden with Plateau reporting the highest number of confirmed cases could be related to increased testing by citizens of the state.

He added: “however, we also need to look at the flip side that there are a number of highly undetected cases lying around which we need to discover and deal with early.”

Mustapha noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had published a draft landscape of the COVID-19 candidate vaccines and that as at August, 2020 a total 173 candidate vaccines are under evaluation.

He said: “Thirty three are under clinical evaluation (eight at phase 3 trials); 143 candidate vaccines are in pre-clinical evaluation;

“As the PTF has always maintained, early testing, detection, tracing and treatment remains the second-best option for dealing with this pandemic, with the first being staying safe.

“In this wise, we implore Nigerians to get tested and present cases requiring treatment early to reduce our avoidable fatalities.

“Testing positive for coronavirus is not a death sentence, not testing and concealing cases of symptoms and presenting late is what leads to death,” he said.


https://www.inform.ng/post/fg-cautions-state-against-hasty-school-reopening

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), says  with five built refinery plants across the country and seven in the making, Nigeria will be a net exporter of petroleum products in the next two years.

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of DPR, Sarki Auwalu disclosed this in Lagos when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed paid a working visit to the headquarters of the department.

Auwalu assured that  the flow of import would reverse when the new refineries come on stream in the next two years.

 He added that the feat would be achieved through the combined capacity of 375,000 barrels per day from 27 modular refineries, 650,000 barrels from the Dangote refinery and the 450,000 barrels from the government refineries.

Specifically, he said the Dangote integrated refinery and petrochemical project with 650,000 barrel per day, the.biggest in Africa, Waltersmith refinery with 7,000 capacity per day, and others that were almost near completion would come on stream.

The existing five included the four plants owned by the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the one owned and operated by Niger Delta Petroleum Resources.

Auwalu said that the aspiration of DPR was to grow the oil reserve to 40 billion barrels and gas to 210 trillion cubic feet.

He added that the department would also grow oil production from its current 2.4 million capacity to three million production capacity and as well reduced cost of production.

“Currently, we have oil prospective license about 61, more than 2, 000 wells that are producing crude oil and condensate, we have about 125 wells producing gas.

“We equally have 20 floating, loading and offloading vessels. 28 oil terminals, several float stations and oil and gas processing factories,” he said.

The director said that none of the functional oil facilities stopped work because of Covid-19 pandemic and the country maintained production and export.

The director took the minister and the entourage to inspect server and control rooms in the  headquarters where oil production, shipping and related activities were monitored real time.

In his remarks, the minister commended the management of DPR for the measures taken to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic to cripple the nation’s economy.


The. minister also commended the government agency for its role in sustaining peace in the host communities of Niger Delta which had resulted to a halt in pipeline vandalism and restiveness.


“What the DPR does goes far beyond technical because their engagement of the oil producing communities is very key. When we came in 2015, production had dipped because of the restiveness in the Niger Delta.


“Its not by accident that we have some stability and modicum of peace in that area today. Its because of the policies that have been put in place to continue to engage the communities,” he said.


He also commended the DPR for the accountability it exhibits in the management of the flow of revenue to the nation, which goes straight into the Treasury Single Account.

https://www.inform.ng/post/nigeria-to-become-net-exporter-of-petroleum-products-by-2022-fg

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina was on Tuesday sworn-in as the President of African Development Bank, AfDB for a second term of five years.

The AfDB President in a passionate speech unveiled his vision for for his next five years.

Speaking at the swearing in, Adesina said more than ever before, his second tenure would expand partnerships, which included “financial partnerships, knowledge partnerships, and investment partnership.”

“We will drive Africa’s growth further, deeper and faster to build a stronger and more resilient Africa.

“Let us move forward driven by the power of our mission and emboldened by the strength of our togetherness…Together we achieve more, we become more resilient, we build build a better bank. Together we win for Africa,” he stated.’

Adesina added that the high five programmes of the bank had impacted 335 million people across Africa.

“That’s what the African Development Bank, your Bank, is all about… ‘people impact’….We expanded our presence to 44 countries, including across fragile states. Our staff risk their lives to deliver,” he said.

The high five impact programme of the bank over the past five years are:  access to electricity, access to improved agric technologies, access to private investment finance, access to improved transport infrastructure and access to water and sanitation.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at the virtual swearing in said “Dr. Adesina has led the bank with integrity and purpose over the past 5 years. The next five years promise to be even more noteworthy. Know that you have our full support.”

Also, President of Liberia, George Weah said Adesina’s re-election signified Africa and the world’s confidence in his leadership.

“Your reelection signifies Africa and the world’s confidence in your leadership. Liberia looks forward to continued partnership under your leadership. All the best my brother, and congratulations,” he said.

President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, stated that “having an election with 100% of votes is something that could serve as a roadmap for you to forge ahead in your mission. I wish to congratulate you and your family and the African Development Bank team.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-dr-adesina-takes-oath-of-office-for-another-term

Space never reach for us wey be indigenous Nigerians .. You de call oyinbo abi na afin sef

The problem with some politicians is that they don't think before talking.

This video captured Pastor Ize-Iyamu comment on Education in Edo state, and subsequent fact by Governor Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POUlu7xdrwQ


Mr Ize-Iyamu is the only pastor that lies so effortlessly - Oshiomole

Evil man

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, over his re-election as the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Ooni expressed his heartfelt joy through a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare, obtained by InformNG on Friday, in Ile-Ife.

He explained that Dr. Akinwunmi’s re-election is a product of his good character and hard work.

“Omoluabi is the name we descendants of Oduduwa call good character and it is the same way we address people like our very unique Dr. Akinwumi Adesina with such unique human quality.

“Aside from being an Omoluabi with enviable human qualities, records of the re-elected AfDB president show hard work, love for one’s country and uprightness.

“The entire Oduduwa race is indeed proud to have this gem among us; from his humble beginning as a farmer’s child to his days as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

” Dr. Adesina has been known as a man of due process and this dissolved the negative charges against him during his re-election bid.

“Rather than the probe work they were hired to do, both internal and external auditors at the AfDB ended up appraising the genuine son of Oduduwa for his blemish-free administration.

“On behalf of the entire race of Oduduwa globally, I am delighted to congratulate our good son, while I wish him a successful tenure.” Ooni Ogunwusi said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ooni-felicitate-with-adesina-on-reelection-as-afdb-president

Golan007:
Surely you mean "brief".

Thank you

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, received Governors Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa and Simon Lalong of Plateau in a bid to unite members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo, Ogun and Oyo States.

InformNG reports that the APC recently inaugurated a five-member reconciliation committee chaired by Badaru, to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in Imo and Ogun States.

Other members of the committee are Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.

Badaru spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with the vice president.

“I met with the vice president as a party leader to discuss the assignment that the party has given to me to see how best we can unite and make the party strong in Imo, Ogun and Oyo.

“ I briefed him on what we have done so far and he gave us some suggestions on how to do the job very well.

“In addition to that, I briefed him today for the zero oil committee; we met today and we are charting our progress and a new agenda for the development of non-oil exports.

“`It is just to make sure that the party is strong and is back again and if there are ripples among members of the party; bring them together and make sure we have one strong and powerful party,’’ he said.

For his part, Lalong said that the meeting with the vice president was in continuation of the committee’s assignment to reconcile the parties.

According to the governor, the committee has started the reconciliation work concerning Imo, Ogun and Oyo states but the vice president’s input is needed.

“We need some information from him to also assist us in reconciling the parties; that was why we came here to consult him.

“As a very senior party man, he can always give advice; he gave his own advice on how to go about it because he is very much interested in reconciliation within the party; to guide us.

“ So, we have taken the advice and we are going back; especially, one of the states is his state; he is from Ogun.

“And part of the reconciliation, he is also Ogun; you cannot do reconciliation without consulting him; he knows everybody that is there; he knows part of the problems that are there; so, he can always give us advice as to how to go about it,’’ he said.

Lalong said that as the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, consultations were being made to resolve the Southern Kaduna crisis.

He said he had issued a statement in respect to the crisis condemning the crisis and also calling for calm and proper investigation.

“What happened in Southern Kaduna also happened in Plateau State before.

“In addition to that, on my own, I had a meeting with some Southern Kaduna people and I went back to the governor.

“ Two days ago, I was in Kaduna to inform the governor that we are having meetings; that we will help him.

“After consultations, we will still come back and sit down with the governor because we must see the end of this crisis,’’ he said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/apc-governors-brief-vp-osibanjo-on-party-reconciliation

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed delight at the progress made in Nigeria-Norwegian relations in the last four years.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement on Friday.

He quoted the president as making his feelings known at a virtual farewell meeting with the out-going Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Jens-Petter Kjemprud.

Buhari commended Kjemprud for the bilateral accomplishment in the area of oil and gas, fishing, humanitarian assistance in the Northeast and other benefits that his efforts have brought to Nigeria.

“I congratulate you on your performance and hard work and for the help in the promotion of welfare of people in the Northeast where we have problem of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and infrastructural deficit.

“We are very grateful. Thank you,” he said.

The out-going Ambassador in his speech, said his four-year tenure had grown economic relations between the two nations substantially.

He noted in particular, the presence of more than 70 Norwegian companies in the country as well as the important step by the Norwegian Sovereign Welfare Fund to invest in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

He also cited as a very important achievement, the organisation of two donor conferences driven by Norway that raised more than one billion dollars for the development and humanitarian assistance to the Northeast.

https://www.inform.ng/post/buhari-hails-nigeria-norway-relations

The Edo state PDP campaign council has condemned assassination attempt on the life of a local government chairman in the state by suspected APC assassins.

The party, through the Chairman of Campaign Council in the state, Chief Dan Orbih, also vowed to resist killings of supporters by suspected thugs of APC.

Watch video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO502y3H29s