₦airaland Forum

Lockdown extension: At last, Buhari decides to speak
For the third time in six weeks since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari will Monday address Nigerians on the administration’s present effort and further plans at curbing the dreaded disease
The president had, March 30, 2020 announced an initial two-week lockdown of FCT, Lagos and Ogun states, following which  he directed further lockdown on the affected states and the FCT  by another  two weeks expected to end today.
But Ogun state government pleaded with the federal government and delayed the lockdown take-off by one week, on account of non-preparation by the residents.
And across the 36 states of the federation, governors came up with varied measures, including lockdown and curfew to ensure some level of social distancing and movement restriction of residents.
https://blueprint.ng/lockdown-extension-at-last-buhari-decides-to-speak/

COVID-19: Jubilation as Anambra celebrates first church service in 28 days
Residents of Anambra state, Sunday, celebrated what could be described as her first official boom in religious activities following  the lift on ban for congregational worship in the state.
The state Governor, Willie Obiano, had in a statewide on Saturday night, relaxed the lockdown order  which had been for 28 days due to coronavirus pandemic, urging movements and church services although with face masks and in full compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols. 
https://blueprint.ng/covid-19-jubilation-as-anambra-celebrates-first-church-service-in-28-days/

Breaking – Covid-19: Okonjo-Iweala bags fresh Int’l appointment
Former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and coordinator of economy Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed as Special Envoy for the newly inaugurated Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
The economic revolution czar will serve alongside British business executive, Sir Andrew Witty.
Their work is to basicaly mobilise international commitment to the initiative.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, who disclosed this during the launch of the ACT Accelerator — via webinar from Geneva, said, “I would especially like to thank Sir Andrew Witty and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for agreeing to act as Special Envoys for the ACT Accelerator.”
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-covid-19-okonjo-iweala-bags-fresh-intl-appointment/

Breaking: Kano deports 524 Almajiri children to Jigawa
No fewer than 524 school children popularly known as Almajiri were returned to Jigawa state from Kano state on Wednesday.
The Almajiri were repatriated by Kano state government which ordered that all almajiri in the state be returned to their respective states.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-kano-deports-524-almajiri-children-to-jigawa/

Breaking: El-Rufai overcomes Coronavirus
Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai has recovered from the Covid-19.
El-Rufaiwho disclosed this a while ago said, “I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.”
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-el-rufai-overcomes-coronavirus/

Breaking: More Covid-19 deaths rear up in Lagos
The Lagos state Commissioner of Health Prof Akin Abayomi has disclosed that new coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the state
Prof Abayomi who disclosed this, Tuesday morning, said, “#COVID19Lagos Update. No new case of #COVID19 was confirmed in Lagos on 20th April, 2020.
“However, #COVID19 related deaths were recorded in Lagos. One of the deceased was a 45 years old Nigerian male who returned from India in January, 2020.”
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-more-covid-19-deaths-rear-up-in-lagos/

Breaking: Davido’s fiancee Chioma beats Coronavirus
Chioma, fiancee to popular musician David Adeleke, also known as Davido has tested negative for coronavirus.
Davido disclosed the latest health status of Chioma via his Twitter handle, Sunday night.
He said, “Glory be to God .. Chioma has now tested negative twice for Covid19 … Thank you all for prayers …. We love you ..”
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-davidos-fiancee-chioma-beats-coronavirus/

Breaking: Retired nurse is first Coronavirus casualty in Borno
First coronavirus death has reportedly been recorded in Maiduguri, Borno state capital
According to a reliable source who didn’t want his name mentioned, the deceased is a retired anesthetic nurse who died at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) on Saturday.
The deceased had tested positive two week ago.
According to the source working in the hospital ,”the deceased, Babanguda Buba Gombe, was admitted in Medical Ward III last week and died under suspicious circumstances which led to a test to be conducted on his corpse and the result  of the test carried out on the corpse came back  with positive for COVID-19.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-retired-nurse-is-first-coronavirus-casualty-in-borno/

Obituary: What you may not know about late Abba Kyari
The demise of late Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari dropped like a shock to many early Saturday after his demise was confirmed by the Preisdency.
Though a short press release by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media didn’t explain details regarding Kyari’s death, it was in public notice some three weeks ago when he was diagnosed of the deadly coronavirus in Abuja.
Days later, he was flown out of the nation’s capital to Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre Lagos.
His life and times
Abba Kyari, Kanuri from Borno, who died on 17 April 2020 was a Nigerian politician and former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In 1980, according to different biographical information on him (aggregated by Wikipedia), he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Warwick, and also received a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Cambridge. In 1983, he was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.
https://blueprint.ng/obituary-what-you-need-to-know-about-late-abba-kyari/

Breaking: Real cause of fire at INEC office exposed
The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Abuja has been gutted by fire.
The fire, caused by power surge, razed the office of INEC ‘s director of voter registry, Mr Emmanuel Akem.
A source told Blueprint, “the fire which started at about 10.20am was quickly put out by a combined team of fire fighters from the Federal Fire Service and those from FCT with support from the National Emergency Agency.” 
“The fire incident affected the office of the Director Election and Party Monitoring only. It’s detached from the main building. The Police, DSS and Fire Service are all there. Fire put out. Nothing sensitive destroyed. The fire was caused by power surge.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-real-cause-of-fire-at-inec-office-exposed/

Breaking: Kidnappers free abducted Oba’s wife, daughter
The wife and daughter of Baba-Aso of Igbole, Oba Olusanjo Ojo, kidnapped on Monday by suspected herdsmen have been released by their abductors.
Blueprint learnt that the King’s wife and her daughter were set free Wednesday  night by the suspected kidnappers after collecting N2.5million ramson. 
Sources close to the Igbole’s palace said the ransom was taken to a bush around Igboora-Abeokuta road after the kidnappers finally settled for N2.5million 
The sources said immediately after paying the N2.5million, the king’s wife and her daughter were set free.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-kidnappers-free-abducted-obas-wife-daughter/

Police nab female armourer, gang members in Sokoto, recover arms, ammunitions
The Nigeria Police Special Tactical Squad (STS) has arrested a 28 year old female armourer Fatima Garba alongside her gang of alleged kidnappers and armed robbers reportedly notorious for attacking innocent Nigerians around Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger states.
A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, Tuesday in Abuja, said as an armourer, Fatima was responsible for ensuring the safety of the weapons used by the gang whenever not in use
https://blueprint.ng/police-nab-female-armourer-gang-members-in-sokoto-recover-arms-ammunitions

Nigerians divided over Lockdown extension as Buhari makes another nationwide speech
As at last count, 20 out of 36 states have been affected.
However, from Aso Rock comes an announcement that President Buhari will broadcast to the nation on Monday, April 13 at 7pm.
https://blueprint.ng/nigerians-divided-over-lockdown-extension-as-buhari-makes-another-nationwide-speech/

Lockdown extension: Buhari makes fresh statement, assures of more interventions
President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday thanked Nigerians for their patience and strong determination to defeat the coronavirus disease outbreak.
The president appealed to Nigerians to stay at home, and assured of more interventions.
He said: “We realise that today, there will be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, and elders that are isolated from young ones. And there will be those who live day-to-day, eating as they earn, who face real and present suffering.
https://blueprint.ng/lockdown-extension-buhari-makes-fresh-statement-assures-of-more-interventions/

Buratai ‘leads battle to flush out Boko Haram in North East’
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has relocated to the North East to oversee and direct the overall operation in the theatre and other army operations across the country.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said that Buratai disclosed this while addressing the troops of Special Super Camp Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno on Thursday.
According to him, the COAS had been on operational tour to troops’ locations in the North East Theatre of Operation since April 4.
https://blueprint.ng/buratai-leads-battle-to-flush-out-boko-haram-in-north-east/

Buratai ‘leads battle to flush out Boko Haram in North East’
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has relocated to the North East to oversee and direct the overall operation in the theatre and other army operations across the country.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said that Buratai disclosed this while addressing the troops of Special Super Camp Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno on Thursday.
According to him, the COAS had been on operational tour to troops’ locations in the North East Theatre of Operation since April 4.
https://blueprint.ng/buratai-leads-battle-to-flush-out-boko-haram-in-north-east/

‘Why Buhari granted Enahoro, Ambrose Ali, others amnesty
In what appears a major step towards containing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday granted presidential pardon to 2,600 inmates of correctional centres nationwide.

The president also extended the clemency to Chief Anthony Enahoro, former governor of old Bendel state, Professor Ambrose Alli (both late) and several others.

While Ali was governor in the Second Republic (1978-1983) and a progressive elected on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN),  Enahoro was a foremost nationalist  said to have moved the motion for the nation’s independence.


https://blueprint.ng/why-buhari-granted-enahoro-ambrose-ali-others-amnesty/

Coronavirus: US death toll surpasses Spain as nearly 2000 die in 24 hours
The United States recorded nearly 2,000 novel coronavirus deaths for a second day in a row, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University Wednesday night.
The record-breaking figure of 1,973 deaths (slightly higher than the previous day’s toll of 1,939) brings the total number of US fatalities to 14,695.
https://blueprint.ng/coronavirus-us-death-toll-surpasses-spain-as-nearly-2000-die-in-24-hours/

Zamfara: How Police uncovered ritualist’s house where top politicians plot evil
Zamfara state police command has discovered a ritualists house located at Unguwar Dallatu àrea in Gusàu, the state capital.
The Police authority said some top politicians hide inside the cubicle and plan evil machinations against each other especially leaders on seat in thee state by using unorthodox means to achieve their ill- conceived agenda.
The state commissioner of police, Usman Nagoggo, who revealed the latest development at a press conference at the command headquarters in Gusau Tuesday, said information available to the command indicated that the ritualist house has been turned to where evil doers plot all sorts of dangerous moves against the people of the state using different living creatures.
https://blueprint.ng/zamfara-how-police-uncovered-ritualists-house-where-top-politicians-feast-in-gusau/

Breaking: Funke Akindele set for prosecution
There are indications that Police in Lagos state will Monday morning arraign popular nollywood actress Funke Akindele in Court.
Akindele was arrested by the Police on Sunday evening after she hosted birthday party for her husband in their residence in Lagos.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-funke-akindele-set-for-prosecution/

Willian reveals Chelsea career coming to an end
Brazilian star Willian has admitted his time at Chelsea is coming to an end after revealing he is no longer talking to the club about a new contract.
Willian’s deal at Stamford Bridge expires on June 30 and contract negotiations have now ended after both parties failed to reach an agreement.
Willian was hoping to sign a new three-year deal but the Blues have only been willing to offer him a two-year contract.
And he now looks set to depart after spending seven years at the club.
“Really a very beautiful story that I built at this club, I have a very special affection for the fans, for the people who work there and I identified myself a lot here,” he told Brazilian publication Expediente Futebol.
“Everyone knows that my contract ends now in a few months, so the renewal is really a difficult thing to happen.
“I think it will be very difficult for me to renew because Chelsea offered me two years, I asked for three and it ended there, we didn’t talk anymore, we didn’t negotiate anymore.”
https://blueprint.ng/willian-reveals-chelsea-career-coming-to-an-end/

Breaking: Barcelona vice president tests positive for Coronavirus
FC Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and is now self isolating at home.
The Catalan club confirmed the news surrounding the test on Saturday morning after online Metrópoli broke the story adding that club executive was feeling well and generally in good health.
The twitter handle reads, “FC Barcelona’s vice president Jordi Cardoner has tested positive for coronavirus. (@TomSandersonBCN) April 4, 2020.”
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-barcelona-vice-president-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/

Breaking: Atiku’s son speaks from isolation, opens up on Covid-19 status
Son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mohammed Atiku, has spoken about his current status over one week after he tested positive for coronavirus
Mohammed who spoke via a video said he was doing fine, and would soon be discharged.
Accordin to him, “I am currently on my 12th day here and I hope to be out soon – perhaps when my next test is taken and the results are favourable. I should be on my way out, hopefully.
“I decided to do this video so that I could speak about my experience to be of help to Nigerians.
“I was asymptomatic in my first few days here and nervous; I had a level of anxiety and a little bit of trauma, especially being the index case here in Abuja. That was really the main challenge.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-atikus-son-speaks-from-isolation-opens-up-on-covid-19-status/

Bayern Munich star Boateng involve in auto crash
Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng crashed his Mercedes into a motorway barrier and caused £22,000 worth of damage after visiting his sick son in hospital.
According to German outlet Bild, Jerome Boateng was returning from Leipzig where he had seeing his son Jermar.
The 31-year-old was driving home to Munich near Selbitz in northern Bavaria, when it is claimed a change in weather caused his car to go off the road.
It is reported Boateng was not speeding, but was driving with summer tyres and as he attempted to switch lanes in the snow and rain the car lost grip and smashed into barriers.
https://blueprint.ng/bayern-munich-star-boateng-involve-in-auto-crash/

Revealed! Where Makinde contacted Coronavirus
The chief press secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Taiwo Adisa, has revealed that his principal got infected with coronavirus in a meeting where he had contact with persons who later tested positive for the disease.
Adisa who described reports making that Makinde was infected at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Ibadan, said, “The governors went back to Abuja the following day and they held a series of meetings.
https://blueprint.ng/revealed-where-makinde-contacted-coronavirus/

Breaking: Abba Kyari lands in Lagos, beats Buhari’s lockdown order
Barely one week after he tested positive for Coronavirus, Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived Lagos
The most influential aide to President Buhari is now in Lagos to continue his treatment for coronavirus.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-abba-kyari-lands-in-lagos-beats-buharis-lockdown-order/

Coronavirus: First infant dies
The US has recorded the first-ever infant death from COVID-19 after the disease claimed the life of a child younger than a year old in Illinois.
The director of the state’s public health department,  Ngozi Ezike, who announced the development on Saturday, said the baby died in Chicago.
“There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant.  A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of death,” the director said in a statement.
“We must do everything we can to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. If not to protect ourselves, but to protect those around us.”
https://blueprint.ng/coronavirus-first-infant-dies/

Breaking: Makinde slams dusk-to-dawn curfew in Oyo as coronavirus spreads
Oyo state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, on Saturday announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the state as part of the measures to curb spread of Coronavirus in the state.
Governor Makinde who announced this via his verified Twitter handle while reacting to the confirmation of two additional COVID-19 positive case in the state, also ordered closure of all markets in the state as from Sunday night.
https://blueprint.ng/breaking-makinde-slams-dusk-to-dawn-curfew-in-oyo-as-coronavirus-spreads/

Shanghai lure Ighalo back with £400k-a-week deal, £80m overall
Chinese Super League giant Shanghai Shenhua are luring back former Super Eagles’ striker Odion Ighalo back Asia from Asia with a mouth watering bumper package that will see the Nigerian eaning  £400k-a-week  salary a week in the next two years.
That new proposal worth in excess of £80m overall over the next four years, again before tax runs until the end of the 2024 Chinese season, making the deal as a whole.
Ighalo’s current contract expires in December 2022 and Shanghai wants to keep him until December 2024.
https://blueprint.ng/shanghai-lure-ighalo-back-with-400k-a-week-deal-80m-overall/

Obefemi Martins set to take over from Ighalo in China
Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins is on the verge of a return to Shanghai Shenhua, Chinese media have reported, increasing the likelihood Odion Ighalo will make his stay at Manchester United a permanent one this summer.
Ighalo has made an impressive start to life at United, scoring four times in eight games since signing on loan until 31 May from the Chinese Super League club.
Martins, who was previously contracted to Shenhua from 2016 until the end of the 2018 season, was reported by Titan Sports to have arrived in China on Tuesday and was being lined up to replace Ighalo ahead of the Chinese Super League season.
https://blueprint.ng/obefemi-martis-set-to-take-over-from-ighalo-in-china/