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COVID-19: NMA warns Nigerians of second wave
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA , today warned of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country as Nigerians show flagrant disregard for Federal Government’s prevention protocols.
The NMA President Professor Innocent Ujah at a press conference today in Abuja on the communique issued at the Awka , Anambra State NEC meeting today in Abuja said that the second wave of the pandemic is coming as a result of disregard for non pharmaceutical prevention protocols warning efforts of containment of the scourge.
The association appealed to Nigerians to take the COVID-19 prevention advisories very seriously in order to interrupt the transmission and reduce the I’ll health and deaths from the dreaded disease.” The strict adherence to the NCDC Protocol of use of face mask , regular hand washing and use of sanitizers and social as well as physical distancing is very strongly advocated. Non essential travels should not be embarked upon especially during this Yuletide season and beyond.”
The NMA said it is also worried over the brain drain by Frontline health workers at this critical time. The association bemoaned the incessant spate of emigration of highly trained Nigerian doctors and other health care professionals to greener pastures ( brain drain) at a time when their services are critically needed in Nigeria, observing further that efforts at engaging these Nationals have not yielded results.”
The NMA further lamented the continual practice of medical tourism by privileged Nigerians and urged the Federal Government to establish the National Health Bank to help fast – track the infrastructure, procurement of the state of the equipment that will provide world class health care for Nigerians and reverse medical tourism.
December 14, 2020
BREAKING: The Kidnappers have contacted us –Masari Reveals
Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, has said the abductors of at least 333 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, have contacted his government.
He made this known when he briefed President Muhammadu Buhari, in Daura on Monday.
This was contained in a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
It was titled, ‘Gov Masari Briefs President Buhari On Kidnapped School Children, Assures Of Steady Progress In Rescue Efforts’.
The statement partly read, “President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Daura, Katsina State, received more briefing on children kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, with an assurance from Governor Aminu Bello Masari of steady progress to bring them out unharmed.
“The Governor, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of the state, Manir Yakubu, said the kidnappers had made contact and discussions were already on pertaining to safety and return to their homes.
“Governor Masari also noted that security agencies had located the position of the children.
“The Governor said the President was fully committed to the rescue of the school children, adding that it was only appropriate to visit the President and give him more details of rescue efforts.”
Bandits had stormed the school on Friday night and abducted the students after a gun duel with the police. The President had arrived in the state on Friday, hours before the abduction took place.
December 14, 2020
Ogun set Three persons ablaze over alleged theft
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the lynching of three persons in the state over suspicion of theft.
The police said the incident happened at Aseese area of Mowe, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement by the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, on Monday, the command said it has observed with great concern, the rate at which some members of the public are taking laws into their hands and applying jungle justice on people suspected of crimes.
Speaking, Oyeyemi said, “the unfortunate incident happened in Aseese area of Mowe in Obafemi Owode LG area of Ogun State, where three people were beaten to death and their vehicle set ablaze on mere suspicion of theft, the allegation that has not been substantiated by anyone.
“It was the quick Intervention of police from Mowe Division that saved the other two from being gruesomely murdered.”
Oyeyemi mentioned that the act is common among commercial motorcycle riders, who he said are always in the habit of attacking motorists involved in an accident with any of their members.
“Their usual practice is to set such vehicle ablaze regardless of whether their member is at fault or not, the PPRO revealed.
”The Command is hereby using this medium to warn that such unlawful behaviour will no longer be tolerated in any part of the state, and anybody caught in such dastardly act will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the dictate of the law.
While acknowledging the right of everybody to arrest criminal suspects, Oyeyemi explained that such arrested person should be handed over law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
He said it is an act of barbarism for anybody to apply jungle justice on suspects, no matter how weighty the allegation levelled against such a person may be.
Oyeyemi warned those in the primitive act to desist from it henceforth saying the command will leave no stone unturned to hunt down or anyone culpable of this act and bring same to justice.
“To be forewarned is to forearmed!” Oyeyemi stated emphatically.
December 14, 2020
Julius Berger embarks on CSR project in Bonny
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, last Friday partnered Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (LNLG) Limited, the nation’s gas production and management giant, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)for the reconstruction of the historic but extinct Bonny Consulate Building.
The epoch-making event was signed at the Royal Palace of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, JP, Perekule XI, Amayanabo and Natural Ruler of the Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom in Rivers State.
At the ceremony which was graciously hosted by the revered Bonny Monarch and was attended by a full compliment of the Kingdom’s Council of Chiefs ably led by the Chairman of the Council, a retired army colonel and highly respected community leader, Alabo Dagogo Wilcox, the GM, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the NLNG, Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams.
While Tobias Meletschus, the Executive Director, Corporate Development represented the Managing Director Engr. Dr. Lars Richter and led the company’s delegation to the ceremony, the multiple award-winning Gas production and management giant, the NLNG, was led to the ceremony by its MD, Tony Attah.
Tony Attah, used the occasion of the MoU signing ceremony to thank Julius Berger for its “steady partnership and for joining hands to bring this dream alive”,adding that there is a Bonny-Dubai Vision planned and intended “…to upscale the prominence of Bonny and make it a major investment destination, diversify its economy from reliance on oil and gas to other areas such as tourism,, create strong infrastructural base and improve the quality of life of its people”. Attah further said: “…the signing of the MoU marks the consolidation of the NLNG’s true partnership with Julius Berger and Bonny Kingdom”
Speaking for Engr. Dr Lars Richter the MD, Tobias Meletschus thanked the Management of NLNG for their serious and worthy commitment to the partnership with Julius Berger for the joint CSR project for which both companies signed the MoU in Bonny. Julius Berger, he said, considers it “a great pleasure to extend our cooperation with NLNG – by partnering to reconstruct the Bonny Consulate building as a gift to the Grand Bonny Kingdom.” Meletschus added that: “It is especially fitting for Julius Berger to participate in this CSR partnership, as 2020 marks our own 50^th Anniversary, which we have commemorated through a number of CSR activities across our project locations”. He further emphasised that Bonny Island has long been a key project location for Julius Berger, the company having first arrived for business on the Island over 20 years earlier, in the mid-1990’s, “as the first major contractor tasked to carry out infrastructural work for the NLNG plant … and have continuously been working on the Island and have reliably and successfully delivered a number of significant projects, no matter the challenge.”
Julius Berger, Tobias Meletschus said, remains confident that its history of serial good success and habitual reliability for project delivery is clearly headed for realisation once more in the ongoing project for the construction of the strategically important Bodo-Bonny Road, the first road link between Bonny Island and the the rest of the world. “This milestone infrastructure development project will go a long way towards the advancement of the Niger Delta and serve as a catalyst for the continued success of Bonny Island once completed”, he added.
Defining the Bonny Consulate Building as a project “woven into the history of the Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom”, Meletschus said Julius Berger feels honoured to be partners for both the construction of both the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Bonny Consulate Building, adding that both projects would weave into the future of the Grand Bonny Kingdom “for the benefit of the Island and its communities”.
Meletschus on behalf of the management of Julius Berger, and specifically the Managing Director Engr. Dr. Lars Richter who regrettably could not be in Bonny for the ceremony, thanked the NLNG for their partnership and for their significant CSR contributions both for the funding of the Bodo-Bonny Road, and for the joint commitment towards community development through the reconstruction of the historical Bonny Consulate building.
Finally, Meletschus offered Julius Berger’s significant appreciation and thanks to His Royal Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, JP, Perekule XI, Amayanabo and Natural Ruler of the Ancient Grand Bonny Kingdom and the very good people of the Kingdom “for the continued trust and good cooperation over the many years.”
Earlier during the event, Alabo (Col.) Dagogo Wilcox, the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs in his remarks at the event, traced the history of the Bonny Consulate Building to between 1893 and 1894 when it was established by the British Government as the official court for the adjudication and resolution of disputes which arose from the commercial transactions in the then Oil Rivers Protectorate. A video presentation at the ceremony on the history of the building showed that it was officially dismantled in 1897 when the court of equity it housed was relocated to the new governmental administration headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Alabo Dagogo thanked both the NLNG and Julius Berger “for the companies’ major and voluntary corporate social responsibility initiative to reconstruct and restore the historical Bonny Consulate Building at its old site”, adding that “the worthy combined efforts and action by Julius Berger and the NLNG should encourage other corporate concerns in the Kingdom and the country in general to also meaningfully contribute in real developmental terms to their host communities”. Alabo Dagogo further celebrated the fact that “the signing of the MOU between these two commendably responsible corporate citizens, Julius Berger and the NLNG for the reconstruction and restoration of the Bonny Consulate Building will significantly restore the strategic status of Bonny as a world tourism destination”.
In his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony, the Bonny Monarch, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, JP, Perekule XI, commended both the Management of Julius Berger and the NLNG “for positively impacting the Kingdom in many ways of working fervently (with the Kingdom) to retain Bonny Kingdom’s status as a harbour of great value”. The King thanked Julius Berger for being a worthy partner, and assred the parties to the MoU a continued cordial relationship for the sustainable prosperity of both the Bonny Kingdom and businesses operating in the Island.
Prince Moses Duku, the Group head of the Media Relations Office and Engr. Ingo Edinger, Technical Manager also accompanied the Executive Director, Tobias Meletschus as part of the Julius Berger delegation for the MoU signing ceremony in Bonny Island.
December 14, 2020
CJN Swears-In 72 New SANs, Warns Against Disobeying Court Orders
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad on Monday swore in 72 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria and also warned against disobeying court orders.
Although the CJN Muhammad is absent from the ceremony, the next most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour represented him and administered oaths to the new SANs.
The legal practitioners sworn-in as SANs were awarded the rank as a mark of excellence and for having distinguished themselves as Advocates and Academics.
The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee had earlier in November elevated 72 lawyers to the rank of the SAN.
Details later…
December 14, 2020
Armed thugs disrupt Coalition of Northern Groups security meeting in Kaduna
Armed thugs on Monday, disrupted a security review meeting organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Kaduna and chased out participants.
The meeting slated for 14-15 December at Arewa House was aimed at developing a module for Broad Based Community Acton for Self Defence, Deeper Engagement and Enhanced Synergy between states in the north.
It was gathered that the thugs brandishing cutlasses and other dangerous weapons stormed the venue soon after the meeting commenced. They candalised properties and chased out participants.
Participants at the meeting include security experts, traditional and religious leaders, groups, civil society, businesses community, government, trade, youth, opinion leaders and women associations from each of the 19 northern states.
December 14, 2020
Omah Lay and Tems arraigned in court for flouting COVID-19 guidelines in Uganda
Nigerian singers, Omah Lay and Tems have been arraigned before the Makindye Division court in Kampala for flouting COVID-19 guidelines in Uganda.

The fast-rising stars were on Sunday December 13, arrested together with their managers for holding an illegal concert at Ddungu resort in Munyonyo where they gathered big crowds, contrary to President Museveni’s directives on the prevention of the spread of Covid-19.
It was gathered that the organizers of the event disguised the show as a lunch and dinner event but it turned out to be a concert with large crowd in attendance.
Omah Lay, Tems, and the others were arrested and charged with doing “acts that are likely to cause the spread of infectious disease, Covid-19,” according to him Assistant Superintendent of Police and Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luk Owoyesigyire, Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Earlier in March, Museveni banned all music concerts, closed down bars, banned fans at all sporting events, and reduced the numbers of people who could attend church services.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health on Sunday reported 461 new confirmed coronavirus cases, taking the total number of cases in the country to 27,532.
December 14, 2020
FG suspend issuance of licences for operations of Free Trade Zones
The Federal Government has suspended issuance of licences for the operations of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) in the country.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, announced this at the inauguration of the panel on the evaluation of the performance of FTZs, on Monday in Abuja.
A statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Ifedayo Sayo, quoted him as saying that all applications for FTZs licences would not be processed until the completion of the panel’s assignment.
Adebayo said that the key objective of the panel, headed by him, was to make recommendations that would inform government’s strategy on FTZs, based on thorough evaluation of their current operations.
He said that the panel would also work its other terms of reference to provide a clear and detailed report within eight weeks of inauguration.
According to him, the panel, which also has the Minister of State in the ministry, Mariam Katagum, as member, will map out clear strategies to evaluate the operations of the recipients of FTZs licences.
This, he said, would help in delivering world-class FTZs, as expected under the Presidential Priority Projects (PPP).
The minister noted that FTZs in the country had not performed to expectations, especially in terms of impacting positively on the industrial development of the country, as being witnessed in developed nations.
“It is important to note that FTZs in most developed countries have contributed successfully to their industrialisation process.
“The model was adopted by the Asian Tigers and today, most countries, including African countries, are beginning to key into the idea.
“Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has begun delivery of world-class FTZs across the country.
“However, due to poor implementation, we have yet to take delivery of the dynamic potentials of FTZs as an instrument for economic growth,” he said.
According to Adebayo, Nigeria presently has 33 licensed FTZ operators, adding, however, that only 12 are operational due to poor implementation.
He said that currently, the performance of FTZ licencees had been below expectation, thus heavily impacting on government’s ability to deliver on crucial priority areas.
“FTZs are key to the nation’s push towards industrialisation. Globally, they account for 68 million jobs and generate 500 billion dollars annually.
“The sector can be extremely lucrative, if executed efficiently and we must aim to improve the operations of our zones,” the minister said.
December 14, 2020
Political Leaders converge on Abuja tomorrow for Jonathan’s book launch
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), are to converge on Abuja on Tuesday for the public presentation of a book with the title,
“Dear President Goodluck Jonathan (An Open Letter),”
written by a Nigerian journalist and former Managing Editor of the Daily Times Newspaper, Bonaventure Phillips Melah.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Dr. Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the book presentation organizing committee
Dr. Reuben Abati, a former Presidential spokesman would review the book while Alhaji Bala Muhammed, Governor of Bauchi State would the chairman of the programme.
He added that other special invitees expected at the event which is taking place at the Executive Hall of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, include the leadership of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government.
The statement said that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike would serve as Chief Book Presenter, supported by Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Duoye Diri, among many others.
Arase stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan would be physically present at the occasion and that governors, senators, House of Representative members, serving and former ministers, political and religious leaders, among others are expected at the event.
The statement had it that, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, Sultan of Sokoto and President, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs alongside His Royal Majesty, King Amalate Johnnie Turner, MFR, JP, the Obigbo Mikimiki 1 of Obanema, Opume Kingdom, Ogbia, Bayelsa State are to be royal father of the day.
Arase said- “The book is an open letter written to the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan by a concerned Nigerian.
The programme provides the platform for the writer to present the letter to Dr, Jonathan. It is after the presentation of the letter that we can begin to talk about the letter’s content.
” According to Arase, former President Goodluck Jonathan is a national and international figure which is the reason leaders of all the leading political parties as well as members of the diplomatic community, were invited to witness the presentation of the letter to him without consideration to whatever political coloration.
December 14, 2020
Annah Daniel emerges NAWOJ FCT Chairperson
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, weekend, elected Comrade Annah Iyana Daniel of the Federal Ministry of Information Chapel as chairperson to pilot it’s affairs in the next three years.
The election, which held at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Utako, and supervised by the national leadership of NAWOJ, also saw the election and inauguration of four other officers of the chapter.
Comrade Annah, an Assistant Chief Information Officer and Resident Information Officer (RIO) at the Federal Ministry of Information, was returned unopposed following the NAWOJ National Secretariat’s ratification of the disqualification of the incumbent chairperson, Ms. Stella Okoh-Esene, by the Josie Mudasiru-led Credentials Committee.
The other officers include the incumbent vice chairperson, Mrs. Joyce Remi Babayeju, Assistant Editor at DayBreak Newspapers, who polled 68 votes against 58 votes by Hajiya Aisha Ali of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to be reelected for a second term in office.
Others are the incumbent assistant secretary, Mrs. Nkiru Nnoli-Okeke of Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria (FRCN), who polled 74 votes against 52 votes by Ekwi Ajide of Anambra Broadcasting Cooperation (ABC), to be elected as secretary.
The incumbent internal auditor, Glory Josiah of HardTalk Magazine, was returned unopposed as Assistant Assistant Secretary, just as Mrs. Remi Johnson of FRCN was also returned unopposed as Financial Secretary.
Announcing the results at the end of the election, which was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, the secretary of the committee, Ms Ruth Tene of This Nigeria Newspapers, commended members for their orderly conduct and noted that the committee discharged its duties in accordance with the constitution of the NUJ, even as all resolutions reached were endorsed by the NAWOJ National Secretariat and duly communicated to the committee.
Inaugurating the new executive, the NAWOJ National Vice President, Zone D, Mrs. Jamila Abubakar, tasked the new executive to always uphold the constitution of the NUJ and do right by all.
She urged them to carry all members along in the spirit of sisterhood the association champions, noting that there are no losers in NAWOJ as it is one big family.
In her acceptance speech; the chairperson appreciated the national leadership of NAWOJ, the NUJ FCT Council and the leadership of all NUJ chapels in the FCT for their support to the chapter during the processes of the election.
“Most importantly, I wish to appreciate all NAWOJIANS, because this is all about you. NAWOJ is one big family, irrespective of our political inclinations. It is time to close our ranks, come together, work as a team, and forge ahead.
“The elections are over and we are all winners. I wish to state emphatically that I do not have enemies or rivals, I am only here to serve my fellow women journalists in every way possibly and I need the support of all members of NAWOJ to succeed,” the chairperson said
Speaking further, she commended NAWOJians for coming out enmass to exercise their franchise, especially for identifying with her campaign theme of repositioning the association, pointing out that with their support the executive can achieve all its campaign promises and even much more.
“There is a lot of work to be done and I believe by the God of grace we shall triumph. I count it a privilege to work with you my sisters of vision and mission. Our target for NAWOJ FCT is quality representation, training, mentorship, advocacy, empowerment and support. Thus we must hit the ground running. We must make NAWOJ FCT great again.
“We count on the support of our national leaders, the leaders of NUJ FCT Council and all chapels. There is no doubt that women journalists face a lot of challenges including harassment, intimidation and victimisation; amongst others in the course of carrying out their duties. We promise to ensure that women journalists are equipped to cope effectively and even surmount these challenges. We must confront and address these issues. Nothing is impossible if we put our hearts to it.”
December 14, 2020