No date yet for resumption of schools – FG

There is no fixed date for reopening of schools shut over the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Government has declared.

It said despite the agitations for reopening of schools, it would continue to monitor situations with a view to preventing a spike in the infection rate.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, stated this in Abuja during the Presidential Task Force (PFT) on COVID-19 100th day briefing.

According to him: “There is no fix date on schools’ resumption. The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 is studying the situation, carrying out reviews every two and four weeks to access the situation and judge when it is safe.

“The Federal Government is taking very seriously the balanced between safety and preventing disease explosion, and the opening of schools.

“We are encouraging schools to embrace online training and education as much as possible.

“As soon as the details are established and the risk of transmission is measured and established, then, schools will reopen.

“We are aware of what is happening in neighbouring countries through the organ known as the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO).

“Few days ago, we held an inter-ministerial meeting of the Ministers of health of the West African region to compare notes, review strategies, understand how others are tackling their problems, and reach a common ground on how to protect our region.

“We also consider how to do procurement together to reduce cost and how to share materials that we get from donations to the region.

“The protocol for border activities is also being studied. We have through WAHO, worked out protocols on how border crossings will be conducted, particularly passenger transport.

“It has not been opened but we are working out the opening protocols and the measures that need to be taken for countries to protect themselves.”

He added: “Interstate travel is still prohibited but travels within the states are allowed. Non-essential travels should be postponed, delayed or cancelled for now.

“We also encourage local governments with high burden (called hot spots) to be strictly followed the advisories, stay indoors, use masks, and also ensure that movements to those hotspots are restricted.”

The Nation

Protection against rape: Legalise pepper spray, stun gun for females ― Oluwo tasks govt

Oluwo of Iwoland, HIM Oba (Dr.) Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has tasked the Federal Government under President Muhammed Buhari to legalise the use of stun guns and pepper spray for females as defence items against Rape.

Oba Akanbi pointed having stun gun or pepper spray is temporal protection against rape, calling on the Nigerian government to permit females access to the two items as an immediate rescue in the hands of rapists.

Condemning the incessant cases of raping that have permeated our society, Oluwo said there is need for the urgent protective measure to curtail the menace.

A statement released by Oluwo’s press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, stated the call becomes necessary to safe females lives who were raped and killed. He hinted the need for the Federal Government to safe more lives through licensed of defence items such as stun gun and pepper spray for the exclusive use of females.

He suggested stun gun and pepper spray could form part of females accessories on their handbag and purse as a defence for unapproved sexual attempts.

“The reported cases of raping is alarming and call for a serious concert by responsible stakeholders. Apart from a constitutional penalty against Rapists , I want to charge the government to consider the legalisation of the use of stun guns and pepper spray by females as protective items against unapproved sexual attempts.

“Many ladies were raped and killed. I’ve strong trust that the items, when approved for females will protect them against such an unjust treatment and return sanctity to our society”

“By that, the constitutional provision is a long term punishment while pepper spray and stun gun are short term defence measure. The defence instruments could form part of females’ accessories in their handbags and purses.

“The spate of reoccurrences is unassuming. It must be checkmated through further constitutional legislations to invite sanity to our society and respect the dignity of Nigerian females.

“There are training sessions available overseas even in South Africa for females to learn how to use it in warding off attackers.

“Rapists are coward animals and not human. The trauma of their victims is an eternal curse of no remedy. Raped victims are no doubt mentally disturbed and emotional imbalance. When done with mutual consent and agreement, the two enjoin and enjoy in merriment

“Raped victims should not be ashamed. 

Talk about it and you shall be assisted. It is never the end of life. Though, an ugly experience but should be shared overtly or covertly to unravel and penalize offenders and serve as a deterrent to others. A problem shared is a problem solved. If shared, many ladies will learn to prevent similar experience while the likes of perpetrators are warned against such”

“The perpetrators should not take advantage of a lady visiting your home. Even, a responsible husband and wife seek each others consent before engaging in sex. No lady deserves to be forced for sex. Sex is dignity and should be respected through mutual consent by both genders.

Nigerian government should enforce a penalty against rapists. Legislators can come up with stricter legislation to protect the pride of Nigerian females and approve the use of defence items. Doing such will speak sense to greedy sexual men and restore normalcy”

Oluwo enjoined Nigerians to respect each other’s dignity and toe the path of honour on mutual agreement on sexual intercourse.

Vanguard

Governor Fayemi signs Sexual Violence Against Children law

… advocates national consensus on sexual violence

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has called for a synergy among all the states of the federation to combat the incessant occurrence of child defilement and rape in the country.

Dr. Fayemi stated this on Friday while signing into law the Sexual Violence Against Children (Compulsory treatment and care for child victims of sexual violence), recently passed by the state House of Assembly.

The Governor who reiterated the state’s policy of zero tolerance to all forms of sexual violence against women and children said the law reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to support the effective prosecution of sex offenders as well as present an opportunity for child victims to enjoy a necessary treatment by the government.

The governor lamented the rate at which women and the girl child are being violated in the country describing it as an act of extreme violence that must be addressed urgently before it gets out of hand. In the drive to combat the scourge nationally, Fayemi calls for a state of emergency to deal more effectively with the menace.

Fayemi promised to engage the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in a conversation on the issue to determine what emergency measures to put in place to address the crisis situation more effectively. He urged the state House of Assembly to engage the civil society and the private sector with a view to identifying urgent intervention in ending violence against women and girl children that can be implemented immediately.

Governor Fayemi said, “Today, I’m proud to sign a law that affirms one of the important policies of my administration. That is our policy of zero tolerance of all forms of sexual violence against women and children. The ‘Compulsory Treatment and Care for Child Victims of Sexual Violence Bill, 2020’ reaffirms our commitment not only to prompt medical care for child victims of sexual violence but also supports our resolve to achieve the effective prosecution of sex offenders.

“It is my view that there is a need for a national consensus on the issue. I will be engaging the Nigeria Governors’ Forum at our next meeting to determine what emergency measures can be put in place to address this crisis more effectively and on a national basis. Meanwhile, I will urge the House of Assembly to engage civil society and the private sector with a view to identifying urgent interventions in ending violence against women and girls that can be implemented without delay.”

The governor revealed that his administration enacted several laws against sexual violence and had undertaken a number of programmes to enable effective action against sexual violence during his first term in office. This he said included the review of legislations, practices, and customs that discriminate against women; laws, policies, and programmes that explicitly prohibit and punish sexual violence and ensuring an improvement in the quality and accessibility of services so that women and children have prompt access to support services regardless of their location, age or finance.

He explained further that his administration specifically established a Register of Sex Offenders of all persons convicted of acts of sexual violence and adopted a policy of publicly naming and shaming convicted sex offenders as well as putting machinery in motion to strengthen the Gender-Based Violence Management Committee to oversee the implementation of the GBV Law.

“In many respects, however, it is now obvious that we need to do more to confront the severity of the challenges we face. Our response must be efficient and proactive to end a culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice and deterrent. It is against this background that I now wish to enumerate some of the additional measures we will be taking.

“First, by virtue of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Child Victims of Sexual Violence Law, 2020’ a child victim of sexual violence in this State will have rapid access to a medical facility that can administer emergency medical care, including treatment to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and counselling.

“We are going to overhaul and modernize our register of sex offenders to ensure it is effective in combating sexual violence. I have directed the Ministry of Justice to consider additional measures to make the register permanently accessible to the public.

“The Ministry of Justice is further directed to reaffirm state policy of opposing bail and rejecting plea bargain proposals from perpetrators of rape and child defilement. The State Government’s policy of ensuring that convicted sex offenders do not benefit from my power of prerogative of mercy remain in force.” Dr. Fayemi added.

The Governor also directed the Ministry of Justice to work on measures to clear the backlog of rape and child defilement cases delayed because of the closure of courts during the COVID 19 period adding that his administration was determined to improve conviction rates and provide comprehensive and appropriate support services to ensure survivors of sexual offences are not subjected to further trauma.

While seeking the cooperation of medical facilities and the security outfits in the state whose roles are crucial to the implementation of the law, Dr. Fayemi expressed his appreciation to State House of Assembly for its prompt passage of the law.

ekitistate.gov.ng

13-year-old girl drugged, gangraped in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development has launched an investigation into the raping of a 13 - year - old girl in the state .

It was learnt that the girl was drugged before being gangraped by the four men . They later dumped her underneath a parked vehicle near her house.

According to the ministry, the victim was taken by suspects on a motorcycle that was “ ridden by an unsuspecting biker and dumped underneath a parked car close to her house.”

The Ministry stated on its twitter handle on Thursday that after hours of frantic search, the victim was found by a relative and immediately taken to the hospital.

It said the four rapists and one collaborator have since been arrested and the case moved to the State Criminal Investigative Department.

“ After investigation, the suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction ,” it said.

It stated that while the ongoing conversation “ on # SayNoToRapists continues , the monstrous practitioners have not shown signs of slowing down.”

The case of rape has recently gathered momentum following several cases of rape on social media.

Only recently, a 100 level student of the University of Benin, Vera Uwaila Omozuwa , was raped and killed in a church.

PUNCH

NASS member regrets comments on rape debate, apologizes to Nigerian women

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC-Borno), has regretted the comments he made at the Thursday’s plenary, apologising to Nigerians, especially women.

Jaha, at an interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, recalled his comments at the debate that women should cultivate a habit of proper dressing to avoid unnecessary harassment from men who could not control themselves.

The lawmaker, representing Chibok, Damboa, Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno, said he regretted making such statement as it affected the sensitivity of women.

“I have made a mistake that has offended the sensibilities of fellow Nigerians and indeed, fellow human beings, particularly women who are our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters.

“While I totally reaffirm my position that rapists should face death sentences, I regret the part that talks about the dressing of women.

“I deeply apologise for this position, because as some have rightly argued, my comments, could imply that women who are victims, share the blame of being raped.

“This clearly, could not have been the intention of someone who suggested death penalty for rapists,” Jaha said.

The lawmaker said that there were three sets of people who never made mistakes: “the dead, those incapacitated and those that are healthy, but useless to the society”.

According to him, mistakes are for those who make efforts, but gets it wrong; it is then left to them to own up to their mistakes, take responsibility, tender apology and dedicate themselves to genuine repentance.

Jaha said that a woman’s choice of dressing could not justify rape, saying that if women who were the weaker sex show discipline by looking away when men were not well dressed, men should even do better.

“I know that it is a divine responsibility for every good man to protect and preserve the pride of a woman.

“Most women are born with natural strength of endurance, that is why they are able to go through childbirth, to nurture families, take care of relations and still able to earn descent livelihoods.

“Women do things with completeness. I admire this so much because I have benefited from the sincerity and commitment of women.

“I hold women with the highest respect, with great pride and with so much love that is pure and responsible,” the parliamentarian added.

Jaha also apologised to his colleagues in the house and his constituents who might have been disappointed by his comments, especially female lawmakers.

He called for the domestication of Violence Against Persons and Prohibition Act and other relevant laws against gender-based violence in the country.

NAN

Buhari Sitting On A Chair Inside Mosque: This Is What It Means

Buhari Sitting On A Chair Inside Mosque: This Is What It Means

There have been discussions on why President Muhammadu Buhari sat on a chair inside the mosque during Friday Jumat service.

The first time Buhari was seen sitting on a chair to observe prayers was during the recent Eid-il-Fitri prayer with his family in the Aso Villa in Abuja.

Before now, the President is not known for sitting on the chair to observe any form of Solat, be it obligatory or ceremonial. Even after he returned from a medical tourism then, he attended the Jumat services praying on the mat like other worshippers.

The question is, what has changed? Is anybody allowed to sit on a chair inside the mosque?

As we are ageing, the body also changes. Our health is also affected and that may mean different things in different parts of the body to different individuals.

To some, their legs are affected as they age. Some, their eyes and so on.

Performing prayer while sitting on a chair is not allowed for people who have the ability to perform the prayer in a normal way.

That is, anybody who has the ability to perform the prayer, by paying due regard to all the postures of prayer like qiyam, ruku`, sujud, etc should do so without any excuse.

In Islam, it is only the sick and travelers that are allowed to pray in the sitting position, lowering their heads a little bit for ruku` and more for sujud.

In fact, sick people people are allowed to pray in whatever position they deem convenient, even while lying down.

For those who are not sick, it is forbidden to pray sitting down on a chair, whether they are praying in private places or public. In Islam, all the postures of prayer must be observed.

A Saudi Islamic lecturer and author, Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid says “Standing is an essential part of prayer, if a person fails to stand during the prayer, from the initial Takbeer to the final salam, with no valid excuse for that, his prayer is invalid.”

According to Al-Baqarah: 238, Allah says: “And stand before Allah with obedience”.

For obligatory prayers, if a person sits down to pray when he is able to stand, his prayer will be invalid before Allah. Truly, such prayer will not get any reward. More so, this is actually counted as a sin.

As a result, it is important to tell those who perform prayers sitting on the chairs during the obligatory prayers that it is not allowed for them to do so if they are able to stand.

This is allowed unless they find it extremely difficult to stand.

Get it right, somebody must find it extremely difficult to stand or to observe all postures. A slight difficulty is not an excuse.

I have seen people asking if Buhari is bigger than God for sitting on a chair during Eid and Jumaat prayers.

It is not a matter of being bigger than God. It is a matter of the condition of the body.

Many people commenting on the issue have no idea what it means to observe prayers sitting on the chair. 

The Eagle Voice

FAYEMI MOURNS DEATH OF SIR REMI OMOTOSO

FAYEMI MOURNS DEATH OF SIR REMI OMOTOSO

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has mourned the death of boardroom guru and former Chairman of the Board of Standard Chartered Bank, Sir Remi Omotoso, who passed on Friday, after a brief illness.

Omotosho, a seasoned administrator and industry leader in Nigeria’s financial sector, hailed from Ayedun-Ekiti. He was aged 75 years.

Dr Fayemi, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, described the late Omotoso as an illustrious son of the Land of Honour, a dynamic leader in the financial sector and a patriot who served his fatherland diligently and made Ekiti proud through numerous achievements.

He described the late Omotoso as a frontline investor, thoroughbred professional, seasoned administrator and impactful community leader who lived a life of service to God and humanity.

Dr Fayemi, who hailed the contributions of the late Omotoso to national development, noted that the deceased served meritoriously in several top management positions he held in the last four decades including as Chairman of the Board of Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, DN Meyer Paints and Greenwhich Trust Limited; as well as Group Managing Director of Odua Investment Company Limited and Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry at different times.

Omotoso was also chairman, PPP Committee of Ekiti State during Governor Fayemi’s first term and served actively in the State Covid-19 Response Resource Mobilisation Committee, where he served as Chairman of the Funds Management and Evaluation Committee and the Dederal Government Relations Committee.

Governor Fayemi said: “Despite Sir Omotoso’s busy schedule, he invested, his time and resources and energy on many laudable initiatives that impacted positively on the lives of the people and was always ready to support successive administration in the state with his wealth of experience and extensive national and global contacts.

“For us in Ekiti, this is a huge loss. Sir Remi Omotoso was an exemplar. He represented our very best in Ekiti and made great impact in almost every aspect of life.  He remained a source of pride and inspiration to generations after him.

“Though we shall miss his wise counsel and positive disposition to developmental issues, but we are comforted by the fact he lived a good life and left behind legacies of  service and honour. He remains our pride in Ekiti”.

“Our prayer is that God will grant him eternal rest and comfort the family”, the Governor added.

 

Signed

Olayinka  Olayinka Oyebode

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekiti State

Statement From Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, On The passage Of His Excellency, Late Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua

“I received the news of the death of Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua with shock and pray that the Almighty God would comfort those that he left behind. I pray that God would forgive the departed his sins and accept his soul."

Evangelist Olumilua was a reputed career diplomat who worked assiduously and served with utmost probity and distinction; and his passing has created a deep void within the political space as he will truly be missed.

His time as Former Governor of Old Ondo State, we saw a heightened period of cooperation between  the state and the Federal Governments; that created several opportunities for the benefit of the State. I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Late Olumilua as former Chairman of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission and Chancellor of the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

I reckon that these are tough times for the Olumilua Family and our State; and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this time of deep sorrow."

Indeed, Ekiti has lost an illustrious son and a committed public servant. May his soul rest in perfect peace and may perpetual light shine upon him."

Signed:

Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Senator Representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, National Assembly, Abuja.

Fayemi meets religious leaders, raises committee on opening worship centres

 

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Friday met with religious leaders as part of steps to reopen worship centres shut to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Governor at the meeting inaugurated a committee to fashion out modalities and come out with workable protocol that won’t compromise lives of worshippers after the religious centres might have been reopened.

The committee is made up of representatives of the state government, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Fayemi gave the committee one week to submit its report to the state government.

Fayemi who stressed that the lives of the people of the state are very precious to him noted that the meeting was in fulfillment of the promise he made in tbe statewide broadcast he made on May 31.

The Governor emphasized that attention will be paid to working out modalities that would not jeopardise the lives and tb health of worshippers.

Nigeria confirms 350 new cases of COVID-19, total now 11,516

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 350 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 11,516.

The centre disclosed this on thursday night via its verified Twitter handle.

“350 new cases of #COVID19; Lagos-102 Ogun-34 FCT-29 Borno-26 Kaduna-23 Rivers-21 Ebonyi-17 Kwara -16 Katsina-14 Edo-10 Delta-10 Kano-10 Bauchi-10 Bayelsa-9 Imo-8 Plateau-4 Ondo-3 Nasarawa-2 Gombe-1 Oyo-1.”

The 102 cases confirmed in Lagos brings the total number of cases at the nation’s epicentre of the virus to 5,542. Also, 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have recorded more than 100 cases of COVID-19.

Considering the number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Nigeria, Kano State has the second highest after Lagos with 980 confirmed cases; FCT -792; Katsina -385; Edo -351; Borno -322; Kaduna -320; Oyo -318; Ogun -316; Rivers -290; Jigawa -274; Bauchi -256; Gombe -170; Kwara -127; Delta -116; Sokoto -115; and Plateau -113.

Going by the NCDC report, Cross River is the only state in Nigeria with no case of the coronavirus. The Centre has reported three cases of the virus in Kogi State.

The recent report by the NCDC also noted that 3,525 persons infected by the virus have recovered and were discharged while unfortunately, 323 people have lost their lives to the virus.

This bring the total number of active cases of the coronavirus in Nigeria to 7,668.

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FORMER ONDO STATE GOVERNOR EVANGELIST BAMIDELE OLUMILUA

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS FORMER ONDO STATE GOVERNOR EVANGELIST BAMIDELE OLUMILUA

 

President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with government and indigenes of Ekiti State over the death of Evangelist Bamidele Isola Olumilua, who was a former governor of Ondo state from 1992-1993.

The President sympathizes with family members, friends and associates of the former governor, who worked very hard to improve infrastructure and livelihood of people in the state.

President Buhari affirms that Evangelist Olumilua played an active role in the return of democracy in the country, and served as Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Board.

The President prays that the almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort his family.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 4, 2020

Photos: Gov. Fayemi on a Condolences visit to Pa Olumilua family at Ikere Ekiti.

Gov. Fayemi on a Condolences visit to Pa Olumilua family at Ikere Ekiti.

BREAKING: Chelsea agree Timo Werner deal

Timo Werner: Chelsea agree deal in principle to sign RB Leipzig striker

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.

The Germany international striker has a €55m (£49.4m) release clause which expires on Monday June 15.

Chelsea have offered a £200,000-a-week contract to Werner, who also interested Liverpool and Manchester United.

He had publicly indicated his preference to move to Premier League leaders Liverpool but they were unwilling to pay the release clause in the current climate.

Werner had also described Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as the "best coach in the world".

That allowed Chelsea to move in for their number one forward target, and the 24-year-old is happy to play for Frank Lampard's side. His priority has always been to sign for a Champions League club where he can play regularly.

Werner will join Hakim Ziyech, who is joining from Ajax for £33m on July 1, as new additions at Stamford Bridge this summer following their transfer ban being lifted by FIFA in December last year.

Chelsea were unable to sign players last year and opted not to bring in any acquisitions in January, instead focusing on their main targets this summer.

The club are also interested in bringing in a new left-back, with Leicester's Ben Chilwell their number one target.

Sky Sports 

PREMIER LEAGUE ANNOUNCES SUBSTITUTE RULE CHANGE

The Premier League has this afternoon released a statement confirming that for the rest of the 2019/20 campaign, each team will be allowed up to five substitutions in a match and team benches will increase to nine players.

The full statement reads:

Premier League Shareholders today agreed temporary changes to the rules relating to substitute players.

For the remainder of the 2019/20 season, the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players.

This is in line with the temporary law amendment made by the International Football Association Board last month.

Shareholders also approved for Clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season.
 

The Premier League season is due to recommence on 17 June, with a full round of fixtures involving Chelsea to take place across the weekend beginning 19 June.

Fayemi Mourns As Ex-Governor Olumilua Dies At 80

       

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the death of former Governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Ishola Olumilua.

Olumilua who served as Governor in old Ondo State (from which Ekiti State was created) died in the early hours of Thursday, June 4, in Ikere Ekiti after a brief illness.

The Governor described Olumilua's death as a monumental loss to Ekiti State which the deceased served in different capacities till he breathed his last.

Dr. Fayemi said ex- Governor  Olumilua's death came few months after he celebrated his 80th birthday in his hometown where his ideals once again came to the fore, adding that nobody knew that the former Governor would soon depart for the world beyond shortly after joining the club of  octogenarians.

The Governor described Olumilua as a humble servant of the people, a compassionate leader, a politician whose actions were guided by the fear of God and a revered statesman whose impact positively affected the people he served.

He said Olumilua excelled as a foreign service officer, public servant, politician, community leader and clergy.

The Governor noted that Olumilua's tenure in old Ondo State between January 1992 and November 1993 was remarkable in execution of life changing policies and projects within limited resources.

Dr. Fayemi said Olumilua's worth was appreciated by the Federal Government which appointed him as the Chairman of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission where he served diligently without blemish.

The Governor recalled that the deceased equally excelled as the Chancellor of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) during his first tenure in office during which the university was rebranded and became one of the most sought after institutions for admission seekers in the country.

He also described Olumilua as a disciplined and selfless party man and one of the leading lights of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders' Forum in Ekiti State, adding that the former governor was  a stabilising force in the ruling party.

Fayemi said Olumilua's death has robbed the state and party of wise counsel noting that the vacuum created by the loss will be difficult to fill.

The Governor urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and left legacies of service, statesmanship, peacemaking, service in God's vineyard and honour.

"Our revered Baba has gone to be with his maker. We lost a refined statesman and a man of honour. We are however consoled by the fact Baba lived a good life and left behind a legacy of honour and a good name. May his soul rest in perfect peace." 

Signed 

Yinka Oyebode 

Chief Press secretary to the Governor 

04- 06- 2020

Man Sentenced To death For Raping Kaduna Two-Year-Old To Death

For raping a baby that was 2 years and 9-month-old to death, a Kaduna State High Court sitting at Dogarawa Sabon Gari Zaria has convicted one Usman Shehu Bashir of Dogarawa area to death by hanging.

While delivering judgement on Wednesday, Justice Kabir Dabo said the judgement passed was under section 221 of the penal code, Kaduna state law 1999 as amended.

“The convict has confessionally confirmed the occurrence of the offence, as well, his written statements also confirmed. By these two confessional statements, the Court passed the judgement,” the judge said.

The case began on the 23 March 2015 and lasted for five years,

“On that fateful day, the convict took late Fatima to his room and for about 40 minutes, he raped her which led to her death….after the establishment of all the evidence of committing the crime.”

After passing the judgement Justice Kabir Dabo said the convict has the right to appeal within 90 days of the judgement.

In her reaction, the State Counsel Barrister Jummai Dan Azimi said the Court has done justice to the case.

Father of late Fatima, Malam Zakariya Ya’u Dahiru said the judgement passed on Usman has justified what he did to his daughter.

Bamidele Olumilua, former Ondo governor, dies at 80

Evangelist Bamidele Isola Olumilua, a former governor of old Ondo state, is dead.

Olumilua had a stint as governor of the state in the third republic — from January 1992 to November 1993.

He was said to have died at the age of 80

Details later.

COVID-19: Ekiti State Case Update

Ekiti State Government can confirm that five (5) of the samples sent to the NCDC accredited laboratory for testing has returned positive results of the #COVID19 virus infection. 

Two (2) previous cases have also been discharged. 

This brings the total confirmed cases in Ekiti State to twenty-five (25), of which five (5) active, (18) discharged, and two (2) deaths.

Nigeria records 348 new cases of COVID-19, total now 11,166

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Nigeria on Wednesday rose to 11,166 as 348 new infections were announced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The NCDC disclosed this on its verified Twitter handle on Wednesday night.

“348 new cases of #COVID19; Lagos-163 FCT-76 Ebonyi-23 Rivers-21 Delta-8 Nasarawa-8 Niger-8 Enugu-6 Bauchi-5 Edo-5 Ekiti-5 Ondo-5 Gombe-5 Benue-4 Ogun-2 Osun-1 Plateau-1 Kogi-1 Anambra-1.”

Rape: Women becoming vulnerable in Nigeria – Aisha Buhari

Mrs Aisha Buhari , wife of the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has called on the Ministry of Women Affairs and all security agencies to expedite action and ensure justice is done on all rape cases in the country.

Mrs Buhari made the appeal in a message she posted across her social media platforms on Wednesday .

The message came a few days after a first - year student of the University of Benin, Uwa Omozuwa , was raped and killed in Edo State.

An 18 - year - old student of the Federal College of Animal and Production Technology, Moore Plantation, Ibadan , Barakat Bello , was also reportedly raped and killed in Ibadan , the Oyo State capital .

Mrs Buhari said it was devastating to hear about the gruesome murder and rape of ladies by men who are supposed to be their fathers and brothers.

She wrote , “ It is devastating to hear about the gruesome death of our daughters who were mercilessly raped by men , who in some cases are their fathers, brothers, and protectors of their chastity.

“ Women are increasingly becoming vulnerable in a society that is expected to guaranty their safety and we owe it a duty to do everything possible to protect them.

“ Last year , I started working with governors ’ wives of the 36 states to end gender- based violence in Nigeria. I launched a campaign with the governors ’ wives and other stakeholders and issued a statement nation - wide in response to increasing and frequent reports of GBV with the slogan – Leave our daughters alone!

“ This was followed by a planned advocacy for the constitution of a presidential task force on ending GBV in Nigeria; prospective members were identified. The objective is to review the policy and legal framework on GBV with a view to proposing strengthening measures and an improvement plan .

“ In view of the recent developments, I, therefore, call on all stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as well as legal and security agencies to expedite action so that justice takes its course accordingly.

“ I will continue to work with the governors ’ wives to ensure that relevant structures and policy frameworks are put in place to end gender- based violence in Nigeria.”

(Punch)

Police arrest 2 suspects for alleged gang-rape of 17 year old girl in Ekiti

Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl.

The teenager was hawking sachet waters and soft drinks around 7pm on Monday when she was attacked at the popular Oja’ba market in Ado-Ekiti. 

Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu noted that the Command has commenced an investigation into the matter, assuring that the case would be thoroughly prosecuted and ensure justice prevails. 

The medical bill of the victim was offset by the Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a world-renowned gender activist,  she is the Chairman of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC). 

Ritualists kill 78-year-old woman in Ekiti, drain her blood, remove vital organs

Residents of Odo-Oja area of Ikere-Ekiti, in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, are currently wallowing in fear following the gruesome murder of a 78-year-old widow, suspected to have been killed by ritualists.

Ekiti Police  Command Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), ASP Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the incident, described it as “unfortunate and mysterious”.

Abutu said investigation had begun into the case and that the Criminal Investigation Department, had been directed to take over the case.

He added that the corpse of the deceased had since been recovered, and deposited in the morgue of the State Specialist Hospital in Ikere Ekiti.

Concerned local sources, had earlier told newsmen that the victim, Mrs Sabianah Aranilewa was not only killed, her blood was drained and vital organs were removed by suspected rituals.

Also confirming the reports, the deceased’s son, Mr Eyitope Aranilewa, said his mother had earlier gone missing on Friday, May 29, around 6: 45a.m while washing clothes at her residence along Moshood road, Odo-Oja area of Ikere-Ekiti.

He said his mother’s friend referred to as Mrs Ojolo, first raised the alarm and organised a search party, but efforts to find her proved abortive until 4p.m when her corpse was found inside a stream with her throat slit and other vital organs removed.

Said he: “On that fateful day I got a distress call that my mother was missing.

“It was my mother’s friend, Mrs Ojolo who resides within a short distance from her shop that raised the alarm when she did not see her in the shop

“The matter was immediately reported at the Police station, but it was not long that information came that her body had been located at a place not far from the home.

“She was slaughtered like a goat and the corpse dumped in a shallow stream, flowing through the back of her home,’’ he said.

Ekiti State Government has detected five new COVID-19 positive cases in the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade,  disclosed this while briefing journalists on the update of the  Covid-19 pandemic in the State.

The Commissioner who expressed displeasure at the five new cases, said two of them were health workers, while the other three were patients who were in the hospital where the woman who came in from Kwara State and eventually died stayed.

She added that, testing of people with the molecular laboratory would begin soon, adding that the earlier two COVID-19 patients in the isolation centre have again been tested, found negative, and have been discharged.

The Coordinator of Taskforce on COVID-19 in the State, Professor Mobolaji Aluko, maintained that security at the Ekiti borders remain tight, noting that those who attempted to gain access from outside the State, were resisted.

Professor Aluko affirmed that the Taskforce on COVID-19 could not unilaterally decide the re-opening of schools and churches, adding that all stakeholders would be have to be consulted.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Gbenga Agbeyo, who said the State Government has procured more effective fumigation machines with chemicals for effective job delivery, said his team was busy fumigating strategic places which also includes the isolation centre.

Fayemi commiserates with Ajero over fire outbreak

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekitit, Oba  Ajewole Adebayo over the destruction of part of his palace during a fire incident last month.

The governor who was  represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, on Tuesday, made an on the spot assessment of the damaged palace, sympathized with the monarch over the fire incident and assured him of  government's support.

He said; "I hope and believe very soon, some help will come from the government to the palace of Ijero kingdom.

"It is our prayer that such unfortunate incident will never happen again in this palace. We pray that this will be a stepping stone for the transformation of the entire palace."

Responding, Oba Ajewole expressed gratitude to the Governor for the visit and the planned support.

Oba Ajewole said he was  thankful to God that the inferno did not take any life, even as he revealed that six children were evacuated from the building through the window during the fire  outbreak.

"We thank God and pray that God will not allow us witness such a disaster again"  the Monarch said .

#JusticeForBarakat: Teenage student raped to death in Ibadan

An 18 - year - old student of the Federal College of Animal and Production Technology Moore Plantation, Apata, Ibadan , has been raped and killed in Ibadan .

The teenager, Barakat Bello , who was undertaking the National Diploma programme in Science Laboratory Technology, was reportedly attacked on June 1 , 2020 .

The development comes days after a first- year student of the University of Benin, Uwa Omozuwa , was raped and killed in a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Edo State .

According to reports , the latest attack on 18 - year - old Barakat took place at her home in Akinyele, Ibadan .

Initial reports stated that the corpse was found near the house .

The father of the deceased , Kasimu Elepo, told Sahara Reporters that he was not at home when the incident occurred.

He disclosed that the deceased ’s sister was also out of the house at the time the tragic incident occurred .

According to him, the victim’s sister found Barakat’s body at the back of the house in a pool of blood when she returned from Qur ’anic lessons.

He said, “ I was not at home when the incident happened. The younger sister was not at home too , she went for Qur ’anic lessons but when she returned home , she saw her at the back of the house with deep cuts all over her body . She had been raped and killed.

“ Somebody called me on the telephone that I should come home but he refused to tell me what happened. When I got home , I saw that my daughter had been raped and stabbed to death .”

Meanwhile , the National Association of Nigerian Students, Zone D, has demanded justice for the victim, saying that the raping of women must stop.

COVID-19: FG advises persons aged 55+ to stay away from churches, mosques

The Federal Government has advised those above the age of 55 to stay away from congregational worships.

This was contained in the guidelines released by the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 for religious centres to resume activities .

During a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday , PTF National Coordinator , Sani Aliyu, said, “ In view of the widespread community transmission of COVID- 19, it is important that places of worship operate in a safe manner to ensure the protection of public health , avoid outbreaks and safeguard the health of the vulnerable members of the population.

“ To this end , the guidelines have been developed as a minimum set of standards that have to be complied with for places of worship to safely operate nationwide.

“ They have been developed by the PTF in liaison with the leadership of religious communities in the country and should be used as a baseline for states to allow these activities .

“ It is important to note that due to the nature of religious congregations, places of worship are particularly recognised to have a major potential for spreading COVID- 19 infections amongst worshippers .

“ Volunteers should be limited to exact numbers needed and none of the volunteers should have underlying medical conditions or be above the age of 55 years.

“ No social gatherings before or after worship .

“ Those with underlying conditions or above 55 are strongly advised to stay at home and explore virtual participation .

“ Windows should be left open during services and preferably use open- air facility as much as possible .”

Others include that worshippers must sanitise their hands, use face masks, avoid handshakes, and temperature checks be done before entry at worship centres.

The national coordinator stressed that the responsibility for enforcement of the guidelines rests on religious leaders and state governments. (Punch)

Bauchi deputy governor tests positive to Coronavirus

The deputy governor of Bauchi State, Senator Baba Tela has tested positive to the dreaded Coronavirus disease.

This was contained in a press statement signed and issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Bala Mohammed, Muhktar Gidado, on Tuesday.

The statement revealed that a sample of the deputy governor was taken when there was a noticeable exhibition of the symptoms on him which eventually came out positive, as confirmed by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

The press statement further explained that he contracted the virus in the course of discharging his duty as the State Chairman, Task Force Committee on COVID Response of Bauchi State.

According to the statement, Baba Tela has since gone into Isolation and is being taken care of by professional medical personnel.

“Samples of his primary contacts have been taken for tests too and have been equally advised to self isolate pending the outcome of the tests. Governor Bala Mohammed commiserates with his Deputy and solicits for prayers from all, for the speedy recovery of all those infected by the virus,” the statement reads.

The governor also advised citizens in the statement to adhere strictly to laid down medical protocols against the virus in order to curtail its spread among the public. (Vanguard)

Altered certificate: Tribunal orders Bayelsa deputy governor’s appearance tomorrow

THE Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has ordered Deputy Governor Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo to appear before it tomorrow to produce the original copy of his disputed certificate.

The tribunal’s order followed a subpoena earlier issued on Ewhrudjakpo to appear and produce the original of the exemption certificate issued to him in 1998 by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The subpoena was issued on the request of the candidate of the Liberation Movement (LM) in the November 16, 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Vijah Opuama.

The politician is challenging Ewhrudjakpo’s qualification to contest in an election.

The petitioner alleged that Ewhrudjakpo submitted a forged exemption certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election.

Although Ewhrudjakpo, by a motion filed May 17, 2020, challenged the competence of the subpoena and prayed the tribunal to set it aside, his team of lawyers, led by Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN), yesterday applied to withdraw the motion.

The lawyer said his client was no longer challenging the subpoena and was ready to attend the tribunal’s sitting.

Lawyers to the petitioner, Pius Dande Pius, and other parties in the matter did not object to the application to withdraw the motion challenging the subpoena.

Ruling, tribunal’s chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo, struck out the motion and ordered Ewhrudjakpo’s appearance tomorrow.

The tribunal rejected his lawyer’s request that Ewhrudjakpo be allowed to appear next week on the grounds that since Bayelsa State does not have an airport, it would be difficult for the deputy governor to travel in view of the lockdown.

Also, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri is set to submit the list of his commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly this week, The Nation has learnt.

Nearly four months after the Diri administration of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was inaugurated, following the Supreme Court judgment that upturned the victory of David Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the December 2019 governorship poll, the current administration has been run without members of the state Executive Council.

It was learnt that the governor finally decided to send the names to the lawmakers after he had harmonised the list with some godfathers, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Governor Seriake Dickson, said to be interested in those to be appointed and those who should not. (The Nation)

Ekiti PDP caretaker committee, Fayose disagree on return of Oni to party

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in Ekiti State has disagreed with the former governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, on the return of former Governor Segun Oni to the party. Fayose had last week said that there would not be red carpet reception for Oni in the PDP.

The former governor, who said that the governorship ticket of the PDP would not be served on Oni a la carte, however, denied saying that Oni was not welcomed in PDP as reported in the social media.

Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Fayose noted that the membership of a political party was optional. However, the committee has described the return of Oni as a big boost to the party and a celebrated achievement to the members of the caretaker body.

It stated this yesterday at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. Chairman of the committee, Senator Hosea Agboola and the Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, who spoke at the conference, dispelled the insinuation that the caretaker committee was favouring one of the groups in the party, particular a faction loyal to Fayose.

Agboola said that every member of the party is recognised in the PDP and that those who have the intention of rejoining the party were free to do so without encumbrances.

“The fact that former Governor Segun Oni has just rejoined the PDP is the greatest achievement of this committee.

“We are going to reach out to former Minister of Works, Dayo Adeyeye and others who left before the July 14, 2018 governorship election and bring them back to the party.

“We will never be partial because our mandate and terms of reference is to bring all factions within the party together. We are to bring those who are aggrieved together to be one family so that we can return to how we were in 2002 when former Governor Fayose contested and won election in Ekiti State. We are here to bring the family together and make everybody be on the same page,” he said.

On the steps taken so far in mending fences between Fayose and Senator Biodun Olujimi, Agboola said the trouble-shooting mission was yielding good results, adding: “We are reaching out to those who instituted the court action on how to bring them.(BioReports)

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria now 10,819, fatalities 314

Nigeria has recorded 241 new cases of the Coronavirus across various states of the country.

Announcing via its official Twitter handle on Tuesday night, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated that 142 new cases were recorded in Lagos, 15 cases in Oyo State, 13 cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 12 cases in Kano State, 11 cases in Edo State and ten cases in Delta State.

The tweet further revealed that Kaduna and Rivers State recorded nine new cases each, Borno State recorded eight cases, Jigawa State recorded four cases, Gombe and Plateau State had three cases each, with Osun and Bauchi State recording one case each.

As at now, 10819 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nigeria with 3239 patients discharged and 314 deaths recorded.

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO AfDB PRESIDENT, ADESINA: I’LL STAND BY YOU

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will stand solidly behind Dr Akinwumi Adesina in his bid to get re-elected as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The President spoke at State House, Abuja, Tuesday, while hosting Dr Adesina on a courtesy visit.

“In 2015, when you were to be elected for the first term, I wrote to all African leaders, recommending you for the position. I didn’t say because you were a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Minister, and I belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC), so I would withhold my support. I’ll remain consistent with you, because no one has faulted the step I took on behalf of Nigeria,” said President Buhari.

The President pledged that Nigeria would work with all other leaders and stakeholders in AfDB to ensure that Dr Adesina was elected for a second term built on the record of his achievements during his first term.

The African Union had already endorsed the incumbent AfDB President as sole candidate for the continent, but some other stakeholders are trying to ensure that Dr Adesina is re-investigated on some allegations, and rendered ineligible to run.

Giving a background to what was happening in the bank, Dr Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister for Agriculture, said the 16 allegations raised against him were trumped up, “and without facts, evidence, and documents, as required by the rules and regulations of the bank.”

He added that the Ethics Committee of the bank cleared him of all the allegations, and calls for fresh investigation by the United States of America, were against the rules.

“My defense ran into 250 pages, and not a single line was faulted or questioned. The law says that report of the Ethics Committee should be transmitted to the Chairman of Governors of the bank. It was done, and the governors upheld the recommendations. That was the end of the matter, according to the rules. It was only if I was culpable that a fresh investigation could be launched. I was exonerated, and any other investigation would amount to bending the rules of the bank, to arrive at a predetermined conclusion,” Dr Adesina said.

Stressing that the motive was to soil his name, and that of the bank, the AfDB President said he was proud to be Nigerian, and thanked President Buhari for his unflinching support.

“You helped me to get elected in the first place, and you have supported me robustly all along, and the African Union unanimously endorsed my re-election” he declared.

While commiserating with President Buhari on the death of the former Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, Dr Adesina described Professor Ibrahim Gambari, new Chief of Staff as “a man of integrity, and of global standing.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

June 2, 2020

Music legend, Majek Fashek dies

Nigerian music legend and reggae king Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly called Majek Fashek, is dead.

His death was confirmed by his manager Omenka Uzoma, on the late singer’s official Instagram handle.

“Today been having pressure calls, well it is true that the African No 1 Legendary ICON has gone to be with the LORD his Maker,” he said.

“Let celebrate him, his achievements, and his family, whatever decisions made by his immediate family will be notified.”

Majek was born in Benin-City, Edo state

Until his death, he was one of Nigeria’s surviving Reggae music legend, Majek attracted international attention in 1987, with his self-penned tune, ‘Send down the Rain.’

The singer also played a supporting role in the 2000 Nollywood movie ‘Mark of the Beast. " (The Nation)

Nigeria records 416 new coronavirus cases, total now 10, 578

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced 416 new cases of coronavirus in the country.

The NCDC made the announcement on Monday, adding that no fewer than 299 patients have died of coronavirus-related complications in the country.

416 new cases of #COVID19;

Lagos-192
Edo-41
Rivers-33
Kaduna-30
Kwara-23
Nasarawa-18
Borno-17
FCT-14
Oyo-10
Katsina-7
Abia-5
Delta-5
Adamawa-4
Kano-4
Imo-3
Ondo-3
Benue-2
Bauchi-2
Ogun-2
Niger-1

10578 cases of #COVID19Nigeria
Discharged: 3122
Deaths: 299

BREAKING: FG lifts ban on religious gatherings

The federal government on Monday lifted the ban on religious gathering across the country.

This was disclosed by the secretary to the government of the federation and chairman of presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, at the daily media briefing in Abuja.

“The PTF submitted its recommendations and the PRESIDENT has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review-:

“Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19; application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

“Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities; sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include: ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

“Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments.” (The Nation)