DONALD OTITO

A major shakeup affecting 110 senior naval officers, has taken place in the Nigerian Navy. To this effect, the affected officers, consisting of 33 Rear Admirals and 77 Commodores, are to steer the affairs of  Naval commands, units, and training institutions across  Nigeria. Also read:  COVID-19 lockdown: Nigerian Army dismisses torture videos The redeployment  which was approved by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, was contained in a statement issued to Vanguard, by the Director of Information, Commodore  Suleman Dahun, today. Consequently,  the new Chief of Policy and Plans Naval Headquarters is Rear Admiral Ifeola Mohammed, while  Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, formerly Director of Plans Defence Headquarters, has been reappointed to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Administration. Rear Admiral Matthew Emuekpere, who was formerly Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, h...

                    Bill Gates False claims targeting billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates are gaining traction online since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, with experts warning they could hamper efforts to curb the virus. Doctored photos and fabricated news articles crafted by conspiracy theorists — shared thousands of times on social media platforms and messaging apps, in various languages — have gone as far as accusing the Microsoft founder of creating the outbreak. Gates, who has pledged $250 million to efforts to fight the pandemic, is the latest in a string of online targets despite the World Health Organization’s efforts to fight what it called an “infodemic” — misinformation fanned by panic and confusion about the virus. In recent months, 5G networks and Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros have also been blamed for creating COVID-19, which has killed more than 315,000 people around the world. “Bill ...

WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says hand hygiene is one of the most effective actions to reduce the spread of pathogens and the COVID-19 virus. WHO made this known on Tuesday in a statement posted on its website to commemorate the Global Hand Hygiene Day, celebrated yearly on May 5. READ ALSO:  Doctor who treated first US COVID patient fears second wave According to WHO, the main goal of the Global Hand Hygiene Day campaign is to recognise that handwashing is one of the most effective actions an individual can take. “This is to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus,” it said. Hand Hygiene Day mobilises people around the world to increase adherence to hand hygiene in healthcare facilities, thus protecting healthcare workers and patients from infections. “This year, the campaign theme: “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands”, is aligned with the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife....

THE Senate has begun probe on the present status of 5th Generation ( 5G) network in Nigeria. The Senate has mandated its Committees on Communications, Health, Science and Technology and ICT and Cyber Crimes to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the status of G5 Network in Nigeria and its technological impact on Nigerians. The Committees, with Communications Committee as the lead, should report back in four weeks. The resolution of the Upper Chamber was sequel to a motion by Senator Uche Ekwunife, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Anambra Central. Details later… {Vanguard Nig}

   Web Image The enforcement of the restriction orders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja turned dramatic on Sunday when the Pastor in Charge of Shekinah Glory Church, Jabi, along with some of his Deacons and workers scaled the fence to evade arrest on sighting the Ministerial Enforcement Team led by Mr Ikharo Attah. Consequently, an FCT Mobile Court sitting in Jabi has ordered an indefinite closure of The Shekinah Glory Church, located opposite Citec Estate, Jabi. The Presiding Magistrate, Mabel Bello also directed that the General Overseer of the church, simply identified as Pastor Kalu, who escaped with some leaders of the church by scaling the fence, be tracked and arrested. Giving an update on the activities of the Enforcement Team, its Chairman, Mr Ikharo Attah said he had immediately mobilized his team to the area on receipt of intelligence that the church was in full session, a clear contravention of the ban on religious gatherings in the territory. ...

 FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad         Musa-Bello …Exempts those on ‘essential duties’ …Bans ‘Okada’ from FCC, Kubwa, Dutse-Alhaji …Religious houses, Schools remain closed Following the partial lifting of the lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Lagos and Ogun state, FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has warned civil servants living in the contiguous states of Nasarawa and Niger but working in the nation’s capital not to resume work until further notice. “All workers who reside outside the FCT have been directed to remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is lifted”, the minister said in an updated list of guidelines on the ease of lockdown, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye. Also read:  COVID-19: Abuja Markets now to operate three times a week In the updated guidelines, the minister said those on essential duties who reside in those states are to continue...

A health worker takes a swab from a woman during a community COVID-19 coronavirus testing campaign in Abuja on April 15, 2020.  Kola Sulaimon / AFP The novel coronavirus has infected millions leaving a plethora of deaths in its wake; however, many persons have also been able to recover from the virus. There have been several misconceptions about the disease and without knowing the symptoms many persons have been misdiagnosed, leaving them in more danger of dying from the disease. In a bid to avoid contracting this virus or to know when someone has contracted it, then it becomes imperative that we know its symptoms. Here are the key symptoms of COVID-19. 1. Fever 2. Dry cough 3. Tiredness 4. Some patients may have aches and pains 5. Some may experience nasal congestion 6. Sore throat 7. Diarrhea According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only very mild symptoms, however, mo...

Late Mohammed Ahmad Asha The Emir of Kaura-Namoda in Zamfara State, Mohammed Ahmad Asha, is dead. He died while waiting for his result of COVID-19 test. The monarch’s death is coming less than 24-hours after the Emir of Rano, Dr. Tafida Abubakar Ila II, passed on Saturday, after a brief illness. His younger brother, the Dan Jekan Kaura Namoda, Abdulkarim Ahmad Asha, said the 71-year-old monarch had a long battle with diabetes and hypertension. He added that the monarch spent four days in his palace, responding to treatment before the relapse. He added that he will be buried according to Islamic rites on Sunday. According to Asha, “he was taken to Yariman Bakura Specialists Hospital where he died after three days of admission. “Asha is survived by three wives and 11 children.” However, some reports said he died of suspected COVID-19-related complications, while in isolation. Mustafa Jafaru, Publicity Secretary for the Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in the stat...

Lockdown : The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed federal workers residing outside Abuja to remain in their respective states of residence pending the lifting of ban on interstate travel. The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, said this a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, on Saturday in Abuja. Bello said that the FCTA would enforce rigorously the guidelines regulating the easing of the lockdown in the FCT as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the territory. He said that security agencies had been mandated to arrest and prosecute, through mobile courts, anyone found contravening the guidelines. Bello also said the FCTA would enforce the overnight curfew from 8p.m. to 6a.m. in order to prevent possible patients of COVID-19 from coming into the territory. The minister said effective Monday, May 4, 2020, all civil servants in the FCT on Grade level 14 and above were to report for work three time in a we...

Kidnappers free twin children abducted in Ibadan By Ola Ajayi – Ibadan The twin children of the former Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Taofeeq Akewugbagold, who were abducted about a week ago have been released. The children were kidnapped at the residence of their parents in Ojoo area of Ibadan. The mother of the twin who pleaded with the abductors to consider her twelve years of barrenness before giving birth to them through IVF wept uncontrollably for days. While breaking the news of their release on his Facebook page, the Islamic cleric kept sealed lips on the amount he paid as ransom. He wrote that his children whose names are Walfiq and Walfiqoh were released at 5:30am on Sunday. He said, “My children were released at 5:30am on Sunday 3rd May. They were released to me beside a bush after eight days in an unknown land. Thanks to you all for your prayers.” Also confirming their release, the Oyo State Public Relations Officer, S...

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Sunday in Lafia announced the closure of the state’s House of Assembly following the death of a lawmaker as a result of COVID-19. Sule, while briefing newsmen, said the closure would enable the state government trace all the contacts the dead lawmaker had in recent times. “The Speaker and all members of the Assembly have agreed to be isolated and their samples have been taken for COVID-19 test,’’ the governor said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victim, who was the first casualty from the novel virus in the state, died on Thursday in Keffi. Sule explained that the victim took ill and was admitted at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, where his sample was collected, having shown symptoms of COVID-19. READ ALSO:  Global Coronavirus pandemic disappearing as prophesied, Prophet Fufeyin declares “Before the result could return, the member had died and his remains buried according to Islamic rights in Nasarawa L...

Coordinator of Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, in Guangdong Province, China, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, in this interview, speaks on reported maltreatment of Nigerians in China. Mbisiogu, whose jurisdiction is at the centre of the accusations, urges the Federal Government not to treat the matter with laxity. By Charles Kumolu,  Deputy Editor There are conflicting stories about Nigerians who are being maltreated in China on account of COVID-19. What is the true story? What happened was that after celebrating zero outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China started witnessing new infections from Chinese returnees and foreigners. In a bid to curtail it, the Chinese government introduced stringent measures and policies. Doing so is not bad given what they experienced during the peak of the outbreak. The videos online about Nigerians who were said to have been thrown out of their hotel are the videos of an incident in Guangzhou. We are not discouraging the Chinese authorities fro...

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has cautioned Nigerians on the partial lifting of lockdown directives by the Federal Government. Dr Lanre Olosunde, the Chairman of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), gave the advice on Sunday during an interview with  Newsmen in Ilorin. READ ALSO: People Talk: Extension of COVID-19 lockdown and 8pm-6am nationwide curfew (2) Olosunde lamented that the partial lifting of lockdown was not the best choice at the moment. Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had announced the gradual phasing out of the country’s lockdown in the FCT-Abuja, Ogun and Lagos States from May 4. The president ordered for a gradual easing of the lockdown order  while putting additional measures in place to address the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country. However, the ARD chairman said: “I think it is not the best choice at this time when we are really seeing the evidence of active community spread of COVID-19....

Find below the description of the types of activities allowed under Phase 1 of the post-lockdown era in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja (4th -17th May, 2020) as released by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who chairs the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus: SECTION I: GENERAL INFORMATION ON NEW COVID-19 MEASURES Following improvements in the multisectoral response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)npandemic, the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided that there will be a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020. READ ALSO:  COVID -19: Why explosion is imminent in Nigeria The easing of the lockdown will be characterised by the following enforceable actions: The mandatory use of non-medical face mask/covering for all persons while in public spaces. Latex hand gloves should not be worn except for specific medical purposes; The mandat...

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, has invented an automated hand washing foot pedal  machine. As part of their measures in combating the fast spread of the dreaded coronavirus disease, the machine was built so that it can be operated using the foot instead of the hand. With your foot applied on the pedal, you can dispense water and liquid soap while washing your hands. The machine is currently in use by the school management and will be extended to the students for use as soon as the covid-19 luckdown is over.

Lawal Sherifat -  Osogbo Osun State Government on Saturday confirmed the release of four coronavirus patients after testing negative twice in line with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol. This is as the state lost a patient in her late 60s to the cold hands of death. A statement issued by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu disclosed that the index case was discharged thirty-eight days after he was taken into the health facility for treatment. READ ALSO:  COVID-19: Withdraw old naira notes from circulation, group tells CBN He had arrived Osun from the United Kingdom and was admitted after testing positive for coronavirus. He has been receiving adequate medical care until his full recovery on Friday. Similarly, three health workers in the State who tested positive for Coronavirus, have also tested negative for the second time and are now free of the virus. Isamotu recalled that the health workers had last Wednesday, tested ...

  Rasheed Sobowale   Russia on Saturday reported its largest increase in coronavirus cases with the new infections rising by nearly 10,000 in a single day. New infections jumped by 9,623 to 124,054 cases, Russian authorities said. The official fatality rate is low in comparison to countries like Italy, Spain and the United States, however. Fifty seven people died over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 1,222. Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the Russian capital, which has emerged as the epicentre of the contagion, was not yet past the peak of the outbreak. “The threat is apparently on the rise,” Sobyanin said on his blog earlier Saturday. Moscow recorded 5,358 new cases, bringing the capital’s total tally to 62,658. ALSO READ:  Russia’s PM, Mikhail Mishustin, tests positive for coronavirus, as cases surge past 100,000 Sobyanin also said about two percent of Moscow residents — or more than 250,000 people — have the coronavirus. “A...

* 2 children of late infected Covid-19 now infected after threatened lawsuit * Face mask now compulsory in Rivers * Gov places caveat on Rivers compliance with FG reopening of country to business Nyesom Wike Emmanuel Okogba PORT HARCOURT – GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike on Friday disclosed that the Rivers State Government has commenced documentations to sue Federal Government (FG) for “unilateral” withdrawal of N11billion from the Federation Accounts for the Nigerian Police. Wike, during update briefing on the state of Rivers battle with Covid-19 and sundry national issues also declared compulsory use of face mask in public places while lamenting that Rivers confirmed cases on the pandemic would not have been as much if security operatives were not aiding breach of the state’s closed borders. He maintained that Rivers would sustain her restrictions at containing the virus and that his administration’s compliance with President Mohammadu Buhari’s decision on gradual reopening of the na...