In the face of the high prevalence and spread of the COVID-19, which led to Federal government’s partial restriction of activities, the Federal Airport Authorities of Nigeria (FAAN), has disclosed that domestic flights are still in operation. A press release, dated March 24, 2020, on its Twitter handle says: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby notifies the general public that although all international flight operations have been suspended, passengers can still travel within Nigeria unhindered”. The Authority also added that, “we use this opportunity to request all passengers and other stakeholders to adhere strictly to all travel instructions and…
Author: Victor Gai
As the Coronavirus rages on across the country, the Nigeria Police in Plateau state has placed measures to check its spread which include restricting detention of persons to certain crimes and public visitations to its formations. In a press statement, signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Plateau state Command, Ubah Gabriel Ogaba, “detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and only very serious cases such as terrorism, rape/defilement, armed robbery, homicide, kidnapping and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention”. The statement further stated that: “in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed A.…
Investors are now actively seeking ‘new world’ sectors and companies as the world readjusts to life with coronavirus and looks ahead to an economic recovery. The assessment from Nigel Green, the chief executive and founder of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organizations with operations in 100 countries, comes as global stock markets rallied on Tuesday. Mr. Green notes: “Every economic downturn creates a new normal. The one being triggered by the coronavirus pandemic will be the same. “The Covid-19 impact has hit firms across the world – there’s been immense international disruption – with many…
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a thirty-nine-month Extended Credit Facility arrangement for The Gambia in the amount of SDR35 million (about US$47.1 million, or 56.3 percent of The Gambia’s quota in the Fund). This information was made known to The News chronicle via a press release dated 23 March, 2020. The IMF executive board stated that the ECF-supported program aims to anchor macroeconomic stability and progress on structural reforms achieved under the 2019 Staff Monitored Program (SMP) and would provide a framework to assist the authorities in developing and implementing effective policy responses to…
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has come out with facts surrounding his son’s movements since he returned to the country and up till when he was diagnosed positive to the Coronavirus. According to a press statement signed by Mike Ibe, Media Adviser to the former Vice President, it became necessary “for the purpose of putting the records straight and dispelling false narratives about the itinerary of a son of former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar currently undergoing treatment for Corona Virus (COVID-19) infection”. He therefore made 10 clarifications as follows: The clinical case returned to the country on 17th March…
Nigeria is heading for a total lockdown as the coronavirus pandemic escalates across the globe. The federal government yesterday said Nigerians should be ready for tougher measures to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19, reports Daily Trust in its latest edition. It directed civil servants from grade level 12 and below to stay at home from Tuesday (today) until further notice. This was contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, titled ‘Compulsory stay at home of non-essential public servants on grade level 12 and below.’ The circular said, “Government is…
The wife of the Bishop of Bari Diocese in Kano State, who was abducted by gunmen on 10 March has been released, says CSW. In a press statement dated 23 March, 2020 and made available to The News Chronicle, “the release of Mrs Saratu Zubairu was confirmed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, on 20 March, during a service at the Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, in Lokoja, Kogi state”. The statement added that “Mrs Zubairu and a diocesan secretary identified as Deborah, whose release has also been confirmed, were…
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Lithuanian government has imposed quarantine – and people in the capital Vilnius reacted with solidarity and speed. In the first week of quarantine thousands of volunteers offered their help, entrepreneurs have raised large sums for medical equipment using just online messaging, and telecommunications companies provided resources to coordinate the joint effort. The ongoing efforts of Vilnius municipality to build a tech-savvy and focused community of citizens also proved to be crucial in the face of crisis. The force that is uniting the biggest numbers of volunteers is the municipality-inspired group Gedimino Legionas (Gediminas Legion) that is raising and…
Western Union, a global player in money transfers, is encouraging its customers to go for “digital money transfers” now that the world has been ravaged by the deadly coronavirus disease. In a press statement made available to The News Chronicle, said the Western Union Mobile App is available in 40 countries of the world. “In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Western Union understands that some of its customers may look for alternate ways of sending money to their loved ones. Certain retail Agent locations have suspended operations in connection to COVID-19 preventative measures. Western Union is encouraging customers to…
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has just disclosed 35 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus disease in Nigeria, including 33 active cases and two discharged cases. Disclosing this on its Twitter handle, NCDC has also confirmed the first death in Nigeria due to the disease. Meanwhile, passengers are racing to meet the deadline of 11pm set by the Federal Government for the closure of all its airports. The News Chronicle, gathered via Channels TV reports and images of a large number of passengers waiting to board the available. “Contrary to expectation, the authorities here have explained to us that…
The Coronavirus, popularly known as COVID-19 is one of the few pandemics recorded in human history and with the current reality, the world just may witness one of the biggest disasters in its history. With a population of over 7 billion, most of which live in cities and towns, the casualty rate might be large compared to the Black Death (1331-1353), where 75 million perished and Cholera (1817-1824). But the much more developed and sophisticated health systems today could serve as defense mechanism to the disease. Just like the threat of SARS and Ebola were overcome, COVID-19 might as well…
The Bauchi State Government has disclosed plans to establish isolation centers in three selected hospitals to manage and control the spread of Lassa fever in the state. Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed disclosed this on Wednesday when he received officials of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control who visited him at the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi. Governor Mohammed who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela said that already the state government has taken proactive measures against the spread of the disease in the state through the set-up of an emergency outbreak basket fund. “We are delighted…
The Federal Government has confirmed five new cases of the coronavirus, popularly known as COVID-19. In a press briefing held on Wednesday, Minister of Health, Gr. Osagie Ehanire, stated that three of the patients came from the US including a Nigerian mother and child and two Nigerians from the UK. One of the confirmed cases is an American who came in via the land border. The newly confirmed cases brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to eight. While answering questions from journalists, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government has put in N1 Billion into the fight…
The Federal Government has issued a travel ban on 13 countries over the spread of coronavirus, with effect from March 21. According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, the affected countries are: US, UK, China, Japan, Iran, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, France, South Korea, Germany, Italy and Spain. The government also suspended the visa on arrival policy. The new development is coming shortly after the House of Representatives called for extra measures against the coronavirus by placing a ban on high risk countries with the exception of Nigerian citizens who are to be tested on arrival.
The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a Lassa Fever Rapid Response team to curtail any further outbreak of the virus in the state. This is coming on the heels of the death of a doctor and a district head in the state that lost their lives as a result of Lassa fever. Recall that the State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Monday, postponed an official visit to Germany to seek an urgent intervention of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control over the outbreak of Lassa fever in Bauchi state. The district head of Toro, Alhaji Garba Adamu, a medical…
A third case of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been confirmed in Lagos, the Lagos state Ministry of Health has disclosed in its twitter handle. According to the tweet, the new case is independent of the index case and is that of a 30 year old Nigerian who had returned from the UK on 13th March. It added that she isolated herself and tested positive. The patient is said to be receiving care at the Mainland General Hospital Yaba Lagos. This is emerging a day after the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olarunimbe Mamora, announced that there is no…
There have been a number of significant epidemics and pandemics recorded in human history, generally zoonoses that came about with the domestication of animals, such as influenza and tuberculosis. There have been a number of particularly significant epidemics that deserve mention above the “mere” destruction of cities: Plague of Athens, from 430 to 426 BC. During the Peloponnesian War, typhoid fever killed a quarter of the Athenian troops, and a quarter of the population over four years. This disease fatally weakened the dominance of Athens, but the sheer virulence of the disease prevented its wider spread; i.e. it killed off…
Following the Court’s order for the release of dethroned Emir Sanusi from detention after his “alleged” banishment, Nigerians have continued to express their disappointment on the system and are banking on 2023 to realise their clamour for a change of the present state of affairs. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, in his Twitter handle, bared his mind on the issue. According to him, “We should celebrate the triumph of the rule of law and release of Emir Sanusi. Those who want to hang their ambitions on his travails had better smell the coffee: no one will lower the bar on the poor…
The Federal high court, Abuja, has granted an interim order releasing the dethroned emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II from detention. The order given by Justice Anwuli Chikere also restored his right to human dignity, personal liberty, freedom of association and movement in Nigeria apart from Kano State, pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons. In Court were the Lead counsel to the former Emir, Abubakar Mahmoud, the daughter of the former emir, Khadija Yusra Sanusi and His sister Zainab Sanusi. The applicant had approached the court praying for an order releasing him from detention, restoring his right…
For the 31st year, Canon Europe is proud to announce it will partner with Visa pour l’Image, one of the world’s leading photojournalism festivals. Taking place in Perpignan, France, between 29th August –13th September 2020, this long-standing partnership highlights Canon’s commitment to photojournalism, from students learning the craft to professionals breaking boundaries. This was disclosed in a press release made available to The News Chronicle, dated March 12, 2020. This prestigious festival brings together the world’s most important stories and those responsible for telling them. Once again, Canon celebrates its partnership at Visa pour l’Image 2020 with three exciting initiatives;…
The Adamawa State Police Command has made appreciable gains within the last one month following the surrender of eleven kidnappers who gave themselves up along with their weapons. According to the State Commissioner of Police Audu Madaki, the kidnappers handed over 13 A.K. 47 Rifles, 761 rounds of live ammunition, 18 magazines and five locally made pistols. However another five kidnappers who were involved in the kidnap and collecting of ransom money running into several millions of Naira were arrested by the Police . Added to the success of the Police was the arrest of 51 suspects for alleged robbery and for…
The first meeting of the TAWASCO/USAID E-WASH media roundtable in the year 2020 has just ended in Jalingo Wednesday, where intensive deliberations on issues relating to effective potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene services in the last quarter of 2019 and parameters for the future, were discussed. Present at the meeting were journalists, TAWASCO officials, USAID E-WASH officials and Civil Society organizations in Taraba state. In the communique, TAWASCO and E-WASH were commended for their efforts in ensuring availability of potable water to the residents of Jalingo and other urban centres in the state while journalists were also commended for…
Muhammadu Sanusi II (born Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on 31 July, 1961) was the 14th Emir of Kano from the Fulani Sullubawa clan. He ascended the throne in 2014, following the death of his great uncle Ado Bayero I. Prior to his accession, Sanusi was an economist and banker. He served as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, when he was suspended by President Goodluck Jonathan after raising the alarm on the US$20 billion NNPC scandal. His father, Aminu Sanusi, was a career diplomat who served as the Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, China and Canada,…
Despite taking the global lead in open defecation, Nigeria again ranks as the poorest in terms of provision of portable water supply to her citizens. The Managing Director of Taraba Water and Sewerage Corporation (TAWASCO), Mr Buba Siam disclosed this on Tuesday during a Knowledge Cafe (Mu-Gana) – quarterly meeting between TAWASCO, E-WASH and CSOs involved in the E-WASH projects in Taraba state. Siam said that despite efforts by the Corporation to ensure adequate water supply to citizens of the State, lack of adequate funding have continued to militate against achieving the objective. He said while India which was the…
Bayero is from Kano State and is the second son of Ado Bayero, the 13th Emir of Kano. He attended Kofar Kudu Primary School and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Birnin Kudu. He studied Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano and also went to Flying College, Oakland, California, US, before undergoing his National Youth Service Corps at the Nigeria Television Authority, Makurdi. Bayero worked as a Public Relations Officer at Kabo Air, before becoming a flight engineer. In 1990, he was appointed Dan Majen Kano and District Head of Dala by his father, Ado Bayero, before being promoted to Dan…
Following the surprise removal of the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II Monday, by the Kano state government, Nigerians have taken to the Social Media to express themselves on the development. According to a section that followed Channel’s TV Sunrise Daily on Twitter, his removal was a blessing in disguise, while others said he caused his own downfall. Badung Joshua said: “Sanusi’s removal to an extent is a blessing in disguise. He is a man so endowed with wisdom, intelligence and enormous experience of which the position he was occupying didn’t allow him to contribute maximally to the growth and…
The Kano State government said it took the action in order to safeguard the culture, religion and religion of the emirate which had existed for over 1000 years. Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi II, was removed by the Kano State Executive Council for refusing to abide by instructions given to him by the state government. A week ago the Kano state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission had summoned the Emir to respond to a petition accusing him of selling of lands belonging to the emirate to the tune of N2billion. The Emir then secured a Restriction Order stopping the Commission from further…
The immediate past Governor of Bauchi, Mohammed Abubakar, has reacted to the claim by the asset recovery committee set up by the incumbent governor, Bala Mohammed, saying that he and Isa Yuguda, had siphoned the sum of N1 trillion during their reigns. The Media Aide to Mohammed Abubakar, Ali M. Ali, in a press release issued to newsmen on Monday in Bauchi, described the latest allegation as a joke and baseless. Recall that the Asset Recovery Committee formed by the incumbent Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, alleged that ex-governors, Abubakar and Isa Yuguda looted the sum of N1trillion belonging to the State during their tenures.…
The deadly Coronavirus disease, commonly known as CoVID-19, has amplified the long-standing US/China rivalry which has in the recent past only manifested itself in trade wars. This time around, China is accusing the US of using the powerful western media of stoking contempt against China over the Coronavirus disease. In a document released by the Embassy of China in Nigeria, made available to News Chronicle, says: “The US has been trying to tell people that commercial western media is independent and is thus objective and impartial while Chinese media established and directed by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and…
China has responded against a ‘conspiracy theory’ by Western media that the Coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19 does not have a natural origin, and instead said it “originated in wildlife”. In the latest document released by the Embassy of China in Nigeria, strongly condemned the conspiracy theories, saying that such could affect the fight against the epidemic. “In response to these conspiracy theories, the Lancelet Published a joint statement signed by 27 top Public Health Scientists on February 18, saying “scientists from multiple countries have published and analysed genomes of the causative agent (SARS-CoV-2) and they overwhelmingly conclude that this…
