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Why Covid 19 Spares The Poor |The Source

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By Doyin Okupe

Have you been wondering why  ordinary folks seem to be less affected by COVID-19?

Whenever my drivers, house helps and security come back from their leave at home, I always asked them the state of things in their villages.

Up till today,  in the last one year, none has come back with any news of deaths or serious illnesses requiring hospitalization in their homes or surroundings.

I visited the SABO market in Sagamu, and the tomato market at toll gate in ogere. I questioned many traders if any stall or store owners have been missing, or did not come to the market or have actually died. Responses were always negative.

So, clearly, the prevalence of noticeable infection with covid 19 is less among the lower class and fatalities appear to be higher among the upper class. However, It is  necessary to make some adjustment for the fact that deaths among the elite class readily get media attention than those of regular folks.

Melinder gates prediction failed woefully because there was no way she could have foreseen this demographic prevalence factor in the spread of covid19.

The overall infectivity and fatalities in the Africa is disproportionately much lower than the rest of the World!!!

What Is The Magic Here?

Simply put, the magic is SUNLIGHT.

People who are daily exposed to sunlight are able to convert some chemicals in their skins to vitamin  D, especially D3.

Scientist have incontrovertible evidence that Vitamin D seriously boost the human immunity and actually have capacity to prevent respiratory and lung diseases.

In the case of Covid19, vitamin D3 can prevent infection in some people and in others who still get infected, it decreases the severity of the infection and recovery rate is far better.

Recently a petition signed by 120 physicians spread across the globe, (I have a copy) has been sent to world leaders and governments to treat vitamin D deficiency common in europe and Americas, who have effective sunlight for just a few months in a year and hence have large numbers of the populace suffering from vitamins deficiency leading to high rates of susceptibility to covid19 infections and deaths.

Many of us elites in Africa are also vitamin D deficient and this makes us ready targets for covid19 infections also. This is because we are hardly in the sun all year round.

Yet a 30mins lounge daily in the bright sunlight gives one about 20,000 iu of vitamin D in our blood. This figure is much much more higher than our daily requirement of which is about 4000 iu of vitamin D.

This is why young people,s tudents, hawkers, traders and many who toil daily under the Sun  have very high immunity against covid19.

So my dear elders, VIPs and Ogas please walk leisurely or lounge in the sun for 20 to 30mins daily, and with your face masks always on on public and observing normal covid protocols,  with daily supplications to the Almighty, you will place a Ban on covid 19 from affecting you and your household.


Okupe, is a Medical Doctor-turned Politician

Biden Appoints Nigerian-Born Funmi Badejo Cabinet Member |The Source

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Badejo and Biden

By Adesina Soyooye

The people of Kogi State, Nigeria, are in a celebratory mood. One of their daughters, Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo, has been appointed by US President-elect, Joe Biden, as Associate Counsel to President-elect.”

She is the daughter of Prof. Zachaeus Olorunnipa from Igbo- Bunu, Kabba-Buni LGA, Kogi State.

Her elder brother, Tolu,  is, currently, the White House Correspondent  for Washington Post.

She is the third Nigerian to be appointed into office by the incoming President Biden.

Senator Onyeabo Dies |The Source

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Senator Onyeabo Obi

By Charles Igbo

A prominent son of Anambra State, Senator Onyeabo Obi, is dead.

Senator Obi was Lawyer and a Life Bencher. He was also a former President of Otu Oka Iwu

Unconfirmed reports say he died of COVID-19 complications Tuesday evening.

His younger brother, Zik Obi, announced his passing in a statement Wednesday.

He said: ” Good morning All.

Pending a formal announcement from the family later today, I wish to personally inform members of Otu Oka Iwu, that my eldest brother and past President  of Otu Oka Iwu and Bencher, Senator Onyeabo Obi, Os’oji Nnewi, passed on to greater glory yesterday at the age of 82.

We are grateful to God for his life.

The late Obi,  born on November 20, 1938, was an international business lawyer of Council ( and Vice Advisory Committee on Rules of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.)

He was a son of the late Zikist, Chief Z.C. Obi.

2023: Gov. Bello Set To Vie For Presidency; Opens Up On Ambition |The Source

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Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has  disclosed his intention to run for the 2023 Presidency. He wants to succeed his father and friend,  President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Governor of the Confluence State said he is going into the race to liberate Nigeria, urging Nigerians to join hands with him in the struggle to free the country from the myriads of challenges confronting her.

He, however  called on Nigerians to support President Buhari in his efforts so far since assumption of office in May 2015, adding that his mission in 2023 would be to consolidate on Buhari’s achievements.

“I want everyone to join me in the struggle to liberate this country. We must seize this golden opportunity to save our nation,” Bello said.

“By the grace of God, I’m ready to lead and I will provide all the quality leadership that is required in the country.

“Let us do our bit to support the current administration and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to save this country. Those that are leading today, I can assure you that apart from Mr. President and very few others, there are those who do not have the interest of the country at heart. They don’t care about us and that is the truth.”

Governor Bello has been gaining support, as the Kogi State House of Assembly has also came out to drum up support for Bello’s presidential ambition after the Speaker of the House, Matthew Kolawole, announced the state lawmakers are set to begin a systematic consultation tour to other states for the Governor this week as regards his Presidential ambition.

Kolawole said he and his team will begin the sensitization tour with visit to states in the North Central where they will meet with their colleagues to solicit their support for Bello.

According to the Speaker, the states they are expected to visit include Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna and Kwara States in the first lap of the tour.

Breaking: Ndubuisi Kanu, Former Lagos, Imo State Governor, Dies Of Covid-19 |The Source

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Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Military Governor of Lagos and Imo State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu has died of Covid-19 complications.

For months now, the late Kanu has been battling with an unknown ailment before he gave up the ghost at about 3am in Lagos today.

It was gathered that Admiral Kanu had  gone home to the east during the Christmas season for the introduction ceremony of his daughter who was getting married.

Family Sources revealed  that he had a mild cough but his condition deteriorated suddenly.

He was flown back to Lagos, and  was diagnosed of  Covid-19.

He was said to have been in intensive care,  with oxygen, before his demise.

A native of Ovim, Abia State,  Admiral Kanu was an accomplished military officer and  had a successful tenure in the Nigerian Naval.

Kanu was a graduate of National Defence Academy, India, where he served in various leadership positions both in core naval postings and in special assignments. He was a Member of the Supreme Military Council (1975 –1976), first Military Governor of Imo State (1976 –1977), Military Governor of Lagos State (1977 –1978), Member of the Supreme Military Council (1978 –1979), Member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC (1986 –1989), Member of Special Committee on Review of the Report of the Political Bureau (1988) and Chairman of Special AFRC Committee on Creation of Local Governments.

He retired honourably in October 1990 and was  a Maritime Consultant before he passed.

In retirement, the first class graduate of Sandhurst Military Institute in UK, was running a successful shipping and maritime company called RAGNK Ltd, with head office in Victoria Island Lagos.

At one point, he was a Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, among other private sector institutions.

Kanu was a prominent member of Ndigbo Lagos, and an influential member of NADECO.

Coca Cola Nigeria Appoints 3 CEOs in 2 Years

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The new managing director, Coca Cola Nigeria, Alfred Olajide has promised to work with other partners to turn the company around. Olajide was appointed new Vice President and Managing Director for Nigeria Operations, to replace Yebeltal Getachew whose tenure ended December 31, 2020.

The beverage firm appointed Alfred as the chief executive of its Nigeria’s branch, the third time it has changed its leadership in two years.

Responding to his appointment Alfred said; “These are very exciting times for the global Coca-Cola business, and I look forward to contributing my own quota to a business I love so much, especially at such an interesting time as this. Nigeria is a huge market, and I am optimistic about the growth we can achieve together with our bottling partners”.

The company said, the appointee brings several years of experience to bear in his new role, nine of which were at The Coca-Cola Company having served in different capacities across the African Continent including Franchise Director for Cluster Markets in the Southern and Eastern Africa Region, Director of Revenue Growth Management in the East and Central Africa Region, and Strategy Head for Nigeria Franchise.

In August 2020, Coca-Cola announced a global restructuring aimed at furthering the leading beverage company’s aspiration to emerge stronger amidst a fast-changing global business environment. The new structure sees its erstwhile 17 Business Units compressed into 9 Operating Units focused on strategic local and regional business objectives supported by the company’s newly created Platform Services.

Announcing the change in structure, Company Chairman and CEO James Quincey, noted that the changes in the company’s operating model will shift marketing to drive more growth and “put execution closer to customers and consumers while prioritizing a portfolio of strong brands”.

According to the company’s website, Alfred holds a First-Class Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and an MBA from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. His extensive experience in leading market growth, strategy and operations management built from years in management consulting and FMCG will undoubtedly help drive business growth, strategy formulation, and market execution, in the Coca-Cola Nigeria Franchise Operations.

He is passionate about leading with impact and empowering young talent for growth. In his free time, he enjoys running, playing soccer, tennis and spending time with his family. He is also an ardent sportsman.

Kidnapping: Use Same Method As You Used In Bishop Chikwe’s Rescue, Archbishop Urges Govt |The Source

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His Grace, Anthony Obinna

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace Anthony Obinna, has urged Governments and Security Agencies, especially, in Imo and Anambra States, to show the same commitment and use same method they used to rescue the abducted Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, Bishop Moses Chikwe.

The Bishop was kidnapped in Owerri and held for a week, along with his driver, before they were rescued.

Obinna spoke during the funeral service in honour of the Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Orlu, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gregory Obinna Ochiagha at  the Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral, Orlu, where he thanked  Governors Hope Uzodinma, Willie Obiano and Security Agencies for rescuing Chikwe.

It was a floodgate of praises for the late Bishop, opened by President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, both of who described Bishop Ochiagha as a true shepherd of Christ.

In a message read on his behalf by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, President Buhari condoled the Catholic Communion, especially the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic Diocese of Orlu, and prayed for the repose of the soul of Bishop Ochiagha.

It was also an opportunity President Buhari used to acknowledge that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accommodates all Nigerians irrespective of creed or religion and that in 2021 Nigerians will witness a positive turn around in all ramifications.

Governor Uzodimma who attended the burial with the wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, described the late Bishop as “the love of Christ personified who was a spiritual father to many” including himself.

He added that Bishop Ochiagha built for himself a treasure in heaven and left a lot of lessons to be learnt in his holy life.

Uzodimma said: “Bishop Ochiagha lived a life of chastity, purity and holiness in God with which he inspired many as a priest. Bishop Ochiagha lived a faithful life of service to God and humanity and as the Bishop of Orlu Diocese he strengthened the Catholic Church in Orlu and expanded the scope of Christianity in Orlu and beyond.”

The Governor seized the opportunity to warn criminals to desist from harassing men of God who are committed to the spiritual growth of the society, noting that “Government will not fail to live up to her sworn responsibility of protecting lives and properties of her citizens.”
[

The Governor who acknowledged that the late Bishop had finished his race on earth and from the testimonies of many, had won the crown of glory, asked the audience how prepared they are to live their lives and run their races like the late clergy.

The message from the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria read by their Secretary, Bishop Augustine Akubueze was no less gratifying about the pious life Bishop Ochiagha led.

His brother Bishops eulogized his contributions in the expansion of Catholic faith in Nigeria and beyond and described him as “a shepherd who cared for his flock”. They said “Orlu will not forget him in a hurry”.

The Catholic Secretariat used the opportunity to enjoin Government at all levels to run an open administration that will enable them listen to the cry of Nigerians rather than  take them for granted. They said that was one of the messages preached by late Bishop Ochiagha.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Province, Most Rev. (Dr.) Anthony J. V. Obinna, who  presided over the funeral Mass and the interment of late Bishop Ochiagha thanked those who found time to attend the burial and described it as an honour done the late clergy.

He thanked, profusely, Governors Uzodimma of Imo State, Willy Obiano of Anambra State and the security agencies for their efforts in rescuing the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop Owerri Diocese, Most Rev (Dr.) Moses Chikwe who was kidnapped at the same time Bishop Ochiagha died.

He appealed to the Government  to rely on the same attention and measures deployed for the rescue of Chikwe to deal with the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry in Imo State and Nigeria in general.

Highlights of the funeral programme was the launching of a book titled, “Man Endures What He Creates” written by late Bishop Ochiagha. The book was to be launched on January 6, 2021 to mark his 60th Priestly Anniversary and 40 years of Episcopacy.

Those  who attended the funeral include the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Lalong, Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Paul Emeziem, Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Ijeoma Agugua, Senators, former Governors of Imo State, 36 Bishops among others.

New CPs For Nine States Commands, Others |The Source

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Nigeria Police Force

Nine Police State Commands, including Imo and Oyo State Commands, have been given new Police Commissioners.

A release signed by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aremu Sikiru Adrniran, said the  Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu,  ordered the posting/redeployment Commissioners of Police to State Commands/Formations.

The new CP for Imo Police Command is Nasiru Mohammed, while that of Oyo State is Ngozi Onadeko, fdc.

The new postings are as follows:

*Kebbi State –CP Adeleke Adeyinka Bode, mni

*SPU, FHQ, Abuja    –    CP Philip Maku

*Sokoto State  –    CP Ali Janga Aji

*Armament, FHQ, Abuja   –    CP Ohikere S. Idris, fsi

*CMDT Police College Ikeja  – CP Daniel Sokari-Pedro, mni

*Port Authority Police (PAP), Western, Lagos      –  CP John O. Amadi, mni

* Oyo State  – CP Ngozi Onadeko, fdc

*Enugu   State   –   Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu

*Border Patrol, FHQ, Abuja   –  CP Haladu Musa Rosamson, fdc

*Cross River State    –  CP Sikiru Akande

*Ebonyi State  –   CP Aliyu Garba

*Airport Command – CP Abubakar Umar Bature

*Department of Operations, FHQ –  CP Yusuf Ahmed

*Adamawa State  –  CP Aliyu Adamu Alhaji

*Training and Department – CP  Babaita Ishola

*CP Imo State – Nasiru Mohammed

*CMDT Police Detective College Enugu –   CP Alexander Nengi Wannang

*Delta State   –   CP  Mohammed Ali

*Counter Terrorism Unit, FHQ, Abuja   –   CP Olofu Tony Adejoh

*Peacekeeping, FHQ, Abuja   – CP Sadiq Idris Abubakar

*Force Public Relations Officer  –  CP Frank Mba

NANS Kicks Against Postponement Of Schools Resumption |The Source

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to postpone, indefinitely, resumption of schools.

Students and parents had been warming up, and looking forward to resume academic activities as from Monday, 18th January as earlier announced.

However, social media was awash on, Tuesday, that resumption of schools had been postponed indefinitely due to continued rise in cases of Covid 19 in the country.

NANS, in a statement released by its President, Sunday Ashefon,  on Tuesday  stated: “We commend the consistent efforts of the federal government in galvanizing the entire country to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and in doing everything to access vaccines for Nigerians.

“Rather than postpone schools’ resumption, it has become imperative to address the alarming spread of COVID-19 and rising cases of deaths from a position of environmental strategy and human coordination since the lockdown mechanism can no longer be a mitigating option in the face of our economic reality.

“Therefore, and at this juncture, the federal government must quickly come to a place of understanding that the majority of Nigerians are living in unorganized environments and structures that are not helping to curb the spread of the virus.

“Accordingly, the Federal Government is immediately urged to rethink its approach and take only actions that can get more Nigerians into coordinated and regulated systems, like schools and offices, where hours of wearing face masks and complying with COVID Safety protocols can be guaranteed to curb the spread.

“As student representatives and stakeholders, we make bold to state that having students and lecturers on campuses and in schools that are regimented and regulated environment, will help to raise consciousness and the bar of compliance with COVID rules.

“Consequently, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is undertaking to prevail on students union bodies to set up Students Task Force Against COVID-19 in every school, while asking the Federal Government to rejig its basic COVID Guide for school resumptions.

“School resumption will also help the students, teachers, and lecturers to avoid social gatherings, regular travels while concentrating on the task of teaching and researching, which can also help to trigger the need to have a new alternative and approach to fighting the pandemic

“While COVID-19 is a global pandemic being addressed across different climes, the time has come for us in Nigeria to address this virus based on our peculiarities and limitations.

“We are open to a dialogue with the federal government should there be a need for cross-fertilization of our ideas and logical arguments.”

Macron names Adesina Champion of African “Green Wall” Initiative |The Source

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By Uche Mbah

The President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, has been named by the French Prime Minister, Emmanuel Macron, as the champion of the African “Green Wall” initiative, The Source gathered.

In a tweet by Adesina on his verified Twitter handle,

“I am greatly honored to be named a Champion of Africa’s “Great Green Wall” initiative, by President

@EmmanuelMacron

. It is a wall worth building to save the Sahel of Africa from climate change & desertification.

@CyrilRamaphosa

@IssoufouMhm

@MBuhari

@PaulKagame

@AUC_MoussaFaki”, he tweeted.

The African Union is leading Africa’s flagship initiative to combat the increasing desertification aiming to effectively transform millions of African lives by creating a wide green landscape across North Africa, according to Wikipedia. The initial idea was to create a line of trees from east to the west bordering the Saharan Desert. Later it evolved into that of a mosaic of interventions addressing the challenges facing the people in the Sahel region and the Sahara.