COVID-19: President Buhari Stands Firm, Extends Lockdown; Signs Quarantine Order

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April 13, 2020

In a nationwide address Monday evening, President Muhammadu Buhari extended the two-week lockdown in the FCT, Abuja, as well as in Lagos and Ogun States. It was extended by another two weeks.

He has, also, asked state governments to be vigilant and ensure that the deadly Virus does not keep spreading, expressing fears that it may have already spread to communities.

Many Nigerians had waited and expected that the President would, in the face of the hardships being suffered by the people, on the account of the lockdown, relax it.

But appreciating and applauding Nigerians for their patience the President, while reeling out the numbers of deaths and those who contracted the disease in some countries, asked Nigerians to bear with the situation, difficult as it is.

Following, excerpts from the broadcast.

“In my address on Sunday, 29th March, 2020, I asked the residents of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory to stay at home for an initial period of fourteen days starting from Monday, 30th March 2020.

“Many State Governments also introduced similar restrictions.

“As your democratically elected leaders, we made this very difficult decision knowing fully well it will severely disrupt your livelihoods and bring undue hardship to you, your loved ones and your communities.

“However, such sacrifices are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our country. They were necessary to save lives.

“Our objective was, and still remains, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and to provide space, time and resources for an aggressive and collective action.

“The level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued has been generally good across the country. I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the great sacrifice you are making for each other at this critical time.

“I will take this opportunity to recognise the massive support from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.

“I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.

“I must also thank the media houses, celebrities and other public figures for the great work they are doing in sensitizing our citizens on hygienic practices, social distancing and issues associated with social gatherings.

“As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown.

“We implemented comprehensive public health measures that intensified our case identification, testing, isolation and contact tracing capabilities.

“To date, we have identified 92% of all identified contacts while doubling the number of testing laboratories in the country and raising our testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day.

“We also trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control while deploying NCDC teams to 19 states of the federation.

“Lagos and Abuja today have the capacity to admit some 1,000 patients each across several treatment centres.

“Many State Governments have also made provisions for isolation wards and treatment centres. We will also build similar centers near our airports and land borders.

“Using our resources and those provided through donations, we will adequately equip and man these centres in the coming weeks. Already, health care workers across all the treatment centers have been provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to safely carry out the care they provide.

“Our hope and prayers are that we do not have to use all these centres. But we will be ready for all eventualities.

“At this point, I must recognise the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers and volunteers across the country especially in frontline areas of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

“You are our heroes and as a nation, we will forever remain grateful for your sacrifice during this very difficult time. More measures to motivate our health care workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks.

“As a nation, we are on the right track to win the fight against COVID-19.

“However, I remain concerned about the increase in number of confirmed cases and deaths being reported across the world and in Nigeria specifically.

“On 30th March 2020, when we started our lockdown in conforming with medical and scientific advice, the total number of confirmed cases across the world was over 780,000.

“Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally was over one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand. This figure is more than double in two weeks!

“In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died due to this disease.

“In the same period, we have seen the health system of even the most developed nations being overwhelmed by this virus.

“Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.

“This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.

“Most of our efforts will continue to focus in these two locations.

“Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.

“By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.

“The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.

“At this point, I will remind all Nigerians to continue to take responsibility for the recommended measures to prevent transmission, including maintaining physical distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home.

“In addition, I have signed the Quarantine Order in this regard and additional regulations to provide clarity in respect of the control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic which will be released soon.

“The public health response to COVID-19 is built on our ability to detect, test and admit cases as well as trace all their contacts. While I note some appreciable progress, we can achieve a lot more.

“Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.

“Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps – First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.

“With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.

“This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We can not be lax.

“The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.

“This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.

“The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.

“We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.

“I will therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to notify the relevant authorities if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. I will also ask our health care professionals to redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.

“No country can afford the full impact of a sustained restriction of movement on its economy. I am fully aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, day workers, artisans and manual workers.

“For this group, their sustenance depends on their ability to go out. Their livelihoods depend on them mingling with others and about seeking work. But despite these realities we must not change the restrictions.

“In the past two weeks, we announced palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers to ease the pains of our restrictive policies during this difficult time. These palliatives will be sustained.

“I have also directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks. This means we will support an additional one million homes with our social investment programs. A technical committee is working on this and will submit a report to me by the end of this week.

“The Security Agencies have risen to the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation with gallantry and I commend them. I urge them to continue to maintain utmost vigilance, firmness as well as restraint in enforcing the restriction orders while not neglecting statutory security responsibilities.

“Fellow Nigerians, follow the instructions on social distancing. The irresponsibility of the few can lead to the death of the many. Your freedom ends where other people’s rights begin.

“The response of our State Governors has been particularly impressive, especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the Federal Government.

“In the coming weeks, I want to assure you that the Federal Government, through the Presidential Task Force, will do whatever it takes to support you in this very difficult period. I have no doubt that, by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic.

“I must also thank the Legislative arm of Government for all its support and donations in this very difficult period. This collaboration is critical to the short and long-term success of all the measures that we have instituted in response to the pandemic.

” As a result of this pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. The way we interact with each other, conduct our businesses and trade, travel, educate our children and earn our livelihoods will be different.

“To ensure our economy adapts to this new reality, I am directing the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Transportation, Aviation, Interior, Health, Works and Housing, Labour and Employment and Education to jointly develop a comprehensive policy for a “Nigerian economy functioning with COVID-19”.

“The Ministers will be supported by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Economic Sustainability Committee in executing this mandate.

“I am also directing the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Security Adviser, the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and the Chairman, Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ensure the impact of this pandemic on our 2020 farming season is minimized.

“Finally, I want to thank the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all their hard work so far. Indeed, the patriotism shown in your work is exemplary and highly commendable.

“Fellow Nigerians, I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.”

COVID-19: IGP Panics, Deploys Intervention Squads To Lagos And Ogun States

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The Source

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April 13, 2020

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In the wake of the brazen harassment, robbing, raping and killings going on in Lagos and Ogun States, a consequent of the total lockdown in the two states over the Coronavirus, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has deployed an Intervention Squad to flush out the hoodlums.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, the DIG in charge of the South-west Peter Babatunde Ogunyanwo is coordinating.

Already, the squad has swung into action, and has arrested a total of 191 suspects, flaunting assorted dangerous weapons.

Following are excerpts from Mba’s statement.

“In the wake of recent activities of hoodlums and street urchins in the border communities between Lagos and Ogun States, the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional intelligence and operational assets of the Force, comprising Police Mobile Force (PMF) Units, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS), to Lagos and Ogun States to strengthen security and bolster public confidence in the affected areas.

“The Intervention Team is being coordinated by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Peter Babatunde Ogunyanwo, fdc, a seasoned crime fighter, who doubles as the DIG in charge of the Department of Research and Planning of the Force and the coordinating DIG for South-West Geopolitical Zone. He is to immediately oversee the deployments of these additional assets to enhance public safety, public confidence and general security in the two (2) States.

“Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered Commissioners of Police across the country to immediately rejig the security architecture in their various Commands to effectively tackle all emerging crimes associated with the COVID-19 lock-down. They are also to intensify patrols around residential areas, markets, shopping malls and all critical national infrastructures in their jurisdictions.

“The Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the twelve (12) Zonal Commands have also been directed by the IGP to bring their supervisory role to bear by ensuring that the Commands under their Zones are safe and secure for the citizenry to live and thrive.

“A total of One Hundred and Ninety One (191) suspects have been arrested in Lagos and Ogun States in connection with the incidents.

“The following exhibits, fifteen (15) locally-made guns, fifty-two (52) live cartridges, forty-two (42) Cutlasses and axes and large quantity of weeds suspected to be Marijuana have been recovered from the hoodlums by the Police Teams in the Agbado, Ifo, Otta and Agege axis.

“The DIG, Peter B. Ogunyanwo,fdc can be reached through this GSM No: 0803 389 3226. The Control Room Numbers for Lagos Command are 08127155132, 08065154338 and 07055462708 while that of Ogun Command are 08081770416 and 08081770419.”

US claims 21 million Chinese Died Of Coronavirus

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Uche Mbah

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April 13, 2020

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By Uche Mbah
Indications are that China was being economical with the truth when they claim that 3,000 Chinese died of the dreaded coronavirus.
Chinese press had reported more than 81,000 infections with 3,300 deaths.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) March 19 announced the number of phone users in each Chinese province. Both cell phone users and landline users dropped significantly with the number of users increasing from 1.600957 billion to 1.579927 billion, which is 21.03 million less. Landline users were said to have dropped from 190.83 million to 189.99 million, or 0.84 million less. In the same period the year before, the number of accounts had increased.
In a classified report by US Intelligence Officials quoted by Web.Archive.org, allege that 20.9 million Chinese due to coronavirus.
But this allegation was quickly rejected by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying who said China had been “open and transparent” about the outbreak. She accused Washington of trying to “shift the blame.”
But the US officials were adamant, insisting that the number of phones closed was as a result of deaths via coronavirus.
“Cell phones are an indispensable part of life in China and it is only closed when the user is dead”, the report said.

“The digitization level is very high in China. People can’t survive without a cell phone,” Tang Jingyuan, a U.S.-based China Affairs commentator told The Epoch Times on March 21. “Dealing with the government for pensions and social security, buying train tickets, shopping… no matter what people want to do, they are required to use cell phones.”

“The Chinese regime requires all Chinese use their cell phones to generate a health code. Only with a green health code are Chinese allowed to move in China now,” Tang said. “It’s impossible for a person to cancel his cell phone.”
In China, cell phones are an integral part of everyday life. Bank accounts and social security accounts are bundled with their cell phone. The apps are connected with the national database qnd are used to track each individual.

Bandits On Rampage, Attack, Rape Residents of Agege, Ogba, Alimosho LGAs

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The Source

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April 13, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium in Agege, as armed robbers stormed Orile Agege, Oke Koto, Sofunde, Ogba and Alimosho Local Government residents, dispossesing them of their money, food stuffs and properties. And, they, also, raped women.

In what looked liked a planned and well cordinated operation they raided many parts of Lagos State, unleashing terror on the residents.

There were sporadic shootings to scare residents and make them jittery. They entered the homes of their victims, dispossesing them of cash, jewelries and phones, while some ladies were raped.

The robbers invaded these areas in large numbers and are within the age bracket of 18-23 years of age.

Some residents complained bitterly about the lackadaisical approach of men of the Police, who were called upon, but failed to show up until after about an hour, when the robbers had carted away their loots.

Residents who took to social media to draw public attention to the onslaught said the robbers looted food stores and warehouses in the areas and, in some cases, where the residents had nothing of value to be stolen, the robbers raped women and young girls.

“They came in at about 7pm this night with about 30 okadas and 10 buses,” a resident who lives in Cement around Mangoro told the magazine.

“Many houses and food shops have been robbed. In fact, they also broke into some warehouses here and stole items.”

In Mangoro, another resident said they attacked people on the streets, snatching purses and phones.

“Nowhere is safe in the area now. Those that were on the streets were attacked and they collected their bags and purses. They also broke into houses and robbed people of their valuables.”

After the robbers carried out this onslaught, youths within Agege, reinforced to face them.

The youths in the area were said to have come together to forestall future occurrence by keeping vigil and making bonfires on the streets.

“We know they have been operating in nearby streets, but we won’t allow them to get into our streets. We will keep a night over this fire,” one of them said.

In a video that went viral on social media, a woman who is resident at Òkè koto in Agege was heard calling for the intervention of the police and lampooning government for leaving them at the mercy of the robbers despite complying with the lockdown directive.

She said “We are no more safe in Agege. From Oke koto, Agunbiade, Ayanwale to Pen Cinema. We need help; we’ve called the police but no response,” she said.

“For the past one hour, no one has come to our rescue. What kind of country is this? They isolated us without any provision. Our lives are not secure. These boys have entered into out houses, over 100 of them. They have been robbing for over one hour.”

The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Bala Elkanah, confirmed the attack, saying the Police are working tirelessly to make the Staff, and are bent on protecting lives and properties of Lagosians.

He, however, cautioned Lagosians to stop those making bonfires on roads and their environment, as this will cause panic in the areas.

“We have sent our Rapid Response Squad there, and what we discover are youths of those areas stepping out in the name of protecting their areas from hoodlums coming in.

“Burning tyres in the name of securing, and this, on its own is creating panic. We have sent a strong message, the order is stay at home. Everybody must stay at home. We have enough deployment all this while. We are not under any threat. Those youths are looking for an opportunity to be out of the house, so they are creating panic. There is adequate police patrol in the areas”, he said.

Elkanah’s statement that there is adequate Police Patrol in all areas of the State do not augur with residents of these areas, who said the presence of the Police is not felt in the areas.

They alleged that the Police have not been proactive in responding to distress calls, that the people have decided to defend themselves, and not relying on the Police.

“The Police have failed in their responsibility to protect us, we have resolve to self defense, we cannot allow some miscreants to dispossess us of our belongings. We are all in this together, and can’t wait to be overridden”, a resident stated.

Buhari to Address Nigerians Amidst Hunger, Anger, Banditry

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The Source

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April 13, 2020

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By Gideon Njoku

For the second time within three weeks, President Muhammadu Buhari will address the Nation.

The President’s address comes amidst anger, hunger, frustration, and worsening security situation over the lockdown of states, a consequence of the Coronavirus.

In the President’s first address, he had ordered a total lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as well as Lagos and Osun states to contain the spread of the Virus.

But it has since spread to many other states, especially, Osun State, which has about 20 confirmed cases. Since then too, the number of confirmed cases has risen to over 300 nationwide. There are fears that it would escalate.

But there is now a more troubling situation than the Virus as hungry youths are gradually taking over the streets of Lagos and Ogun states robbing, maiming and raping women.

It is expected that Buhari’s address by 7. 00pm today would touch on these issues. It is also expected that he would extend the lockdown by another 14 days, and to a couple of other states.

Rising From The Ashes – Life After Covid 19

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The Source

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April 13, 2020

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By Olabisi Akadiri

Here we are, stuck in the middle of this Covid 19 pandemic, with no end in sight. Covid 19 is a coronavirus respiratory infection that originated in Wuhan, China. Over a period of four months, it has attained pandemic proportions, spreading to almost every continent and infecting over a million and a half people, with more than 80,000 fatalities so far. People have adopted a variety of coping mechanisms, from the mundane to the insane. We all hope for a quick return to normalcy, but one thing is sure: some things will never be the same again.

I believe there are five major issues that will need to be re-visited once the Covid 19 crisis abates. I write briefly about them below.

The Resilience of the Global Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Harvard Business Review article from early March noted that the world’s largest 1,000 companies and their suppliers owned more than 12,000 factories, warehouses and other operations in Covid 19 quarantined areas. Since then, the exposure has surely grown. This caught a lot of companies by surprise because they had not done any supply chain mapping. Many companies still don’t know the sources of some critical components for their production and service delivery. In the post Covid 19 world, this will have to change.

Countries and companies will also need to look for ways to diversify their supply chain where possible. Relying on cheap single source suppliers or manufacturers from China (or from any single location) in the future will be risky. Apart from seeking alternative overseas suppliers, there may be a preference to rely more on local manufacturing. The recent nationalist sentiment in many countries would favour this model. In this case, governments will need to develop more conducive policies, and companies will need to change their cost structures to make local manufacturing competitive again.

Chinese companies have already begun to recover and are aggressively re-integrating themselves into the global supply chain. Future pressure on China to demonstrate its reliability may inspire its government pursue its Belt and Road initiative more zealously. China might jostle for exclusive long-term access to sources of critical raw materials in Africa and other regions, and possibly create supplementary manufacturing infrastructure with Chinese personnel, materials and working practices outside of China.

The Reliability of Multinational Alliances: One of the main advantages of multinational alliances is exemplified in NATO’s Article 5; the principle of Collective Defence that considers an attack on one of the Allies as an attack on all the Allies. Whether the basis of the alliance is military or economic, this provides a sense of confidence and security to all participants. But what if everyone is attacked at the same time by an intangible and implacable foe? This is what the world is experiencing now with Covid 19.

As the health care system of every country is put under pressure, divisions are becoming evident. The United States invoked the Defence Production Act, dedicating the production of scarce and critical health care equipment by selected American companies to domestic use only. Likewise, the poorer EU countries (especially Italy) have been lamenting the unenthusiastic financial and operational support from wealthier EU countries. These wealthier states are dragging their feet over the issuing of ‘Coronabonds’, which can provide desperately needed financial relief to the poorer EU states. In the future, this can jeopardise the harmony of some alliances, as members begin to question the real benefits that they derive. The EU may fracture further even after Brexit, and countries across the world may begin to attach much greater value to autonomy and national sovereignty, to the detriment of globalisation.

The Balance Between National Health and National Wealth: Many developed countries already have good healthcare infrastructure, and equal access to health services for most of their populations. However, most of them were unprepared for the speed, scale and severity of the Covid 19 pandemic. It is now clear that a pandemic can have a sustained detrimental economic impact. Governments are trying to determine whether a balance can be struck between preserving lives and preserving livelihoods, and how this can be morally implemented. India, Italy and many other countries enforced a total shutdown of schools and businesses, maintaining only essential services. The United States, Netherlands, Sweden and several other countries have opted for partial shutdowns. Every country is itching to lift the restrictions and get back to business as usual as soon as possible.

When the Covid 19 crisis is over, governments will need to determine the most pragmatic levels of health care infrastructure and access that will be needed to manage future emergencies. They will also need to draw up policies on how to maintain economic activity when quarantine measures are necessary. Unfortunately, it is likely that developing countries will remain as vulnerable as ever in the future. Therefore, it will be important to decide how resources will be shared to limit the resurgence of a pandemic from countries that have less capacity to deal decisively with it.

Some businesses will thrive post Covid 19. I believe the insurance industry can create new business models and packages that could make it a big winner. The new focus on the importance of health to the profitability of businesses may also lead to new conversations with professional athletes and sports leagues about how the length of seasons and tournaments is managed, and how injuries are prevented. Therefore, it is possible that the familiar sports cycles of the past will look quite different in the future.

The Sustainability of Working from Home: This practice has become increasingly familiar, enough to merit its own three-letter acronym – WFH. In 2013, Yahoo circulated a company-wide memo that banned telecommuting. Now, companies that thought WFH would lead to their collapse have seen that it works. Because organisations are primarily profit-oriented, they will seek the most cost-effective and efficient benefits from this development. A popular operating model could be the shrinking of permanent staff into an essential supervisory core, while outsourcing a lot more work to consultants and contractors. These non-permanent staff could work remotely more often, and the companies would bear a reduced burden of benefits and pensions. Office space can be reduced, with rent, power, IT and infrastructure costs falling correspondingly.

This is a model that has already been adopted in some companies. Of course, there are trade-offs to consider because the model comes with its own disadvantages. In any case, there will be opportunities and requirements to build more efficient, reliable and secure online working platforms and collaborative working environments. The online video-conferencing company Zoom is experiencing a boom during the Covid 19 quarantine, but its security flaws were exposed. The future Zooms can make a lot of money in this area. Existing social networking platforms may also decide to compete in this sphere.

This operating model would now not only reduce costs and improve efficiency, but would serve as a form of insurance for business continuity in case of another global quarantine. Therefore, a new WFH way of working with reliance on consultants and contractors suggests that employers who adopt this approach will need to work out new benefits, obligations and welfare considerations to reflect its potential for risk mitigation.

The Sustainability of Studying from Home: The workplace today requires continuous learning. The advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has made it easier for workers to improve their credentials. Online study has been a part of higher education syllabuses for some time and is more familiar than working from home. However, the need for students from the most junior to the most senior levels of education to adopt online learning during the Covid 19 quarantine might have opened new opportunities.

A 2018 survey by Northwestern University demonstrated that the relative value of educational credentials in hiring has held steady or increased for most employers over the preceding five years. It also showed that nearly half of employers report that they have increased the level of education preferred or required for the same job roles over the previous five years – often due to increased skills demands for these jobs, as well as increased supply in the market. Nevertheless, the study found that a solid majority of HR leaders believe that credentials earned online are of generally equal quality to those completed in-person.

The Covid 19 studying-from-home experiment, combined with rapidly increasing college tuition costs in some countries, may well lead to a preference among students and parents to opt for exclusively online learning programmes in the future. Higher institutions can respond to this opportunity by designing programmes that are more intensive and involved to further strengthen the levels of accreditation. By adjusting fee structures to make these programmes cheaper than the face to face curriculum, universities can greatly expand their student body enrolment and revenue, without necessarily diluting the prestige of more conventional degrees. They would need to develop regulations that would raise the barriers to entry to protect the interests of existing established institutions, and to maintain the required standards.

So, post Covid 19, we will be entering a brave new world. Exciting opportunities await us all, but only if we use this crisis to think carefully about how we will tread when it ends. Although the crisis makes almost every country, company, family and individual feel threatened and alone, I believe that there is no better time to re-establish our personal, corporate and diplomatic relationships to work toward a more harmonious and collaborative future.

COVID 19: Lawan, Gbajabiamila Insensitive- Rights Group

By

Bayo Bernard

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April 13, 2020

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Again, the National Assembly has got a hit from a human rights body, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP for demanding a whopping N37 billion from the Federal government for the renovation of the NASS complex.

SERAP in a statement signed by its Deputy-Director, Kolawole Oluwadare in Lagos on Sunday has also urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and civil society groups to monitor the COVID 19 special funds to make sure it’s not mismanaged.

“This is to ensure that the funds are spent to support the poorest and most vulnerable people, such as pensioners, People Living With Disabilities (PWDs), and not diverted, stolen or mismanaged,” the group said.

The N37 billion, SERAP said should be shared to the 36 states in the country and FCT to help them contain the COVID 19 emergency.

Some states have been strained by finance and desperately need funds to stop the pandemic from spreading, health experts say.

The lawmakers had drawn the anger of prominent individuals and rights groups in the country after they demanded the sum, in January this year to repair the Assembly buildings.

The Ahmad Lawan –led NASS, has been trenchantly condemned by Nigerians for their insensitivity to the plight of the nation at this critical times of financial crisis.

The lawmakers, SERAP said now have a choice to continue to live in opulence or allow the funds to be released to Nigerians who desperately need it.

SERAP said, “Nigeria is at a crossroads and National Assembly leaders and members must now decide whether to continue to look after themselves and do little for the country’s poorest or make a commitment to redirect the N37 billion to help ameliorate the suffering caused by COVID-19 restrictions, SERAP added.

Going ahead to spend N37 billion to renovate the National Assembly complex even when COVID-19 is over would further undermine the social contract in Nigeria, and hurt the poorest and most vulnerable people across the 36 states and FCT.”

It said the funds would increase the financial capacity of government in containing the virus.

The body said “It would limit the ability of the authorities to provide much-needed benefits and support to these Nigerians, and undermine efforts to reduce the impact of the disease on the country.

It will improve the chances of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people to live a life of dignity while obeying authorities’ directives to stay at home.

Without sufficient COVID-19 direct reliefs and monetary benefits to these Nigerians, many may be forced to turn to criminal activities as their only perceived options for surviving.”

COVID 19: Relief, Number Of Confirmed Cases Drops

By

Bayo Bernard

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April 13, 2020

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By Fola James

For the first time since the corona virus index case was discovered in Nigeria, the number of positive cases has decreased according to the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

According to a report on NCDC website, cases in Nigeria in the last 24 hours have dropped to five newly reported incidents.

As at April 12, there are 323 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria: 85 have been discharged with 10 deaths.

Compared to the past days when over 10 cases were recorded repeatedly, only five have been confirmed on Easter Sunday, NCDC said.

States where new cases have been discovered include, Lagos and Kwara states with two cases each while Katsina recorded one more incidence.

There are 19 states with confirmed cases in the country.

The first COVID 19 case was recorded in March after an Italian expatriate working with Larfarge, a cement company in Ogun state was discovered positive of the deadly disease.

The cases of Nigerians infected by the disease have risen astronomically since then to over 300 cases as at Monday, according to figures from the Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu-led NCDC.

But the agency responsible for containing the pandemic said on Sunday that the number of cases has now dropped a welcome development to many Nigerians, particularly those who fear the virus could spiral out of control.

Meanwhile, health experts told the magazine that containing the virus will depend largely on how far Nigerians are able to comply with preventive methods such as stay-at-home, regular hand washing, social distancing and the use of face mask when necessary.

Already, the federal government has disclosed that the stay-at-home order will remain in place in Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory, FCT until further notice.

Neymar’s 52-Year Old Mum To Marry 22- Year Old Computer Game Fan

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The Source

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April 13, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

In a bizarre event, likely to embarrass her superstar son, Nadine Gonclaves, Mother of Brazil National Football Team Captain and Paris Saint Germain world record signing, Neymar Junior, is making headlines.

The 52-Year Old woman has finally found love once again in the arms of 22-Year Old Computer Game Fan, Tiago Ramos.

Gonclaves parted ways with Neymar’s father, and has been living a modest life with no one, not even the media knowing much about her.

She has, however, stolen the limelight from her son after it emerged she is dating a young guy, three decades younger than her and six years younger than her superstar son.

She revealed on Instagram that she is dating gamer, Ramos, posting a picture of herself embracing Ramos in a garden.

And she accompanied the snap with the caption: “The inexplicable cannot be explained, you live it…

Brazilian outlet UEL Esporte has shed more light on Ramos, revealing him to be part of a gaming team called 4K Easy.

But if that sounds a little geeky, he balances it out by also happening to be a model.

Gonclaves parted ways with Neymar’s father and agent, Wagner Ribeiro in 2016, after 25 years of marriage.

And despite the age gap, her new relationship appears to have the approval of her superstar son.

Neymar commented on her Instagram post: “Be happy mom, love you.”

Gov. Abiodun Blows Hot; Says Criminals Will Be Ruthlessly Dealt With, As Ogun Police Arrest Over 150 Suspects

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The Source

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April 12, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following series of harassments, robberies, burglaries and cult clashes that occurred within the Agbado Ijaiye, Sango, Ijoko and Ifo axis of the State, the Ogun State Police Command has made series of arrest in connection to the incidents, with over 150 suspects arrested.

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminals in the state, while reading riot act over the heinous crimes committed by the hoodlums.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, he said the Governor has made the protection of lives and properties of Ogun State residents is his core mandate, which would never toy with or jeopardize.

The governor added that: “It has become expedient that we do not spare the rod and spoil the child. Anybody, no matter whose child he or she is, if found guilty of armed robbery, would be visited with the full weight of the law, including capital punishment”.

The governor however urged the police to intensify efforts at curbing the nefarious activities of criminals, asking them to smoke out their hideouts and promptly investigate those involved in the nightmarish activities, not only in Ifo and Ado-Odo local governments but across the State.

He said the State would avail all other security outfits, including the Department of State Security Service and the armed forces, with necessary material and logistic support to end the reign of terror unleashed by armed robbers on the State.

“I will not hesitate to confirm sentences, even of capital punishment, if that will deter these social misfits. Ogun has zero- tolerance for criminals and we will deal with the with venomous measures. Enough is enough”, the governor said.

Commending the Ogun State Police Command, Governor Abiodun said the swiiftness and prompt adherence to directive of the State Government to flush out those turning the sit-at-home order to a criminal enterprise.

He further enjoined all other relevant agencies to immediately up the ante of their intelligence gathering mechanisms to ensure that there’s no reoccurrence of the criminal acts, especially as the State continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ogun State government restates its commitment to ensuring that the State is conducive for living and businesses, without fear of criminals and other unscrupulous elements.

The governor added that he would continue to give all necessary support to security agencies, as he has done by providing mobility and other working equipment for effective service delivery.

The government enjoins all law-abiding citizens and residents to remain calm and continue to comply with the stay-at-home directive, as the situation is now fully under control.

The Ogun State Police Command has however reiterated it’s commitment to serve the people and their security Paramount.

In an official statement by the Police, it stated that it has arrested 150 suspects in connection with the unrest along Agbado Ijaiye, Sango, Ijoko and Ifo Axis of the State and the suspects are currently being interrogated.

The Police however stressed that it is working with other relevant agencies, and will remain on ground, as further arrests may be made and to reassure the law-abiding citizens that the situation is under control.

It added that Governor Abiodun, will continue to make good his promise not to condone acts of criminality under any guise.