Lagos Youths Protest Against Police Brutality.

Random shot of Ogba Youths protesting along Ifako-Ijaiye, Ogba Lagos.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gbemile Oluwatosin.

Honestly, I hope this protest is not lossing FOCUS, the President need to address this issue once and for all.

#Goodgoverance

#BBC

#CNN

#AFP

Free Training For Photographers.

Registration still ongoing for the three months photography training. Class commence this October 2020. 

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#BigBrotherNaijaLockdown2020 

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Ambient Darkness

Night environment sometimes looks scary, but with good ambience there's an atom of beauty and relaxation. So when next someone asked you how was your night, just reply with the word "It was beautiful" just like the above image.

Photo Credit: Gbemile Oluwatosin.

Abiola Ajimobi Finally Laid To Rest.

The remains of immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Isiaka Ajimobi has been laid to rest in Ibadan,the Oyo State Capital. 

He was interred at his Oluyole Residence in Ibadan.

The brief ceremony had less than 20 persons in attendance while prayers would later be offered for the repose of his soul at the Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Mosque,Oke-Ado at 12noon.

It will be recalled that the late Ajimobi died last week ending, Thursday from Complications arising from Covid 19 at the Age of 70.

Ex-Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi is Dead.

Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has died of Covid 19 complications. 

It will be recalled that news filtered in days ago that he had passed on but it was refuted by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji at the time who urged everyone to debunk the rumour and continue praying for his principal.

According to information gathered, he passed on at about 3.45pm, Thursday. He had been hospitalised at First Cardiologist and Cardiovascular Consultants Hospital, Lagos since June 2, 2020.

Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi born 16th December, 1949 in Oyo State, had his primary and secondary education in Ibadan.

Ajimobi travel go America for his university education studied Business Administration and Finance at the State University of New York and later did his MBA at the State University, Illinois.

He died at the age of 70years.

Below are the images of sympathizers at the Oluyole, Oyo State residence of late Former Governor of Oyo state.

Church Closed.

Pictures of the week

Lagos: Scene of Churches been closed as a result of #lockdown #workfromhome #covid19 Work in progress #documentary #streetphotography  📸 Photo Credit: Gbemile Oluwatosin

Lockdown Scene of the International Airport, Ikeja.

Pictures of the week.

Lagos: Night scene of Empty International Airport Road Ikeja as a result of #lockdown #workfromhome #covid19 Work in progress #documentary #streetphotography  📸 Photo Credit: Gbemile Oluwatosin

Lagos: Scene of Empty International Airport Road Ikeja as a result of #lockdown #workfromhome #covid19 Work in progress #documentary #streetphotography  📸 Photo Credit: Gbemile Oluwatosin

Lagbaja In Connection With "Egungun Be Careful".

Egungun be careful na express you dey go

E don happen, i don tell am

Motor don jam am, ehm family don carry am.

The above lyrics was composed in the early 20's by Akande Obesere aka papa "Egungun be careful na express you dey go......" 

Happy Workers Day, this is the very first time in history that Nigeria workers wouldn't gathered together to parade, no thanks to COVID-19 pandemic.

Come 4th of May, 2020, the lockdown would be relaxed or eased but only intrastate movements would be allowed, but make sure you wear your facemask.

Those living in Ogun border towns and working in Lagos may not be able to move into Lagos State I guess, but if they show their ID cards they should be allowed to move. Breaking News: Ghana records about 1,032 COVID-19 cases 10 days after lifting lockdown. I just hope that ours wouldn't surpass that figure. Egungun be careful na express you dey go ooo! No let motor (Coro) jam you ooo. However if you have any business to do outside, make sure you wear Facemask, observe the Social Distancing Method, if not motor go jam you ooo, because you've been worried, why not just work from home. 

I so much fear this COVID-19 because of the way it been reported, it's confusing right? But common sense will tell us to stay indoor and avoid overcrowded space or gathering because you don't know who is infected, and it's very infectious if only you've watched the movie titled "CONTAGION", you will know better and wise up.

Anyway has for me, I've adopted the Lagbaja dressing style, but in a more flashy way, before you talk go and adopt you own style before you enter express if not motor go jam you ooo, I don tell you ooo! If you're tested positive to the virus, I pray you survive it, if not, your family no go fit carry you ooo!.

Egungun be careful na express you dey go

E don happen, i don tell am

Motor don jam am, ehm family don carry am.

Among Who Was The President's Speech Leaked Most?

The President's broadcast speech is always perceive to be confidential, but how confidential is the speech now? 

Now social media is here and has come to stay, which means that the Media Aides must be sensitive to uphold the truth ethics of the profession, because people claiming to be journalist (untrained) are rushing to break the news first, and pressing the share button.

However, my concern now is for the real journalism to be practiced by real trained journalists alone, and uphold the ethics of the profession.

My question now is who among this Special Adviser on Media and Publicity does the speeches of the president leaked most?

Doyin Okupe 1999-2007, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Olusegun Adeniyi 2007- 2010, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Reuben Abati 2011- 2015, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President President Goodluck Jonathan.

Femi Adesina  2015 till date, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari.

By: Gbemile Oluwatosin.

Photo Credit: wikipedia.

The Leaked Information of The President's Broadcast Speech.

Credit: Opera.com

After four weeks of lockdown that has kept me home, I was really looking forward to the presidential broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening. 

There have been some informed speculations about what the President was likely to say based on the public outcry over the effects of the restriction of movement in particularly Lagos, Abuja and Ogun states, which I also know may be the right decision to take, but I preferred to hear from the horse’s mouth.

So, when I took my seat before the television as the President began his broadcast with my telephone ready for tweeting some major points, I assumed that what was being read was news to everyone, except for the aides of the president and those who took the decision.

Just when I was waiting for the preamble of the speech to be over for the President to get to the major decisions, particularly the expected relaxation of the lockdown, I received a forwarded copy of the speech in a WhatsApp group I belonged to. 

I know some people or media organizations usually have advanced copies of the speech, but I didn't recon that it had become free for all before the broadcast started. 

As I was trying to think of how the sender who is not a staff of any major media house got the copy he forwarded, I got a call from a cousin who asked why the copy of the president's speech some his friends claim to have before the broadcast was released.

As far as he was concerned, it was not right for just anyone to have the speech when it was still being read by the President.

True. I however explained to him about the old practice of giving advanced copies to media organizations to print overnight to coincide with usually morning broadcast.

I'm aware that the practice had continued even with the changing media landscape which now includes the digital media, irrespective of the time of the broadcast. 

The standard practice is that there is an embargo of when the speech must not be published or broadcast.

If this was what happened in this case, the mass circulation of the speech ahead of Monday night broadcast calls for a review of the old practice. What is clear is that it may be difficult to ensure an embargo with such address, especially if it contains some sensitive decision which is not supposed to be known ahead of the broadcast.

And as if to underscore the importance of allowing the President to read his final copy before it is circulated, the address that was earlier shared on various platforms was amended in the broadcast.

The date for the commencement of the relaxed restriction of movement is May 4 not 2 as in the first copy. So, there was there was initial confusion about which date was right since some people didn't bother to listen to the broadcast having read the first copy.

The first copy had no fix time for the lockdown in Kano, but in his address the President announced two weeks.

There were also some amendments and corrections in the final copy the president read.

While those who released the first copy to the approved persons might have meant well to ease the work of the media, those who leaked it to the public simply betrayed the trust expected of them and breached the embargo.

Normally those who got the speech officially knows that they can still be sent an updated copy if any amendment was made. But how can the first copy be withdrawn from circulation now when it has gone viral, no thanks to the emergency 'journalists'

The Cable newspaper however suggest that the wrong copy in circulation was the draft prepared by a member of the presidential task force on COVID-19 sent to the office of the Secretary of the government of the federation (SGF).

It might have been reportedly copied from a Microsoft document with the original text and edits including repetition of many words and phrases.

When journalism used to be practiced by real journalists alone, ethics of the profession and unaccepted practices were known to all. Unfortunately everyone is now either a publisher now or an information sharer.

Everyone wants to be the first to share information even when they don't know the source. What was the point of anyone who is not a journalist or a media organization being in a hurry to circulate the president's speech?

I hope the lessons have now been learnt by all concerned. Media aides need to realize that they cannot guarantee that their embargoed press releases or speech will not be leaked. 

People who get information also need to avoid hitting the send button each time they get any information.

And if the leak was from the office of the SGF, it’s time to checkmate any possible future leakage. What happened on Monday is an embarrassment that should not be allowed to happen again. 

F.G Declares Another Lockdown Order.

Read full text of Buhari’s speech below:

ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA, MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 2020

1. Fellow Nigerians

2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.

3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some 3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally with about 900,000 recoveries. Unfortunately, some 200,000 people have passed away as a result of this pandemic.

4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

5. Nigeria continues to adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. Today, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming months fully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.

6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were 323 confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

7. As at this morning, Nigeria had recorded 1,273 cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, this includes 40 deaths.

8. I am using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their loved ones as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share your grief.

9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated 2,000 confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.

10. This means that despite the increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.

11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.

12. Today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.

13. Based on your feedback, Lagos State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC have established several sample collection centers. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand.

15. I commend the State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

16. Over 10,000 healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment have been distributed to all the states.

17. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establishing a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and are properly equipped.

18. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations.

19. We have also procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time.

20. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.

21. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still on-going in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and distribution processes working with the State Governments.

22. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remain our primary concern especially in these difficult and uncertain times.

23. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.

24. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment against infection.

25. As we continue to streamline our response in the centres of Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth investigation is still on-going, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government manpower, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts, with immediate effect.

26. In Kano, and indeed many other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.

27. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

28. These include regular hand washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings.

29. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under either Federal Government or State Government lockdown. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in our country.

30. However, such lockdowns have also come at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of livelihood. Many businesses have shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines.

31. In my last address, I mentioned that Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.

32. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on how to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practices while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.

33. We assessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time adhering to NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

34. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.

35. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centres.

36. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

37. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.

38. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

39. Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows;

a. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services;

b. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;

c. Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and

d. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

40. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.

41. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.

42. In respect to the above guidelines, State Governors may choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above.

43. To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.

44. These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State.

45. With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighbouring States.

46. I wish to once again, commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to our Government.

47. I will also recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support have significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date.

48. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of the coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.

49. I also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.

50. I also wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN system, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.

51. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and residents.

52. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NUJ advices FG to reject Chinese assistance in fighting COVID19

Media Release.

The NIGERIA Union of Journalists  National Secretariat is alarmed by the decision of the Federal Government to bring  Chinese Medical doctors to Nigeria to fight Covid 19, despite the fact that Nigerian doctors are doing exceptionally well in fighting the outbreak. We caution that it  will be counter productive to bring in Chinese doctors. 

While some  have applauded the way and manner China contained the virus in Wuhan- the only Chinese city to be so affected, we hasten to note that there is more to this charade than is being let out by the Chinese authorities, and we  reject a situation where Nigeria will be used as a Guinea pig for any experiment. 

It is pertinent to plead with the Federal Government to  stop this Medical team from coming to Nigeria because of  the Italian example where there was an inexplicable spike in Covid 19 related deaths when the Chinese doctors arrived the country. 

The FG should as a matter of urgent concern investigate the allegation that what is happening today is associated with the launching of the 5G communication network,as Nigerians are becoming more agitated over the issue which cannot be swept under the carpet. 

We urge the FG to be more proactive in dealing with these emerging issues because any mistake made will be catastrophic. 

Chris Isiguzo 

National President 

Shuaibu Usman Leman 

National Secretary 

04-04-2020

PLEASE SHARE THIS TO AVOID WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ITALY BEFALLING NIGERIA.

Full text of President Muhammadu Buhari Address to Nigerians on COVID19

ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA  ON THE COVID- 19 PANDEMIC SUNDAY 29TH MARCH, 2020

Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

1.  Fellow Nigerians,

 

2.   From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a world-wide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.

 

3.   The whole instruments of government are now mobilized to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.

 

4.   Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.

 

5.    By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to ninety-seven.

 

6.   Regrettably, we also had our first fatality, a former employee of PPMC, who died on 23rd March 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time. We also pray for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.

 

7.   As of today, COVID-19 has no cure. Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.

 

8.   We are in touch with these institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.

 

9.    For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.

 

10.    As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.  

 

11.    Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.

 

12.    Indeed, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of ten global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians. 

 

 

13.    Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.

 

14.    Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.

  

15.     In Nigeria, we are taking a two step approach.

 

16.    First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.  

 

17.     To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.

 

18.    Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.

 

19.    In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.

 

20.    Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

 

21.     I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.

 

22.    As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.

 

23.    This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.

 

24.     We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change. This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.

 

25.    Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.

 

26.    So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of ad-hoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.

 

 

 

27.    I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.

 

28.     This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.

 

29.    As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation. All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.

 

30.    As I mentioned earlier, as at this morning we had ninety-seven confirmed cases. Majority of these are in Lagos and Abuja. All the confirmed cases are getting the necessary medical care.

 

31.    Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.

 

32.    The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.

 

33.    We are therefore working to ensure such inter state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.

 

 

 

 

34.    Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

 

35.    All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

 

36.    The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

 

37.    We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

 

38.     This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.  

 

39.    Furthermore, commercial establishments  such as;

a.    food processing, distribution and retail companies;

b.    petroleum distribution and retail entities,

c.    power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and

d.   private security companies are also exempted.

 

40.    Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.

 

41.    Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.

 

42.    All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.

 

43.    Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.

 

44.    Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.

 

45.    Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.

 

46.    We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain.  

 

47.    However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will therefore ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice.

 

48.    As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19. Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.

 

49.    For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks. 

 

50.    Furthermore, although schools are closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies. The Minister will be contacting the affected States and agree on detailed next steps.

 

 

51.    Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.

 

 

52.    I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.

 

53.    For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.

 

54.    For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.

 

55.    We also call on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.

 

56.    As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.

 

 

57.    This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.

 

58.     My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.

 

59.    We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.  

 

60.    At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful spending. The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.

 

61.    I want to assure you all that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.

 

62.    Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus.

 

63.    I will therefore implore you again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support Government and the most vulnerable in your communities.

 

 

64.    I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, health care workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication and commitment. You are true heroes.

 

65.    I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all.

 

 

President Muhammadu Buhari

29th March 2020.

Balogun Market Burnt Down!

LASEMA Response Teams and other First Responders at the scene of the fire incident in Balogun market, Lagos, 29th January, 2020.

According to our source, the fire incident was as a result of a young man pouring in fuel inside generator, without switching off the generator. Over 40 shops were burnt down.

Picture credit, Sunday Adedeji.

Below link shows how the fire started.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3062647020415073&id=100000094167895

Fire Outbreak.

Fire Outbreak: Scene of fire outbreak at Mokuola Street, Ogba, Lagos State on January, 24, 2020. A total number of about 10 shops were burnt down.

According to information gathered, the fire outbreak was as a result of the carelessness of a young gardener from the north who was asked to clear a space of land, he later gathered the dirties together burning it, and he left the scene, only for some hours later the fire ignited other shops resulting to fire beyond control.

However, the Firefighters control number wasnt reachable on time, it took them about three hours before they could get to the scene. In a bid to speak to the team of the firefighter, in other to ascertain why it took them long to respond on time, he refused.

One of the shop owners noted that almost all his goods got burnt, noting that where will he start from, now that there nothing to pick from his shop again.

Photo Credit: Gbemile Oluwatosin.