Lagos SUBEB charts course for students with special needs (Tribune)
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure no child of school-going age, irrespective of physical or health conditions, is left behind in accessing quality basic education.
The chairman of the board, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, gave this assurance at a meeting held with teachers in the government-owned special and inclusive schools in the state at the agency’s office, Maryland, Ikeja, last week.
He said schoolchildren with special needs deserve adequate attention to enable them learn just like their mates with no disabilities at this period of school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. Read more
Lagos deploys handwashing stations (Nation)
The Lagos State Government said it has adopted internationally-accepted safety protocols in curbing the spread of the coronavirus across the state, including the deployment of 100 units of handwashing stations to strategic locations in its 20 local governments and Local Council Development Areas.
The handwashing stations were produced by the state government, in collaboration with Procter and Gamble (P&G) Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration and deployment of the Hand Washing Stations yesterday, the state’s deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the initiative would complement several other efforts of the state government already deployed in the management of the virus. Read more
Money Laundering: I never met with Mompha, witness tells court (Vanguard)
An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, Abiodun Audu, in the ongoing trial of internet celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, Tuesday denied ever meeting him in the course of filing his company’s tax return.
The witness, Audu, who claimed to be a Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), told the Justice Muhammad Liman, of the Federal High court sitting in Lagos, that it was one Alhaji Hamodu, a director in Mompha’s company, Ismalob Global investments Limited, that contacted him to file the tax return for the company.
Also read: N33bn Alleged Fraud: How N18bn was paid into Mompha’s account, witness reveals
Mompha alongside is company are being tried by the EFCC, over alleged money laundering to the tune of N33 billion. Read more
Acquire new skills to remain relevant after COVID-19, LASU workers told (Tribune)
Workers in the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, have been told to invest their time and resources in acquiring new knowledge and skills so as to remain relevant in the post-COVID-19 world of work.
The registrar of the university, Mr Mohammed Amuni, and the former registrar of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Mrs Taiwo Ipaye, gave the advice alongside some other human resource experts at the sixth virtual training series organised by LASU for its members of staff last week.
Mr Amuni and Mrs Ipaye and others, including the deputy registrar of LASU (legal services), Mrs Olajumoke Boyejo; and the former human resource manager, Shell Petroleum, Mrs Busola Alofe, were all speakers at the event with ‘COVID-19 and University Administration: Transitioning to a New Normal’ as theme. Read more
FG increases fuel price to N143.8/litre (DailyTrust)
A litre of fuel will now sell between N140.8 and 143.8 at filling stations across the country as the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has recommended an upward review of the retail pump price of petrol from the previous N121.50 and N123.50 band. “Please recall the provision for the establishment of a monthly price band within which petroleum marketers are expected to sell PMS at the retail stations, based on the existing price regime,” a statement from the agency said Wednesday. FG denies removal of fuel price cap Oil marketers not allowed to fix fuel price – FG The PPPRA executive secretary. Read more
NASS halts 774,000 public works recruitment scheme (Guardian)
The face-off between the Presidency and the National Assembly regarding the recruitment of 774,000 persons became messier on Wednesday.
At an executive session, the Senate debated the Tuesday clash between the National Assembly Joint Committee on Labour and Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo (SAN), during which the lawmakers expressed anger about what they described as a display of executive rascality.
Consequently, the Senate announced that the two chambers of the National Assembly had ordered that the implementation of the 774,000 public works programme should be put on hold until the legislature is properly briefed. Read more
Don’t tarnish our image – FRSC Commander tells officers (Vanguard)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in Ogun has advised its staff members to desist from any act or behaviour that could tarnish the image of the organisation.
Mr Ahmed Umar, the New Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, gave the advice on Wednesday during a familiarisation visit to Ota Unit Command in Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the new Ogun Sector Commander assumed duty on June 11. Read more
ASUU cautions govt on school reopening (Nation)
The Federal Government’s decision to reopen schools for students in graduating classes to write their final examinations drew more flaks on Wednesday.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) pitched tent with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Nigerian Medical Association in opposing the move.
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday approved what it called “safe reopening” of schools nationwide to allow final year students prepare for their examinations. Read more
Domestic Flights resume in Lagos, Abuja (DailyTrust)
The Federal Government has stated that domestic flights would resume on the 8th of July 2020 more than three months after the airspace was shut down to commercial flights as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika disclosed that operations would start with the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Sirika revealed this in a tweet on his handle @hadisirika, adding that operations would resume at Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano, Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State, Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri Imo State and Maiduguri Airport on 11th July. Read more
Gunmen kill 24 people in attack on Mexican drug rehab centre (AlJazeera)
At least 24 people were killed in an armed attack on a drug rehabilitation facility in the central Mexican city of Irapuato, Mexican police said on Wednesday, underlining the challenge the government has in fulfilling a pledge to stop gang violence.
Police in the city, located in Guanajuato state, said the gunmen also wounded seven in what was the second such attack to take place in Irapuato during the past month. The attack was also confirmed by a federal government official. Read more
Bernie Eccelstone, 89, welcomes baby son with wife Fabiana Flosi, 44 (Metro)
Bernie Ecclestone and his wife Fabiana Flosi have welcomed a son. The 89-year-old former Formula One magnate and his 44-year-old wife announced the happy news from their home in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they’re self-isolating.
‘We have a son named Ace. I am so proud,’ Bernie announced via Swiss-German newspaper, Blick. Fabiana added: ‘It was all so easy. The birth was over after 25 minutes. I thank god.’ He has been married to Fabiana since 2012, and this is their first child together. Ace is Bernie’s fourth child and his first son, joining daughters, Deborah, 65, Tamara, 36, and Petra, 31. Read more
UK offers Hong Kongers citizenship over China’s ‘serious breach’ of pact (Framce24)
Britain on Wednesday extended Hong Kong residents a broader path to citizenship in response to China’s sweeping new security law for the former UK territory.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement represents the most direct international response to legislation that has been roundly condemned by Western allies.
It comes during a London review of its entire range of relations with Beijing that includes a reassessment of the role China’s Huawei is playing in the buildup of Britain’s 5G data network. Read more
Post-COVID Syndrome Plagues Patients (VOA)
British doctor Jake Suett had only been treating severely sick coronavirus patients for a week in a hospital in the eastern English county of Norfolk before he, too, fell ill.
That was back in March, just as the pandemic started to unfold in Britain.
Now, more than three months later, he hasn’t been well enough to return to work and is suffering from what he terms “post-COVID syndrome.” The 31-year-old intensive care specialist, who was healthy and had no pre-existing health conditions before he became infected, still suffers from breathlessness, blurred vision and episodes of high temperature. Read more
US backs off on re-opening as Covid-19 cases spike to record levels (France24)
New daily coronavirus cases in the United States soared past 50,000 for the first time Wednesday, as the World Health Organization delivered a grave warning that the global pandemic is accelerating.
Restaurants, bars and beaches in the world’s worst-hit nation closed from California to Florida, as states reeling from yet another surge in the deadly virus braced for Independence Day festivities.
Global infections have hit their highest level in the past week, WHO data showed, with chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying new cases topped “160,000 on every single day.” Read more
Evil Dead 2 actor Danny Hicks dies aged 68 – 4weeks after announcing cancer diagnosis (Metro)
Evil Dead II actor Danny Hicks has died aged 68 after battling cancer. The actor’s death was confirmed by his company Full Empire Promotions via a video on their Facebook page. They wrote alongside the clip: ‘On June 30, 2020 we lost a friend, client, and talent actor in Danny Hicks. Here is our tribute to the star of Evil Dead 2, Intruder, Darkman, and so many other classic horror films. We will miss you Danny! (sic)’ Danny, who had worked closely with director Sam Raimi, had stage four cancer, and had only stated in June he had been given ‘between one and three years to live’. Read more
Russian Voters Back Reforms Allowing Putin to Stay Until 2036 (VOA)
Russians overwhelmingly approved a package of constitutional changes in a nationwide vote, partial results showed Wednesday, allowing President Vladimir Putin to potentially extend his two-decade rule until 2036.
With just over 85 percent of ballots counted after the end of seven days of voting, 77.8 percent of voters had supported the reforms, according to election commission figures cited by Russian state agencies. Read more
Iheanacho scores as Everton beat Leicester (Nation)
Kelechi Iheanacho was on target but his efforts were not enough as Everton continued their rich form under Carlo Ancelotti beating Leicester City 2-1 at Goodison Park on Wednesday. Two early first half goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson were enough to condemn Brendan Rodgers-side to their first defeat in the league since the restart.
Iheanacho got the Foxes get back into the game in the 51st minute after the ball broke to the 24 year-old in the box, Everton’s Mason Holgate tried to hook clear but it hit Iheanacho and rebounded into the net. The Super Eagles striker was on for just six minutes after replacing Harvey Barnes to score his third league goal of the season. Read more
Nigerian-born, Saka extends contract with Arsenal (DailyTrust)
Nigerian-born Arsenal forward, Bukayo Saka, has extended his stay at the London club by signing a new long-term contract. Saka announced the contract extension through his official Twitter handle on Wednesday. FULL LIST: Names and states of non-career ambassadors-designate Bayern Munich agrees to sign Sane for $50 million “London is my home. Arsenal my team. I’m so happy to finally announce my contract extension. “I love playing for this club and I’m looking forward to what the future holds. The hard work continues so I can continue living my dream,” he posted. Read more
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts to breaking Thierry Henry’s Arsenal record (Metro)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits he is ‘really proud’ after breaking an Arsenal record previously held by Thierry Henry during the Gunners’ emphatic victory over Norwich City. The Gabon forward brought up a half century of Premier League goals for Arsenal in just his 75th appearance as Mikel Arteta’s side thumped Norwich 4-0 on Wednesday evening In doing so, Aubameyang eclipsed Premier League legend Henry’s record for the north London outfit. Read more
Liverpool may hijack Napoli-bound Osimhen (Nation)
Liverpool are interested in signing Lille striker Victor Osimhen this summer but will have to battle with Napoli for the highly-rated youngster.
A string of clubs have been linked with the 21-year-old in recent months, including Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea and Inter Milan thanks to an impressive breakthrough season in Ligue 1.
The Nigeria international has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, 13 of which have come in Ligue 1. Read more
West Ham defeat shows long way to go for Chelsea, admits Lampard (Guardian)
Frank Lampard said Chelsea’s capitulation to lose 3-2 at relegation-threatened West Ham on Wednesday is a sign of how much work he still has to do to make the Blues title contenders once more.
Chelsea was on course to move third in the Premier League when Willian’s penalty gave them the lead in the first half at the London Stadium.
But the visitors did not learn from the reprieve they received from VAR when Tomas Soucek had a goal ruled out for offside as the Czech rose highest to level from another corner. Read more
Wigan Athletic go into administration amid coronavirus pandemic (Metro)
Wigan Athletic have gone into administration, the club has confirmed. The Championship side are the first English professional club to do so since the coronavirus pandemic began. They have struggled to manage their finances and will now likely be deducted points. Paul Stanley, Gerald Krasner and Dean Watson of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as joint administrators. Read more