We borrow constructively in Lagos – Hamzat (Guardian)
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, says a state can “borrow constructively” in order to bridge its infrastructure deficit.
”The reality is that where do you get resources to build for today? There is something that is called constructive borrowing and it is destructive.
”If you borrow to go and buy a vehicle, you are putting yourself in trouble, but if you borrow to build a house, the house will appreciate and then you can sell even if you are in trouble,” Hamzat said. Read more
Lagos Speaker denies report of contract manipulation (Nation)
Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has denied allegations of awarding contracts to himself in the House of Assembly as stated in the report published by an online media on Saturday.
Obasa, who described the media outfit as “Liars” challenged the media outfit to make proof their assertion in public in order to unveil the truth.
He made this disclosure during plenary on Monday.
Obasa re-emphasized that there was no relationship between the De Kingrun Multipurpose Nigeria Limited and the Lagos State House of Assembly, noting that the media outfit should publish the contract date, location, amount and contractual agreement.
“Let me also join you to emphasize that what was published has nothing to do with me. Read more
COVID-19: Lagos State directs scavengers to immediately vacate dump sites (Guardian)
The Lagos State Government has directed all scavengers in the state to vacate all dumpsites with immediate effect as a way of curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Mr Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources gave the directive on Monday.
Bello in a statement he issued also directed the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to immediately give effect to the directive. Read more
Lagos monarch cancels festival over COVID-19 (Nation)
The Paramount Ruler of Epeland, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, has announced the cancellation of the annual Ebi Festival, one of the notable cultural festivals of the community scheduled to commence on Sunday.
Addressing the media in his Epe Palace on Sunday, Oba Animashaun, said the decision became imperative owing to the state government’s decision to ban social gathering in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state.
He said: “In view of the measures put in place by the Lagos State government to curtail the spread of the disease, especially, the need to avoid social engagements of any type, the Oba-in-Council thought it necessary to cancel the festival and support the government in its efforts to save people’s lives. Read more
Coronavirus: Aisha Buhari seeks total lockdown (Punch)
Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has called for a total lockdown of activities across the country as coronavirus toll hits 36 with one death recorded on Monday.
Mrs Buhari specifically cited the case of state governors shutting down schools but allowing their parents to continue going to work.
She noted that much as the move by the governors was commendable, it could be counterproductive if the parents continued to report for work.
Taking to her twitter handle, @aishambuhari, she tweeted, “It is commendable that state governors have closed down schools; however, this could be counterproductive if parents are still going to work. Read more
Nigeria may use army, police to enforce social distancing (Guardian)
Nigerian government on Monday said it might use the military and other security operative to enforce social distancing and contact tracing as the country cases spike.
The nation’s information minister Lai Mohammed said this will help stop the spread of the coronovirus. Read more
Alleged fraud: Court grants Oyo-Ita, two others bail over Coronavirus fears (Punch)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Monday, arraigned the former Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, and two others before a Federal High Court, Abuja.
The two others are one Garba Umar and Ubong Effiok.
They were arraigned alongside six companies before Justice Taiwo Taiwo over 18-counts of fraud, failure to fully disclose assets and money laundering.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Read more
COVID-19: FCTA impounds 72 vehicles for overloading (Vanguard)
Following its directive on social distancing, particularly with regards to overloading of vehicles, the Federal Capital Territory FCT Administration has impounded 72 vehicles whose drivers had continued to carry two passengers on the front seat.
Chairman, FCT Ministerial Task Team on Traffic Management, Ikharo Attah, told journalists on Monday in Abuja that the 72 vehicles were impounded across the territory by enforcement teams comprising men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and the Nigerian Police Force.
The Administration had at the weekend said as part of measures to control the spread of the Coronavirus, taxis operating in the territory must ensure that their vehicles are not overloaded. Read more
COVID-19: Sultan orders closure of National Mosque Abuja, other mosques in FCT (DailyTrust)
The Management of the National Mosque Abuja on Monday announced the suspension of five daily congregational and Jum’ah (Friday Special) prayers gatherings and other activities in Mosque complex over the Coronavirus (Covid-19) global pandemic. This is coming on the heels of an earlier statement the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. Read more
Doctor who helped vanquish smallpox knows what’s in store for us (Metro)
Epidemiologists are finding themselves very much in demand at the moment.
As the world continues to be gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, governments are turning to scientists for their expertise.
Dr. Larry Brilliant was part of the team committed to eradicating smallpox in the 1970s. Since then, he has worked with Google and is currently chairman of the board of Ending Pandemics. He also worked as a senior technical adviser for the film Contagion.
So, as you can imagine, he knows a thing or two about what we’re facing. Read more
Japan woman tests positive for virus after ‘recovery’ (Guardian)
A woman in Japan who contracted the new coronavirus and was released from hospital after recovering has tested positive again, officials said Thursday.
The case is the first time a patient apparently cleared of the virus has subsequently tested positive for it, a local official in Osaka said.
The woman in her 40s was first confirmed as infected with the coronavirus on January 29.
She was working as a guide on a tour bus with tourists from Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, in January. The driver of the bus was also diagnosed with the virus. Read more
At least 23 Italian doctors have died in coronavirus epidemic (CNN)
The number of doctors who have died in Italy since the coronavirus epidemic began has risen to 23, the Italian federation of doctors said today.
Unfortunately, the sad list of doctors who fell during the Covid-19 epidemic is getting longer. And while the official data of infected health workers increases, released every evening by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, many doctors die suddenly, even if the cause of death is not directly attributable to the virus,” the federation says in a statement on its website.
Some 19 of the 23 deceased doctors worked in the Lombardy region, the worst affected by coronavirus. The other four worked in Naples (South Italy), Emilia Romagna (north Italy) and Marche (central Italy).
Some 4,824 health workers have been infected by coronavirus, according to the latest report by the institute published on Sunday. Read more
Coronavirus: South Korea reports lowest number of new cases in four weeks (BBC)
South Korea has reported the lowest number of new coronavirus cases since infection rates peaked four weeks ago, fuelling hope Asia’s worst outbreak outside China may be abating.
The country recorded 64 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 8,961 with 111 deaths.
But health officials warn against complacency, saying the country still faces a long war against the infection.
Europe is currently at the centre of the pandemic. Read more
Holocaust survivor becomes Israel’s first coronavirus fatality (NYPost)
An 88-year-old Holocaust survivor suffering from coronavirus reportedly became the first person in Israel to die from the illness.
Arie Even, who immigrated to Israel from Hungary in 1949, contracted the virus while staying in an assisted living facility where several of the residents have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Haaretz.
“He was a beloved and dear man, lived a full life, was dedicated to his family, and showed strength until his very last moments,” his son said in a statement to the newspaper. Read more
Global stocks fall again despite virus rescue efforts (BBC)
Financial markets in Europe and the US have continued to fall despite fresh action by the Federal Reserve to support the American economy.
The US central bank said it would buy as much government debt as needed to soothe markets, while providing new financing for households and firms.
Shares in Europe and the US briefly rose on the news, but then fell back.
Markets have been hit by concerns about a slowing economy as authorities try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Read more
Sanders skips coronavirus stimulus vote for event with AOC, Omar, Tlaib (NYPost)
Sen. Bernie Sanders claims he’s too busy dealing with the coronavirus crisis to pull the plug on his ailing campaign — but when it came time to vote on a crucial, $1.8-trillion stimulus package on Sunday night, the presidential wannabe was in Burlington, Vermont holding a campaign event.
While the rest of the Senate hammered out the package into the early hours of Monday morning, Sanders was continuing his doomed White House bid with a virtual “coronavirus roundtable,” starring firebrand reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Sanders spent the first 30 minutes of the video hectoring his Senate colleagues over the bill, accusing Republicans of giving the Trump administration “a blank check to hand out corporate welfare.” Read more
Coronavirus: Trump to deploy National Guard in three states (BBC)
US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of National Guard troops in the three states hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
Troops will be used in New York, California and Washington to deliver medical aid and set up medical stations after the number of deaths nationwide rose to 471 and infections to 35,244.
There are fears of a shortage of key medical supplies in New York City.
A bill to fund national relief efforts has been blocked in the Senate. Read more
FIFA boss looking at soccer reform after coronavirus crisis (Guardian)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the global coronavirus crisis could bring about a reform of football which he does not expect to return to action by May.
“Without panic, let’s face it, we will play when we can without endangering anyone’s health,” the head of world football said.
“Health first. Then everything else. And the rest, for managers, means hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst.” Read more
More reactions trail death of Rangers Striker, Ifeanyi George, others (Nation)
Many supporters of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Monday, expressed shock over the death of its striker, Ifeanyi George and two others in an auto crash on Sunday.
Some of the supporters who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Enugu, said they were yet to believe that their favourite player, George was dead.
NAN reports that George died in an auto crash on his way to Lagos with one of the club feeders’ team player, Emmanuel Ogbu and a friend, Eteka Gabriel, along Benin Bye-pass on their way to Lagos. Read more
Awaziem open to Leganes stay (Punch)
Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem has stated he would consider a permanent switch to Leganes at the end of the season.
Awaziem joined Leganes last summer on loan from the Portuguese outfit, FC Porto.
The defender has enjoyed regular playing time since his arrival at Estadio Municipal de Butarque, featuring in 21 games across all competitions.
With his current loan deal set to run out at the end of the season, and the former Nantes man has indicated in an interview with Supersport’s magazine programme Naija Made of his interest to extend his stay with the Spanish side. Read more
Dortmund fans donate 70,000 euros to bars, restaurants (Guardian)
Borussia Dortmund fans have donated more than 70,000 euros ($75,570) to bars and restaurants around the stadium which have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Bundesliga club said Monday.
The German side posted the names of 86 food and drinks outlets during a ‘virtual football’ night on Sunday on the club’s website.
Fans were urged to click on the places they bought their beer, fries, sausages and other match day staples and offer a donation to keep the businesses afloat. Read more
Arsenal vow to pay all staff until end of April despite no Premier League football (Metro)
Arsenal will continue to pay all of their matchday and non-matchday staff until April 30, despite there being no matches due to the coronavirus crisis.
There will be no Premier League football until April 30 at the earliest, leaving football club employees – both part-time and full-time – without work during the pandemic.
But Arsenal have made a move to ease the financial concerns of their staff by vowing to pay them all even without matches taking place.
Arsenal’s managing director Vinai Venkatesham said in a statement: ‘We are truly grateful for the outstanding efforts of all our staff across the club every day. Read more
No way we can hold it’: Tokyo reacts to talk of Olympic delay (Guardian)
The Olympics rings are up and the cute wide-eyed mascots are plastered across billboards and commuter trains, but people in Tokyo are increasingly convinced the Games won’t happen this summer.
After weeks of pressure from athletes and sports associations, the International Olympic Committee this weekend acknowledged postponement is a possibility, and on Monday Japan’s prime minister said a decision to delay over the coronavirus may now be “inevitable”. Read more
Arsenal change training plans as Mikel Arteta recovers from coronavirus (Metro)
Arsenal have confirmed that their players will not return to training, while Mikel Arteta has recovered from coronavirus.
The Gunners’ first-team squad were due to return to training on Tuesday after being placed in self-isolation due to Arteta testing positive for the virus.
But the club claim it would be ‘inappropriate and irresponsible’ to ask the players to return to training as the Government have called for people to stay at home where possible.
A statement from Arsenal read: ‘Our men’s first team players were scheduled to return to training on Tuesday after completing 14 days isolation following Mikel Arteta’s positive diagnosis for the virus. Read more