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  • Ghanaian president goes into self-isolation as associate contracts COVID-19

    Ghanaian president goes into self-isolation as associate contracts COVID-19

    Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has gone into a 14-day self-isolation after one of his close associates tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a statement has said.

    The statement signed by the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, late Saturday said Akufo-Addo decided to take the precautionary measure in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.

    The statement added that although his initial test on Saturday was negative, the president “has elected to take this measure out of the abundance of caution’’.

    “During this precautionary period of self-isolation, the president will work from the presidential villa at the Jubilee House,’’ it said.

  • Buhari accepts Ewubare’s resignation as major shake up hits NNPC

    Buhari accepts Ewubare’s resignation as major shake up hits NNPC

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced new appointments and redeployments in the National Oil Company, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and reposition NNPC for greater efficiency, transparency and profitability in line with the Next Level Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Mr. Adokiye Tombomieye, the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD), has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Upstream while Mr. Mohammed Abdulkabir Ahmed, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services, following the retirement of Engr. Farouk Garba Sa’id, last week.

    A release by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the change witnessed the redeployment of Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji, the Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, to the Ventures & Business Development Directorate as COO, a position left by Mr. Roland Onoriode Ewubare, who voluntary retired last week.

    The top-level staff movement also affected Sir. Billy Okoye who has been redeployed from the NNPC Downstream Company, NNPC Retail Limited, as Managing Director, to replace Mr. Tombomieye as the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division; while Mrs. Elizabeth Aliyuda, the General Manager, Sales and Marketing NNPC Retail Limited, takes over from Sir Okoye as Managing Director.

    Similarly, Mr. Usman Farouk, Executive Director Asset Management and Technical Services at the NGMC takes over from Mr. Ahmed as Managing Director.

    The release also explained that President Buhari has accepted the resignation of Mr. Roland Ewubare, who was the immediate past Chief Operating Officer, Ventures and New Business Directorate of the National Oil Company while the retirement of the immediate past Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services, Engr. Farouk Garba Said had also received the approval of Mr. President who thanked the two former COOs for their meritorious service to the corporation.

    Speaking on the development, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the new appointments would enable the corporation live up to the expectation of her shareholders, Nigerians, and give impetus to the ongoing restructuring within the Corporation, which, he said, was in line with the corporate vision of Transparency, Accountability & Performance Excellence (TAPE).

  • Ex-Presidential aide speaks to FG on COVID-19 after recovering from infection

    Ex-Presidential aide speaks to FG on COVID-19 after recovering from infection

    One month after recovering from the dreadful Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), former presidential aide, Dr Doyin Okupe has said the government needs to treat health workers better and employ more hands and temporary staff to reach out and manage patients on self isolation and in special outpatient clinics.

    Okupe, who himself and his wife were discharged after testing negative twice for the virus in May, gave the advice on Sunday, while stressing that public awareness and education about the COVID-19 pandemic need to be intensified.

    “Shall we worry about COVID-19 rapidly rising figures? Yes and no! Number of affected cases is determined by the prevalence of infection in the community and the number of tests carried out. If the prevalence remains constant but number of tests carried out in the community increases then figures of affected persons definitely will increase and so also number of new cases.

    “This scenario is likely to be what is happening now in this communal stage of the pandemic. Secondly the number of deaths have consistently hovered between 2 – 3% which conforms with the global average & expected fatality of the infection.

    “Without gainsaying, the incidence will be on the rise. Perhaps what needs to be done is to seriously canvass for the elderly and people with existing illnesses to self impose movement limitations on themselves and take active steps to boost their immunity.

    “Empirical evidence continue to confirm that within the youths, 25yrs to 40-45yrs, who constitute a clear majority of the affected persons, fatality is significantly low and recovery is very fast and high in numbers.

    In some cases the course of illness is transient.

    “We will need to stop admitting asymptomatic patients into isolation centres but rather treat, monitor and attend to them in Special OUT PATIENTS CLINICS.

    “We then attend to more serious and co morbidity cases at our isolation centres.The obvious truth is that more and more members will catch the infections and will recover fully some with treatments others without.

    “Ultimately we will develop Herd immunity and just live with this illness while we move on with our lives.

    “Government need to treat health workers better. Employ more hands and temporary staffs to reach out & manage patients on self isolation and in special outpatient clinics. Public awareness & education need to be intensified.

    “There is light at the end of this Tunnel,” Okupe submitted.

  • Why Kanye West wants to run for president

    Why Kanye West wants to run for president

    Standing on the need to build the future, American rapper, Kanye West, who is a vocal supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he would run for president in 2020.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Kanye West announced his intention to run for the post of president on Saturday in an apparent challenge to Trump and his presumptive Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

    “We must now realise the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States,” West wrote in a Twitter post, adding an American flag emoji and the hashtag. #2020VISION.

    https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1279575273365594112

    It was not immediately clear if he was serious about vying for the presidency four months before the November 3 election or if he had filed any official paperwork to appear on state election ballots.

    The deadline to add independent candidates to the ballot has not yet passed in many states.

    Kanye West and his equally famous wife Kim Kardashian West have visited Trump in the White House.

    At one meeting in October 2018, the American rapper delivered a rambling, profanity-laden speech in which he discussed alternative universes and his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which he said was actually sleep deprivation.

    Elon Musk, the chief executive of electric-car maker Tesla and another celebrity known for eccentric outbursts, endorsed the rapper’s Twitter post: “You have my full support!” he wrote.

     

  • Greenwood shines as Man Utd thrash Bournemouth

    Greenwood shines as Man Utd thrash Bournemouth

    Manchester United moved into the top four as Mason Greenwood struck a brilliant brace in a 5-2 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went above Chelsea ahead of the Blues’ game against Watford with a win that extended their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions.

    They fell behind to Junior Stanislas’ opener, but led at the break through first-half efforts from Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

    Joshua King’s penalty reduced the deficit, yet Greenwood’s second stunning strike was added to by Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick as United marched on.

  • BREAKING: Another popular pastor dies of COVID-19 in Delta

    BREAKING: Another popular pastor dies of COVID-19 in Delta

    Pastor (Dr.) Richmond Leigh, the Senior Pastor and Founder of Richmond Sisan Leigh Ministries, also known as Father’s House Bible Church, is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Pastor Leigh was said to have died at an undisclosed hospital in Warri on Friday after contracting the dreadful Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    Recall that Pastor Wilson Okotie, Senior Pastor, High Impact Christian Centre had also died as a result of the COVID-19.

    Also recall that the second case of the COVID-19 in the State, who was announced to have died from the pandemic before arrival at a treatment facility in the State, was a 57-year-old Pastor (name withheld).

    Meanwhile, Pastor Leigh was said to be briefly sick, and was immediately rushed to the undisclosed hospital on Wednesday when his health became more critical.

    It was gathered that Leigh had warned members of his congregation that Coronavirus is real, urging them to strictly adhere to the relevant health protocols.

    TNG reports the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday confirmed 16 cases of COVID-19 for Delta, bringing the total number of confirmed cases for the State to 1,165.

  • Ooni to name his prince after 49th Ooni of Ife

    Ooni to name his prince after 49th Ooni of Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has promised to name his prince after the late Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the 49th Ooni of Ife, as a mark of appreciation to Aderemi for his good works.

    Ooni Ogunwusi made the promise on Friday in his Palace at Ile-Ife.

    Ogunwusi was speaking at the 40th remembrance anniversary of the late Ooni organised by his princes, princesses and grandchildren in memory of the late Ooni who reigned from 1930 to 1980.

    The monarch described his predecessor as a great icon who would be remembered for his immeasurable contributions to the independence, stabilisation and growth of Nigeria.

    “I wish to implore our politicians across the country to look deep into the life, times and accomplishments of Sir Aderemi and learn great lessons of servant leadership.

    “He was selflessly committed to the development of the country.

    “Among several tangible virtues to be emulated from the good life of Sir Aderemi is the good name he left behind which still speaks volumes till date.

    “Houses, cars and other material gains of life will surely fade away, while one’s name remains in the book of history forever.

    “Today, the ancient city of Ile-Ife and indeed the entire human race is proud to have had Sir Adesoji Aderemi whom we shall continue to celebrate.

    “Plans are underway to immortalise him and I have discussed it with members of the family.” Ooni Adeyeye said.

    Speaking on behalf of the family members, Prince Owoade Aderemi, thanked Ooni Ogunwusi for the warm reception and acknowledgement of their father’s giant strides during his lifetime.

    “I am sure that our father would be so happy in the world beyond to realise how great and united his family is after four decades.

    “As princes and princesses, we have done a lot to develop Ile-Ife and I wish to state that we shall continue to be active in the growth of our beloved city,” Owoade said.

    Mr Segun Omoworare, who spoke on behalf of the late Aderemi’s grandchildren, described the late monarch as an epitome of traditional and political leadership.

    “While on the respected throne of Oduduwa, Baba served Nigeria in several political capacities including being among the first set of the country’s Ministers and Governor of the then Western region.

    “He was among the nationalists, who fought a great fight for the nation’s independence and we are so proud to be his descendants.” Omoworare said.

    Earlier, Ogunwusi had led members of the Aderemi family to lay wreath on the tomb of his predecessor as a mark of respect.

    Ogunwusi later led dignitaries to inspect the White House built by Sir Aderemi in 1937 which he (Ooni Ogunwusi) has modified.

  • Oyo lawmaker turns security guard, chases journalists out of COVID-19 probe

    A member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, Adedeji Stanley Olajide, on Friday turned a security guard, chasing journalists out of a public hearing at the National Assembly.

    Olajide who represents Ibadan South West/North West Federal Constituency exhibited what many described as “toutish display” akin to garage boys on Friday at the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on COVID-19 on the need to investigate the status of medical research in the fight against COVID-19 and other diseases in Nigeria.

    Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of health, minister of state for health, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, the director general of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and other heads of agencies and parastatals in the Ministry of health were all in attendance.

    The drama started when a member of the ad hoc committee observed that the meeting room was becoming crowded and sought the directive of the chairman of the committee, Rep. Haruna Mshelia (APC, Borno) to control the number of people at the venue.

    Consequently, Rep. Haruna Mshelia instructed that no one should be allowed into the hall again so that social distancing could be maintained.

    “Please, we have the minister of health with us here and we have to adhere strictly to the PTF social distancing recommendations. So, Sergeant at arms, please, open the doors but dont allow any more people to come in.

    “Let’s just maintain the number we have in the hall. Hon. Colleague, your observation is sustained”, Hon. Mshelia stated.

    But instead of preventing more people from entering the hall, Olajide, arrogated to himself the functions of a security man and started walking out guests and journalists out of the hall.

    Olajide ordered the sergeant at arms to drag out any guest or journalists who dares to question his unparliamentary and hostile behaviour towards them.

    His actions led to a protest by the journalists at the venue, who all walked out of the investigation and threatened to leave.

    Following this, two members of the ad hoc committee, led by Hon. Aniekan Umannah from Akwa Ibom intervened and pleaded with the journalists to forget about the embarrassment and continue with the coverage of the investigation. Most of the journalists refused to return to the hall.

    It is on record that Olajide, a first time lawmaker in the House has never sponsored any bill in the last one year neither has he sponsored a single motion on the floor of the House.

    This is not the first time Olajide is seen engaging in a dishonourable behaviour. At the last meeting of the committee, he was seen harassing people for not wearing face mask, when he had none on his face and many of the lawmakers did not wear any.

    His behaviour eventually made journalists and the guests to lose track of the purpose for the hearing due to unnecessary distraction occasioned by his loud noise and confrontation with people he chased out.

  • NDDC saga: Unfortunate we are being frustrated by our own people – Pondei

    NDDC saga: Unfortunate we are being frustrated by our own people – Pondei

    The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has no approved budget to work with, and “it is unfortunate that we are being frustrated by our own people,” Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, acting Managing Director of the Commission has said.

    Prof. Pondei made this known on Friday at a meeting with traditional rulers and leaders of Isoko Development Union Worldwide in Port Harcourt, while calling on residents to assist the commission in monitoring ongoing projects in their communities.

    According to him, the various communities in the Niger Delta have important roles to play in holding contractors executing projects in their domain to account.

    “So, the communities should not sit back in monitoring projects in their areas as this is the only way to check dubious contractors who abandon projects.

    “NDDC will regularly publish payments made to contractors so that communities can assist us to verify money spent with project on ground,” he said.

    The acting managing director blamed the current slow pace of NDDC interventions in the area to delays in the approval of the commission’s budget for the 2020 fiscal year.

    He said for NDDC to achieve its mandate, it should be made to execute ‘big-ticket’ projects that would have more direct impact on the lives of the people.

    “As at today, we don’t have approved budget to work with. It is unfortunate that we are being frustrated by our own people.

    “If we don’t have approved budget to work with, it is the Niger Delta that will suffer. We should be intervening in big projects.

    “The Interim Management Committee (IMC) was told not to start any project or pay contractors that worked for us. Imagine the negative effect on the lives of our people,” he said.

    Pondei, however, thanked the Isoko leaders for assisting the commission to monitor the performance of contractors executing NDDC projects in Isoko communities.

    On his part, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, NDDC acting Executive Director of Projects, said that construction of NDDC permanent office had attained 95 per cent completion after several years of delays.

    He said the new headquarters would in the next four weeks be ready for inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The President General of Isoko Development Union Worldwide, Chief Iduh Amadhe, thanked Buhari for ordering a forensic audit of the commission’s finances.

    “We also thank the IMC for its transparency and accountability as well as publishing the list of contractors that had been paid their monies.

    “This is the first time the commission will publish the names of contractors and the amount paid,” he added.

    Amadhe also called on the IMC to ensure completion of Uzere-Umeh-Patani Road project, which according to him, had been ongoing for several years.

  • Suspected robbers kill bank customer, cart away cash in Bayelsa

    Suspected robbers kill bank customer, cart away cash in Bayelsa

    Suspected armed robbers on Friday attacked a new generation bank in Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital, killing a customer, Mr Emmanuel Omomo, and taking away cash he withdrew from the bank.

    Police spokesman in Bayelsa, SP Asinim Butswat who confirmed the killing, said the incident occurred at about 10 a.m. inside the premises of the new generation bank.

    “The customer was accosted by unknown gunmen after he withdrew money from the bank.

    “The armed robbers who came in a black Toyota Camry car accosted the customer, one Emmanuel Omomo, when he came out of the bank after making the withdrawals.

    They shot him, collected all the money in his possession and zoomed off.

    “The victim was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead. Investigation is ongoing.” he said

    Butswat said the Police Command in the state had launched a manhunt for the unknown gunmen.

    An eye witness, who preferred anonymity, said the middle-aged man was leaving the bank with a bag suspected to be containing some amount of money when the masked gunmen accosted him.

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspected robbers who were dressed in black atire alighted from a Toyota Camry car and shot sporadically.

    He said the victim who had already entered a waiting tricycle, on sighting the gunmen, ran inside the nearby bush, but the gunmen shot him and made away with the money.

    “Although, the armed security attached to the bank and nearby banks responded with scary shots, they could not hit the target due to the huge crowd at the bank premise,” he said.