Hijab: Kwara shuts 10 schools in Ilorin

Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of 10 secondary schools in Ilorin, the state capital, pending resolution of the hijab crisis in the schools.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said that the schools would remain closed until there is a resolution on the use of hijab.

The affected schools which are all located in Ilorin according to the statement include C&S College Sabo Oke, ST. Anthony College, Offa Road, ECWA School, Oja Iya, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam, CAC Secondary School Asa Dam road, St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke, St. John School Maraba, St. Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale, and St. James Secondary School Maraba.

The statement read that the closure comes as a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities meets today to iron out the differences between the two communities.

It said that further communication will be issued to inform members of the public of the development.

“Government calls for calm and urges parents and religious leaders to avoid actions or comments that may further split the two communities”, the statement said.

Kwara State Government on Thursday after a Marathon meeting set up an Independent Committee to recommend solutions to resolve the agitation for wearing of Hijab by Muslim female students, who are attending public schools owned by people of another faith.

The Committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, has its members to include two thought leaders/statesmen from the two sides; three religious leaders from the two sides; Senator Suleiman Ajadi; Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education; Special Assistants to the Governor on Religion (Islam and Christianity); and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Recall that Muslim stakeholders, including Muslim youth and women organisations, at a press conference on Wednesday called on the state government to prevail on former owners of public schools in the state to allow female Muslim students to wear hijab on their uniform.

The Muslim community said that since the state government had taken over such schools, the former missionary owners no longer have control over the schools.

PTF raises the alarm over new Ebola outbreak

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has raised the alarm over re-emergence of the dreaded Ebola virus in some West African neighbouring countries, calling on all Nigerians to be more cautious.

Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who raised the alarm on Monday during the task force’s media briefing in Abuja, however noted that more stringent surveillance is being carried out around the nation’s ports of entry in order to prevent the spread of disease in Nigeria.

According to him, the PTF had decided to make the surveillance against Ebola a priority in order not to compound the current dangerous position the COVID-19 outbreak had placed the country, urging all citizens to be part of the national defence against the disease as the fight is not a responsibility of only government.

According to him, COVID-19 pandemic had not slowed its deadly advance in the country down, disclosing the just last Saturday, the country recorded the second highest single-day death counts as 24 victims were lost to coronavirus.

While noting that the sad development of February 13 was a wake-up call to Nigerians to take responsibility and comply with protocols and regulations, Mustapha said the task force would intensify monitoring of developments for the next two weeks to ascertain the level of the impact of last weekend’s Valentine’s Day celebration on citizens.

Mustapha also recalled at the last briefing, the PTF mentioned the dialogue between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and KLM (Netherland) over the testing requirements prescribed by some airlines.

He said that government also informed outbound airlift of passengers by these airlines have been restricted pending when the protocols are ironed out.

“The PTF wishes to underscore the fact that respect for national protocols, setting up of appropriate infrastructure and the all-round protection of our travelling nationals shall remain paramount in our consideration and the eventual outcome,” he said.

He also said that there have been sustained efforts by sub-national entities and the FCT administration to stem the tide against the second wave of the pandemic.

After Acquittal, Trump Writes Senate, Describes Impeachment Trial As ‘Greatest Witch Hunt In History’

The United States former President, Donald Trump, has reacted to his impeachment acquittal by the U.S. Senate.

The U.S. House of Representatives had accused him of inciting insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, and was subsequently impeached by the Nancy Pelosi-led House.

Trump who wrote to his lawyers and Senators, lauded them for standing by the constitution.

He said no president in the country had seen the type of political witch-hunt he went through.

The letter which was obtained by Fox News reads:

“I want to first thank my team of dedicated lawyers and others for their tireless work upholding justice and defending truth.

My deepest thanks as well to all of the United States Senators and Members of Congress who stood proudly for the Constitution we all revere and for the sacred legal principles at the heart of our country.

“This has been yet another phase of the greatest witch hunt in the history of our Country. No president has ever gone through anything like it, and it continues because our opponents cannot forget the almost 75 million people, the highest number ever for a sitting president, who voted for us just a few short months ago.”

He added, “Our historic, patriotic and beautiful movement to Make America Great Again has only just begun.

In the months ahead I have much to share with you, and I look forward to continuing our incredible journey together to achieve American greatness for all of our people. There has never been anything like it!”

#OccupyLekkiTollgate: Scores Including Mr Macaroni Arrested, Brutalised As Police Crack Down On Protesters

Security agents on a mission to quell demonstration at the Lekki tollgate Saturday morning deployed brute force against protesters as scores are brutalised amidst mass arrest.

Popular comedian Debo Adebayo, widely known as Mr Macaroni, has also been seized at the toll plaza by furious and formidably armed policemen.

The comedian joined other protesters at the tollgate to express his dissatisfaction with the decision of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry allowing the Lekki Concession Company to reopen the Lekki tollgate.

Adebayo was arrested after the police told him “we don’t want you here”.

In a live Instagram post before his phone and those of other arrested protesters were seized, the comedian lamented that “Lekki is under military rule.”

He said, “How did you think the reopening of tollgate is the next line of action? If you didn’t do that today, we won’t have a right to be here.

“It is a disrespect to say that you want to reopen at this tollgate. Are you spitting on the graves of the dead?

“Na military regime we dey? We also have a right to be heard. We have a right to protest peacefully.”

Police arrest 18 protesters at Lekki tollgate

No fewer than 18 protesters have also been arrested by security operatives at the Lekki toll gate on Saturday.

One of the coordinators of #OccupyLekkiTollgate, Kunle Ajayi, confirmed this to reporters.

The PUNCH reported Ajayi said the protesters were detained in a black maria and are about to be taken to an unknown location.

“Police have just arrested 10 protesters – Four ladies and six guys. They were beaten mercilessly and injured,” he said.

The newspaper's reporters at the scene of the protest confirmed that Juwon Sanya-Olu and one Comrade Dimeji were among the 18 arrested protesters.

In a video, one of the arrested protesters said, “We have been arrested. Over 10 of us. We are kept in a Black Maria stationed at the toll gate now.”

The Federal Government and the police had earlier warned youths who planned to protest at the Lekki tollgate on Saturday (today) to have a rethink and shelve the protests.

But the young Nigerians, under the aegis of #EndSARS Season 2 and #OccupyLekkiTollgate, vowed to defy the government’s order.

The other group, #DefendLagos withdrew from the protest, noting that it was in accordance with the government’s directives that no protest should hold.

The #EndSARS Season 2 and #OccupyLekkiTollgate said their action was informed by the decision of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry allowing the Lekki Concession Company to reopen the Lekki tollgate.

The #EndSARS protests had spread across the country in October 2020 to register the youths’ grievances against the alleged atrocities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

The protest, which gained massive international attention, came to a halt on October 20, 2020, when heavily armed soldiers allegedly shot protesters at the Lekki tollgate.

Recall that the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the alleged killing of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers at the Lekki tollgate had, on Saturday, approved the reopening of the tollgate after about four months of investigating the Lekki shootings.

However, four out of the nine members of the panel faulted the report of the forensic experts hired to comb the scene for evidence.

The four members who faulted the forensic report also rejected the application by the Lekki Concession Company, operator of the Lekki tollgate, to take possession of the facility, which had been shut down since the probe of the shootings started.

The four members who rejected the forensic report are the two representatives of the civil society – Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and Ms. Patience Udoh; as well as the two youth representatives on the panel – Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi.

But the chairman of the panel, retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, and four other members of the panel acceded to LCC’s request to repossess the tollgate.

The chairman was backed by Segun Awosanya (popularly known as Segalink), Oluwatoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens Rights), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.) (representing the police), and Lucas Koyejo (from the National Human Rights Commission).

The first storey building in Nigeria; a significant relic of Nigerian history

It was in 1842 that the foundation of the first storey building in Nigeria was laid by Reverend Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S) on the Marina waterfront in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria.

Three years later, in 1845, some other missionaries finished building what stands today as a significant relic of Nigerian history. The building served as a vicarage for Saint Thomas Anglican Church but was later used by Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African C.M.S bishop who translated the Holy Bible from English to Yoruba Language.

In one of the two rooms on the upper floor of the building, there lay a glass case containing the English and Yoruba version of the bible translated by Ajayi Crowther. It was said that the English bible is 178 years old while the Yoruba version is 175 years.

The building floor housed the room of the first teacher in Nigeria, Mr Claudius Philips. Philips, who wore a black shirt, suit and a white trouser in the portrait which adorned the wall, lived in the room for 23 years, from 1845 to 1868.

FG has frozen my bank accounts, Sunday Igboho raises the alarm

Self-acclaimed freedom fighter, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, on Tuesday, accused the Federal Government of freezing his bank accounts, following the notice to quit he gave killer-herdsmen in Oyo State.

Igboho, who spoke to Vanguard, confirmed that all his bank accounts have been frozen by the Federal Government because some people were collecting donations.

However, Igboho said he had no hands in the said donations, warning that his accounts must be unfrozen to avoid nationwide protest by youths across the South-West region.

His words: “They have frozen my bank accounts because I am fighting a just course. I know Yoruba people are behind me.

“I will not relent. I must achieve my aims by putting an end to criminalities in Yorubaland.

“If they refuse to release my accounts, there will be serious protests across the South-West.

“Yes, the Yoruba are living in fear. They are afraid that the killer-herdsmen might attack them.”

Anyone Caught with Illegal Arms Should Be Arrested, Says Presidency

Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina has reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on the issue of killer herdsmen is that anyone caught with illegal arms should be arrested and tried.

Adesina, who made an appearance on a live television programme yesterday was reacting to recent comments made by Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom.

Ortom had said the President was silent over the issue of armed herdsmen causing havoc across the country.

“If the governor would say he hasn’t heard the president speak on that matter, that’s what he should make clear; it’s not that the President hasn’t spoken,” Adesina said.

“Because the number of times the President has spoken on that issue and his position has always been the same: Anybody, whoever he is, that carries arms unlawfully should be arrested and prosecuted. The President has said it countless times.”

Adesina argued that Buhari must not speak on every issue.

“He does not have to; it was just an idea being proffered. It should be looked into and then if it is a consensus, it should be adopted. But it is not as one idea comes the President speaks on it, another idea comes, the President speaks on it, such must be a talkative President.”

However, when asked how many herdsmen have been arrested in recent times, Adesina said “I don’t have that figure at my fingertips . . . but I know that a lot of people are awaiting trial.”

Kano State Governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje, recently suggested that ranching was the solution to the phenomenon of herdsmen moving across the country with cattle.

Reacting to the governor’s suggestion, Adesina said all suggestions should be discussed.

He also pointed to the federal government’s Ruga programme, which was rejected by some states.

“Nigeria is a peculiar country where the federal government has no land. And if states say they have no land for ranches, then another solution has to be found.

So we need to discuss these things and appraise them critically until we can get to what we can call the solution.”

BREAKING: FG declares Thursday, October 29 public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Thursday October 29, 2020 as Public Holiday to mark this year’s Eidul-Mawlid Celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

A statement signed on Tuesday by Mohammed Manga Director (Press & Public Relations) Ministry of Interior said the Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing this year’s occasion.

Aregbesola enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.

The Minister admonished Muslims to follow the teaching of the Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those from among you who are vested with authority; and if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end”

Aregbesola also urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, at this moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country most recently, stressing that Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black people.

While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the Minister urged all Nigerians and the youth in particular, to embrace peace and cooperate with the President Muhammadu Buhari led-Administration in its effort to build a virile nation, which all citizens can be proud of.

The minister, who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not dampen it. For him, it is with more democracy that we can overcome our challenges, noting that the challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process.

Why we didn't call off strike yesterday - ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has explained why it is yet to call off its ongoing strike which has lingered for months.

ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi in an interview with The Punch said they are waiting for the government to conduct an integrity test on the University Transparency and Accountability Solution before calling off the strike.

The union had presented the payment platform in place of the federal government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System. Ogunyemi disclosed that the FG needs to give the clearance to National Information Technology Development Agency to conduct integrity test on UTAS.

He said:

“The integrity test will be handled by NITDA, it is government that will facilitate it because NITDA is a government, agency and unless you get clearance from the government that test cannot be conducted.”

On if UTAS has been accepted, he said:

“We are still talking, we have given them the position of our members, we are thinking we should be able to hold a meeting this week if they have not changed plans. The meeting for Monday was postponed. In principal, they have accepted UTAS and told us to go for the test, and on our part, we have started the process.

"We had presented UTAS at three levels, starting with the Ministry of Education, Senate President and members of his team, officials of Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, where all other stakeholders were present, including NITDA, all stakeholders have witnessed the presentation and the next stage of integrity test is what we are moving in to. If government facilitates it, it is not something that should drag for too long at all. We don’t foresee any problem with UTAS; it also depends on how early the government makes it possible for the integrity test to be conducted.”

Ogunyemi further affirmed that they will resume academic activities when the government plays its part.

He added:

“Our members are ready to resume work as early as government is ready to play its part. I’m sure you are not suggesting that our members should resume on empty stomach."

Palliatives in warehouses evidence my dad isn’t Nigeria’s problem -Buhari’s daughter

A daughter of the President, Zahra Buhari-Indimi, says the discovery of food items and other COVID-19 palliatives in several warehouses across the country is evidence that her father, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is not Nigeria’s problem.

Zahra said this on her Instagram Stories on Sunday.

She wrote, “Now that people confirmed that Buhari distributed enough palliatives nationwide, it is clear Buhari is not our problem.”

Thousands of Nigerians have in the last few days plundered warehouses in several states including Lagos, Plateau,  Osun, and Kwara in the wake of the #EndSARS protests.

In some instances, COVID-19 palliatives donated by the private sector-led Coalition Against COVID-19 were found in private homes of politicians.

Some of the items include cartons of noodles, sacks of garri, and bags of rice, some of which had gone bad due to poor and prolonged storage.

In Osun State, the government said it was waiting for officials from Abuja to “commission” the goods hence the delay in distributing them while in Lagos, the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, SOB Agunbiade, said he kept the palliatives in his Ikorodu home because he wanted to distribute them on his birthday.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged hoarding of COVID-19 palliatives in warehouses in several states.

SERAP also urged the ICPC “to visit the states where COVID-19 palliatives have been discovered in warehouses, and to track and monitor the distribution of palliatives across the 36 states of the country, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to remove the risks of diversion, and ensure that the palliatives get to those most in need, and not used for political or corrupt purposes.”

Several Nigerians had complained about the high rate of poverty in the country compounded by the lockdown ordered in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several business moguls including industrialist, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Oba Otudeko, Folorunsho Alakija, Tony Elumelu, and several others had donated over N30 billion in cash and food items to assist federal and state governments in tackling the COVID-19 challenge.

However, there have been complaints by several groups that monies and items had been diverted, an allegation which the ICPC is investigating.

End SARS: Buhari to address Nigerians on Lekki toll gate shooting – FG

The Federal Government, on Saturday, assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would address Nigerians over the shooting in Lekki toll gate area of Lagos State on Tuesday.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said Buhari would address Nigerians when he has all the facts on the incident.

Gunmen believed to be soldiers had shot at End SARS protesters demonstrating against police brutality in Lekki toll gate.

Few days after the gunshot, Buhari had addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast but failed to mention the shooting.

Buhari’s nationwide speech had attracted some backlash from Nigerians.

But, the Presidency had explained that the incident was under investigatio n, hence Buhari’s inability to mention the matter in his broadcast.

However, Dare assured that the president has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Speaking on Arise TV, Dare: “For sure, the President has ordered for an investigation. He had a National Security Meeting yesterday (Friday). I can tell you that this is ongoing already.

“The President wants to have the facts and that is going to be made public.

“It is going to be difficult to hide all these facts because we live in a multimedia world and we have evidence, collaborations, and all of that, and I think it is important to get the facts right.

“That is the path that the President has toed and I am sure that when these facts are made available, this President because he has integrity, will level with the Nigerian people about what happened on Tuesday in Lekki.”

Breaking: IGP dissolves SARS nationwide

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has dissolved the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force nationwide.

Adamu made the announcement in a live broadcast on Sunday October 11, and confirmed the operatives will be redeployed to other police formations and commands.

The announcement comes days after online and offline protests against the brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives which gained global attention.

Read the full statement below. 

In the finest spirit of democratic, citizen-centred and community policing, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has today, 11th October, 2020, dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they hitherto existed.

The IGP, while noting that the dissolution of SARS is in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people, observes that by this dissolution, all officers and men of the now defunct Special Anti-robbery Squad are being redeployed with immediate effect.

The IGP notes that the Force is not oblivious of the ever present need to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country which was before now the core mandate of the erstwhile Squad. He assures that a new policing arrangement to address anticipated policing gaps the dissolution of SARS would cause has been evolved and shall be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, as part of measures to prevent a re-occurrence of events that gave rise to the dissolution of SARS, a Citizens’ and Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum is being formed to regularly interface with Police leadership at all levels and advise on police activities as they affect the general public.

In addition, the Force is constituting an Investigation Team which shall include Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Bodies to work with the Police in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations. The measure, the IGP believes, will enhance transparency and accountability in police services as well as providing a system of deterrence for erring police officers whose action clearly violates the rights of the citizenry.

The IGP appreciates and commends all citizens particularly those who genuinely express their concerns for a better policing orientation in an organized, patriotic and civil manner. He reaffirms the determination of the Force to bequeath to the country a Police Force and System that is professional in service delivery and most importantly, accountable to the people.

All schools should resume academic activities – FG

The Federal Government has directed all schools (including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education) to reopen. This was announced by the minister of education, Adamu Adamu, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. He however advised institutions to adhere to the guidelines on reopening of schools as earlier released by the presidential task force.

He also disclosed that all unity schools should open by October 12 “while states and private schools will determine their own modalities of reopening.”

According to Adamu, the decision to reopen the schools was because the COVID-19 infection figure is declining.

“We have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector including the Association of Private Schools (NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice-Chancellors of Universities, State Governors, Commissioners of Education and other development partners on the matter and secured their support and cooperation,” he said.

He said adequate sanctions await any school owner that does not comply with the safety guidelines which may result in an outbreak of coronavirus in the school.

He advised schools to be vigilant, strict, and rigid in the implementation of COVID-19 protocols for the safety of the children, insisting that nothing should be taken for granted.

UPDATED: Lagos okays full reopening of churches, mosques‌

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the full reopening of worship centres in the state.

He announced this during a briefing in Lagos on Saturday.

The governor said mosques can hold their prayers five times daily while churches can also commence weekly services.

The governor had on Friday, August 7 allowed mosques and churches to commence their Friday and Sunday services only.

He, however, warned that the safety protocols released by the government must be strictly adhered to.

“Muslims can now have their five times daily prayers in mosques. Churches can also begin mid-week services,” the Governor said

Worship centres in the state had been shut since March as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As of Friday, September 18, 2020, the governor said, Lagos State had conducted close to 100,000 tests, and recorded a total of 18,854 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Of this number, 15,598 have recovered in community, 592 are currently active in the community, and 207 deaths have sadly occurred.

“It is however interesting to note that we have also recorded a dramatic decline in the number of Covid-19 related deaths at our facilities,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu advised citizens not to let down their guide against the pandemic, urging them to act responsibly by maintaining the required levels of hygiene.

“The Lagos State Government, like the Federal Government, is committed to continuing the maintenance of a fine balance between the safety of lives and the sustenance of livelihoods.

“We will continue to make adjustments as required, but the gradual resumption of social, educational, and economic activity must never be taken as an excuse to let down our guard against the pandemic,” the governor said.

COVID-19: Oyo State Govt releases calendar for school resumption

THE Oyo State Government, on Monday, announced September 21, 2020, as the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic session for primary and secondary schools in the state.

A statement by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye indicated that the first term of the new academic calendar would run between September 21 and December 18, 2020.

The statement added that the second term of the academic session is expected to run from January 11 to April 9, 2021, while the third term would be from May 3 to July 30, 2021.

The commissioner said: “The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology enjoins all stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the details of the academic calendar.

It would be recalled that the new calendar was approved on July 21 at a meeting of the State Executive Council, to guide resumption of schools and other associated educational activities in the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected educational activities around the world.

Nigeria @60: FG calls for ideas on anniversary branding, offers prizes

- Nigeria's 60th Independence Day will be celebrated in line with Covid-19 protocols and guidelines

- Nigerians who have great ideas for slogan, poems about Nigeria, photography have been called to submit entries

- Those who emerge winners will receive prizes, as well as be part of this great event

Nigeria will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee as it turns 60 years on October 1, 2020, and the Federal Government has something planned that will benefit creatives.

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to submit creative ideas in poetry, photography, logo design that can form the brand of the 60th Independence anniversary.

The thematic and creative aspects of the event would be designed by Nigerians for Nigeria. The aim is to ensure inclusiveness.

This was disclosed by Dr Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communication and digital economy in a statement released on Friday, September 4.

The challenge is looking for talented, critical thinking and creative individuals or teams to produce the slogan, photograph, and a poem for Nigerians to mark this year's Independence Day celebration.

Pantami said Nigeria is seeking talents to create befitting brand for Diamond Jubilee celebration. 

The theme of this year's celebration is “Together at 60.”

Those who want to partake in the challenge have been asked to submit their entries. To do so, you have to visit the challenge portal: 

https://nigeriaAt60.gov.ng 

People can also vote for the best brand on the portal.

The best brand and concept will be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari and also used in the celebration of Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary.

"The winners will also receive prizes, in addition to being part of this epoch-making event," Pantami added.

The Communication Minister said they are looking forward to the active participation of all as the country eagerly awaits the unveiling of the winning brand and other elements of the celebration.

COVID-19: FG okays full reopening of schools

The Federal Government has asked school administrators to start preparing for the full reopening of schools.

Sani Aliyu, national coordinator of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19, gave the directive at the PTF briefing on Thursday. Aliyu, who directed them to conduct risk assessment, said the reopening would be done in phases.

“For educational institutions which include daycare, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Educational institutions should begin the process of working towards potentially reopening within this phase,” he said.

“However, we strongly recommend that states conduct risk assessment to ensure all schools are at a level of compliance and create a monitoring mechanism to assess, create, and monitor this level of preparedness.

Meanwhile, daycare centres should remain closed until this level of risk is assessed. If there will be opening of schools, it must be stage and preferably carried out in phases to ensure that this does not pose a risk to the public and in particular to vulnerable groups that might end up getting infected by students going back home.”

The Federal G7overnment had ordered a nationwide closure of schools in March to check the spread of COVID-19.

But in July, the government approved reopening of schools for students who are currently sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu orders reopening of tertiary institutions

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the reopening of tertiary institutions effective September 14.

“I am pleased to announce that our tertiary institution will be allowed to reopen from September 14, 2020, all our tertiary institutions,” the governor said during a briefing on Saturday at the State House, Marina.

Sad: Here Are The 4 Major Reasons The VC Of UNILAG Was Removed Today

The sad news of the Removal of The Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Olawatoyin Ogundipe became one of the major news on the internet due to the nature and reasons why the able Vice chancilor was sacked. The VC has been sacked by the governing council of the institution.

From what we've gathered, His removal was announced during meeting of the Governing Council of the institution which held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) building in the federal capital territory Abuja today.

Also, The meeting that led to his removal was presided over by its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) and there was a vote.

During the voting process, (7)Seven members voted for the removal of the Vice Chancellor. And (4) four voted against it. One of the members voted that he should rather be placed on suspension that sacking him.

As the matter is still hot, we've gathered from the Circular realeases and also from a reputable media source, Sahara reporters to be precise, that the Vice Chancellor of Lagos University was sacked for some reasons.

Some of these are:

1- Financial Recklessness

2- Gross Misconduct

3- Abuse Of Office

4- Prof Olawatoyin was also removed after investigations carried out by the Council allegedly found him guilty of serious acts of wrongdoings.

This was According to the circular which was signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladejo Azeez.

This is the circular:

Russia Approves COVID-19 Vaccine. Putin's Daughter Vaccinated

Putin says Russia’s Health Ministry has approved world’s FIRST Covid-19 vaccine – his own daughter has been vaccinated

Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday morning that Russia has registered the world's first vaccine against coronavirus. He says the vaccine is effective in forming immunity against the deadly pathogen which has spread globally.

“As far as I know, a vaccine against the coronavirus infection has been registered this morning (in Russia) for the first time in the world,” the President told members of the government. “I thank everyone who worked on the vaccine - it’s a very important moment for the whole world.

Putin insisted that vaccination in Russia should only be carried out on a voluntary basis, with nobody forced to accept immunization. He also revealed that one of his daughters has already been vaccinated.

With over 700,000 deaths attributed to the pandemic and over 20 million official cases internationally, the entire planet is crying out for a solution to the Covid-19 crisis. It is hoped the Russian vaccine will go into general circulation by January. In the meantime, front-line health workers and the medically vulnerable will be given priority, according to the Health Ministry.

Putin asked Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to provide more detailed information about the plans for immunization. "I know that it works rather effectively, forms a stable immunity, and, I repeat, it passed all the necessary inspections," the President added.

Last week, the Health Minister himself stated that initial clinical trials of the vaccine developed by the Gamelei Research Center in Moscow had been completed.

Putin said that his daughter had a slight temperature after taking part in trials, but that it quickly went away. "One of my daughters got the vaccine. In this sense, she took part in the experiment. After the first vaccination, she had a temperature of 38, the next day - 37 and that was all."

FG gives update on reopening of Universities

The Federal Government has said universities in the country can resume classes once they have put the necessary COVID-19 guidelines in place.

The statement was made by, Suleiman Yusuf, the deputy executive secretary of academics for the National Universities Commission (NUC), at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, August 4, Premium Times reported.

NUC says it is working with universities to discuss preparations that should be in place before reopening.

He said the commission is working with universities to discuss preparations that should be in place before reopening of the tertiary institutions.

Another official of the NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, who serves as the executive secretary of the commission stated that the agency is already collecting data from universities to assess their preparedness to resume academic activities.

He also disclosed that the NUC is trying to mediate with the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) to resolve the strike by university lecturers.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has disclosed that it has begun disinfecting  Unity schools as students head back to classes.

Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, the Minister of Environment, speaking in Kaduna said that the decontamination is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, Daily Trust reported.

He revealed that this will be done immediately after the Eid-el-Kabir break, adding that personnel will be mounting surveillance in some of the exam centers.

The Environment Minister stated that the disinfection will begin with federal government colleges and then schools that will host the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

According to Abubakar, the ministries have put in place a sustainable system that will protect the health of learners and their caregivers at all educational levels.

While urging parents to ensure that their wards are properly kitted with face masks during the examination, the minister reassured them of the safety and well-being of the students.

Lagos State Government reopens Worship centers, Bars, Clubs stay closed

Lagos state government reopens worship centers August 7, restaurants to open for in-dining services from August 14

The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced the reopening of worship centers in the state beginning from Friday, August 7.

Governor Sanwo-Olu announced this at a press briefing today August 1.

While mosques will be reopened next week Friday August 7, the governor said churches will follow suit on Sunday, August 9. He said religious leaders must make available hand sanitizers, thermometer guns, adding that the state government will ensure that social distancing is maintained.

“Places of worship in Lagos will now be opened from Friday, the 7th of August for our Muslim worshippers, and on Sunday, the 9th of August for our Christian worshippers. We will only be allowing a maximum of 50% of their capacity” he said

He said night vigils and other services are still suspended. Citizens above 65 years old are to stay at home. He said handshakes, hugs and ''hi-fives'' are banned during services. The Governor has also increased public gatherings capacity from 20 to 50 people.

The governor also announced that restaurants will resume eat-in services in the state beginning from August 14. Social clubs and recreational centers would be allowed to reopen beginning from August 14.

He said along with the Federal government directive, schools in the state will reopen for exit classes beginning from August 3.

The governor said Night clubs, cinemas, game houses, and spas in the state are to remain shut.

Ondo reopens public, private schools

The Ondo state government has approved the resumption of both public and private secondary schools from August 4th, 2020 for the purpose of writing SSCE by affected students.

The government in a circular announced at the weekend through the ministry of Education, Science and Technology gave conditions for the reopening of schools.

As a way of preventing the spread of the COVID-l9 pandemic among the students, the following conditions must be satisfied by schools:

(i) Schools are to open From 8 am to 2 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

(ii) Disinfection and fumigation of all facilities must be carried out at least a week before resumption.

(iii) Hand washing spots should be provided, to guarantee regular washing of hands by learners and teachers.

The circular reads; “Sequel to the release of a comprehensive schedule for the conduct of the various National Examinations by the Federal Government after the series of meetings with the Chief Executives of examination bodies in the country, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ondo State wishes to notify you about the approval to re-open all the public and private secondary schools in the State on 4" August, 2020, for the students in SSS 3 class only for the purpose of writing the Senior School Certificate Examinations (WAEC and NECO). Please note that the approved dates for the conduct of the examinations are as stated below: 

(i) WAEC SSCE : 17th August till 18th September. 2020

(ii) NECO SSCE : 5th October till 18th November, 2020.

Sanwo-Olu To Meet The Boy In The “Mummy Calm Down “ Video

The Governor shared the news on his official Instagram and Twitter accounts few minutes ago and he also urged lagosians to calm down in this festive period.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu wrote:

I saw a video of a charming young boy online asking his mom to ‘calm down’ as she was set to punish him for a misdemeanour. I was moved by his sobriety, which reflected in his promise of “last chance”, when confronted with the fact that he is a regular offender.

I urge every Lagosian to ‘calm down’ and not get carried away. Like the rest of the world, we are still in the middle of a pandemic and need to remain extremely careful to keep the gains of the sacrifices we have all made in the past months. 

Let’s calm down!

As an aside, I would like to meet the young boy since we both now have exclusive rights to the phrasal verb ‘calm down’.

BREAKING: Schools to re-open August 4th, FG says

Federal Government, on Monday, announced that secondary schools in the country are to reopen on 4th of August, 2020, though, for exit classes only.

Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong, in a statement released in Abuja, explained that the decisions was reached at a virtual consultative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioners of Education of the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), Proprietors of private schools, and Chief Executives of examination bodies.

He said that the stakeholders agreed that the students in exit classes should resume immediately after the Sallah break, to enable them prepare for the WAEC examinations scheduled to commence from the 17th of August, 2020.

Goong explained: “Stakeholders at the meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and public spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them fast track the preparations for safe reopening, as agreed.”

He also disclosed that another meeting is to be convened on Tuesday between the Federal Ministry of Education and Chief Executives of examination bodies namely, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS to harmonise their examination dates, which will be conveyed to stakeholders expeditiously.

For months now, Federal Government has been meeting with stakeholders in education sector regarding the safe reopening of schools across the country following the prolonged shutdown of the schools due to coronavirus pandemic.