COVID-19 Rules: Court Fines Naira Marley N200,000, To Tender Public Apology To FG

Yesterday, the Lagos Police Command arrested a popular Musician, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley and was immediately charged to Court for violating COVID-19 rules in Lagos.

Meanwhile, Court Slams N200,000 fine on him today for breaching coronavirus guidelines.

A four-count charge was brought against the artiste by the prosecuting team, which he denied.

The presiding magistrate, Idayat Akanni, who handed down the sentence, ordered Naira Marley to pay N50,000 on each of the four counts brought against him.

He was also mandated to publish a public apology to the Federal Government of Nigeria in a national newspaper.

Osun Governor Flags Off Post COVID-19 Intervention Programme

In a statement released today, the Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola was quoted below:

“As part of efforts to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the economy and means of livelihood of our people, I, this afternoon, flagged off the Osun Post Covid-19 Intervention Programme, with about 2,000 people set to be empowered under the pilot phase.

Under this Intervention programme, 15,000 jobs will be generated annually both directly and indirectly. We’ve also provided the sum of N100m to be disbursed as seed loans to beneficiaries under this programme through the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Additionally, we have partnered the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to conduct entrepreneurial development training for all the beneficiaries to ensure that the desired objective of the programme is achieved.

The launching of the Post Covid-19 Intervention Programme is a testament to the resolve and capacity of our Administration to respond to virulent challenges in the way of our electoral promises and governance. Our commitment to the welfare of our people remains resolute even in this tough period.

I appeal to beneficiaries of this Programme to make judicious use of the opportunities it offers for their individual and collective benefits. As they do so, the nets of empowerment are widened, and the State and its partners are encouraged to offer more opportunities, & poverty & hunger are progressively banished from our State.”

#RevolutionNow: DSS re-arrest Bakare in Osogbo, launch manhunt against Sowore

Today, protesters under the banner of RevolutionNow trooped out to protest against insecurity, economic crisis and other problems bedeviling Nigeria under President Buhari.

However, it was learnt that the RevolutionNow Protest Organized by Omoyele Sowore was meted with stiff resistance today by the Security Operatives as more than 30 Protesters were arrested.

Meanwhile, Olawale Bakare that was arrested along with Omoyele Sowore last year when they began the Revolution Now Protest in August and charged for treasonable felony has again been rearrested by the secret police agents in Osogbo. It was gathered also that they have launched manhunt against the convener of the RevolutionNow protest, Omoyele Sowore.

COVID-19 Palliative: Conditional Cash Transfer Kicks Off in Lagos

….Beneficiaries Receive N10,000 For The Month Of May And June.

Following the enrolment of eligible residents of the State for the first phase of the Cash Transfer initiative of the Federal Government, each of the beneficiary households of the Conditional Cash Transfer policy, which kicked off in April this year, received the sum of N10,000 for the months of May and June 2020.

The conditional Cash Transfer policy, an initiative of the Federal Government to the most vulnerable and indigent of the society was officially flagged off in Lagos today at Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the State.

The initiative, which will be administered through the designated household caregiver, who will in turn utilise the money for the better living of the household, was flagged off by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke and top federal government functionaries.

The Commissioner lauded the efforts of the Federal Government, through the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, for their support in the establishment of the cash transfer unit in Lagos State while also expressing her gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and enormous support in making the implementation a success.

Arobieke noted that the process of enrolment of beneficiary households commenced in April 2020 with the most vulnerable, aged and indigent citizens identified.

“It is of the essence to mention that the process of enrolment of about 8,147 households captured by the State Cash Transfer Office was approved by the Governor and commenced in the month of April to fast-track a conditional Cash transfer to beneficiary households in order to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable”, Arobieke explained.

While noting that the beneficiaries were painstakingly selected by the Cash Transfer Office in six pilot Local Government Areas and validated through the issuance of identification cards in order to partake in the exercise, the Commissioner appealed to those that have not registered to key into the programme in order to benefit from the palliative measures.

“I will like to appeal to Lagosians that this is a continuous exercise and in case you are yet to be captured in this batch, there are more opportunities that would be cascaded to the rest of the Local Government Areas in the State”, she said.

The National Programme Coordinator of the Scheme, Dr. Temitope Shinkaye, who was represented by Mr. Mohammed Abdullah at the event, stated that the programme focuses mainly on the poor and vulnerable in the country as identified through a combination of geographic and community-based targeting mechanism.

He stated that the programme facilitates the transfer of N5000 per month to the identified beneficiaries, noting that payment is made every two months to eligible households selected from the national social register while the programme also offers capacity building to beneficiaries for empowerment on self reliance.

Abdullahi disclosed that beneficiaries are also trained on life skills and micro-business development in order to engage in viable business activities that will sustain them in future.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its support and commitment in registering vulnerable households in the State, stressing that it has helped to incorporate them into the Federal Government National Social Register for the vulnerable.

The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Mr. Oluseyi Valentino expressed gratitude to the State Government for choosing the Local Government as the flag-off point for the initiative.

He expressed his appreciation to the Federal and State Governments for the laudable initiative, expressing confidence that it will help to alleviate the suffering of the poor and most vulnerable.

The Household Uplifting Programme (HUP), otherwise known as Conditioner Cash Transfer, was introduced in 2016 as one of the four social investment programmes anchored by the Federal Government to tackle poverty and hunger, focusing on a more equitable distribution of resources to the vulnerable population, including the aged and physically challenged.

Okeho Robbery: 3 More Gang Members Arrested By Police

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three more armed robbers that burgled a First Bank branch in Okeho, Oyo State.

This was made known by the State Public Relations Officer, SP Fadeyi. You will recall that last month it was reported that a team of armed robbers attempted to rob a First bank branch in Okeho, Kajola Area of Oyo State but was foiled by the youths of the area. It was reported that the armed robbers used dynamite and gas cylinder to break the door of the bank.

It was also gathered that the armed robbers while trying to escape the scene having noticed that some irate youths in the area were pursuing them had an accident along the way and three of them were arrested and set ablaze immediately by the angry mob. Meanwhile, it was learnt that one person and a police officer were killed.

The State Police Chapter earlier reported that they have succeeded in arresting 3 members of the team that robbed the bank. The recent arrest would make the total number of the arrested gang members to be six.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Fadeyi hereby assures the populace that efforts are ongoing to ensure that all those who participated in the robbery are brought to book in due time.

COVID-19: PTF Lauds Oni For Donating PPEs, Medical Supplies

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has commended the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II for donating four motorised modular fumigators (two each to the PTF and the FCT) to help combat the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

At the National Briefing by the PTF on Monday, the task force Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also mentioned the United Nations (UN) Basket and European Union for praise.

According to him, they have delivered a second tranche of PPEs, medical supplies and equipment to aid Nigeria’s response to COVID-19.

“The PTF wishes to thank all Nigerians that continue to respond to call for involvement in the National Response,” Mustapha said.

“In this regard, we thank the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for donating four motorized modular fumigators (two each to the PTF and the FCT).

“In the same vein, we want to appreciate the UN Basket and European Union for delivering the second tranche of the PPEs, medical supplies and equipment.”

I will be recalled that the Ooni had 3 months ago flagged off the charity project of locally modular motorized fumigators which he intended to distribute free of charge to the government and revant institutions across Nigeria with a view to complementing the efforts of government in the ongoing fight against the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic.

In fulfillment of his this promise, he has physically toured the Southwest and crisscrossed the other 5 geopolitical zones on the country through his Ooni Covid-19 Intervention Team(OCIT) donating 2 fumigators to each of the 36 states climaxed last Thursday with his delegation donating 4 fumigators to the Federal Government of Nigeria received y the SGF and the PTF Chairman, BOSS Mustapha, represented by Permanent Secretary, SGF office, Sir Olusegun Adekunle.

Osun COVID-19 Taskforce Drags 100 Residents To Court For Not Wearing Facemasks

Osun COVID-19 Taskforce Drags 100 Residents To Court For Not Wearing Facemasks

The Osun state government on Monday commenced the total enforcement of COVID-19 safety protocols in the state.

This was as over 100 violators of the safety protocols were sentenced to community service of various degrees.

The enforcement was in line with the government resolve to contain the further spread of the deadly virus.

The governnent had on Sunday announced the enforcement of stronger punitive measures include the deployment of Mobile Courts, imposition of fines on defaulters and more stringent enforcement exercises by the Joint Task Force.

According to the state government, hotels, clubs and bars that flout COVID-19 safety protocols would be closed and fined N250,000 before they can be reopened while defaulting worship centres shall be closed and fined N100,000 before they can reopen.

The Deputy Governor who doubles as the Chairman, Osun COVID-19 Taskforce, Mr Benedict Alabi, in a statement, said private hospitals caught treating COVID-19 patients shall have their establishments shut and the owners’ practising licenses withdrawn saying individuals who flout the safety protocols of the State Government, after being tried, shall be sentenced to community service.

Early Monday morning, members of the enforcement team stormed the popular Olaiya Junction and Old Garage and other strategic locations to enforce the safety protocols and arrest violators.

The Chairman of the enforcement team and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Adebayo Adeleke, said the action was in line with the government’s commitment to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Adeleke who decried the surge in the number of confirmed cases of the pandemic in the last few weeks, noted that the punitive measures were taken to rescue the state and her citizens from the scourge that has been ravaging the state.

He called on residents to comply with the government’s directives on safety measures just as he disclosed that the team would continue to enforce the safety protocols as long as the people flout the rules.

“We are enforcing the law that moving around anywhere in the state without the use of face masks.

“If you can recall, the state of Osun made some legislations out of which it was made illegal for anyone to move around without the use of face masks.

“But recently, we discovered that the number of COVID-19 infected individuals had increased and this is very worrisome to the governor and as a result of this, he, in his good wisdom has said that there is need to enforce those safety rules by ensuring that people comply with the use of facemasks and other precautionary measures.

“When we make arrests, we will take the violators to courts. That is why we have been out since morning to implement the directives.

“As you can see, those we have arrested would be taken to court and judgement would be passed on them accordingly.

“We believe strongly that this will send message to other people who believe that the use of face masks is a joke. This will also send a warning signal to those who have been flouting the safety protocols.

“I am using this period to appeal to our people to take the safety protocols seriously by ensuring that they wash their hands regularly, use their facemasks and apply hand sanitiser intermittently”, he said.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mrs Abiodun Ige, said members of the team were out to put a permanent stop to the violation of COVID-19 safety protocols.

She warned residents of the state to always adhere to safety protocols and avoid things that can expose them to the deadly virus.

Speaking on the expectation of government over the enforcement exercise, Ige noted that “it is expected that after the whole exercise no one will go out without using his or her facemasks”.

She added: “We expect that all that we have been saying on the need for the people to stay safe and comply with the safety protocols would be totally adhered to from here on.

“Henceforth, we don’t expect people to go out without their facemasks. We don’t expect people not to use their hands sanitisers or fail to obey social distancing rules, among other precautionary measures.

“As you can see, we have arrested more than 100 violators today and this exercise would continue as long as the people continue to disobey the rules.”

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Francis Isola Omisade sentenced the first batch of 37 violators to five days community service with an option of N2,000 fine, while the second batch of 19 violators were sentenced to three days community service without option of fine.

Omisade said the sentence would serve as deterrent to others on the need for them to be law abiding citizens.

In the same vein, Magistrate Modupe Awodele who presided over the third batch of 52 defaulters, sentenced them to 3days community service with option of N2,000 fine each.

Awodele ordered the convicts to render the punishment under the supervision of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mrs. Abiodun Ige.

JUST IN: Policemen allegedly shoot one dead, injure two others in Oke-Are, Ibadan

Police Officers at the Mapo Divisional Headquarters have been identified to have shot three people at Oke-Are, Ibadan. An eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity said five police officers came in a Micra car to the area and pulled the trigger suddenly which led to the death of one person immediately while the other two people are in extensive care unit at the nearby hospital. As at the time of writing this report, OduduwaNews cannot ascertain the main reason that led to the ugly incident. Details later.

Lagos Reopens Worship Centres Aug. 7 as Clubs Remain Closed

The new directive comes weeks after reneging on his decision to open religious centres back in June.

In a media briefing that held earlier today, Sanwo-Olu revealed that the state’s decision to reopen some businesses follows the reduced number of positive cases recorded in the state.

Religious centres will however not be permitted to hold activities for more than one day in the week and must comply with the 50 percent capacity rule. Restaurants and some social clubs will need to be certified by the state’s safety commission before resuming full operation. Upon approval, they must maintain the stipulated capacity.

The governor also increased the number of persons allowed in a public gathering from 20 to 50.

Clubs, cinemas, games arcades will remain closed but a review will hold in the coming weeks for possible reopening.

Recall the state shut down churches as well as major public gatherings back in March due to the coronavirus outbreak

Fire Guts Foam Market in Mushin, Lagos

The foam market in Ladipo Street, Mushin, Lagos State of Nigeria gutted fire today at exactly 1.30pm.

The incident which led to many properties and shops razed has been tagged double jeopardy by the market women whose means of livelihoods have been seriously affected due to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic that has dealt a deadly blow to the economy of the State and Nigeria at large.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu while appealing to the market women called for calm as all necessary measures will be taken to ameliorate their sufferings.

You cannot copy content of this page