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Women at Risk International Foundation has recorded a 64 per cent increase in sexual abuses during the 14-day lockdown of Lagos, Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

WARIF, an organisation focused on reducing the prevalence of gender-based violence in Nigeria, urged all affected adults and caregivers of young children to make use of its 24-hour confidential help line to report any case of sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse.

Founder of WARIF, Dr Kemi Da-Silvia Ibru, added that safety measures have been put in place to prevent cross-contamination between survivors, who visit the centre. 

She also said that WARIF has provided personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of its frontline workers.

She said, “During this period of lockdown, we have observed that the number of calls received through our 24-hour confidential helpline to report cases of sexual abuse had increased by 64 per cent compared to the time before the lockdown. 

"This is worrisome for us because sexual abuse thrives on secrecy.

"The larger community needs to be aware that although we are all limiting our interactions with friends, families and neighbours, we have to be mindful that sexual abuse is happening and in fact the rate is becoming alarming. Everyone is encouraged to check up on their loved ones.”

WARIF also works closely with the police in Lagos State to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence are protected and given adequate attention during the COVID-19 period.

She added, "Everyone is encouraged to call the WARIF 24-hour confidential helpline (08092100009) in emergency cases or to report a suspected case of GBV around them."

 

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The Lagos State Government said its officials have visited 118,000 households in the state over the last two days and identified 119 persons with COVID-19 symptoms. 

Commissioner for Health in the state, Prof Akin Abayomi, made the disclosure at a briefing with journalists on Tuesday.

Abayomi said the community search was activated to limit the spread of the disease in the state, which so far has the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the country.

He said, “We’ve embarked on an active case search in communities. The idea is to go to hot spots and go from door to door with our health personnel. 

“So far, in the last two days, we’ve visited 118,000 households and we’re looking for the typical symptoms of COVID-19. We’ve identified about 119 people who have the symptoms that are suggestive of COVID-19.

“But let me remind you that COVID is one of the viruses that can cause respiratory symptoms. There are many viruses.

“So, the idea is to take samples from these 119 and analyse them and that would give us an idea of how much COVID-19 activity is happening in the communities.”

The state government had last week said it would commence a house-to-house case identification to detect possible cases of COVID-19.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has announced 19 new Coronavirus cases in the country.

Making the announcement via its official Twitter handle on Tuesday, the agency said, “Nineteen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported as follows: 14 in Lagos, two in FCT, one in Kano, one in Akwa Ibom, one in Edo.

“As at 9:20pm 14th April, there are 362 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. 99 have been discharged with 11 deaths.”

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Rotimi Aketi Akeredolu AIT News

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has attacked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for declaring curfew in the state in order to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

The party in a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Zadok Akintoye, accused Governor Akeredolu of lacking “administrative competence" over the decision being taken over the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Akeredolu had in a broadcast imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the state starting from 7:00pm to 7:00am as part of measures to stem the spread of Coronavirus in the city.  See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Ondo Governor, Akeredolu, Declares Curfew Over Coronavirus Outbreak 0 Comments 7 Hours Ago

The statement reads, "The recently announced curfew which prohibits movement of citizens from 7:00pm to 7:00am again shows a government that is totally ignorant of the culture of its people.

"To declare a total prohibition of movement only during the night shows that Akeredolu is disconnected from the people and totally unaware of the nature of Ondo State. 

"Is Akeredolu suggesting that the virus is inactive during day time? Our people rarely gather in clusters at night and the larger percentage of residents in Ondo State rarely stay outside their homes at this time. 

"To restrict movements to night time is at best playing to the gallery and a cheap shot at seeking political benefit from a people whose very lives are threatened by the governor’s inefficiency. 

"What the governor should do to safeguard the lives of our people is to totally shutdown movement across the state without delay. The lives of our citizens are far more valuable that any selfish political benefit.”

"Government must wake up to its responsibility of providing clearly defined palliatives and incentives at this time.”

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Officials of Victims Support Fund presenting relief materials to the IDPs in Abuja

The Victims Support Fund Task Force on COVID-19 on Tuesday distributed food items to internally displaced persons in the Federal Capital Territory to cushion the effects of the lockdown order.

Head of the Taskforce, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, who presented the materials, said the exercise was aimed at mitigating the hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly persons without any means of livelihood.

Food items such rice, beans, maize, garri, vegetable oil and salts were distributed to the displaced persons.

Ogunsiji said that 27,000 households across Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba states would also benefit from the gesture.

She added that critical stakeholders and partners across these states would also get Personal Protective Equipment and medical consumables.

According to her, “We are also working with the vulnerable, institutions and agencies supporting the government as part of contribution to national efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

“The task force is working closely with all relevant agencies at the federal, state and local government levels working to contain the pandemic.”

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Rights activist and President of Centre for Change, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, has said that the mode employed for the distribution of palliatives to Nigerians during the lockdown period has not been working.

Okei-Odumakin also berated the transfer of cash to Nigerians, saying there were better ways of reaching vulnerable Nigerians in dire need of money.

Reacting to the announcement of the continuation of the presidential lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory due to the increase in the case of Coronavirus in the country, she advised government to restrategise its plans.

The activist also urged Nigerians to be prepare to sacrifice for Coronavirus to be eradicated from the country.

She said, "The extension of the lockdown by the President may be inevitable because of where we still are with COVID-19.

"Government palliatives have not worked and you cannot say you are sustaining what is not working.

"There are better ways of reaching vulnerable Nigerians through the services of logistics companies to commence doorstep-to-doorstep delivery of relief materials.

"The government should also look at measures that could reach a wider layer of the society like waiver on electricity bill.

"Government needs to get back to the drawing board while the people should be ready for more sacrifices but with support from government.”

Okei-Odumakin also stated that while the level of insecurity had become intolerable, security forces must do away with the bestial behaviour of beating, manhandling and extorting the vulnerable in the society during this period and beyond. 

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Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa Google

Chairman of Ugbori community under Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Godwin Metie, has been arrested by the state government.

SaharaReporters reliably gathered that Metie was arrested on Sunday on the orders of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over a video exposing the state government's failure to properly protect its residents against Coronavirus. 

Governor Okowa had on Friday announced the second case of Coronavirus disease in the state, who died before he could receive his result.

According to the state government, the deceased was first treated at a private clinic at Ugbori community before being transfered to Oghara Teaching Hospital.

The poor fumigation of the area angered residents and forced Metie to publish the video online to expose the situation. 

A community source, who identified himself as Ovie, told our correspondent that the arrest of Metie was as a result of the viral video condemning the state government's handling of the purported Coronavirus case in the community. 

He said, "Chairman of Ugbori community in Warri South, Prince Godwin Metie, was arrested two days ago because of the video where he exposed the state government concerning their claims of Coronavirus case in our community. 

"The arrest was ordered by the council chairman, Tidi and the state governor. As we speak, he has been taken to Asaba." 

Contacted on the arrest of Metie, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said, "I am not aware of any arrest concerning the community chairman."

Reacting to the incident, Tidi said, "His arrest followed the video he did on the Coronavirus victim who was earlier treated in a clinic in the community. 

"The video actually caused serious embarrassment to the council and the state. I received series of calls from prominent Deltans from the local government and state expressing bitterness concerning the viral video. 

"And I was to have a talk with him to do a rebuttal before I learnt of his arrest. 

"Though we are doing all within our powers to secure his release, I want to appeal to people of Warri South to adhere strictly to the state government directives of stay at home and follow the preventive measures outlined."
 

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The Action Democratic Party has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to neglect the private sector in the distribution of palliative as a result of the lockdown to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

This was contained in the reaction of the party to the broadcast of President Buhari on Monday. 

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, the ADP noted that critical sectors of the economy must not be forgotten in the provision of palliatives.

He posited that private sector might be forced to downsize if the lockdown continues without provision of palliatives for them.

"We must prepare not only to contain the Coronavirus but also consider the effect of the lockdown on the employers of labour and their employees, who carry the largest workforce. 

"Some of them might resort to downsizing after the pandemic is over because of how bad they may have been affected. 

"To avoid massive job cut, the government at both federal and state level should work out some relief for these employers in form of supports. 

"There must be transparency and accountability in the process of making these funds available to the beneficiaries so that the real vulnerable Nigerians will benefit and their palliatives will not be shared amongst politicians and their followers only." 

The party also called the attention of President Buhari, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun over increasing gang robberies, attacks and all forms of criminalities in both cities. 

The ADP called for increase in the security forces to respond swiftly to any threat experienced by Nigerians at this time.
 

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Chief Magistrate D.D Ihua-Maduenyi of a Port Harcourt magistrate court has released on bail the two arrested pilots of Caverton Helicopter.

The magistrate granted the pilots - Samuel Ugorji and Samuel Buhari - bail after hearing their application by their counsel.

The 10 passengers on board were also granted bail.

The pilots and passengers were arrested for flying to the state after the announcement of restricting on movement and closure of airways.

They were arrested and charged to court by the state government.  See Also PUBLIC HEALTH Rivers Governor, Wike, Storms Caverton Helicopters Office Over Violation Of Movement Restriction 0 Comments 1 Week Ago

After listening to the bail applications moved by their counsel, Nwokedi Ibe, the magistrate granted a bail bonds of N1m to the pilots.

The court ruled that they must provide a surety, who must be a management staff of Caverton Helicopters.

The surety must sign a bail bond of N1m each for the two pilots and must own a landed property in Port Harcourt.

Also, the 10 passengers must present two sureties, who must also be management staff of Caverton Helicopters.

The sureties would sign a bail bond of N500,000 for each of the passengers and undertake to produce the persons in court on every date fixed for trial. 

The magistrate adjourned the matter until May 19, 2020 for trial
 

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Google/Time

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has issued an advisory guiding Nigerians on the use of face masks.

Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, had said that there was no need for people to observe social distancing in preventing the spread of Coronavirus once they wear face masks.

In an advisory guiding Nigerians on the use of face masks published on its website on Tuesday, the agency said medical masks were best reserved for patients and healthcare workers.  See Also PUBLIC HEALTH You Don’t Need Social Distancing If Wearing Face Mask, Says Cross River Governor, Ayade 0 Comments 5 Days Ago

It said, “Globally, there is ongoing debate on the effectiveness of masks as a preventive measure for the Coronavirus disease. The evidence in favour of the use of masks includes the possibility of asymptomatic (a person never develops symptoms) and pre-symptomatic (before a person develops signs and symptoms) transmission and emerging evidence of the ability of a mask to prevent contact with respiratory droplets. Ecological comparisons also appear to suggest better outcomes in countries that have used masks as a general policy.

“Sources of concern have been that people who wear face masks may feel protected and ignore physical distancing advice. In addition, if face masks are not worn correctly, disposed of appropriately or if people touch their faces more frequently due to adjustments of the face masks they are wearing, they run a higher risk of infecting themselves.

“The daily real-time reporting of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened panic and fear in people, as the numbers of cases and deaths recorded globally continues to increase. There is a lot that remains unknown about this disease. Authorities and scientists do not yet have all the answers to the many questions being asked. The instinct for self-preservation and protection from harm and the basic need to survive has brought about a need for self- defence against this novel virus. Many people will be resorting to the use of face masks to gain some control and confidence in their ability to protect themselves (and family) from contracting the coronavirus disease.

“In view of these, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control offers the following advice to members of the public:

"The wearing of face masks, (or equivalent) is recommended as an optional additional layer to be used in addition to other measures such as physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures in Nigeria. The primary rationale for the advice on face masks is to prevent those who are infected but asymptomatic from spreading the virus. Masks have to be properly disposed of in waste bins. Improper handling and frequently touching masks can increase the risk of infection. Improvised masks are also an option – as long as they are properly washed regularly. They can be made out of cloth or other materials. 

“The usage of face masks is particularly advised while attending large gatherings (where it is absolutely necessary to attend). These include but are not limited to shopping outlets, markets, shops and pharmacies among others. 

“Given the global shortage of personal protective equipment including medical masks, public sector resources should be preserved to procure medical masks for patients and healthcare workers who need them the most.

“The wearing of face masks alone will not protect against COVID-19, but must be combined with physical distancing, handwashing, respiratory hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and other advice from NCDC.

“Older persons with existing medical conditions such as diabetes are particularly encouraged to wear masks as they are at higher risk of infection. It is also further advised that face masks are used by more vulnerable members of the society, citizens with ongoing respiratory problems, and those already exhibiting symptoms and awaiting testing.

“It is important to remember that the usage of face masks alone cannot be relied upon to avoid the COVID-19 virus; physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures are necessary for protection from the virus.”

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An Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, the capital, has remanded in prison custody one Akinloye Saheed, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, for allegedly posting false information on Facebook against the government of the state.

Akinloye, 32, was accused of defamation, false information, instilling fear and inciting the people against the Osun State Government.

He was said to have committed all the offences on April 11, 2020 in Osogbo.

The prosecution team led by Acting Solicitor-General of the state, Mr Dapo Adeniji, appeared alongside Moses Faremi, Biodun Badiora, Kemi Bello and Oyedele Akintayo.

According to the charge sheet presented before the court, Akinloye was accused of posting information he knew was false in order to incite members of the public against the state government.

The charge reads, “That you Akinloye Saheed ‘m’ on 11th day of April, 2020 at 11:05pm at Osogbo did interfere with an executive order of the Osun State Government when you published on your Facebook page that 'When I accused Osun Government of importing COVID-19 patients into the state just to access fund from the FG, many didn’t believe. The said imported patients are now negative. APC, you are not doing well.'

“The information you know to be false and an intent to incite members of the public against the Osun State Government."

He contended that the offence committed by Akinloye contravened section 61, 374, 59(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002 and section 24 of the (Cyber Crime Prohibition Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

However, Akinloye pleaded not guilty to the four-count charges preferred against him.

Counsel to the defendant, Bamidele Ajibade, made an oral application for bail on behalf of his client, saying that he won’t jump bail if granted.

“Akinloye Saheed was arrested by police and had been granted administrative bail in police station. 

"He has been going to the police station ever since then. This is an attestation that if he is granted bail, he won’t jump bail.

“I urge the court to admit my client to bail on the most liberal terms. He has reliable sureties to stand for him and he won’t jump bail,” he said.

But Adeniji opposed the bail application by the defence counsel and urged the court to remand the accused in a correctional centre.

The Chief Magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara, ordered that the accused person be remanded in a correctional facility pending when the defence counsel will file the formal application for his bail.

He adjourned the case until May 13, 2020 for continuation. 
 

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Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has endorsed Joe Biden for President.

Speaking in a video released on his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday, Obama said choosing Biden as his Vice-President was one of the best decisions he made in his life.

He said, “That is why I am so proud to endorse Biden for President of the United States. 

"I believe Biden has all the qualities we need in a President right now.

“He’s got the character and the experience to guide us through one of our darkest times and heal us through a long recovery. 

"And he’ll surround himself with good people – experts, scientists, and military officials who actually know how to run the government, work with our allies, and always put the American people’s interests above their own.” 

Obama urged Americans suffering from Coronavirus not to be broken, adding that reprieve was around the corner. 

He added, “If you’ve lost someone to this virus or you are sick or you are one of the millions that is suffering economic hardship, please know that you are in our prayers, please know that you are not alone because now is the time for all of us to help where we can, to be there for each other.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learnt as a country from moments of great crisis, it’s that the American spirit of looking out for one another can’t be restricted to our homes or our workplaces or our neighborhoods or our houses of worship.”
 

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The Nigerian Government has terminated the contracts of two payment service providers for not being able to meet the terms of agreement to begin the Conditional Cash Transfer to poor Nigerians in some parts of the country. 

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, in a statement on Tuesday named Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Abia and Bayelsa among states were the delay has taken place.

She said, “The Federal Government cannot accept delays in the current payment round of N20,000 stipends to beneficiaries in poor and vulnerable households under any excuse in the four states or any other state of the federation.

“The failure of any payment service providers to meet their contractual agreement is unacceptable.

“The Federal Government through the ministry cannot allow contractors to derail the immediate CCT to the poor and the vulnerable.”

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Eight COVID-19 patients have been discharged by the Lagos State Government after making full recoveries from the virus.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement on Tuesday via his verified Twitter handle.

He said, “More great news today from our Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

“Eight more people: two females and six males have tested negative and fully recovered from #COVID19. They have been discharged to return to their families.

“This brings the number of patients successfully managed and discharged from our facilities to 69.

“Please, let us continue to adhere to all safety advice from our health experts.”

 

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International Monetary Fund The Wire

The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday said that Nigeria could be heading for its worst recession in three decades.

The economic downturn is one of the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic predicted by experts around the world.

According to the IMF, Nigeria’s economy will drop by 3.4 per cent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The international organisation made the projection in its April 2020 World Economic Outlook report released on Tuesday in Washington, United States. 

IMF Chief Economist and Director of Research Department, Gita Gopinath, said, “For the first time since the Great Depression, both the advanced economies and emerging and developing economies are in a recession.

“For 2020, growth in advanced economies is projected at -6 per cent. Emerging markets and developing economies which typically have normal growth levels well above advanced economies are also projected to have negative growth of -1 per cent and -2.2 per cent if you exclude China.”

The Nigerian economy is however, projected to bounce back by 2.4 per cent in 2021.

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Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has declared a 7:00pm to 7:00am curfew in the state in a bid to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the city and country at large. 

Akeredolu said the curfew was to begin immediately on Tuesday.

The order comes hours after the third Coronavirus case in the state was recorded.

 

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Former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, has struck a deal to release her 200-bed hotel located in Abuja as COVID-19 isolation and treatment centre, according to a report by The Nation. 

The hotel, which is believed to be worth about N2bn, is under interim forfeiture secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the court on April 30, 2018.

The former First Lady, it was learnt, struck the deal with First Lady, Aisha Buhari, which led to her release of the hotel, under litigation, for use by the government at this critical time.

Mrs Buhari, through her pet project, the Future Assured Programme, entered into separate agreements with Mrs Jonathan and the Ministry of Health to convert the hotel into a COVID-19 treatment centre, the newspaper said.

The hotel will be managed by the Federal Capital Territory COVID-19 committee.

It was gathered that the “deal” between the First Lady and her predecessor was struck at a recent meeting in the Presidential Villa.

A source quoted Mrs Jonathan as saying, “This is the time we must all come together, irrespective of political differences to assist this nation to fight the pandemic. It is a time to shun politics.

“I will do everything to help this great country that has also given me the opportunity to serve.”

A highly-placed source added, “Since the dispute over the property is still in court, the First Lady opted to seek the consent of Mrs Patience Jonathan on the temporary use of the seized hotel. This mutual understanding has removed all legal hurdles.

“After the country has overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel will be handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health, which will in turn revert back to the EFCC.

“Those involved are the Future Assured Programme, the Ministry of Health, the EFCC and ex-First Lady Mrs Patience Jonathan.

“All existing agreements are without prejudice to the final decision of the court on the property, which the First Lady said is owned by a separate entity, Aurora Foundation.”

Recall that in 2019, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the permanent seizure of $8.4m and N9.2bn belonging to Mrs Jonathan.

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