Breaking: Secondary school students in exit classes to resume August 4 for WAEC exams starting August 17

The Ministry of Education has announced that exit classes in Secondary schools across the nation will reopen for academic activities on August 4.

A statement released this afternoon July 27, by the Director of Press, Ministry Of Education, Ben Bem Goong, says students in exit classes are to resume immediately after the Salah breaks so they can take their WAEC examinations scheduled to begin August 17.

Goong said this decision was taken at the virtual consultative meeting of the Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioners of Education in the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Proprietors of Private schools, and Chief Executive of Examination bodies.

The Federal government had initially suspended the reopening of schools due to the increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Read the statement from the Ministry of Education below

Federal government, states and others review terms for schools reopening

Representatives of the Federal, state governments and other relevant agencies will be meeting today to review the level of compliance with the conditions for schools to reopen across the country today.

While the Federal Ministry of Education has released a 52-page document which highlighted ways pupils in exit classes can write their external examinations despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision on reopening of schools for exit class pupils may likely be taken at the end of today’s meeting.

The meeting will be attended by representatives of the federal government, commissioners of education, examination bodies, private school proprietors, ANCORPS, Secretary of Education, FCT and other stakeholders.

Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE) Sonny Echono said a decision on 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination organised by WAEC will be taken at the meeting, as they have received a feedback on the options available to Nigeria from the examination body.

Echono said;

“We (FG), all the commissioners of education, examination bodies, private school proprietors, ANCORPS, Secretary of Education, FCT and other stakeholders are going to meet tomorrow (today).
“We have invited them so that if they require explanations and their own input we will hear from them at once.
“The subject is for us to decide on the issue of reopening of schools for all the exit classes to take their final examinations.
“We have already agreed on a date for the common entrance. That one is for primary schools so it is not an issue. It doesn’t have much problem. The date will be announced after the tomorrow’s meeting.
“We have received a feedback from WAEC on what options are available and we want to discuss those when the new date will be and let us agree as a group and not just impose our view on the others.”

Director of Information in the ministry, Ben Gong also said;

“The emphasis is on the exit classes who are going to do WASSCE, NECO, Common Entrance and NABTEB,  With the decision they (WAEC) took, by next month they should be starting the examination. Being a bigger customer we said no.
“We want to meet within us to discuss and look at the timetable. WAEC is proposing either August or November. We are saying since we have a number of exams there is nothing cast in stone to say that we must start with WAEC.
“Since WAEC is saying next month; which we have disagreed with or November, the exit classes can resume and start preparations and do all these exams (NECO, NABTEB and common entrance) then we will meet WAEC by November.”

Commenting on the scheduled meeting, National President of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Chief Yomi Otubela said;

“The one I heard about should be on 30th of this month but I have not confirmed the Invitation.
“Until after that meeting before update. They have asked schools to fill a form based on the 52-page guidelines and submit by July 29. After July 29 there will be a meeting.”

Helicopter service to the rescue as FG partially closes Third Mainland Bridge

Ahead of the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Friday and the attendant traffic gridlock, an Aviation logistics firm, Tropical Arctic Logistics Limited (TAL) would start helicopter shuttle services to convey people from the Mainland to the Lagos Island.

We learnt that the advertisement materials of the helicopter service provider have been trending since the announcement of the partial closure which has triggered fear and apprehension from members of the public.

Despite assurances by the Federal Government that the closure would be partial, many residents of Lagos have expressed fear over the traffic gridlock which the partial closure would trigger.

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola had also announced alternatives routes including: Costain, Ebute-Metta and Ijora that road users could use during the period of the repair, a statement by Boade Akinola, Director of Press in the Ministry said.

Fashola had said: “The Bridge is 11.8km; we are closing 3.5km so it is a partial and not a total closure.”

We gathered that TAL has scheduled helicopter services to take care of the people especially the high net worth individuals who dread the gridlock that the closure might trigger.

The firm operates AugustaWestland AW139 Helicopters, Sikorsky S-92A helicopters, among others in its fleet, according to information gathered on its website.

A source told our correspondent that the service would cost $500 (N194, 000 at the official exchange rate) while a return ticket would cost $1000 (N388,000).

The flight takes off from the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA2) Ikeja to Ozumba Umbadiwe in Victoria Island.

The source who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity because he was not in a position to talk to the press said, “So far the response from people on the service has been very positive. Many businesses have made enquiries on this service and they are very much interested going by the kind of gridlock envisaged on the Third Mainland Bridge and the alternative roads when the partial closure takes effect.”

It was learnt that in keeping with the COVID-19 social distancing guideline, the flight would take only eight passengers instead of about 15 which it was configured to carry.

Reps to Akpabio: Name NASS members who got NDDC contracts

The House of Representatives has asked Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to publish, within 48 hours, members of the 9th National Assembly who got sixty percent of contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Ruling on a matter of privileges brought by Minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the Minister, who alleged 60 percent of contracts from the NDDC were given to members of the National Assembly, should publish the benefiting lawmakers, especially members of the 9th Assembly.

He further said the names of their companies and the contracts they got should be published or face the wrath of the House.

Although he said his initial reaction was to have a good laugh when the Minister made the allegations, he realized it infringes on the integrity of the House.

He said the Minister owes it a duty to himself, the House Committee on Niger Delta, the people of Niger Delta, and Nigerians to publish the names of lawmakers who got contracts from the NDDC.

God Will Give You Strength – Rudeboy Consoles Shatta Bundle After He Lost His Father

Rudeboy has consoled his friend and brother Shatta Bundle with his kinds words of encouragement after the latter lost his father.

Yesterday, news of Shatta Bundle’s father’s demise was all over social media, and Rudeboy upon hearing that consoled him with his message to him.

He prayed for strength from the Almighty for him asking him to take heart per a chat Shatta Bundle shard on social media.

The two became friends when Shatta Bundle visited Nigeria and even went ahead to shoot a music video together and since has kept their friendship intact.

screenshot below;

“E Don Happen”, Reactions As Babalawo Goes To The Mall To Shop With Big Booty Girlfriend

Some citizens of Benin have gotten the shock of their lives after they spotted a fetish priest at the shopping mall with his big booty girlfriend over the weekend.

The fetish priest created confusion inside the mall after he entered with his fetish attire(red and black) with his beautiful girlfriend to shop for the weekend. Many have taken to social media to react to the news as no one has seen a fetish priest in his element in a public place.

Aside from the girlfriend the fetish priest took along to the shopping mall, he was also followed by his shrine entourage hailing him while he walked majestically into the mall.
See photos below….

My Fiancé Of 9 Months Came To My House To Pay Bride Price For My Younger Sister – Lady Cries Out

A distraught lady has shared a harrowing tale of how her hopes of getting married to the man of her dreams were thwarted.

The lady identified as Shola took to social media and said that her fiancé visited their home to do introduction and pay her bride price but to her utter dismay and shock, her man paid the bride price for her younger sister.

According to Shola, she has dated the man whose name she disclosed as Kayode, for nine months.

Read below;

My name is Shola. I dated Kayode for 9 months. Last week, he proposed to me and I accepted. He said he was in a hurry to get married as age was no longer on his side.

I agreed with him in totality and we started planning our wedding.

On t he day he came for the introduction, Kayode came to my father’s house with his kinsmen. Upon his arrival, my younger sister went out to welcome him.

On seeing her, he kept looking at her that I felt something is happening already. He no longer looks at me as all his attention was on my sister.

During the introduction, Kayode bluntly told my parents it was Shade my younger sister he came for.

He said he was ready to pay the bride price no matter the cost. My dad who was a little bit confused called my younger sister to inquire from her. I was dumbfounded when my sister said he knows him since her school days that he was her first love.

‘Chioma is A Gift From God To You’- Wizkid Reportedly Tells Davido

Wizkid has reportedly told Davido that his current baby mama Chioma Avril Rowland is a gift sent from heaven to him. This information was made available to us by Mr know-all, Uche Maduagwu is a new post on social media.

As usual, Uche said he had a phone call with the ’30 Billion Gang’ boss who told him that this is what Wizkid had told him.

Uche has suddenly assumed the role of Davido’s spokesperson since he (Davido) went on a self-styled exile from social media activities.

Uche Maduagwu wrote: ”(Phone Call part2): Davido said Wizkid Ayo told him Chioma is a once in a life time gift from God to him.

According to Davido, ‘Wiz and I dey cool, my brother from another mother always tell me that Chioma is custom made for my heart, a once in a life time gift from God.

We are working on something, biggest Naija collabo, it will suprise everyone but we will take it slow.

“We are always busy but very soon, song will drop’. Honestly this got me so happy, when two great music legend support each other, that’s wonderful for all those wishing Chioma to pack her ‘Ghana must go bag’ and return to her parents’ house, shame on you, what God has joined together, can minimum wage hater put asunder?”.

Your life is a testimony my African superwoman- JJC Skillz celebrates wife, Funke Akindele-Bello

Abdul Rasheed Bello popularly called JJC Skillz has taken to social media to eulogize his wife and actress, Funke Akindele-Bello.

JJC Skillz poured encomium on the movie producer describing her as an African woman, a blessing to the generation, and prayed for God’s strength to help her continue her mission on earth.

“AFRICAN SUPERWOMAN @funkejenifaakindele You never TRY. It’s either you DO or DON’T”
” Your DRIVE is motivation for the Ambitious … Your FAITH is strength to the hopeless.”
“Your life is a TESTIMONY… Work Hard/Pray Hard & All your dreams will come true … You’re a blessing to this generation my love. A Leader, Mother, Wife, Philanthropist, Actor, Writer, Director.”
“God is your strength & will continue to abide with you “. He wrote.

See post below;

Did Don Jazzy Beat You? – Fan Asks Rema After Spotting Something Wrong About Him In New Photo

The new photo of sensational Nigerian singer, Rema has left fans worried for various reasons.

Rema, legally called Divine Ikubor, was spotted in a photo clad in a singlet whilst seated on a couch with his arms folded.

Fans perceived something was definitely not right about him in the photo, as some thought he had not eaten for days which explains claims that he has grown lean.

A troll also curious about what may have happened to Rema quizzed if his record label boss, Don Jazzy, has beaten him as he looked like who has been significantly tamed.

Going back to trolling on his new photo, another fan wrote;

“blink twice if Don jazzy beat you”

Another comment read;

“You look like someone who has been denied food? Please you need to cheer up.”

Man Utd set to break bank, sacrifice two players for Messi swoop

Manchester United are willing to offer £110million and “one or two players” should Lionel Messi decide to leave Barcelona this summer.

Reports claim Messi’s relationship with Barca is under strain this season, after a seemingly unsuccessful defence of the La Liga title.

Indeed, Messi took issue with Eric Abidal in February after the sporting director’s criticism of players’ commitment under former boss Luis Enrique.

What’s more, public criticism of Antoione Griezmann has reportedly frustrated the forward further.
As such, Messi has reportedly decided to call off contract talks with Barca, with his current deal expiring next summer.

According to Argentina-based Varsky Sports, United are willing to make a serious bid for the 33-year-old.

The Red Devils are reportedly considering offering €120million and one or two players. However, the report does not make clear which stars United could offload.

Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt, the source says, and they would also offer one or two stars in a deal.

However, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has banished claims that Messi could cut ties with Barca.

He told Movistar (via BBC Sport): “We are negotiating with many players but Messi has explained to us he wants to stay.

“And so we’re going to enjoy him for much longer.”

Messi has enjoyed another impressive season in front of goal, scoring 24 goals and assisting 27 others.

Overall, he has netted 630 times in 725 Barca appearances.

Elsewhere, reports in the past several months have claimed United are keen on Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

The 20-year-old England international recently finished his most productive season to date, scoring 20 times and notching 20 further assists.

United are reportedly only willing to pay a maximum of £50million for Sancho. Dortmund, however, are holding out for £100million despite a sharp fall in revenues due to the pandemic.

UEFA set deadline for Man City vs Real Madrid decision

UEFA will announce on July 9 their decision over where and when this season’s remaining Champions League and Europa League games will be played.

The Champions League is set to be played out in a short ‘Final Eight’ format in August, in the Portuguese capital Lisbon.

On Thursday (July 9), UEFA will finalise the locations for each remaining game in the two competitions, with Porto and Guimaraes lined up as back up options, according to reports from Marca.

📺 Fans can watch both the #UCL and #UEL draws live and free. Just one highlight coming up over the next week on https://t.co/ZBp654xr5Z!

🗓️ Friday 10 July
🕛 12:00 CET

⚽ Find out what else is showing now! pic.twitter.com/oi725xTrBK

— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2020

Europe’s footballing governing body remains flexible to all options on completing the season, but the Champions League is expected to switch to a one-game format from the quarter final stage.



As it stands, there are still four last 16 second leg games to be decided at the second leg stage, including Manchester City v Real Madrid and Barcelona v Napoli.
For the Europa League, the competition has been earmarked for Cologne in late August, with a similar structure of single leg games from the last eight, with Sevilla and Getafe still included.

Paul Pogba mocks Josh King who pulled his shirt during EPL tie

Paul Pogba has aimed a slight dig at Josh King after the Bournemouth striker pulled his shirt during Man United's 5-2 win at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman and the Norwegian striker were teammates in the Red Devils academy a few years back before going their separate ways in 2012.

United continued their unbeaten run in all competitions after they outclassed relegation-threatened Bournemouth in their Premier League fixture over the weekend.

Pogba humour, just LOVE it😂❤
And King.. That's not how we Norwegian act when we meet our idols... pic.twitter.com/BcctFlBTNJ

— B United 🇳🇴 (@BenedikteUteng) July 5, 2020

Pogba had a huge influence in the game, providing accurate passes in the midfield that helped his team when going forward.

And King was pictured pulling Pogba's shirt from behind which the 26-year-old made fun of him on social media after the game.

Pogba joked on Instagram: "Bro I told you I would give you my shirt you don't have to take it like that hahahah."

After spending years together at United's academy, Pogba joined Juventus while King had spells with Blackburn, Hull City and Preston.

And the duo have kept their friendship intact and were pictured relaxing together in London, a day after United beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium in 2018.

Meanwhile, we had earlier reported that Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo and France international Paul Pogba have been spotted dancing to Wizkid's song named Soco to celebrate their Premier League superb win over Bournemouth.

Manchester United were so superb in their encounter against visiting Bournemouth at Old Trafford scoring five goals to keep their hopes of qualifying for Champions League alive.

Mason Greenwood scored twice, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes scored a goal each as Manchester United currently occupy fifth position on the Premier League table.

We also reported that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, prior to the Premier League suspension, was not having a good season at all and he was the first one to admit that.

United’s record signing in 2016 started the season on a high, emerging with scintillating performances in the opening weeks, notably against Chelsea on match-week one.

Things quickly took a turn for the worse for the World Cup winner as he was out with injury before the first month of the new season was done.

For Steve Ayorinde, Stakeholders Host Virtual Conference On Post-Covid19 African Tourism

A rich array of stakeholders in African Tourism and Creative Industry will on Thursday, July 9 converge to deliberate on how best to revive tourism on the continent and how creative and entertainment contents can serve as catalysts for the needed revival after four months of covid-19 pandemic.

The new coronavirus pandemic has triggered an unprecedented crisis in the tourism economy in Africa, but finding immediate recovery and sustenance will be the task of the stakeholders assembled across Africa in a Zoom Webinar designed in Honour of Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the former Commissioner for Tourism Arts & Culture in Lagos State, Nigeria's sprawling commercial capital.
A journalist, author and culture aficionado, Ayorinde clocks 50 on the day of the conference, Thursday July 9, 2020.

According to a statement issued on Monday by PRM Africa, the Lead Organiser, the virtual conference is designed as a Pan-African event tagged “Close the Gap Conference” with the theme: "Post-COVID-19: For African Tourism to Revive, Reboot & Refocus.” The Zoom webinar with Zoom ID: 93542315938 will run between 12noon and 2pm (WAT).
Participation is FREE but registeration is required on this link: https://bit.ly/CTGwebinar.

The 2-hour conference’ will be moderated by South African Brand and Communication expert, Matlou Tsotetsi together with her Nigerian counterpart, Media Personality and Creative Industry Executive, Olisa Adibua.

Goodwill messages are expected from the Head of Culture, Social Affairs Commission, African Union Commission, (AUC), Angela Martins; and Nigerian Minister of Information, Culture, Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Leading the pack of a well-curated Pan-African panel to drive a sustainable path that will encourage intra-African tourism in-flow in the expected 'new normal' are President, Ecoplannet Sarl, Morocco who is also the President of Tourism Leadership Forum, Mr. James MacGregor; Regional Head-West Africa, South African Tourism, Mr. Thekiso Rakolojane; Founder, Villa Sands Hotel Group, Ilha de, Mozambique, Ms. Gisela Antman; Head of International Jury Department, Cairo International Film Festival, Egypt, Ms. Nayera Soliman; and President, West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) Ms. Ola Wright.

Other panelists include the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman; Regional Marketing Manager, Kenya Tourism Board, Ms. Fiona Ngesa; Head Tourism, Brand Malawi Campaign, Ms. Janet Kathewera; A&R Manager, Africa for Sony ATV Music Publishing, South Africa, Munya Chanetsa; Founder, Akwaaba African Travel Market, Amb. Ikechi Uko; Chief Executive Officer, W-hospitality Group, Nigeria and Ms. Belinda Nwosu.

As part of the conference, two case studies will be examined as relevant examples of pan-African creative showpiece that tick the tourism and creative content boxes.
For this, insights will be shared by the President and Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Mr. Mike Dada; and President, Africa Movie Academy Awards, (AMAA) Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

According to the organisers, this virtual conference celebrates a gentleman, Ayorinde, whose contributions to the development of tourism and creative industry in Lagos, Nigeria are noteworthy.
But more importantly, it also seeks to examine the need to close the gap for renewal and refocus on two levels:

"The need to close the gap among African countries and all the regions of the Continent for better inter-African flow of tourists
as well as the need to close the gap between tourism promoters and creative industry producers so that creative content can serve as catalysts for driving tourism within the Continent post-Covid19 when international inflow of tourists may take a while to pick up."

The programme will be hosted by PRM Africa Marketing & Communications Ltd in collaboration with The Culture Newspaper (TCN).

Born 9 July 1970, Ayorinde is a renowned Nigerian journalist, media consultant, author and publisher who has devoted close to three decades to promoting the arts, creative enterprise and tourism across the continent.

……END…..

For enquiries and participation, Please contact Olusola Dada on +234 8063 706 809 or  Oluyinka Akanbi  on +234 812 426 6662

Crypto-Asset, Digital Currency Will Influence Social Behaviour - Expert

In the not-too-distant future, digital currency and crypto-assets will increasingly be integrated into human social behaviour and people’s day to day life much as money is today. These were the views of one of Nigeria’s frontline experts on cryptocurrency, digital assets and Bitcoin, Mr. Rume Ophi.

Rume who is also the Managing Partner of Vorem and Founder of the Crypto Preacher Fellowship-a vibrant group with over 1000 participants, explained that the race is on for reshaping the future as we know it. He explained that those who embrace digital currency now will join those who have at the vanguard of the digital currency evolution that will take over the whole.

Using bitcoin as an example, Rume noted that a positive attribute in the rhetoric of the digital economy, bitcoin is the Uberfication of money. “With Uber, people can connect and make travel arrangements within a network without the need for mediation with a central node-a regulated taxi firm, for instance. Likewise, with bitcoin. Peers can connect and make financial exchanges within a network without the need for mediation with a central node (a bank, financial institution, or government). The motivation behind the design and development of the digital currency and its software, was to utilise the Internet to establish a form of peer-to-peer electronic cash system.”

Explaining the nexus between human behaviour and cryptocurrencies, he noted that by their nature, crypto currencies were meant to alter human psychology. “They were created by crypto-anarchists for the purposes of reshaping the social order — by undermining a system that was erected on the blood and sweat of the people. In this sense, whenever someone creates technology to alter society, it also augments human behavior. Digital currencies do this because they have several properties that fiat currencies do not possess.

“Cryptocurrencies are decentralized. This means there is no single point of failure. There is not a centralized honeypot for politicians, bureaucrats, thieves, or bankers to collect data from or steal from. Another important aspect of blockchain-based cryptocurrency is they are peer-to-peer networks. This suggests all transactions occur between Ali and Wale. There is no trusted intermediary needed to intercede on behalf of the anyone. They simply make the exchange and go about their business.

“This sounds like a simple idea, but it is really grand in the current financial environment. Most credit and electronic transactions that take place within the fiat system pass through a gatekeeper. This is a company or institution than skims profits off the top off all exchanges that occur within the system. It is a middleman that hijacks part of the value exchanged between two people.”

Rume who also goes by the moniker, Crypto Preacher, explained further that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are also borderless and permissionless. “This means transactions can travel beyond artificial constraints such as national borders, and generally at low cost. This automatically instills people with the idea the dollar or other fiat currencies aren’t superior kinds of money. By being permissionless too, it means that anyone can build them or change them. In this regard, many of them are open source. They do not require permission from authorities to build or upgrade. Anyone can write some python code and create new money to their heart’s content.”

The expert further revealed that with the digital currency evolution, people’s relationship in the form of exchange of value will change. “In the future, there may be Ali coin or Wale coin. There might be a digital token for anyone who wants them. This radically changes the way humans relate to each other concerning exchanges of value.”

While calling on people to take advantage of the challenging times foist on the world by the novel coronavirus to prepare for the future, he noted that bitcoin itself was a product of tough times. “Bitcoin was conceived in 2008 as an attempt to alleviate trust in government and banks which was at a low during this period of financial crisis. However, with bitcoin trust does not dissipate, rather it shifts. Trust moves from trust in banks or states to trust in algorithms and encryption software. Bitcoin is an attempt to establish an autonomous decentralised digital currency and payment system, making online transactions purely peer-to-peer without centralised mediation.”

Panic Grips Lagos Speaker, Obasa As EFCC Begins Investigation

 

More trouble may be brewing for the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into the series of corruption allegations leveled against him.

 

In the last six months, the embattled Speaker has come under public scrutiny after reports of fraud were levelled against him since he assumed office as Speaker in 2015.

 

Online new medium, Saharareporters had alleged that Obasa allegedly operates over 60 bank accounts and had used his office to misappropriate funds and allocate contracts to himself through third party sources, as well as other acquaintances, releasing some classified documents to back up their report.

 

He was also alleged to have spent N258m to print invitation cards for the inauguration of the 9th Assembly.

 

The Speaker also allegedly approved N80m as estacode for 20 wives of some lawmakers to travel to Dubai, while his wife collected N10m monthly from the House.

 

Though the Speaker had consistently denied the allegations insisting that it was the handiwork of his detractors, the allegations have continued to resonate with many calling on the EFCC to investigate the weighty allegations.

 

To save face, the Assembly set up a nine-man ad hoc committee of the House, led by Victor Akande (Ojo Constituency 1) to investigate the allegations leveled against the Speaker.

 

As expected, the Committee, a week after its sitting, passed a vote of confidence in the Speaker, describing the allegations as “frivolous and unfounded”.

 

Miffed by the development, a group, Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CISNAC) two weeks ago, carried out a protest at the EFCC office in Lagos and submitted a petition urging the anti-graft agency to conduct an unbiased investigation into the allegations.

 

Programme officer at CISNAC, Sina Odugbemi said the Assembly cannot be a judge in its own affairs, insisting that the EFCC must investigate the speaker for the public to know the truth about the allegations.

 

Responding to the petition, Zonal Head of the EFCC, Mohammed Rabo, said the anti-graft agency will give the petition against Obasa the attention it deserves.

 

“We will give it the required attention. We have our process here. This is the first process. You have submitted. We will go through it. I assure you we will give it the attention it requires. Always do your things within the ambit of the law.” Rabo said.

 

Keeping to its words, Thepledge learnt from a reliable source that the anti-graft agency this week commenced investigation.

 

The source told our reporter that the EFCC on Wednesday invited some members of the House for questioning, while some other lawmakers have been scheduled to report to the office of the Commission on Monday.

 

“The Commission came and invited some members of the House for interrogation. Some will also report to the commission on Monday. The EFCC has started investigation,” the source confirmed to Thepledge.

 

According to the source, the EFCC also wrote a letter to the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM) to explain the status of one Nike Ajibose, a staff in the Speaker’s office whose name featured prominently in some of the financial misappropriation allegations.

 

Thepledge gathered that Ajibose was promoted to level 9 without any promotional examination and was Obasa’s trusted ally who was saddled with the responsibility of arranging the Speaker’s foreign trips.

 

“The EFCC wrote LAHASCOM to find out if she is a member of staff or a public official as well as why she would be travelling all over and carrying money. As a civil servant it ought not to be so.

 

“The letter given to her perhaps it’s for Senior Special Assistant on Protocols and Foreign Affairs. So they now want to backdate the letter,” the source said.

 

The source said the office of the Speaker was presently in panic mode, adding that efforts are presently ongoing by some members of staff in the office to rewrite the financial records that may expose the dirty dealings in the House.

 

“They are really in panic mode now. They are changing documents, they are rewriting financial records. This has become a daily occurrence. Those who are regular visitors of the House would have seen them under the staircase close to the reception of the Staff building, there are loads of financial records in Ghana must go bags and they are rewriting them”.

 

But the source said the anti-graft commission was already in the know about moves to alter vital documents as there are reports that the documents they presently have in their possession are different from the ones produced by the House of Assembly.

 

“They (lawmakers) are presently scampering all over the place to make sure that their records are okay. I know very soon they will invite the Speaker because as it is now there are very weighty allegations against the Speaker and some members of the House of Assembly,” the source said.

 

Efforts by our reporter to reach the Spokesman for the House, Hon. Tunde Braimoh proved abortive as he did not respond to calls to his phone.

COVID-19: Yobe discharges all patients, declares zero case on admission

The Yobe State Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control says the remaining three patients in the state isolation center have been discharged after meeting clinical criteria.

Vice-Chairman of the Committee and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana made the revelation at the end of the Committee’s 14th meeting held on Wednesday in Damaturu.

He said, “we don’t really need negative results to discharge patients. There are clinical criteria for discharging patients.

“So as it is when patients meet the discharge criteria, we actually discharge them based on the clinical guidelines and then follow them up according to the guidelines”.

The Vice-Chairman disclosed that currently there are no patients on admission in isolation centers in the state.

Meanwhile, the Committee’s Chairman and the State Deputy Governor, Idi Barde Gubana announced the reopening of schools in the state in line with the federal government’s resolution of opening schools for final year students.

“In line with the Federal Government resolution of opening schools for students in final year and those preparing for final exams, all schools will reopen students in JSS 3, SS 3 and Primary 6 preparing for the Common Entrance Examination. However, proper prevention and control measures against COVID-19 must be observed”, he said.

Other resolutions adopted by the Committee according to Gubana include the reopening of all the state’s borders for free interstate movement as well as maintaining all COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines against the disease.

“The Yobe State Government will be opening its borders from today 1st July 2020 for free interstate movement. However, travelers are to comply strictly with all already enjoined prevention and control measures with respect to COVID-19.

“All commercial vehicles and motorcycle operators should continue to maintain physical distancing in their vehicles.

“Furthermore, all passengers must wear face masks, observe proper respiratory etiquettes and hand hygiene”, he announced.

The Committee also directed the State Rapid Response Team, (RRT) to continue to enhance integrated risk communication and behavior change communication activities, training of health workers, infection prevention and control activities as well as case management in isolation centers.

EPL: Man Utd finally reaches agreement with Sanchez, Smalling

Manchester United have agreed to contract extensions for strikers, Alexis Sanchez and defender, Chris Smalling.

Sanchez and Smalling are currently on loan at Inter Milan and AS Roma respectively.

Man United made this known in a statement via its official website on Wednesday.

“Manchester United pair Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez will both see out the remainder of the 2019/20 domestic campaign in Italy after the decision was made to extend their loan contracts with Roma and Inter Milan respectively,” a club statement read.

“Smalling will stay at the Stadio Olimpico for the rest of the Serie A season, which is currently scheduled to last until the beginning of August, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Alexis’s deal at Inter Milan has also been extended until the end of the first week of next month.”

Smalling, who marks ten years as a Man United player this summer, has played for the Roma on 30 occasions so far this campaign, scoring two goals.

Alexis has overcome an injury setback to play 19 games for Inter Milan.