Why Coronavirus Will Become Africa’s Catastrophe - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS: 

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is giving humanity its toughest challenge since 1918 - when influenza killed more people than during World War I. Since its outbreak late last year in Wuhan, China, Covid-19 has infected over 3.3 million persons and killed more than 234,000 globally. The fatality keeps mounting as the virus is alive in every region, except Antarctica.

As of May 01, in order of fatality, Europe announced over 1.4 million confirmed cases and 132,543 deaths. The region of the Americas declared over 1.2 million cases and 74,591 deaths. Additionally, the Middle East announced 176,928 cases and 7,304 deaths. Western Pacific reported 146,720 cases and 6,037 deaths. Furthermore, South-East Asia reported 51,351 cases and 2,001 deaths. Africa reported 36,743 cases and 1,591 deaths, according to Statista.

Observe that Africa is the least affected continent, despite being the poorest in health care delivery and disaster control. Here we examine the factors that will make Covid-19 a catastrophe in Africa.

Late Detection

Virtually every nation on the continent lack sufficient testing facilities. The most populous nation, Nigeria has only 17 testing laboratories for about 200 million population living in 36 states and the federal capital. The labs can only conduct about 3,000 scans daily. Hence, thousands of suspected cases face a long wait. During the delay, most of the suspected cases, out of faith that they’re uninfected with Covid-19, continues to interact and infect people. Many would have stayed at the isolation centers, but the abodes are at best unconducive, and at worst inhabitable.

The late detection problem is made worse by elites using their influence to get tested fast, even when they have no reason to worry. They are robbing those who really need testing and treatment of attention. In consequence, Sudan’s first case was reported posthumously. Another posthumous case was reported in Nigeria.

False Statistics and Underreported Cases

Late detection brings about underreported cases. The low fatality being reported across Africa is deceptive. The figures gives African governments a pass mark when they’re failing. It makes them think they’re curtailing the virus excellently, when they’re not. False statistics is misleading African nations to plan poorly for an imminent outbreak. They are planning a bit ahead, when they should be planning far-ahead.

Worrying, Africa can’t measure up when the fatality erupts. The Commissioner for Health of Lagos State, Nigeria, Professor Akin Abayomi, stated during a media briefing on April 06 that “if we see 5,000 cases in four weeks or two weeks, we do not have the capacity to cope with that and most other (African) countries do not have the capacity to cope with that.”

Illiteracy and Ignorance

Majority of Africa’s rural population and the urban underclass either thinks Coronavirus does not exist or they’re immune to it. Efforts by civil societies to convince them otherwise has been abortive, and would remain so till they begin to see people die in their environment. Then, it would be too late to contain the spread.

African governments have largely failed to provide consistent and credible information to the ignorant many – a flaw the Coronavirus-5G controversy has shown some developed nations are also guilty of. Countless persons in Nigeria’s 20 million commercial city, Lagos, thinks Covid-19 is a sham. Same applies to Accra, Abidjan, Johannesburg and many others.

Majority of the rural population don’t even know what a virus is. Enlightenment is being done on the radio and television they have no electricity to power. Nationally, the illiterates and ignorant-many can’t learn online as they’re either unskilled to surf the web, lack access to internet or can’t afford it. With multitudes either discounting or ignorant of Covid-19, Africa becoming Italy is just a tick away.

Self-medication and Misdiagnosis

A lot of people guess ailment, and treat themselves when sick in Africa. This act is mainly caused by illiteracy, poverty, unaffordable, and unavailable health care services. People who periodically suffer from ailments that share symptoms with Covid-19 will naturally think they’re down with the same ailments when sick. Several persons on the continent are currently treating cough, malaria, and other common illnesses when they are actually down with Covid-19.

Africans rarely visit hospitals to treat common ailments such as cough and malaria. They simply procure a widely-acclaimed effective drug or make herbal concoctions for cure. It is when the self-medications fail that they think of hospital. In the course of misdiagnosis and self-medication, they infect their contacts, who then go on to infect the larger community. Such delay in diagnosis and treatment is what Covid-19 needs to spread.

Rife Malnutrition and Terminal Diseases
Africa has infectious pathogens such as Lassa hemorrhagic fever and Ebola. The continent also has several people living with deadly diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and HIV. There are roughly 15.3 million people living with HIV in Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Covid-19 will exterminate these immune compromised persons fast, if they contract it. South Africa has over 7 million HIV-infected persons.

Tuberculosis weaken the lungs, which make its patient who contract Covid-19 susceptible to death. WHO reported 2.5 million persons fell ill with tuberculosis in Africa in 2016. This implies that the continent currently has no less than 10 million persons living with tuberculosis.

Than other continents, Africa has scores of youngsters whose supposed strong immune should hasten recovery from Covid-19. Unfortunately, many are suffering from malnutrition due to pervasive poverty. The malnutrition, which has weakened their immune system, would make them die fast of Covid-19.

Deficient Infrastructure

One means of preventing Covid-19 spread is regular hand washing, but potable water supply is a challenge in most parts of Africa. There are three prevailing conditions in the cities: water is either being rationed, sourced from private boreholes, or purchased daily. Buying water to wash hands regularly is unrealistic to the poor majority living in slums. They also can’t afford sanitizers due to price hike.

Electricity is a problem. Employees told to work from home are unable to function due to lack of power. Rather than work, people spend most part of the day discussing. Those already infected, but asymptomatic, spread Covid-19 while passionately talking sports, politics, fashion, etc. Some go out to play football. Such action, influenced by infrastructural deficiency, aids community transmission.

Beyond the metropolis, the rural areas are worse off as some parts have no infrastructural exposure. The lack of amenities will frustrate the fight against Covid-19 as poor living conditions will make people have close interaction, even if they don’t wish to.

Uncontrollable Spread in Vulnerable Communities

Extremely poor persons in Africa think abroad returnees are wealthy. As a result, many would have beseeched the infected returnees for alms and contracted Covid-19. Regrettably, these poor persons have returned to their densely populated communities spreading the virus.

Furthermore, some of the returnees who tested positive have hangout at popular spots and visited their relatives in the village. One thing African villages - most of which lack health facilities - need to go in ruins is a single case of Coronavirus. Several cases have been recorded in many villages.

Also vulnerable are the internally displaced persons and refugee camps. According to estimates by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), eight of the world’s ten largest refugee camps are located in Africa and occupied by 6.3 million persons. Almost 18 million persons are internally displaced across the continent. People living in close proximity, as experienced in the displaced and refugee camps, have a high risk of contracting Coronavirus. Just one sneak-in case will cause disaster. Same for the overly congested prisons.

Impracticable Social Distancing and Self-Isolation

Curbing Covid-19 via social distancing and self-isolation is only effective in other continents, where majority of the population have descent homes. In Africa, except the rich few, people generally live close together, sharing toilet and bath. Over 40 people share convenience in some densely populated homes. Under such condition, how would a couple occupying a room with four children practice social distancing? Should one of them get infected, how would (s)he self-isolate?

African cities are congested out of rural-urban migration and the search for job opportunities. The rural migrants, many of whom can’t afford to own a home in the city, live in uncompleted buildings. Some team up to rent an apartment. A few of the migrants save to own an apartment and sublet bed spaces. The sleeping pattern in those apartments is synonymous to the prisons. How would such plebs in Abidjan, Cape Town, Nairobi, Lagos and other cities practice social distancing? All Coronavirus needs to rule there is just one victim, and now it has many.

Hasty Ease of Lockdown

Africa has taken raft measures to curb Covid-19, but if the fatality witnessed in leading continents is anything to go by, the black race cannot escape a catastrophe. Despite being disadvantaged, African nations are easing lockdown to save their economies, while the most part of other continents remain lockdown. This will lead to an aggravation of fatality. In fairness to Africa, America and Europe have strong economies to float prolonged lockdown, but Africa do not. Thus, the continent is trapped between a rock and a hard place - remain on lockdown to save lives or ease out to save the economy.

Opting for the economy will bring Africa catastrophe. The most populous nation, Nigeria is relaxing lockdown amid fast rising Covid-19 cases. Nigeria failed to learn from Ghana, whose infection rose tremendously a week after relaxing lockdown. Africa’s hasty ease of lockdown, especially in the congested cities - where social distancing and hygiene devotion is almost impossible - is the havoc wreaking opportunity Covid has been seeking. The easement won’t last as increased fatality would lead to restoration of lockdown.

Poor Healthcare System
African countries healthcare system lacks capacity. WHO recommends doctor-population ratio of 1:1,000, but Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Somalia has 1:10,000. Kenya has 130 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for 50 million people. South Africa has 3,500 ICU beds for 58 million population - a three quarter of what Italy with similar population has.

Nigeria has 350 ICU beds for 200 million people. Most of the nation’s healthcare facilities don’t have clean running water. Generally, the system is so flawed that doctors had to call off strike over unpaid wages to combat Coronavirus.

Other challenges rendering African healthcare systems incapable of handling several Covid-19 cases include low budgetary allocation, poorly paid staffs, and equipment shortages. The hospitals lack sufficient test kits, laboratories, ventilators, masks, gloves, medicines, protective suits, and other essentials. These deficiencies put Africa in a tragedy of not being able to fend for itself as the Covid-19 cases multiply.

End Note

Except an existing drug, such as the Chloroquine being touted by US President Donald Trump works, or the newly discovered vaccines on trial come out effective, Africa cannot escape a catastrophe. A direful state in which many will die without doctor’s touch is looming. Thousands will rest eternally in mass graves. It’s difficult for optimists to accept and painful for the writer to assert, but the handwriting on the wall is as clear as the biblical “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.” Covid-19 will deliver its message of catastrophe to Africa in the next days.

*Contributed by Omoshola Deji, a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com

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COVID 19 hits Daar: Dokpesi, 7 others positive, enter isolation - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The founder of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Aleogho Dokpesi and seven members of his household have tested positive to the ChineseVirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19, reports ITREALMS.

This follows Thursday, April 23, 2020 revelation by Daar Chairman, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jnr who tested positive as confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and subsequently isolated on Friday, April 24, this year.

A press statement from Daar Communications, and available to ITREALMS stated that in conformity with the Federal Government protocol on the COVID 19 administration and management, the entire family of Dokpesi Jnr and those that had contacts with him were subsequently subjected to the test. 

"With so much emotional pains, we hereby announce that the under listed have equally been confirmed positive:

1) High Chief Aleogho Dokpesi (His Father/ Founder DAAR Communications Plc)

2) Our chairman's wife

3) His 3 Children

4) some Relatives

"A total of 8. They are all presently on their way to the Federal Government isolation centre at Gwagwalada in Abuja," Daar management said.

They further extended their "prayers and the grace of the good Lord for speedy recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic."

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Covid-19: Hayat supports Lagos, Ogun with hygienic products - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Hayat Kimya Nigeria, makers of MOLFIX, BEBEM and several hygiene brands, has donated hygienic products, including MOLPED Sanitary Pad and FAMILIA Toilet Paper to Lagos and Ogun State governments, reports ITREALMS.

The donation, ITREALMS gathered is targeted at boosting the states’ efforts and commitment to treating the existing cases, and flattening the curve of the novel virus spread.

The Managing Director, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, Mr Doruk Emiroglu, while speaking on the donation, commended the Lagos and Ogun States efforts, especially the proactive measures and leadership that Lagos has provided for the country at large, especially the management style, information dissemination and recovery recorded so far in the fight against Covid-19.

He said in a press statement available to ITREALMS that they recognise the state resources are limited to fight the spread of the dreaded virus, isolate, treat the infected people and provide relief to majority of Nigerian citizens who make their living by going out on a daily basis, but are now compelled to stay at home.

“Towards this end, we are donating two trucks loaded with hygienic products, MOLPED Sanitary Pad and FAMILIA Toilet Paper as our modest support to Lagos and Ogun States governments in support of their laudable efforts. This is to ensure adequate healthcare products at the centres for treatment of people infected with Covid-19,” he submitted.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Pix: L-R: Dr. Fred Oladeinde - Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Rasak Sulaimon; Quality Assurance Manager, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, and Miss Venessa Ebifemi, Corporate Affairs and Communication Chief, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, during the donation recently.

Simple COVID-19 home-test kit under way - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Leading Manchester biotech researchers are keen on developing a test for COVID-19 kit that could be used at home like a domestic pregnancy test, reports ITREALMS.

This prototype test, ITREALMS gathered was based on the fact sugars coat all human cells and could be used in the fight to detect infectious agents like coronavirus.

ITREALMS also gathered that this new screening approach could help identify the COVID-19 virus - not by its genetic code, which can mutate, but by using its reliance on chains of sugars on human cells, which are constant.

Sugars coat all cells in the human body and they are the first layer a bacteria or virus encounters. Professor Field and his team are interested in how to use the sugars to identify and even block a virus from penetrating the cell – and so preventing further infection.

The simple-to-use testing device has the potential to be used in 'hotspot' communities like frontline NHS staff allowing doctors and nurses to easily test at home to see if they have COVID-19 symptoms or not before going to work.

Communities associated with a building or geographical location which require increased safeguarding such as, hospitals, care homes or workplaces, can quickly test visitors.

Professor Rob Field and his team at The University of Manchester are now working at pace with spin-out company Iceni Diagnostics to get their new test ready and officially validated ready for the autumn. An autumn launch this year is key, as the application of this screening kit can support diagnoses of 'flu vs coronavirus', given the typical trend of flu season which can initially present similar symptoms.

The tester would be very useful to ensure people with seasonal flu aren't confused with people having suspected COVID-19 and the consequences of having to self-isolate and create a new round of disruption to society and the economy.

Prof Field said: “Our existing prototype product for influenza can detect the virus in less than 20 minutes and could be adapted to identify other pathogens such as coronavirus.

“Respiratory viruses invade the body through cells in the airways and lungs. These cells are covered in a coat of sugar chains, known as glycans, which are used for normal function of human tissues. Viruses can utilise these glycans as part of the infection process.”

This process can also be used in reverse to identify the virus in saliva or nasal fluids, said Professor Field, a world expert in glycoscience at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) - and his specialist company has developed this diagnostic technique that uses an artificial glycan receptor to capture a virus.

Professor Field added: “Right now, everybody is talking about a vaccine for coronavirus but vaccine development, validation, safety-testing, manufacture, regulatory approval and deployment is a time-consuming process.

“A low-cost, easy to use screening test that can be performed at the point of care would be an ideal way to limit initial disease transmission in the community and at points of entry to hospitals, or at national borders, for instance.

“Current COVID-19 tests are largely based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) that requires a laboratory setting for analysis and relies on prior knowledge of the viral genetic code. This code can change as the virus evolves, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the test.

“The Iceni Diagnostics approach uses glycan recognition, which is unaffected by seasonal variation in the genetic code, and can be offered as a handheld home or field-based test.”

Professor Field and his dedicated team have already developed a series of prototype products that can specifically detect pathogens such as Norovirus and different strains of influenza in less than 20 minutes. The team based at MIB will be working with Iceni Diagnostics to further develop these tests in the coming months.

The hand-held device currently under development uses lateral flow – like a home pregnancy test – to give a simple yes/no answer. It requires no refrigeration and no training, meaning the test is usable in any location, by any person, in order to detect flu or other pathogens.

“The current Iceni Diagnostics products detect a single virus. However, the next generation of diagnostics will enable the detection and discrimination of a series of pathogens that give rise to similar symptoms.

“This would enable, for example, a distinction between flu and COVID-19 in a single sample which increases the versatility and robustness of the diagnosis. Additionally, the way the virus interacts with its glycan receptor makes it seasonally consistent, so, even if the virus genetic code mutates, it will still be detected – meaning the Iceni Diagnostics’ test should remain effective in the longer term.”

Professor Field says that the device under development holds huge promise for changing the way we manage global disease: “This new approach, which is based on host-pathogen glycan recognition could potentially result in a more universal detection technique, crucial in early diagnostics of outbreaks.”

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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Coronavirus: Anambra State Strengthens Boundaries Control, Tightens Security - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Anambra State Government has resolved to strengthen enforcement of the boundaries closures by adopting a new initiative aimed at supporting existing and laudable efforts of the Police and other agencies and not to replace it; by involving community efforts, reports ITREALMS.

Thus, Political Appointees have been posted to designated boundary locations to support enforcement actions by the Police and other security agencies.

Likewise, porous and informal boundary points identified in various local communities with little presence of formal security, will henceforth be manned by select youth leaders who will help prevent any form of movement into the State from those locations.

Vigilante groups in all communities bordering the State have also been fully activated to support nominated youths and law enforcement agencies to enforce the boundary closures while Traditional Rulers and Presidents-General of affected communities are to ensure follow up action.

According to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, this unique step was taken "to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and observed continued influx of persons into the State especially through informal boundary routes thereby exposing the State to the risk of imported community spread of the virus,"

"The political appointees and youths so posted have been strictly admonished not to indulge in any kind of extortion and unwholesome conduct but are empowered to be firm in disallowing movement of unauthorised persons, goods and services."

"The State Government urges All indigenes of Anambra State to remain wherever they are in the country for the time being. The general public is also strongly advised that the State boundaries are closed and will not admit travellers into the State at this time." Chukwulobelu said.

The State Government has also set up Independent monitoring teams to oversee the activities of the political appointees and youths so posted as well as the general enforcement of the border closures.

Ozo Nweke Ozo/Editor

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COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: Ivory League donates food items to old people’s home, others - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The members of Ivory League of Progress, a socio-philanthropic club, recently visited the Old Peoples Care Home, Yaba Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care & Treatment Home School Akoka and Women & Children with Disabilities Initiative Home to donate food items and other relief materials to cushion the hardships being experienced during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, reports ITREALMS.

At the Old People Care Home, the club's representatives, led by President, Mr. Tunde Thani, were received by Matron, Mrs Caroline Inegbedion. She expressed gratitude of the aged citizens to the club for the humanitarian gesture.

Matron of Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care & Treatment Home School, Mrs S. A. Rabiu who received the club also thanked the members for bringing joy to the home during the lockdown and for meeting their basic needs.

At Women & Children with Disabilities Initiative, where the club also sponsors the education of some of the indigent students, the Proprietress Mrs C. Olagunju, who received the items donated with some of the children in attendance, described the gestures from the club as coming at the right time for the welfare of the children.

Mr.Thani said the gesture was made possible through the contributions and commitment of members of the club.

The President was accompanied by Messrs Sunnie Ojeriakhi and Taiwo Osunsanya.

*Editor

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Review: Two Years After, Col. Antigha’s Treatise On Boko Haram Rings True

Commentary@ITREALMS:

It is not yet clear whether Boko Haram terrorists and their significant other, the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), will survive the renewed onslaught by Nigerian, Chadian and troops of other member countries of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) like they have done on several occasions in the past. It will be apt to remind that these terrorist groups have been declared crushed and defeated before only to re-emerge to wreck havoc on both civil and military targets.

Nevertheless, a 2018 analysis by the Chief of Military Press Information Officer, MNJTF, Col. Timothy Antigha, entitled: ‘Counter – Insurgency: The Broader Implications Of Recent Execution Of Boko Haram Commanders’ gave a different picture, which still holds true today. Most of the points, Antigha marshalled out in that article have been spot on and will be a reliable guide on predicting the prevalent as well as future trajectory of the insurgents.

Having stumbled on the article published in some key media platforms in October 2018, one cannot help but notice that it predicted the current internal strife plaguing Boko Haram and ISWAP as well as the fractious ideological pendulum that has swung to the detriment of the murderous groups at the moment. Here are key issues raised in the treatise.

In-fighting, leadership squabbles and factionalisation

When the MJTF Spokesperson penned down his article, there was “pandemonium in the enclaves of Boko Haram Terrorists (ISWAP camp), particularly, in the Lake Chad Area, due to infighting in the top echelon of the terrorist command structure”. This resulted in the execution of the moderate leaders like Mamman Nur in August 2018 and also, another commander, named Ali Gaga, who was assassinated in October of that year. According to sources, Mamman Nur’s offence was that he effected the release of over 106 Dapchi Girls. Even though he did this without releasing the lone Christian girl among them, Leah Sharibu, yet he was killed for not maximizing the full financial and other opportunities which the kidnap of the schoolgirls offered. On the other hand, Ali Gaga was found to be plotting an escape along with over 300 Boko Haram captives and subsequent surrender to the military.

Against this backdrop, the Nigerian Army Officer predicted that the then “executions in Boko Haram enclave are a clear evidence of emerging crisis of confidence, symptomatic of fundamental problems within the leadership and followership structures of the Boko Haram Terrorist Group”. He went ahead to list the broader implications of the executions to include factionalisation, ideological struggles, self-induced implosion, increased isolation of the terrorists and more clashes.

True to these predictions, the ISWAP camp in particular has remained an ever bloody theatre for coups and counter coups including the execution of Musab Al-Barnawi the son of Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf. Even though the Abubakar Shekau led Boko Haram group seem to have more stable leadership but it still has very fractured cells only united by their acts of terrorism.

The ascension of radicals, hardliners

The immediate observation made by Antigha was a protracted struggle between two subgroups; the moderates and the radicals which was a direct fall out of the cannibalism reflected in the execution of the moderate commanders; Mamman Nur and Ali Gaga.

Consequently, ISWAP which before 2018 had a more targeted approach to their madness was hijacked by the radicals more aligned to the “Shekau’s style of indiscriminate bloodletting” who are not willing to negotiate with the government.

Antigha noted that the hitherto maturity and calm disposition to the “orderly” conduct of ISWAP’s operations was ditched in favour of the “younger hardliners who feel their moderate style was stalling their ambitions”. This has imposed devastating consequences both within their camp and on the local populace since controlling proceedings with more indiscriminate killings, kidnappings, executions and unstable leadership.

Nevertheless, for the fact that these moderate leaders still have their followers who believed in their ideals and principles meant that the struggle for the control of ISWAP became even nastier and deadly that in March 2020 the HumAngle reported of a bloody coup that led to the execution of five Shura council members of ISWAP. They were reportedly killed by the group’s new leader, Lawan Abubakar, also called Ba Lawan.

Those killed in the ‘coup’ within the terrorist camp were also said to include the former leader of the group Abu Abdullahi Umar Al Barnawi aka Ba Idrisa.

“It is by far the most bloody and extensive move in the history of the group to behead its leadership crop in one fell swoop,” researchers and reporters on the Media and Terrorism collaborative project of Premium Times and HumAngle Media Foundation disclosed.

More indiscriminate attacks, killings, kidnappings
As was well noted by Antigha in 2018, the likely “fallout of the recent executions could be more Boko Haram skirmishes against defence forces and of course more attacks on soft targets in the area of operation”.

He however, noted that “the skirmishes would not be borne out of a desire by Boko Haram to gain any strategic or operational advantage; (the capacity is really not there) rather, the attacks will be driven by the need for some publicity by the radicals who have seized power in Boko Haram”.

This accounted for the increased and indiscriminate terrorist attacks as well as kidnappings and renewed executions between 2019 and 2020, the famous of which was the abduction and execution of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in Mubi, Adamawa State chapter. The upsurge also witnessed kidnapping and executions of military personnel, aid workers, students and other vulnerable individuals.

Isolation and implosion of ISWAP/Boko Haram

As was also predicted, the reckless attacks by hard-line elements of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists have effectively closed chapters for negotiations and isolated them from possible mediators. The latest was the two-pronged attacks that killed close to 50 Nigerian soldiers and over 70 Chadian forces which forced these nations and other members of the MNJTF to embark on what looks like a decisive offensive against their remnants.

It is no longer news how the Chadian troops under the command of President Idris Debby, led a successful onslaught to annihilate ISWAP fighters and bases in some of their safe havens in the Lake Chad islands. To make matters worse, the Nigerian Armed Forces with the ground troops currently commandeered by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, with the support of the Air Task Force of the Operation Lafiya Dole, are on the verge of finishing the terrorists from where the Chadians left off.

Apart from the military losses, Boko Haram terrorists as revealed by the infighting and leadership squabbles above, are also suffering from self implosion.

There is no doubt that the group has shown high degree of resilience and reinvention, but their structural flaws are being exposed by both external and internal forces staked against them that it might be difficult to recover and reorganise themselves in a foreseeable future except if the Nigerian Armed Forces eased the ongoing chokehold.

Antigha had also posed some vital questions in 2018 of which the answers would be relevant at the moment. Arising from these developments, said, the pertinent questions to ask are; “Is Boko Haram’s strategy of pillage, aggravated indiscriminate killings and mass hostage-taking becoming a liability? Is the terrorist group having difficulties rallying its commanders around this strategy? Are there prospects of an implosion within Boko Haram’s command echelon?”

In providing answers to these questions, he concluded that “it does appear that the consequence of its (Boko Haram and ISWAP) one-decade campaign of terror against the very people it claims to be fighting for has come. The signs are there at every turn. Boko Haram’s support system among the populations has snapped under the weight of an endless and meaningless insurgency.

“Currently, Boko Haram must carry out raids of communities around its enclaves to obtain food and other supplies. This suggests that Boko Haram’s anti-people strategy has created alienation and loss of goodwill.”

No way out for Boko Haram and ISWAP?

Cornered on all side by Maj-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf led MNJTF, Nigerian, Chadian and Nigerien forces, is it now time to assume that Boko Haram terrorists have come to their wits end? This is increasingly looking likely despite the fact that the insurgents have developed both intricately sophisticated as well as simplified ways of survival as exemplified by Salkida Ahmad’s report on April 26, 2020 entitled: ‘How Boko Haram Sustain Operations Through International Trade in Smoked Fish’

The report also agreed with Col. Antigha’s verdict with its damning conclusions, noting that a “carefully woven economic network created by ISWAP may have collapsed temporarily or permanently, considering that recent military onslaught on the insurgents by Chadian forces may have disrupted the very foundations of that economy.”

The report by HumAngle noted that “the March 23 assault under which the Chadian forces routed the positions of the insurgents in the Lake Chad communities may have put paid to the economic lifelines of the terror groups”.

Like Antigha had anticipated waning public support, the report also noted that “a clinical and silent campaign of identifying and eliminating suspected insurgents by members of the public was gaining popularity across major Chadian towns and cities.

“Speaking concerning the implications of the sudden hostilities by Chadians against the insurgents, a source who is familiar with the cover that ISWAP and Boko Haram members had received in Chad, told HumAngle that ‘it will limit the group’s access to essential goods that are smuggled daily to the fighters.”

From all indications, the ball is now in the Court of the Nigerian Military and the supporting forces of the MNJTF to either finish of the insurgents or allow the insurgency to survive and fester to a foreseeable future.
*Contributed by Senator Iroegbu is a media practitioner, security and public affairs analyst. He can be reached on senator.iroegbu@yahoo.co.
 
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Pix: Senator Iroegbu

Fayemi names Adeoye, father of son rejected in viral COVID-19 ambassador - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has appointed Commander Femi Adeoye (rtd), of the viral "Father Rejects Son" video as an ambassador of the Covid-19 Response in Ekiti state for his integrity and exemplary show of valour in the ongoing fight against Covid-19 pandemic, reports ITREALMS.

Dr Fayemi also made the retired Federal Road Safety Officer a member of the State's Covid-19 Taskforce which the Governor headed as chairman.

Adeoye shot into limelight when a video of him insisting that his son, who returned to Ekiti State from a trip outside the state be isolated for 14 days as stipulated by NCDC protocol for preventing community spread of Covid-19, went viral.

Governor Fayemi who received Adeoye in his office on Thursday commended him for his patriotism and selflessness.

Presenting the Commendation letter to Adeoye Governor Fayemi, who eulogised the retired FRSC Officer said his action was the hallmark of Ekiti values which the administration is promoting.

The Governor, who assured that his son would soon be released to him after the 14 days quarantine, urged Ekiti people to emulate the selfless attitude of Cmdr. Adeoye by reporting promptly anyone who entered the state through whatever means to the appropriate authority.

He said the major solution to the Covid-19 pandemic is prevention through social distancing and observing other and strict observance of hygienic procedures recomended by NCDC and health officials.

According to Dr Fayemi, “Anyone who has not been resident in Ekiti in the period that this disease has inflicted Nigeria should stay wherever they are even if you are Ekiti person and decide to come to Ekiti, you should be ready to be quarantined for 14 days.

"We see that you adhered to this strictly. You have demonstrated the values for which we were known for and you also demonstrated that integrity and your good name are far more important than any other thing and that is why you have to be accorded a responsibility. I hope you will accept to be a Covid-19 Response Ambassador in our state and a member of the covid-19 task force.

“We don’t know how many lives you have saved by this singular action because we don’t even know your son's status yet but we pray that nothing happens to him and even if it turns out that way, he would still be safe.”

Part of the commendation letter presented to Adeoye by Governor Fayemi reads: “I am pleased to let you know that the state is very proud of your conduct which elevated the collective wellbeing of the state above your undeniable love for your dear son.

“In accordance to existing regulations, denying your son entry into your household, having travelled from places under federal lockdown against your fatherly advice, you have proved to be a worthy ambassador of our collective resolve to end this pandemic.

“Our government and the good people of Ekiti State are very proud of this chivalrous act of courage and principle which are the hallmarks of the Ekiti person. You represent the kind of self-discipline, selflessness and sense of collective responsibility that our state and our nation need desperately today to progress.

“Indeed, the state will, in future recognize your valour as an example of the rebirth of Ekiti values orientation which is the central focus of this administration.

"For now, we would be most delighted if you consent to being accorded the role of Covid-19 response ambassador in Ekiti state helping to propagate the message as a member of Covid-19 task force in the state.”

Responding, Cmdr. Adeoye expressed his appreciation to the state government and to the governor for recognizing his little contribution towards the drive to end the pandemic in the country.

He said people should not see him as a wicked father but someone who believed that the nation is greater than an individual, adding that he did what he did for the collective good of all.

While accepting the award by the governor, the new ambassador noted that Governor Fayemi had been receiving a lot of commendations for the proactive manner he had been working to curtail the pandemic in the state. He added that his action was his own little way of supporting the government's efforts

Ayo Midele/Editor

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100 Days in Office: Uzodinma’s an all-round failure says ILP - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Imo League of Patriots (ILP), a socio-political pressure group, has taken a swipe at the administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, describing it as an all-round failure, reports ITREALMS.

The League’s Director of Publicity, Professor Luke Mgborokwu in a press statement available to ITREALMS said the first 100 days of Governor Uzodinma’s administration in the state is a disaster.

They frowned at what it described as the absence of direction and focus in the present administration, warning that the development may spell doom for the State, if the drivers of the administration do not take urgent steps to remedy the situation.

“We have taken time to observe the present administration in the state in the last 100 days. We have assessed its performance, activities and programmes for people of the state and there appears to be no direction. There is no clear roadmap on how to improve the lots of our people. We are in a critical period and this is not the time to leave anything to chance. After Covid-19, the economy of the world will not remain the same. The way the state Government is going about tackling the Covid-19 challenge is unfortunate. The fact that there is no plan, whatsoever, on how the state will survive post Covid-19 period is even more worrisome. All we see and hear everyday are stories and diversionary tactics.”

“The last 100 days is not anything to celebrate in the state. It was a disaster. The administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma is yet to show capacity in governance. It is our collective position that the first 100 days of this administration is an all-round failure. There is no sector of the economy that one can point to say that a good foundation has been laid by the present administration. The essence of this is to make the Uzodinma-led administration in the state to sit up and tackle governance issues head on.”

“If in three months, he has appointed hundreds of aides, without portfolio and managed the affairs of the state in utmost secrecy, then we are in trouble. The fact that most of the persons he has so far appointed into public positions do not have requisite knowledge and experience to handle government business makes things worse.”

Continuing, the group called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to review his strategy, have a focus and engage the services of more competent persons, mainly professionals, to manage government business.

Reacting to a recent report credited to Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, attempting to take credit for the revival of Adapalm Nigeria Limited and restoration of Public Water supply in Owerri, the group described it as shameful, warning the state government to desist from distorting facts.

“Resuscitating the oil palm sub-sector was a key component of former Governor Ihedioha’s agricultural revolution. He inaugurated an Interim Management Committee for Adapalm. In addition, he established the Agricultural Team, chaired by the then Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources. They worked under the direct supervision of the former Deputy Governor, Engr. Gerald Irona. They interacted with stakeholders severally, where they briefed them on their activities. We are aware that as at the time Ihedioha left office, Adapalm resuscitation project had reached nearly eighty (80%) percent completion. This administration must desist from insulting the sensibilities of our people.”

“Again, on Imo State Internally Generated Revenue, credit must be given to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha. As at May 29, 2019, when he took over as Governor of Imo State, the IGR of the State was a paltry 200m, monthly. As at the time he was removed in January, 2020, the state monthly IGR was already over a billion Naira.”

“The truth is that the only way Imo citizens will take Governor Uzodinma and his administration seriously is when they tell us the truth. They have started on a very wrong note. Not being prepared for governance is already a big minus. Having a culture of lies and deceit will make things worse. It is either Uzodinma rises to the challenge of leading Imo or he resigns.”

Further the League urged Uzodinma to show humility by embracing the good foundation laid by the administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha in the state.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Covid-19: FG’s adoption of Makinde’s strategy exposes Folarin - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Governor Seyi Makinde's government in Oyo State has taken a swipe on the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Teslim Folarin, for criticising the Oyo State government’s Covid-19 containment strategies, some of which the Federal Government has now adopted, reports ITREALMS.

Folarin, ITREALMS gathered, while speaking on a radio programme in Ibadan on Tuesday,criticised Makinde on how he managed the COVID-19 containment strategies.

But speaking through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said Wednesday, that the Senator needed to respect his person and office by refraining from using words like “dangerous” and “irresponsible” to describe actions of a popularly elected governor.

The statement read: “Those who have closely watched the actions of Governor Seyi Makinde since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic would realise that the governor’s steps have been informed by logic and scientific realities.

“When everyone was clamouring for total lockdown, he resisted and went for a curfew and what is called partial lockdown. He closed the schools, worship centres, government offices and non-essential markets. He insisted that those who work at night or patronise night clubs are more at risk of spreading coronavirus.

“He insisted on getting a scientific lid on the behavioural patterns of the virus in the community by conducting massive tests. Right now, his state has embarked on initial massive testing of 2,000 persons while another 10,000 persons would be tested during the upcoming community testing exercise.

“He also directed the compulsory use of facemasks, while markets are directed to put in place hand washing spots and maintain social distancing.

“With the acclaimed partial lockdown, residents of the state are able to find food in the daytime, while farmers are also able to go to their farms. Don’t forget that this is the beginning of planting season and the fear of food insecurity should be of concern to any forward-looking government.

“We are pleased that the Federal Government has now adopted some of the Covid-19 containment strategies of Governor Makinde, with the relaxation of total lockdown and the commencement of curfew that it announced would kick start on May 4.

“Now that the above would be the reality in Abuja, where Folarin resides, he should be graceful enough to apologise to Governor Makinde and swallow his words.”

Adisa declared that Folarin has equally sold himself out as an enemy of the people by criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech in which he relaxed the lockdown in some states, noting that it was clear the senator was interested in seeing people pushed into more hardship and frustration.

“It is apparent that rather than think of the general well-being of the people of Oyo State, Folarin’s concerns were merely informed by political considerations, an anathema in an era as this, when all hands should be on deck to solve the present danger to human existence called Covid-19,” Adisa said.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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How 3D technology is helping fight against COVID-19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Over recent years we have seen Third Dimension (3D) printing technology has become more accessible than ever and now this technology which seemed reserved for hi-tech conglomerates and spy movies is proving its worth in the fight against the Coronavirus.

With the COVID-19 outbreak snowballing its way across the globe, medical supplies such as face masks, respirators and ventilators have become scarce and this shortage has prompted action by the 3D printing community and aficionados. From specialised masks to various breathing apparatus, 3D printing is helping people to think ‘out of the box’ and share their designs for free in the hope that it will help lower the infection rate.

Brian Andrew Managing Director for RS Components in Sub Sahara Africa said that there has been a significant increase in interest in 3D printers over recent years. “When commercial 3D printing first made its way on the scene, it was expensive and only a few individuals saw the potential of owning a 3D printer. With advances in the design of these devices, 3D printers have become far more affordable, making this technology highly accessible. The 3D printing phenomena has infiltrated almost every industry, assisting in conceptualising, prototyping as well as small batch production of parts and components,” he said.

He also added that in the medical industry specifically, 3D printing is continuously being used to better the lives of patients as well as revolutionise surgeries for doctors globally. “If we look at the innovation that 3D printing has brought into the medical industry, we just have to look at last year’s pioneering surgical procedure using 3D-printed middle ear bones, developed by Professor Mashudu Tshifularo and his team at the University of Pretoria (UP) in South Africa which made headlines globally. The 3D printing community which is growing has proved that this technology is here to stay and that anyone with an idea can literally see their idea come to life,” he said.

As the Coronavirus outbreak spreads across the globe, we see countries implementing strict travel restrictions, work from home policies and social distancing measures. Even more developed countries are seeing their healthcare systems overloaded and fatigued by COVID-19. In more severe cases, infected patients may require specialist ventilators to take over the role of the lungs. These ventilators are in short supply along with masks and other preventative and safety gear. This shortage of essential equipment has united design engineers and makers in the 3D printing community who have already responded to the global crisis by volunteering their respective skills to ease the pressure on manufacturers, healthcare providers and governments.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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AfDB approves $40m for Angola's SMEs - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved the sum of $40 million for Angola’s Banco Millennium Atlântico to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reports ITREALMS.

The package consists of a $32 million line of credit from the African Development Bank and an additional $8 million in parallel financing from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF)
ITREALMS  also gathered that the AfDB Board of Directors had on 15 April approved a $40 million financial package to support BMA to bolster local production and job creation through its portfolio of SMEs.

The package consists of a $32 million line of credit from the African Development Bank and an additional $8 million in parallel financing from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), a co-financing fund sponsored by the People’s Bank of China and administered by the African Development Bank.

The facility will provide the long-term financing required by BMA to support the expansion needs of growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating mostly in agriculture, agro-industry and domestic manufacturing.

Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of oil prices, the package will also help to create direct and indirect jobs, contribute critically needed foreign exchange savings through import substitution, and lay a foundation to boost exports to neighbouring countries.

By fostering local production and stimulating job creation through a diversified pipeline of projects, the funds will ultimately contribute towards Angola’s efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth as well as economic diversification in a country heavily reliant on oil export revenues.

BMA, one of the largest commercial banks in Angola and a leading financier of domestic firms, especially SMEs, is headquartered in the capital city, Luanda, with a country-wide network of branches. It offers products spanning commercial, investment and private banking solutions. BMA has been a partner of choice for Angolan SMEs in agriculture and manufacturing value chains.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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@50: Gani Adams devotes life to charity, service to humanity - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has said he would devote the rest of his life to charity and service to humanity, reports ITREALMS.

Adams, who will be 50 on Thursday, April 30, however, said he is dedicating this year’s birthday to God and to the memory of those that have lost their lives to the raging COVID-19 global pandemic.

A press statement made available to ITREALMS on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, the Yoruba leader said he would be focusing more on charity to the poor and the less privileged people in the society even as he promised to continually touch the lives of the people positively.

Iba Adams, who marks his birthday annually with several activities, including visits to motherless babies homes, informed also that Nigerians, especially from the South West, would begin to feel his impact through initiatives that would add value to their lives.

He explained further that the idea was to concentrate more on building the future of the people through skill acquisition programmes and human capacity development initiatives.

Iba Adams said: “I am not getting younger.

“Attaining this glorious age is never by my power or might.

“It is simply by the special grace of God.

“God has been so wonderful to me and the rest of my family.

“Therefore, at 50, I think I need to do a lot more in enriching the lives of the poor people in the country.”

“As the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, it is important to look beyond the present situation in the country and see how we can be of help to people that have lost hope.

“It is wonderful putting smiles to the faces of several people through charity.

“It is quite interesting impacting people's lives positively and that is exactly what I want to live my life for.

“I want to impact humanity through empowerment programmes and human capacity development initiatives.

“These are some of the areas I would be focusing on now.

“Apart from my usual social activism and crusade, I would like to use my social networks and influence to change the narratives, particularly in the South West.

Iba Adams also reiterated the need for an egalitarian society, saying the challenge before the leadership of this country now is the struggle for a better society.

He urged the Federal Government to enhance social equality and equal rights for all and sundry, pointing out that social equality remains the nexus of an egalitarian society.

He said: “We need to do our job at all times, playing the role of watchdogs to the government in the overall interest of the people.

“We need to tell our leaders the truth, especially on issues that have direct impact on the lives of the people.

“The way the health crisis of the Coronavirus global pandemic was managed in Nigeria as well as the attendant social and inequitable distribution of palliatives to the people, really exposed the failures of the government.

“It shows the level of our leaders' insensitivity to the plights of the people and that is the reality of our situation.

“And at this point in time in our country, we need to inculcate the idea of putting the interests of the people first before that of ours.

“A society thrives where there is justice and social equality.

“And that is the essence of an egalitarian society.”

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Madagascar unveils toll-free line for COVID-Organics remedy - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Following the massive distribution to the population of Madagascar, a toll-free number, 910, has been unveiled in response to questions or requests for clarification on the use of tambavy, Covid-Organics, remedy developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (MIAR), reports ITREALMS.

Noteworthy is that in line with declaration by the President of Madagascar, Mr. Andry Rajaolina as a preventive and curative request continue on the ChineseVirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19, said that three medical teachers have been mandated to be available at the CCO-Covid-19 Center and respond to users.


According to reports by Madagascar Tribune, quoted the Minister of Communication and Culture, Lalatiana Andriantongarivo, as saying that in addition to this issue, the private message section of the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Communication and Culture is also ready to collect questions.

Professor Herintsoa Rafatro, specialist in pharmacology and researcher in traditional Malagasy family medicine or "Raokandrom-pianakaviana malagasy"; Professor Luc Rakotovao, biologist and professor at the university and Professor Davida Ramanitra Hasimbola, pharmacologist have been appointed as official spokespersons on the Covid-Organics.

"They are able and in the best position to answer all questions concerning Covid-Organics, such as its intake in relation to the patient's state of health, its dosage and instructions for use, or any contraindications" , said Lalatiana Andriatongarivo.

These three scientists will take turns at CCO-Covid-19 to answer questions asked at 910 and the official page of the ministry.

Meanwhile, Schools in Madagascar, Wednesday, April 29, 2020, resumed normal classes following consistent flattening of the curve on the ChineseVirus-19 also known Coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country and development of cure locally.

The local cure known as CVO or COVID Organic, was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (MIAR).

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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Establish more testing centres, face masks, FG told - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Federal Government has been urged to establish more testing centres across Nigeria and the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to provide Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to security agents as a matter of urgency, reports ITREALMS.

This was appeal was made in the latest report by CLEEN Foundation, detailing its observations in the ongoing lockdown measures put in place by Federal and State governments across Nigeria.

The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Benson Olugbuo, in a statement on Tuesday, listed some recommendations, calling on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to work towards activating more testing centers across Nigeria and embark on aggressive testing of citizens.

Olugbuo in the report also advised the government to intensify COVID-19 awareness in local communities by sensitizing the people about the seriousness of the virus and the danger of shielding infected persons. 

He further urged the PTF to "prioritise the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for security agents as promised by the President during the recent national broadcast".

CLEEN Foundation also advised both the Federal and Kano State governments to as a matter compulsion, investigate the recent reports of deaths of persons recorded within a short period in Kano state.

In addition, he called on the Federal government to increase its surveillance in Kano state and strengthen the state’s COVID-19 response system in the areas of capacity building and supply of testing kits.

The Foundation also recommended for the governments to prioritize the distribution of facemasks as a first line of defense against the COVID-19.

"The imbalance in the distribution of palliatives across the country should be addressed. Hunger and starvation have become an existential issue during the restriction of movement," the statement read.

Ayo Midele/Editor
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RCS Ghana selects Eutelsat for Direct to Home broadcast - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Paris-based telecom giant, the Eutelsat Communications has secured a multi-year contract with RCS Ghana to provide capacity for the broadcast of its Direct-To-Home (DTH), reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered would bring bouquet of content to viewers in Ghana and beyond

RCS will use Ku-Band band capacity on EUTELSAT 7B to broadcast its fast growing free-to-air DTH bouquet comprising SD and HD channels to the Ghanaian market and over 40 other countries in Africa.

The 7° East neighbourhood is a key orbital position for regional TV channels. Over 500 TV channels already broadcast from 7° East which has become a new DTH hotspot for Sub-Saharan Africa with some of the fastest growth rates in the region.

Mr Hamza Tanko, Chairman and CEO of RCS Ghana: “We are delighted to partner with Eutelsat for the broadcast of the RCS DTH bouquet, delivering exceptional content to viewers in Ghana and beyond, and enabling the broadcast of any channel in Ghana in high quality and at compelling rates. The 7° East position is ideal to serve the Ghanaian market and EUTELSAT 7B offers consistent coverage and signal power all over Ghana as well as complete Sub-Saharan coverage of over 40 African countries.”

Nicolas Baravalle, Regional Vice President, Sub Saharan Africa of Eutelsat said: “We are proud to support RCS Ghana in rolling out this high quality content offering. This contract reflects the buoyancy of the Ghanaian broadcast market, the attraction of the unparalleled coverage of our 7° East neighbourhood and Eutelsat’s expertise in the African market. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration”

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Northern chiefs denied receiving COVID-19 rice from Lagos commissioner - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Arewa Council of Chiefs in Lagos have said the state's Commissioner of Waterfront, Architect Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, lied for allegedly claiming that the council had been given 'several tonnes' of rice, reports ITREALMS.

The council, which said it has not received even a grain of rice from the Lagos State government, warned people to abstain from using its name to carry out fraudulent activities.

A press statement signed by the Galadiman of Lagos on behalf of the Arewa Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Aliyu Bambado, the body asked the person who announced the purported delivery of rice to prove who mandated him to approach the state government on behalf of the northerners.

He also said their attention has been drawn to a social media information credited to 4 individuals (who, as close friends of his) received several tons of bags of rice from the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront , Architect Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi purportedly on behalf of Northerners in Lagos.

"We wish to set the records as follows:

1. That the Lagos State Council of Chiefs or precisely office of Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos has never delegated or nominated anyone to receive palliatives on behalf of Northerners in Lagos.

2. That the Council of Chiefs and office of Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos has not seen even a single grain of rice purportedly from either the Commissioner for Waterfront or the Lagos State Government.

3. That the fellow who made the social media broadcast on the rice allocation needs to prove who mandated him to approach the Lagos State Government on behalf of Northerners, when the Lagos Council of Chiefs, to which the Sarkin Hausawa belongs was there as the legal and constitutionally recognized body of elders.

4. That anyone who is in doubt of the limits of the powers bestowed on the the Lagos State Council of Chiefs or the office of the Sarkin Hausawan Lagos should visit the Oba of Lagos to have himself educated

5. Any attempt to use the name and office of the Lagos State Council of Chiefs or the office of Sarkin Hausawa for extortion will not be tolerated.

6. That it is totally unacceptable for any person or group of persons to indulge in cutting corners or going through the backdoor to do underhand deals capable of ridiculing the image and respectability of the office of Sarkin Hausawa.

We therefore wish to issue stern warning to the Commissioner for Waterfront to be mindful of allowing his office to be used by shadowy groups of people, who have no legal or Constitutional recognition, as this would amount a collaboration to defraud the government. We hope all stakeholders will join hands to stop this abhorrent attitude.

We wish to reiterate that henceforth anyone found using the name of our respected traditional institution to take advantage of anything meant for public good will be faced with legal action.

We make bold to say that, at an appropriate time soon, we will roll out the new penalities for acts that are confirmed to be dubious by all standards.

Most importantly, if the Lagos State Government wishes to convey anything that has to do with the legitimate rights of the Northerners resident in the State ( just like this lockdown palliative), it should reach out to the Council of Chiefs through the only known Sarkin Hausawa. We say this because anything worth doing is worth doing well, and the palliative is not a privilege but a right.

Like we once pointed out, the authentic Chairman of Arewa Council of Chiefs, Lagos State is Alhaji Aminu Yaro Dogara and has his Deputies, who is also the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos - Alhaji (Dr) Mohammed Bambado; and Sarkin Hausawan Idi-Araba remains Alhaji Idris Haruna.

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CBN lifts suspension on clearing of cheques - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted suspension on clearing of cheques, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered follows earlier communication on the temporary suspension of cheque clearing in Nigeria which was instituted on the 31 March 2020 by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to CBN sources and Bankers Committee including the First Bank, “we are pleased to inform you that the CBN has now lifted the suspension.”

First Bank, for instance, explained that to accommodate users of cheques and it’s use as one of the payment instruments in Nigeria in spite of the lockdown in some states and the Federal Capital Territory..

“All cheque instruments will now pass through the clearing system effective today 28 April 2020,” sources close to First Bank affirmed.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

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