Mothers' Day: Mareledi applauds with Pilara - ITREALMS

Artist of the week@ITREALMS: 

As the world this week celebrated the Mothers Day on May 10, 2020, our team got in touch with Mareledi, a Batswana artist on her song, Pilara dedicated to great mothers, reports ITREALMS.

Mother's Day, ITREALMS gathered, is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. 

It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May.

According to Mareledi, the song 'Pilara' is dedicated to all great mothers out there; and is called Pilara or Pillar in English.
The first lines are in English.

Enjoy the lyrics:

Indeed Mama is a major

She groomed me into a woman!

Ohh.... Mama

I will shine and pride myself through her

I will learn from her

She is a hero

Bakati aeto nunga pasi :

It's a Tswana phrase meaning a child gets his/her characteristics not from the ground rather from the family however am proud of Mother and to be associated with her.

Sedze mbuya pa shwa :

You prepare a tributary...way before it starts to rain, It is a teaching I got from my mother.

Uj. N. Dominic/Editor

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Covid-19: Ekiti mobilisation committee raises N631m - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

... Discharges four patients, records 4 new cases

The Ekiti State Government has said it has received a total N631 million from the Covid-19 Response Resource Mobilization Committee set up last month to raise and manage funds and projects to aid government’s fight against the spread of the coronavirus in the state, reports ITREALMS.

The government said Friday, it has taken delivery of the arrival of its molecular laboratory for covid-19 test in Ado-Ekiti, just as it announced that it has discharged four Covid-19 patients after their second test turned negative. It also confirmed another four positive cases among the people in the State quarantine centre.

The four discharged were part of the five reported active cases at the State isolation centre before the results of three out of those who were quarantined came out. The fourth new case was said to be an elderly patient at one of the State tertiary institutions.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr (Mrs) Mojisola Yaya-Kolade disclsed these during the briefing by the State Covid-19 Taskforce in the Ado Ekiti on Friday.

The development, according to the Commissioner, has brought the number of confirmed cases in the State to 19 while 13 had been discharged and one death recorded.

Dr Yaya-Kolade said three of the new patients were clinically stable and asymptomatic as at the time of the briefing, while the elderly patient who is critically ill, was on admission at one of the State’s tertiary institutions.

The Commissioner, clarified that the three new cases that came into the State during the lockdown and were quarantined by the State Government was made up of a 38 year -old female who came in from Lagos State, a 25 year -old male who came in from Kastina and another 32 year- old male who came in from Oyo State.

Dr Yaya-Kolade, added that the State government had successfully traced 177 contacts with 38 others currently being followed.

She further disclosed that the molecular lab which would aid random testing to curb community spread of the virus has arrived the State and would be commissioned by the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, next week.

"We trained about 80 Civil servants because of the partial opening of the MDAs. They are trained on temperature check using the Infrared, asking questions and what to do when temperature of someone is high."



Also, the Coordinator of the State Covid-19 Taskforce and Director General of OTSD, Professor Bolaji Aluko disclosed that a sum of 631 million naira has been received by the Resource Mobilization Committee from 535 donors who were made up of Ekiti sons and daughters.

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BRT busman kills wife to Glo’s Andrew Okeleke - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

A Lagos Bus Tapid Transit (BRT) busman has killed Mrs. Grace Okeleke, wife of the Head, Public Relations, Globacom, Mr. Andrew Okeleke, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement issued by the family on Thursday, the late Mrs Okeleke died in a motor accident on Lagos road, Ikorodu, on Monday evening by a busman identified as Collins Nnodi. 

"She was hit by a Lagos BRT bus with registration number EPE 59 XR," part of the statement available to ITREALMS read.

The deceased, the family said, was crossing the road after being dropped off by her driver just after Agric Bus Stop, inward Ketu where there was no pedestrian bridge, when she was hit by the BRT bus. 

"She died on the spot before she could be taken to hospital," family sources said. ITREALMS gathered that the late Mrs. Okeleke, was a business woman, and hailed from Issele-Mkpitime, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. 

She was, until her demise, a top women leader of her town's women group in Lagos as well as a minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Grace Hall Parish, Ikorodu. 

Mrs Okeleke was survived by her husband and children. Burial arrangements will be announced later by her family.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Lockdown vote: Lagosians kick LASG - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Lagos State government may end up with another lockdown of the commercial city considering the level of support of the ongoing online voting, as Lagosians kick any attempt to foster lockdown, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as Lagosians beseech the @officialLASG, which is the formal Twitter handle for the Lagos State government to cast their votes on whether they want further lockdown, no lockdown or neutral.

LASG, ITREALMS recalled, has introduced online voting to determined following reported unsatisfactory compliance to the relaxed lockdown.

ITREALMS reports that LASG @officialLASG, asked that considering the level of compliance with government's directives on limiting the spread of Covid-19 in a Lagos State, “should the State Government impose another lockdown or not?”

Barely 21 hours left to the end of the voting period, ITREALMS gathered that lockdown has 49.4 per cent, don’t lockdown scored 40 per cent and neutral got 10.7 per cent.

All things being equal, if by the end of this voting session, the lockdown votes still lead, tendency is that the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, could declare another lockdown using the outcome of the vote as reason.

ITREALMS gathered that Lagos had been on lockdown almost five days before the presidential lockdown commenced for 21 days before it was relaxed last week Monday.

As at the time of filing this report, ITREALMS also gathered that some 74,055 votes have been casted across the three options.

Meanwhile, some of the arguments Lagosians were positing include that they did not see much effect of the lock downs before now, especially without any palliatives.

Others attributed increase in the community infection currently on the rise to lack of social infrastructure to accommodate the new order of reduced number of persons per bus.

Equally some of the voters advised LASG to consult his security chiefs and focus on more sensitization of Lagosians and improved monitoring of compliance to make a difference in the compliance.

@Sylvester2006 “Please listen to the real voices and even the heads of security agencies in Lagos, they must have told you this is not sustainable. You asked people to stay indoors and you came up with community transmission. Now, you want to go back? #dontlockdownLagos.”

This, they told ITREALMS, is the panacea, not another lockdown.

Yet, for those supporting another level of lockdown, they blamed Lagosians for lack of compliance.

The online voting on this trend which began since Tuesday, May 12, 2020, just as ITREALMS further gathered that even the online referendum.

Some of the responses to @OfficialLASG include:

@MinLiinx “Please don't lockdown!!! Honestly!!! Some of us almost starved to death during the stay-at-home period!!! I am tweeting from Era, Ijanikin, Otto-awori.”

@Classic84073745 “When you have more than enough public and taxpayers money to eat. Definitely, you have enough rubbish to say. A hungry man is an angry man. Provide palliative.”

@segunadejareesq "No State in Nigeria can implement an effective palliative to its citizens as they have lost touch with reality of an average Nigerian. Just put more safety measures in place & let people work to feed themselves."
Remmy Nweke/DoP

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Partners queue for 2Africa subsea cable - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The partnership made up of China Mobile International, Facebook, MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, stc, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone and WIOCC have expressed readiness to build 2Africa, reports ITREALMS.

2Africa, ITREALMS gathered is positioned as the most comprehensive subsea cable to serve the African continent and Middle East region. 

This is coming as the parties have appointed Alcatel Submarine Networks (“ASN”) to build the cable in a fully funded project which will greatly enhance connectivity across Africa and the Middle East.

At 37,000km long, 2Africa will be one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects and will interconnect Europe (eastward via Egypt), the Middle East (via Saudi Arabia), and 21 landings in 16 countries in Africa. The system is expected to go live in 2023/4, delivering more than the total combined capacity of all subsea cables serving Africa today, with a design capacity of up to 180Tbps on key parts of the system. 2Africa will deliver much needed internet capacity and reliability across large parts of Africa, supplement the fast-growing capacity demand in the Middle East and underpin the further growth of 4G, 5G and fixed broadband access for hundreds of millions of people.

In countries where the 2Africa cable will land, service providers will obtain capacity in carrier-neutral data centres or open-access cable landing stations on a fair and equitable basis. This will support healthy internet ecosystem development by facilitating greatly improved accessibility for businesses and consumers alike.

The 2Africa cable has been designed to improve resilience and maximise performance, including the option of a seamless optical crossing between East Africa and Europe. The 2Africa parties and Airtel have signed an agreement with Telecom Egypt to provide a completely new crossing linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, the first in over a decade. This includes new cable landing stations and deployment of next-generation fibre on two new, diverse terrestrial routes parallel to the Suez Canal from Ras Ghareb to Port Said, and a new subsea link that will provide a third path between Ras Ghareb and Suez.

The 2Africa cable will implement a new technology, SDM1 from ASN, allowing deployment of up to 16 fibre pairs instead of the eight fibre pairs supported by older technologies, bringing much greater and more cost-effective capacity. The cable will incorporate optical switching technology to enable flexible management of bandwidth. Cable burial depth has also been increased by 50% compared to older systems, and cable routing will avoid locations of known subsea disturbance, all helping to ensure the highest levels of availability.

“The launch of 2Africa enables us to offer our customers seamless connection between Africa and Europe, together with our SEA-ME-WE 5 and AAE-1 subsea cable resources to further extend to Asia, which is an important milestone of our global development strategy,” said Jessica Gu, Director & Chief Technology Officer of China Mobile International. “The utmost capacity and faster transmission allows us to satisfy the needs of African nations today and in the future, reflecting our firm commitment to building a global digital life.”

“We’re excited to be collaborating with our 2Africa partners on the most comprehensive subsea cable that will serve the continent,” said Najam Ahmad, Vice President, Network Infrastructure at Facebook. “2Africa is a major element of our ongoing investment in Africa to bring more people online to a faster internet. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that increased connectivity has on communities, from education to healthcare. We know that economies flourish when there is widely accessible internet for businesses. 2Africa is a key pillar supporting this tremendous internet expansion as part of Africa’s surging digital economy.”

According to Frédéric Schepens, CEO of MTN Group’s wholesale operation, MTN GlobalConnect, “MTN GlobalConnect is delighted to participate in this bold 2Africa subsea cable project. This initiative complements MTN GlobalConnect’s terrestrial fibre strategy to connect African countries to each other and to the rest of the world. We are proud to be playing a key role in providing the benefits of a modern connected life – a core MTN belief.”

Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, said, “As one of the world’s leading multi-service telecommunications operators and present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East, it was natural for Orange to be part of the 2Africa project. This major investment will complete our existing submarine and pan-African terrestrial infrastructures to provide access to international connectivity in a redundant fashion throughout the west coast of Africa. It will enable Orange to securely meet the demand for increased bandwidth necessary for the continued digital development of regions throughout the 2Africa system.”

Mohammed A. Alabbadi, Wholesale VP in stc commented, “stc is delighted to be a Partner in 2Africa. The 2Africa cable will be integrated into stc's MENA Gateway (MG1) datacentre in Jeddah, enabling customers to access our extensive international content and extend their regional connectivity through stc terrestrial geo-mesh network that extends to all neighboring countries. This will undoubtedly play a significant role in enhancing stc's international network capabilities, whilst also positioning stc as a leading regional digital player in the MENA region. The partnership demonstrates stc's commitment, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, to deliver meaningful digital transformation and build a digital society for all.”

Adel Hamed, Telecom Egypt’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Telecom Egypt’s contribution to 2Africa marks an important milestone in our endeavor to contribute to digital transformation in Africa. Egypt’s relationship with African states has and will always be one of Egypt's top priorities, it extends here to align with Egypt’s strategy to contribute in the current development in Africa. We are honored to be part of such a revolutionary project alongside renowned global and African partners. For years, we have accomplished tangible steps in revamping our international infrastructure and increasing our assets' geodiversity in order to keep pace with the rising global demand for large bandwidth and global reach. We trust that 2Africa will be a rich addition to our diversified investments in the subsea cable industry.”

“Improving connectivity for Africa is a significant step which lays the groundwork for increased digitalisation across the continent,” said Vinod Kumar, CEO Vodafone Business. “2Africa will give local businesses and consumers a better online experience while more connectivity between Africa, Europe and the Middle East will help to build a wider, more inclusive digital society across the globe. We’re delighted to work with our partners in the project to help deliver this.”

WIOCC CEO, Chris Wood, commented, “For over a decade WIOCC has been the hyperscale capacity provider for Africa, based upon a strategy of ongoing strategic investment in key subsea and terrestrial infrastructure. Participation in 2Africa continues this commitment to providing large capacity users with the resilient network they need to support their customers' ever-growing bandwidth requirements. Our investment both future-proofs our network capabilities and provides additional resilience to maximise uptime for our critical infrastructure.”

Alain Biston, President of Alcatel Submarine Networks said, “We are honored by the trust of our partners and proud to have been selected for this project. With this state-of-the-art subsea system, Africa will take a giant leap to the digital age thanks to the best-in-class technologies. Africa is a long story for ASN: we have deployed the majority of submarine cables around the continent. 2Africa will be a great new chapter!”

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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COVID-19: More 950 Nigerian children may die - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Some 950 Nigerian children could die every day from preventable causes over the next six months as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts routine services and threatens to weaken the health system, reports ITREALMS.

As said by the UNICEF, globally, 6,000 additional children under five could die every day.

The estimate is based on an analysis by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, newly published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

In a commentary to the Lancet report, UNICEF warns these disruptions could result in potentially devastating increases in maternal and child deaths.

The analysis offers three scenarios of the potential impact of COVID-19 in 118 low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. In the worst-case scenario, the estimate is that an additional nearly 173,000 under-five deaths could occur in just six months, due to reductions in routine health service coverage levels – including routine vaccinations - and an increase in child wasting.

In Nigeria, these potential child deaths would be in addition to the 475,200 children who already die before their fifth birthday every six months – threatening to reverse a decade of progress in ending preventable under-five child mortality in Nigeria.

About 6,800 more Nigerian maternal deaths could also occur in just six months.

“Under a worst-case scenario, the global number of children dying before their fifth birthdays could increase for the first time in decades,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “We must not let mothers and children become collateral damage in the fight against the virus.”

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, said, “We have made steady progress in reducing preventable child and maternal deaths in Nigeria over the last 20 years – and it would be devastating if that progress is lost or reversed – devastating for Nigerian families, communities and for the country as a whole.”

The under-five mortality rate has declined gradually over the last two decades in Nigeria - from 213 deaths per thousand in 1990 to 120 today. This is likely due to improved access and coverage of key lifesaving interventions at primary health care and community levels and improved immunization rates.

But in countries with still overall weak health systems, like Nigeria, COVID-19 is causing disruptions in medical supply chains and straining financial and human resources. Visits to health care centres are declining due to lockdowns, curfews and transport disruptions, and as communities remain fearful of infection.

According to the modeling, and assuming reductions in coverage in the worst-case scenario, the 10 countries that could potentially have the largest number of additional child deaths are: Bangladesh, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania.

The 10 countries that are most likely to witness the highest excess child mortality rates under the worst-case scenario are: Djibouti, Eswatini, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Somalia.

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Africans urged to play part against COVID-19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The early April, Speak Up Africa, a strategic communications and advocacy not-for-profit organization dedicated to catalyzing leadership, enabling policy change, and increasing awareness for sustainable development in Africa, launched the “Stay Safe Africa” campaign against the Chinesevirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-19, reports ITREALMS.

This campaign, ITREALMS gathered, aims at empowering communities and individuals to take simple and proven preventative measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Africa.

Around the world, COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on the health of citizens, as well as national and global economies. At present, in Africa, there are 43,343 confirmed cases, 1,761 deaths and 14,343 recoveries. Several risk factors mean the virus could spread quickly across the continent. High population densities, communal living, frequent and close contact between generations, as well as the constrained access to water and washing facilities all increase the likelihood of coronavirus infections and fatalities.

A co-ordinated Africa-led approach to slow the spread of COVID-19 is crucial to address the continent’s uneven access to tools and services and respond to Africa’s diverse cultural landscape. In April, to mobilize and manage funds from the public and private sector as well as individuals in Africa and to further strengthen the continent’s response to the pandemic, the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) launched the Africa COVID-19 Response Fund. 

“Many countries from South Africa to Senegal via Nigeria and Kenya have announced the creation of solidarity funds. While these funds will serve primarily a national agenda, the virus knows no borders. And because the average citizen with disposable income can give small amounts of money, our best bet to fund the Africa CDC, in times of economic hardship, is to pool our resources.” adds Carl Manlan, COO of the Ecobank Foundation.

The Stay Safe Africa campaign incorporates messages and advice tailored for African communities and leadership, accounting for language, literacy and cultural barriers. “It is vital that individuals across Africa take responsibility to protect themselves, their families and their communities, by following the recommended prevention measures. As Africans, we must come together, with distance, and realize the importance of protecting ourselves from COVID-19 and act quickly”, highlighted Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa.

As the world comes together to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that essential services and operations continue to protect the lives of people affected by malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases, vaccine preventable diseases and in need of improved access to adequate sanitation.

The campaign is open to all partners, journalists, civil society organizations and communities to adopt and support and all assets to help support the campaign are available at StaySafeAfrica.org in both English and French. “Now more than ever, we must acknowledge the importance of communications and digital communities, leverage information, unite across the board and stand together”, says Eloïne Barry, CEO of Africa Media Agency.

COVID-19 is a deadly disease that poses an immediate threat to the African continent and has the potential to take many lives. It is crucial that coronavirus transmission in Africa is restricted as quickly as possible to prevent a surge in cases and deaths, which would have a devastating impact on Africa’s already strained health systems.

“The current pandemic is a striking reminder of the need for stronger health systems. This is a prime opportunity to take measures aimed at social protection and sustainable financing of the health sector”, underlines Dr. Magda Robalo, Minister of Public Health of Guinea Bissau.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Old Boys celebrate Dele Momodu @60 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The St John's Old Boys Association, SJOBA has joined wellwishers all over the world to celebrate Bashorun Dele Momodu, reports ITREALMS.

They described Dele as an accomplished writer, media entrepreneur, prodigious author and famous socialite as he turns 60 today.
Bashorun Dele Momodu attended the prestigious St John's Grammar School, Ile-Ife and graduated in 1976.
According to a press statement by Kehinde Bamigbetan, the publicity secretary of the association, Momodu cut his literary teeth and nurtured his talents and craft as a future writer in the conducive intellectual environment of the school.
"Bashorun Momodu has demonstrated the virtues and values of missionary education that combines spiritual and academic enlightenment.
We are indeed proud that a product of our institution has shown the world of media the quality of our nurture."
Recalling that Momodu showed signs of a flourishing career in the media at school, the co-ordinator of the 1972-1976 set, Professor Wale Oladipo, who was once the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party,said Momodu was very sociable and cosmopolitan as a student.
" He was the one who told us when a new musical record of any famous band has been recorded. He liked to follow happenings in the social circuit" he said.
Bamigbetan said the newly-elected president, Dr.Felix Osoba and the alumni look forward to greater participation of the prolific essayist in the affairs of the association.
His words: "We congratulate Bashorun Dele Momodu on this attainment of the Diamond age and pray that God grants him good health and prosperity in the years to come."




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Ekiti traditional rulers applaud Olofinmoyin @70 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has appaluded Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin, a former Military Administrator of Ogun State who clocked 70 on Wednesday, reports ITREALMS.
The traditional rulers in a congratulatory message to Cmdre Kayode through the Alawe of Ilawe,Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, who also is the Council Chairman in a letter sighted by ITREALMS said, the celebration reminds him of his (Olofinmoyin) immesuarable contributions to Ilawe as an indigene throughout his career in the Navy and at retirement

‘I have the joy in joining members of your family, close associates, professional colleagues and your admirers in celebrating you as you clock the age of 70 years today, 13th May 2020’, the royal father wrote.

‘This celebration reminds me of your immeasurable contributions to Ilawe as an indigene throughout your career in the Navy and at retirement. The dynamic role you played as the Chairman of my coronation ceremony on 21st April 2012 will never be forgotten’.

You led other Ilawe compatriots in supervising the renovation of our then dilapidated Royal Palace, making it the cynosure of all eyes and an edifice to behold ever since. No wonder, your name is engraved in gold amongst other patriotic sons and daughters of Ilawe in the palace plaque of honour’,the council emphasised.

‘As a naval officer, you retired as a Commodore with a remarkable career during which you served your country as a Military Administrator for Ogun State. You equally left an enviable record through your accomplishments in peace keeping operations, especially during the Liberian civil war’, the monarch stated.

‘Your life style exemplifies discipline and service to your Community and the Nation. On behalf of the entire people of Ilawe kingdom, I congratulate you on this auspicious occasion of your 70th birthday and pray that God Almighty will continue to uphold you and grant you many more years in sound health’, the letter reads.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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PwC supports Nigerians with N100m intervention - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The leading professional services firm, PwC Nigeria, has executed her one hundred million-naira (N100m) intervention to support individuals, businesses and government in responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

The COVID-19 intervention fund tagged “PwC Cares” is in line with the firm’s purpose of building trust in society and solving important problems.

Providing details on the various aspects of the PwC Cares initiative, Uyi Akpata, Country and Regional Senior Partner for PwC in West Africa noted:

“As well as having serious implications for people's health and the healthcare services, COVID-19 is having a significant impact on businesses and the economy particularly for Nigeria at this time given our dwindling resources and high level of poverty. As a firm, we are supporting a number of initiatives aimed at addressing the health and economic challenges in Nigeria. Notably we are supporting the CBN led Coalition Against COVID-19 by the setup of a Project Management Office and providing project monitoring and evaluation support valued at about 50 Million in the first instance.

We are also providing food items to at least 5,500 vulnerable households, as well as personal protective equipment (PPEs) for frontline healthcare workers in the following states; Lagos, Ogun, Imo, Edo, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Kano and the FCT.”

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LASG Vote: Another lockdown looms - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Lagos State government may end up with another lockdown of the commercial city considering the level of support of the ongoing online voting, reports ITREALMS.

LASG, has introduced online voting to determined following reported unsatisfactory compliance to the relaxed lockdown.

ITREALMS reports that LASG Twitter handle, @officialLASG, asked that considering the level of compliance with government's directives on limiting the spread of Covid-19 in a Lagos State, “should the State Government impose another lockdown or not?”

Barely 21 hours left to the end of the voting period, ITREALMS gathered that lockdown has 49.4 per cent, don’t lockdown scored 40 per cent and neutral got 10.7 per cent.

All things being equal, if by the end of this voting session, the lockdown votes still lead, tendency is that the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, could declare another lockdown using the outcome of the vote as reason.

ITREALMS gathered that Lagos had been on lockdown almost five days before the presidential lockdown commenced for 21 days before it was relaxed last week Monday.

As at the time of filing this report, ITREALMS also gathered that some 74,055 votes have been casted across the three options.

Meanwhile, some of the arguments Lagosians were positing include that they did not see much effect of the lock downs before now, especially without any palliatives.

Others attributed increase in the community infection currently on the rise to lack of social infrastructure to accommodate the new order of reduced number of persons per bus.

Equally some of the voters advised LASG to consult his security chiefs and focus on more sensitization of Lagosians and improved monitoring of compliance to make a difference in the compliance.

This, they told ITREALMS, is the panacea, not another lockdown.

Yet, for those supporting another level of lockdown, they blamed Lagosians for lack of compliance.

The online voting on this trend which began since Tuesday, May 12, 2020, just as ITREALMS further gathered that even the online referendum.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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AATF, AUDA-NEPAD to promote agro research & commercialisation - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), have signed a collaboration agreement that will facilitate joint work towards building a market system for the commercialisation of research products in Africa.

The agreement will also facilitate the improvement of farm productivity through mechanisation to address drudgery and contribute to building an enabling environment for agricultural research and development on the continent.

The MoU will be guided by the core principles and values of the African Union especially the realisation of Agenda 2063.

Specific key areas of the agreement include addressing challenges in production of quality foundation seed, a key area of attention for AATF that is already working with the continent’s small and medium seed enterprises to ease production of quality certified seed.

The two organisations will also focus on strengthening seed certification and variety release policies and processes including development of the private sector, licensing of new agricultural technologies and technology stewardship for sustainable use of agricultural innovations and products.

The MoU, signed by Dr Denis T. Kyetere, Executive Director of the AATF and Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD, will ensure that both organisations identify flagship projects from the key areas of cooperation to effectively achieve the intended goals.

Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, welcomed the collaboration saying it would contribute to accelerating Africa’s agricultural transformation.

“As articulated in Agenda 2063, Africa’s sustained growth, competitiveness and economic transformation requires sustained investment in new technologies and continuous innovation in areas such as agriculture, clean energy, education and health. This agreement will help contribute to this goal,” said Dr Mayaki.

Dr Denis Kyetere said the collaboration provides opportunity for the smallholder farmers to benefit from innovative and value adding agricultural technologies.

“With the smallholder farmer at the centre of decision making, AATF emphasises the need to get innovations to farmers rapidly and effectively to optimise benefits,” said Dr Kyetere, adding that the agreement would also facilitate replication of mechanisation business models in more African countries as part of transformative agriculture development.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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COVID-19 Response: ELMA Foundations commit ZAR2bn to Africa - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The ELMA Group of Foundations has committed the sum of ZAR 2 billion towards response to COVID-19 and mitigate its impact on under-resourced and vulnerable communities in Africa, reports ITREALMS.

A minimum of ZAR 500 million of this commitment is for South Africa, and includes an immediate contribution by The ELMA South Africa Foundation of ZAR 250 million to The South African Solidarity Response Fund. The remaining ZAR 250 million will be used to fund a wide range of projects to mitigate the country-wide effects of COVID-19.

Bernadette Moffat, Exec. Dir.,The ELMA Philanthropies Services (Africa)(Pty) Ltd. and Chair of The ELMA South Africa Foundation, states, “ELMA has been investing in initiatives to improve the health, education, and well-being of children and the families and communities that support them since 2005. This new commitment to respond to the COVID-19 crisis demonstrates our absolute commitment to Africa and to Africa’s children.”

Commenting on the donation to the South Africa Solidarity Response Fund, Nomkhita Nqweni, CEO of the Solidarity Fund said, “We wish to extend our gratitude to The ELMA South Africa Foundation for the spirit of partnership they have displayed in working with us towards bolstering South Africa’s resilience against the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration and partnerships such as this are testament to the possibilities that exist when we combine efforts.”

In addition to the ZAR250 million donation to the South Africa Solidarity Response Fund, ELMA is collaborating with other funders and partners on a variety of COVID-19 response initiatives across the continent. One such initiative is supporting community health workers and community care workers as they respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Ensuring that these essential workers have sufficient personal protective equipment, food, access to testing, and psycho-social support is a priority if we are to overcome COVID-19. 

As such, The ELMA South Africa Foundation is collaborating with The South African Solidarity Response Fund, The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, Johnson and Johnson, The Horace W Goldsmith Foundation, to support an initiative led by the DG Murray Trust to provide personal protective equipment and other critical support to more than 120,000 community care workers delivering crucial health and social services across South Africa.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis for the African continent and requires a momentous response if we are to recover from the devastation it has and will cause,” adds Moffat. “We must come together in solidarity, especially those with means, so that Africa can overcome and rebuild. ELMA is proud to combine forces with other philanthropists, governments, and civil society organizations who are taking bold actions against COVID-19.”

Nenye Dom/Editor

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An open letter to Prof. Ibrahim Gambari - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS: 

Sir, may I use this medium to welcome you on board as the new Chief of State (CoS), Federal Republic of Nigeria after your appointment by the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

I have not met you before, so I am writing this letter to you with no attachment for any political gain & I want to believe that this letter will meet you in good condition with the contents considered.

Yesterday (Tuesday), the social media was agog about your appointment as the CoS, but the official announcement was made on (Wednesday) at the Federal Executive Council virtual meeting that was held today. So many names were even bandied around before your appointment.

Let me remind you that the position of the CoS is a creation of convention and practice.

The position of the CoS is not an elective position, but rather an appointment to be effected by the president.

I want to believe that your coming based on the appointment is to help the president to effectively organise his itinerary because a lot of controversies trailed the late Abba Kyari when he was in office & you don't need such, because such controversies smeared the credibility of the government, even the democratic tenets of the country. Nigerians want to see in you, a man who won't make enemies for the president.

As the CoS, your closeness to the president can't be overlooked, so you are to serve as the conduit in reaching the president. The interest of the people must be at your heart.

You are educated, you should be a team player, an incorruptible person and resourceful, my reasons for saying these are best known to me.

You should not be seen as a divisive figure in that office, as Nigerians no longer want a de facto president. Two people were elected to govern Nigerians, the president and the vice - president. If the president won't be available to carry out some duties, he should pass them to the vice - president. The vice - president must be up and doing, so don't render him redundant and don't subject him to several limitations.

I must also say that you don't need to lead delegates to negotiate an agreement or contract of any sort on behalf of the country when there are people to be saddled with such. Holding of secret meetings without the knowledge of your principal won't be of any gain to you, so do your job professionally.

Before the death of Abba Kyari, ministers were reporting to him, you don't need to maintain such line.

I have not forgotten the brawl the former CoS had with the former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Ita - Oyo during a FEC meeting presided over by the vice - predident.

Your face must not be seen as regards negative happenings within and outside the villa.

As the CoS, you are to serve as the principal channel between the president and his core officials, to help him coordinate his programmes. The duties of a CoS is not meant for lighter weights, you must understand the rudiments involved in running a government. It is a 24 - hour job. I must not forget to mention to you that you should be ready to meet sycophants, but I want to believe that you must know how to deal with them. There won't be any need for you to step on toes and don't let the ministers speak about you in whispers, so you must relate with them very well.

Don't misuse the power given to you, as all power belongs to God. Your coming as the CoS must not worsen the condition of the country and do not see yourself as a tin - god. There must be a clear direction that you will be principally committed to upholding the constitution of the country in carrying out your duties. Your loyalty and a close confidant to your principal is vital, look at the structure on ground and then know how you can contribute your own quota to the country, so as to be administered positively.

The die is cast, the position is big, eschew yourself from power grab and political manipulations. Shun nepotism, tribalism etc because they are not needed. Don't attract negative publicity to yourself and your principal.

It is only the president that knows what he saw in you and you have to prove to Nigerians that you are fit to do the job and also ready to deliver. At the end of it all, it is posterity that will judge, if you served your principal and the country at large (faithfully or not).

Once again, welcome and I wish you all the best during your stay in office.

*Contributed by Chris Uruakpa from Lagos.
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Train 7: NLNG seals EPC deal with SCD JV Consortium - ITREALMS

JustIn@ITREALMS:

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has signed the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts for its Train 7 Project with the SCD JV Consortium, comprising affiliates of Saipem, Chiyoda and Daewoo, reports ITREALMS.

The execution of the EPC Contracts now triggers the commencement of the Detail Design and Construction phase of the Project expected to increase the capacity of NLNG’s current six-train plant by 35% from the extant 22 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA.

NLNG is an incorporated Joint-Venture owned by four Shareholders, namely, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (49%), Shell Gas B.V. (25.6%), Total Gaz Electricite Holdings France (15%), and Eni International N.A. N.V. S.àr.l (10.4%).

Reacting to the Contracts’ signing, Engr. Tony Attah, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, remarked that the EPC Contracts represents yet another milestone in NLNG’s journey towards achieving its vision of being a global LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria.

“With the award of the EPC Contracts to our preferred bidders (SCD JV), we are guaranteeing that our country remains significantly on the global list of LNG suppliers. This singular act clearly demonstrates our Shareholders’ determination and resolve to sustain the economic dividends that NLNG’s monetization of our vast natural gas reserves offers our great country Nigeria”

He expressed confidence in SCD JV Consortium’s proven competence, adding that the demonstration of an understanding of NLNG’s business philosophy by the Consortium will positively influence the execution of the Project and ensure zero harm to people, environment and host communities.

Also, the Group Managing Director (NNPC) and a Director on the NLNG Board, Mr. Mele Kyari, remarked on NLNG’s successes and its operating model. He said: “Nigeria LNG’s successes since it started operation in 1999 continue to prove that the Company operates a unique business model that is profitable to all its stakeholders. NNPC and the other Shareholders — Shell, Total and Eni — are proud to be a part of this exceptional Nigerian brand that stands out in the global market.”

“It is for this reason that our President, Muhammadu Buhari instructed through the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources that NNPC as a Shareholder must do everything possible to support all the other Shareholders and NLNG’s Management to secure the much-needed public confidence from all critical stakeholders, especially the critical agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria and international investors, to pursue the Company’s ambition of adding a 7th train to its existing production capacity. I encourage every stakeholder involved in execution of the Train 7 Project, especially the SCD JV Consortium, NLNG Train 7 Project Team and the Company’s Management to leave no stone unturned in making this project a reality,” he added.

NLNG says the Project was in fulfillment of its vision of “…being a Global Company, helping to build a better Nigeria.” The Project upon completion will support the Federal Government’s drive to generate more revenue from Nigeria’s proven gas reserves of about 200 Trillion Cubic Feet (Tcf) and further reduce gas flaring in the country’s upstream oil and gas industry.

The construction period is expected to last approximately five years with first LNG rundown expected in 2025.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Tinubu lauds Prof. Gambari’s appointment as Chief of Staff - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The appointment of Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari as the new Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has been described as a laudable one, according to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reports ITREALMS.

His reaction came as Prof. Gambari was unveiled to Nigerians today by the presidency.

Tinubu described Gambari as a renowned diplomat, statesman and scholar who has served this nation in many important positions.

His intellect, broad experience and skills in administration and diplomacy have adequately prepared and equipped him for the important job he now has.

“I congratulate Professor Gambari on his selection and commend President Buhari for making such a thoughtful and prudent choice at this crucial moment,” he said.

For Tinubu, "Prof. Gambari will work competently and with dedication to help President Buhari advance his policy and governance priorities just as he did in the past when he served as Minister of External Affairs in the 1980’s.

"My personal knowledge of Chief of Staff Gambari is that he is an erudite man who knows and loves this country and who strongly believes in the Nigerian project and President Buhari’s change agenda. He is no stranger to our party, APC, and its progressive national vision.

"Over a long and illustrious career, Prof. Gambari has proved his mettle nationally and internationally. His resume takes a back seat to none. He distinguished himself as an Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and as the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Cyprus, Zimbabwe and Myanmar and Special Representative in Angola. He has made groundbreaking contributions in the areas of conflict prevention and resolution, democratisation and development in Africa

"At this time when the entire world is combating the coronavirus pandemic and the economic consequences thereof, Prof. Gambari's expertise and international reputation will help Nigeria galvanise national, regional and international efforts and resources to contain this viral menace and to advance Nigeria’s interests on other important matters.

"Chief of Staff Gambari has my best wishes and encouragement. His is a tough assignment, perhaps the hardest he has had, but he is a special person with great attributes. He will meet the challenge by discharging his duties with excellence and high purpose.

"May the guidance and protection of Almighty Allah be with him as he begins the task of assisting the President in forging a better Nigeria and a better life for all of its people," he said.

Ayo Midele/Editor
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@94: Fayemi pays tribute to Pa Fasoranti - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has revealed how his life and future was shaped by the virtues he learnt as a student from Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, reports ITREALMS.

Dr. Fayemi, in a congratulatory letter to Pa Fasoranti on his 94th birthday, said the life of the Afenifere leader was an inspiration to him and other students of Christ's School, Ado Ekiti, where the elder statesman served as a principal.

He described Pa Fasoranti as "not just a dedicated teacher but a seasoned school administrator but a moral compass" to the younger generation.

The Governor, in the letter which he personally signed, showered encomiums on Pa Fasoranti, whom he described as a man of "unimpeachable moral conviction."

Fayemi said: "Baba, your life has been an inspiration to many of us who had the rare privilege of passing through our pupillage under your guidance.

"Yours is an epitome of hard work, simplicity, contentment, honesty and strong character.

"I recall with fond memory your lasting impressions on me as our school principal at Christ School, Ado-Ekiti.

"You were not just a dedicated teacher, a seasoned school administrator but a moral compass to all of us.

"One cannot but be proud of your record of impeccable service to the Old Ondo State as the Commissioner of Finance to the administration of Chief Adekunle Ajasin during which you were reputed for your probity, frugality and judicious use of public fund, which partly accounted for the historic successes of the administration.

"It is to be noted that, in and out of government and politics, one thing has continued to define your character; and that is, unimpeachable moral conviction.

"As Afenifere Leader, you have remained a respected voice, an ideological sage and an elder statesman.

"It is therefore my prayer that the good Lord continue to grant you good health and long life. I say again, happy birthday to my teacher!

"On behalf of my wife, Government and the good people of Ekiti State, kindly accept my warm felicitations, Sir.", he said.

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EFCC: Two Chinese deliver N50m bribe in Sona Water cartons - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Sokoto Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken delivery of some seven cartons of Sona Table Water loaded of N50m part-payment bribe for its officials by two Chinese, reports ITREALMS.

The two Chinese men, ITREALMS gathered were identified as Messrs Meng Wei Kun and Xu Koi have been held by anti-graft agents for this special delivery being part payment of N100million bribe offered to the Zonal Head in Sokoto, Mr. Abdullahi Lawal.

ITREALMS also gathered from EFCC that the suspects were arrested in Sokoto on Monday, May 11, this year and would be charged to court in the coming days.

EFCC made this disclosure through its Twitter handle monitored by ITREALMS, alleged that the Chinese nationals offered the bribe in a bid to compromise ongoing investigations of a construction company, China Zhonghao Nigeria Ltd, which is handling contracts awarded by the Zamfara State Government to the tune of N50 billion between 2012 to 2019.

EFCC in a press statement also said, “The zonal office of the Commission is investigating the construction company, in connection with the execution of contracts for the construction of township roads in Gummi, Bukkuyun, Anka and Nassarawa towns of Zamfara State; and also the construction of 168 solar-powered boreholes in the 14 local government areas of the state.

“Alarmed by the consistency and professionalism of investigation being conducted, the company reached out to Lawal with an offer of N100million as bribe to “bury” the matter.

“In a grand design to trap the corrupt officials, Lawal played along, and on Monday, two representatives of the company Meng Wei Kun and Xu Kuoi offered him cash totaling fifty million naira in their office along airport road, Sokoto. The cash was offered as a first installment.

“The suspects were promptly arrested with the cash as an evidence. Investigation of the construction company was informed by an intelligence on alleged conspiracy; misappropriation of public funds; embezzlement; official corruption; abuse of office, stealing and money laundering obtained against the Zamfara state government through inflated and uncompleted contracts awarded to the company.



“Investigations have so far revealed that China Zounghao Ltd has received payments of over N41, 000, 000, 000.00 (Forty One Billion Naira) from the Zamfara State government, out of which about N16, 000, 000, 000. 00 (Sixteen Billion Naira) equivalent to over $53,000,000.00 (Fifty Three Million US Dollars) was allegedly diverted and traced to some bureau de change operators,” EFCC said.

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Free Press Action proposes Journalism Recovery Package during COVID-19 crisis - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Free Press Action has released a comprehensive series of policy recommendations tagged ‘What a Journalism-Recovery Package Should Look Like During the COVID-19 Crisis’ that Congress should adopt to save local journalism and put tens of thousands of reporters back to work during and after the coronavirus pandemic, reports ITREALMS.

The Senior Director of Strategy and Communications, Free Press and Free Press Action Fund, Timothy Karr, said the proposal, includes billions in direct and indirect subsidies to journalists, as well as increases in federal support for public-media institutions that would protect a significant number of local reporting jobs. Among the immediate recommendations are direct emergency payments to newsroom workers, news-outlet tax credits to retain and boost the number of newsroom jobs, increased public-media funding, and accelerated federal-ad spending.

The proposal also analyzes policies that would indirectly benefit journalists, including increased funding for libraries to purchase digital subscriptions, tax credits for individual paid subscriptions to news outlets, and a national moratorium on media mergers. Free Press Action also recommends a series of medium- and long-term actions that would “create a bridge from this emergency period to a future of sustainable journalism that serves and represents local communities.”

These include creating a First Amendment Fund, which could be sustained by levying a small tax on targeted online-advertising revenues in the United States. Based on 2019 figures, such a tax would yield nearly $2 billion a year to support local independent journalism. Lawmakers in both Asia and Europe are already pursuing similar strategies.

Dozens of members of Congress have called on their colleagues to include new funding for journalism in upcoming COVID-19 relief legislation. They’ve been joined by leading press-freedom and social-justice organizations that recently sent a letter urging lawmakers to consider local press an “essential service” that’s vital to the nation’s health, prosperity, and recovery.

“Congress must act now to save jobs and ensure crucial economic and health information reaches the people harmed most by this pandemic,” says co-author Craig Aaron, Free Press president and Co-CEO. “To get through this emergency, we need trustworthy news and reporters on the beat. Wishful thinking about new business models or philanthropy won’t be enough. Our proposed policies focus on directing relief efforts into the hands of local outlets and working journalists — so they can keep people informed during this crisis and its aftermath — and lay the foundation for sustaining community-centered news in the future.”

“The local-news industry will continue to face massive business headwinds,” says co-author S. Derek Turner, Free Press Action research director. 

“Given the dire nature of the crisis, our proposal prioritizes getting important news and information in front of more people while targeting funds toward news that serves the local audiences that have been hardest hit. But if we, as a country, value high-quality local news, then bringing lasting relief to news deserts and meeting community-information needs everywhere will require a substantial public investment over a long period of time.”

Nenye Dom/Editor

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