‘Let’s support govt’s action on coronavirus

By Kunle Akinrinade

The monarch of Igbogbo community in Ikorodu, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, has urged residents to support the actions taken by the state government and health authorities in the fight against the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

Oba Kasali assured his people that the pandemic is a phase that would soon pass.

In a message to mark his fourth anniversary as monarch, Oba Kasali noted that there is a need for residents to be united in adhering to laid down directives by the state government and health agencies to stem the tide of the pandemic.

He said: ”Beyond the effort of the government, the people need to observe social distancing, proper hygiene practices, abstain from public gathering, and other such regulations.

Read Also: Pandemic not slowing down, say Fed Govt, WHO

“The palace understands the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on businesses, and the way of life of people, that is why we are with them during this time of dire need.

“At a time like this, I urge all Nigerians to remain united in their day-to-day dealings with one another, irrespective of tribe or religion. Together we can defeat this pandemic and have things return to normalcy,” he said.

The monarch also commiserated with the bereaved family of late Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo, and other victims of the pandemic.

He urged concerned federal and state authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property in his domain.

According to him, there is no better time to come together to stem the prevailing incidents of cult-related violence and other forms of insecurity than now.

Wike distributes protective kits to 257 schools

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

Ahead of resumption of schools for exit classes, the Rivers State Governor, Nyeson Wike, has distributed COVID-19 protective kits to 257 public schools in the state.

Wike, who distributed the items acquired by his government, said the move was in line with the guidelines for resumption of schools.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, said his government attached premium to the education and health of Rivers children.

Read Also: Schools’ reopening: Will ASUU resume?

Banigo said the sanitary and hygiene kits consisting of hand sanitizers, gloves, face masks,  detergents, running water buckets, and disinfectants were part of government’s effort to ensure that students were not infected with the coronavirus.

She said: “The Wike administration is concerned about the education and health of children of the state. He does not want anyone to be infected with COVID-19”.

“This is why the Governor has provided all these kits in preparation for the resumption of public schools in the state in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines”.

Kano: 360 Islamic clerics pray against virus, insecurity

By Fanen Ihyongo, Kano

At least 360 Islamic clerics and Imans on Friday prayed in Kano State for God to save Nigeria from insecurity and Covid-19.

The special prayer session, held in Government House, Kano, was organised by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to mark the Arafat Day, in compliance with the Prophetic Tradition on how prayers are accepted by Allah (God).

The governor said more of such prayers will make the Coronavirus pandemic vanish in the country.

Read Also: Okowa: let’s pray for Nigeria

“We are here for two reasons: We are all aware that Covid-19 is a trial from Almighty Allah. We can see how many nations of the world are suffering and battling with the pandemic.

“After doing our best -in terms of prevention and cure, it is absolutely necessary for us to pray hard against it so as to have Allah’s blessing and mercy, to be able to live and see to the end of the pandemic.

“Secondly, because of the security challenges faced by this country, we are also praying for Allah to save all the states from the insecurity that is plaguing the country.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Abba Anwar, urged all Imams in Kano to pray for the state and country during Eid and Juma’at prayers on Friday.

How COVID doctor Stella Immanuel was sued for alleged malpractice after patient’s death

Agency Reporter

The US-based doctor who went on television touting hydroxychloroquine as a cure for coronavirus  is said to have been  once sued for malpractice after one of her patients allegedly  died with a meth needle in her arm.

According to the Daily Mail of London, the family of Leslie Norvell took  Dr. Stella Immanuel to court claiming her negligence resulted in the death of the patient.

Norvell had complained about a methamphetamine needle that broke off in her arm.

The claimants said Norvell  went to the Sabine Medical Centre  where Immanuel was working and was given only medication.

No attempt was made to remove the needle fragment that had broken off inside her arm and both Immanuel and another doctor who attended to the patient failed to take a closer look at her arm or alert authorities ,they alleged.

Read Also: China denies hacking US COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna

Norvell,the lawsuit further claimed,returned home but had to go to another hospital  later  when she had so much pain

It was in the other hospital that  the needle fragment was removed.

A flesh-eating infection in her arm allegedly caused her death six days later in February 2019.

Police were unable to serve the doctor with the lawsuit in April because she no longer worked at the medical facility.

The report said the police  had no idea that Immanuel  had moved to Texas where she made the  claim that hydroxychloroquine is a valid coronavirus treatment despite global trials suggesting otherwise.

The 55-year old Cameroonian in her video which has gone viral  claims that the anti-malarial drug would stop the COVID-19 in 30 days.

He says: “I’m kind of used to these medications,’ Immanuel said in the video. ‘When they started saying it was dangerous, I was like, what? Because we give it to babies, pregnant women, elderly people. Everybody takes it. Hydroxychloroquine works.

“You don’t need masks. There is a cure. You don’t need people to be locked down.”

Dr. Immanuel’s video message has been shared on social media by President Trump and his son Donald Jr.

The American leader has said he’s a ‘big fan’ of Dr. Immanuel.

“I was very impressed with her and other doctors that stood with her,” Trump told reporters Wednesday before traveling to Texas. “I think she made sense, but I know nothing about her.”

OUI chancellor calls for dissolution of task force

Agency Reporter

The Chancellor and Founder of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, -Ife North Local Government, Dr. AbdulRahman Adegoke Adedoyin, has made a case for the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.

Adedoyin was speaking against the backdrop of the increasing daily expenses being announced by the task force with no commensurate positive result on the lives of Nigerians either in the reduction of the cases of Covid-19 or the release of palliatives to the people.

Read Also: Time to rejigger COVID-19 presidential task force

According to him, if the government has any intention of releasing monetary palliatives to people, such should be done directly through the BVN and not through government officials who will end up misappropriating the funds.

Speaking on the calls for the reopening of schools by some stakeholders, Adedoyin opined that if the increasing figures being rolled out daily by government task force on Covid-19 is real, it would be unsafe for schools at all levels to resume at this time. “As far as I am concerned, to live is better than to die,” he noted.

Apostle Johnson Suleman Releases Fresh New Month Prophecies And Prayers

The General Overseer and Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has released fresh and first prayers/prophecies for the month of August.

The Nigerian televangelist who is known for his monthly word of prophecies and prayers, at exactly 12:01 am, on August 1 took to his verified account on the microblogging site, Twitter, to proclaim new month blessings on his followers and on all those that believe in the power of prayer.

Apostle Suleman prayed to God to restore to his children all that has eluded them from January to the new month. He also prayed that Almighty God will do something new in the life of all those that trust in him.

“This 8th month of the year, may you get all that has eluded you from January..this august, things shall augur well for you..8 stands for a new beginning..may the Almighty God do a new thing(Isaiah 43.19) in your life/family this month in Jesus Name…happy new month,” the respected clergyman prayed and prophecised.

See the tweet below;

This 8th month of the year,may you get all that has eluded you from January..this august,things shall augur well for you..8 stands for new beginning..may the Almighty God do a new thing(Isaiah 43.19) in your life/family this month in Jesus Name…happy new month..

— Apst Johnson Suleman (@APOSTLESULEMAN) July 31, 2020

Meanwhile, a Nigerian pastor and founder of Prophet Ebelenna Chukwu Ministries, Prophet Ebelenna Chukwu has said he will shut down Nigeria’s biggest reality show, Big Brother Naija, better known as BBNaija, Naija News reports.

COVID-19 : List Of States With New Cases Of Coronavirus, Discharged Patients And Deaths Recorded

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on Friday night confirmed four hundred and sixty-two new cases of Coronavirus disease in Nigeria.

According to the health agency report, only 1 COVID-19 related deaths was recorded in Nigeria on Friday, July 31.

The newly reported cases increased the overall cases of the pandemic in Nigeria to 43,151, while 19,565 people have been discharged from the dreaded disease. So far 879 COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded in 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Naija News understands.

The newly reported cases from 16 states of the country were found as follow; FCT (93), Lagos (78), Plateau (64), Kaduna (54), Oyo (47), Ondo (32), Adamawa (23), Bauchi (19), Rivers (9), Ogun (9), Delta (9), Edo (7), Kano (6), Enugu (6), Nasarawa (5), Osun (1)

See below the breakdown of states with confirmed cases of COVID-19; including active patients, discharged patients and deaths recorded in Nigeria.

Confirmed Cases by State

States Affected	No. of Cases (Lab Confirmed)	No. of Cases (on admission)	No. Discharged	No. of Deaths
Lagos	15,121	12,781	2,148	192
FCT	3,803	2,639	1,122	42
Oyo	2,760	1,447	1,286	27
Edo	2,292	410	1,800	82
Rivers	1,791	301	1,438	52
Kano	1,597	286	1,258	53
Delta	1,510	108	1,359	43
Kaduna	1,457	269	1,176	12
Ogun	1,394	276	1,095	23
Plateau	1,188	650	519	19
Ondo	1,155	583	548	24
Enugu	807	364	425	18
Ebonyi	785	165	596	24
Kwara	753	521	213	19
Katsina	742	262	457	23
Borno	613	9	569	35
Gombe	607	60	524	23
Bauchi	560	27	520	13
Abia	545	114	426	5
Osun	524	246	266	12
Imo	468	340	119	9
Benue	346	282	58	6
Bayelsa	328	28	279	21
Jigawa	322	3	308	11
Nasarawa	317	86	223	8
Niger	223	78	133	12
Akwa Ibom	221	93	121	7
Adamawa	163	69	85	9
Sokoto	154	1	137	16
Anambra	135	48	75	12
Ekiti	132	75	55	2
Kebbi	90	4	79	7
Zamfara	77	1	71	5
Yobe	67	5	54	8
Taraba	54	43	11	0
Cross River	45	33	9	3
Kogi	5	0	3	2

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100 Happy New Month Messages, Wishes, Prayers For August

Good morning Nigeria and welcome to the month of August, the eighth month of the year 2020.

A happy new month to you, your friends and your family from Naija News Team.

Being a new day of a new month, many expect good wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.

Below are some new month prayer points and messages you can send to friends, family members, and loved ones.

1. Don’t worry about the past months, this month will end in praise. Just be hopeful. Happy new month.

2. Sweetheart! Never lose focus, remain positive and speak power to your life. You shall overcome, dear. Happy new month.

3. All shall be made perfect in your life and God shall mend all the pieces of your life. Happy new month.

4. As the month cooks up, I pray that you’ll never be defeated by the enemy and your life shall be spiced up with unique wisdom and understanding. Happy new month.

5. May the days of this month be free from trouble for you and may your eyes see good days always. Happy new month.

6. As the month loads all good things, may it be all yours. Happy new month.

7. From today, till forever. Let all that you do yield you gain without loss. Happy new month.

8. May you triumph victoriously in this month and you shall not be replaced of your position. Happy new month, my Dearest.

9. As you always smile, you shall continue to smile. I love you, baby. Happy new month.

10. This new month. You shall receive extraordinary favour from man and from God. Happy new month sweetest.

11. May your trust in God increase and may He uphold you till the end sweetie. Happy new month to you, love.

12. Uncommon things beyond human imaginations shall take place in your life. Happy new month.

13. As you begin this month, may it launch you into the ocean of wealth, a beautiful beginning and a wonderful ending. Happy new month.

14. I’m glad it’s a new month Darling. New things shall unfold in your life. Happy new month.

15. If you’ve started on the wrong path, this month shall place you in the right lane and keep you graced to achieve your goals. Happy new month.

16. May this month speak GRACE, May this month spread JOY and May this month shower EVERLASTING LOVE on everything you do. Happy new month.

17. May you hear pleasant news of Joy that will keep your soul calm. Happy new month.

18. My love! May this month sing sweet melodies that will keep your soul joyous forever. Happy new month.

19. Sweetie! I toast to better days ahead, a month of fulfilments, fruitfulness and happiness. Happy new month.

20. This month, I pray that you shall be of value, be useful and remain blessed all the days of your life. Happy new month.

21. My princess! All that you desire shall be granted to you in this month. I love you. Happy new month.

22. May God specially attend to your situation this month, and your family’s too. Happy newest month.

23. It shall be well with you all that is yours this month and beyond. Happy newest month.

24. The doors of blessings shall be opened for you & your Family throughout this month, and forever. A happy new month to you all from me.

25. May you continue to dwell within the cover of Almighty this month and forever. Have a blessed month.

26. No traces of sadness shall be linked to your home this month but you shall enjoy the best of God. Have a glorious month.

27. As long as there is God in Heaven, you will never know shame but joy everlasting. A happy new month to you.

28. Every spirit working to re-position your destiny shall perish by fire and you shall overcome all challenges in this month.

29. This shall be your best month and the following months shall be better. Enjoy the best of the month!

30. Of all that will testify around you at the end of this month, you shall take the lead. Happy new month to you.

31. Your wealth and miracles will arrive this month, and your peace and joy shall be permanent. Happy birthday to you.

32. As from today, you will rise above limitations and you shall testify to God’s goodness in all that concerns you. Happy new month.

33. Your success this month shall attract celebrations. Watch out for the best. Happy new month.

34. The devil will not hack into the secret of your success this month and forever. Have a blessed month.

35. The evil ones shall not manipulate the password to your JOY and FAVOUR this month. Enjoy the best of the month.

36. YOU and your FAMILY are born to win and rule and so shall your testimony be this month. A happy new month to you and yours.

37. Remain blessed. Remain unshaken. The Lord has got your back this month. A happy new month to you.

38. I see this month answering all your heart desires. Be expectant. Happy new month.

39. This month, your expectations shall not be cut short and your testimony shall not be hindered. Happy new month.

40. In all that you will do this month, God shall be your guide. You shall succeed. Happy new month.

41. Honey! I pray that this month soars you to height unimaginable and floods your life with evidential blessings. Happy new month dear.

42. The opportunity of seeing a new month is not experienced by all but it’s here and you’re opportuned. May your joy increase. Happy new Month My Love.

43. At the dawn of this month, your happy beginning shall not end with sadness. Happy new month, baby.

44. A new month is here again. New plans, structure and timetable are made but having all, I pray that all the days of this month gives you uncommon victory. Happy new month darling.

45. My Dear, I pray that all your experience this month will bring your dreams to fulfilment. Happy new month, love.

46. May your days be bright and may this month radiate beautifully in all you do. Happy new month my love.

47. My treasure! A beautiful month, beautiful days and constant greatness are what I pray for you this month. Happy new month, my Dearest.

48. Sweetheart! My greatest desire for you this month is that all your pending request be answered with extra blessings. Happy new month Darling.

49. Gradually, the weeks would roll away but I pray for you that you’ll roll in this month with great success in all ramifications. Happy new Month sweetie.

50. Let me begin by saying. Baby! Happiness, peace, love, goodness, and mercy shall never take a break from your life. Love you, dear. Happy new month love.

51. You won’t cease being the best for people around you this month and forever. A happy new month to you.

52. This month, and beyond, may you be the definition of God’s grace. Amen.

53. As you start this month, success shall be yours in all your endeavours. Happy new month, dear.

54. Your life shall not lack grace and mercy, this new month. A happy new month to you and yours.

55. You shall enjoy favour everywhere you turn to this month and throughout this year.

56. You shall greatly increase on every side this month. A happy new month to you.

57. All through this month, I pray you shall experience peace, prosperity, and visible progress on every side. A happy new month to you and yours.

58. Every step you take this month shall lead you to unspeakable testimonies, in Jesus name. Happy new month.

59. Like never before, your efforts shall attract envious results, even as you start this new month. Amen.

60. As we watch the day unfolds and nobody is able to stop it, so shall your hopes, dreams, and aspirations be unstoppable this month and beyond. A happy new month to you.

61. When this month ends, everything will turn around for your good. Watch it and believe it! A happy new month to you from me.

62. This month, you shall be a point of reference, a channel of blessings, a symbol of desirable successes and a celebrated achiever. Amen. Happy new month.

63. Stay permanently blessed and have a blissful month. It’s your month of joy. Happy new month, dear.

64. This month, the voice that parted the Red Sea shall make a way for you where you think there is no way. Happy new month, dear.

65. The Lord that brought water out of rock will open the doors of unimaginable blessings for you this month and beyond. A happy new month to you and your family.

66. By the grace of God, every unpleasant event shall answer to a miracle this month. Have a blessed month.

67. Among your peers, fresh testimonies shall be your portion this month. Enjoy every moment of the new month.

68. Accelerated favour shall locate you and irreversible success shall be your daily experience this month. Best of the month to you!

69. You shall laugh over every situation this month and tears of sorrow shall never drop from your eyes. Have a blessed month.

70. Your moment of struggles shall give way to seasons of laughter and so shall it be for you this month. A happy new month to you.

71. Whatever has made you wander around in the past months will turn around this month and make you a “wonder” to your generation. Happy new month.

72. Everywhere you go this month, may you enjoy divine favour in Jesus name. Enjoy it.

73. This new month, I pray you will be divinely connected for greater exploits in Jesus name. Happy new month.

74. As you start this month, may all ordinances and laws are written contrary to your destiny be shattered into pieces in Jesus name. A happy new month of victory.

75. By the Grace of God, all you have ever lost in times past will be restored to you this month. Be expectant! Happy new month.

76. This month, God will increase and multiply your harvest. You will testify to God’s goodness in all you do. A happy new month to you.

77. Throughout this month, you will testify overall situations by the power in the name of Jesus. Happy new month.

78. Good things will not be scarce in your life throughout this month and beyond, in Jesus Mighty Name. Happy new month.

79. As you start this new month, nothing will remove the radiant Glory of God over your life in the name of Jesus. Happy new month.

80. As the sun rises every morning, so shall your greatness emerge throughout this month and forever, in the same of Jesus. Happy new month.

91. From this month, the Almighty God will command the Heavens and the earth to act in your favour, in all you do. Happy new month.

92. For you and all yours, the glory of the later months of this year shall be greater than the former, in the name of Jesus. Happy new month.

93. This month, God will speak for you in every way and you shall testify to His Goodness. Happy new month.

94. Like never before, Heaven will open for your sake this month and blessings from above will locate you. A happy new month to you.

95. Whatever you say or do this month shall be seasoned with favour. Have a blessed month ahead.

96. God’s presence shall be your daily abode throughout this month. I wish you all the best of the month.

97. Throughout this month and beyond, no evil shall fall upon you and your family in Jesus name. All the best!

98. very power set to crumble your way and your household’s shall be shattered.

99. Under a divine declaration, begin to advance, begin to make it, begin to proceed as you begin this month. I wish you all the best.

100. Things of joy will not cease from your home this month, and throughout this year. A happy new month to you and your family.

Please note that the messages contained in this article were not originally compiled by this author but were edited where necessary.

Ebonyi governor recovers from COVID-19

By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, has recovered and tested negative for COVID-19.

The governor confirmed this in a statement he personally signed on Friday.

Read Also: PHOTOS: Abia Gov Ikpeazu recovers from COVID-19

He disclosed that his daughter and three of his close aides also tested negative for the virus.

The governor thanked God for his recovery and the people of Ebonyi State for their prayers and support.

Rattled Johnson sends police after social distancing, mask wearing violators

Agency Reporter

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, confirmed on Friday that coronavirus case numbers were ‘creeping up’ and he was determined to slam the brake pedal on easing lockdown.

Accordingly, the lockdown loosening planned for today has been pushed back to August 15 “at the earliest” while mandatory wearing of face coverings will be extended in England to include galleries, cinemas and places of worship.

There will also now be a greater police presence to ensure people wear masks and comply with social distancing.

Read Also: Violators of safety protocols at airport risk jail term, says Fed Govt

The Office for National Statistics estimates there are now 4,200 new infections every day, up from 2,000 per day at the end of June – and as a result, the government had no choice but to delay the further reopening of the economy.

The PM said: “until August 15 at the earliest casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and the remaining close contact services must remain closed, indoor performances will not resume, pilots of larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will not take place and wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted but ceremonies of course can continue to take place in line with Covid secure guidelines.”

COVID-19: FG receives medical supplies worth N26bn from EU, UN

By Moses Emorinken, Abuja

The Federal Government on Friday took delivery of the second batch of medical supplies worth N26bn from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN).

The supplies, which will further boost the country’s fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic and provide the much needed protection, especially for frontline health workers, were purchased with UN Basket Fund for COVID-19 response.

The medical supplies included 500,000 face shields; 200,000 goggles; 100 oro-pharyngeal airways; 10,000 bio-hazard bags; and 14,000 safety boxes.

Read Also: FG receives $890m grant to combat HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria

A statement by the Director of Information, Media and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health, Olujimi Oyetomi, disclosed that the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF), Dr. Sani Aliyu and the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, received the commodities at the cargo section of Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.

The statement said in part: “The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire today, Friday, 31st July, 2020 joined the National Coordinator of Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu at the Cargo Section of Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja to receive medical supplies from EU contributions worth N26 Billion.

“Mr. Alexander Borges – Gomes, the Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria who coordinated the handing over of the Medical Supplies, disclosed that the items were procured through the One United Nations COVID-19 Basket Fund from a significant contribution from the European Union of €50 Million (N26 Billion).”

Stranded Nigerian girls in Lebanon plead for evacuation home

Agency Reporter

Twenty Nigerian girls, who are currently stranded in Lebanon, have sent home a save our soul (SOS) message pleading for evacuation home. The Nigerians want President Muhammadu Buhari and spirited individuals to bail them out of their ordeal.

In a video that has gone viral, the girls appear locked  up in one room .

They regret travelling to the Middle East country.

It is not clear what part of Lebanon they are and how they got there.

Theirs is the latest report of Nigerians facing hard times in Lebanon and want a return home.

A 31 year old Nigerian Temitope Ariwolo was evacuated home from Lebanon three weeks ago after news of her ordeal in that country reached Nigerians.

Temitope and 21 other Nigerians stranded in Lebanon were evacuated to Abuja by the federal government.

Read Also: 60 pardoned Nigerian prisoners stranded in Ethiopia

She was initially stopped from leaving for Nigeria and subsequently charged for stealing and attempted murder of her employer after the story of her maltreatment was broken  by Aljazeera television.

She was beaten by Mahmoud Zahran, the husband of her employer, Feyzeh Diab, on April 25 in their Choueifat residence, south of Beirut.

Savouring her fresh freedom, Temitope said: “I am happy being home. Going to Lebanon was like (going to) a hell.

“Nobody knows that will happen there. I advise other Nigerian girls to stay here in Nigeria and try to make it, because going outside there was like hell for me, not only in Lebanon.

“What I experienced in Lebanon, I don’t even pray for Satan to experience .

She spoke to reporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

Three months ago, 50 female victims of trafficking and 19 other persons who were stranded in Lebanon were similarly brought back home by the federal government.

Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama acknowledged the support of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese community in Nigeria in ensuring safe evacuation of the affected persons.

No further details were given on the evacuees

A Nigerian female victim of trafficking in Lebanon, Peace Ufoma, had been rescued in April after she was put up for sale on a social media platform by Wael Jerro, a Lebanese man.

2023: Will Otti dump APGA?

By Sentry

There is palpable anxiety among chieftains and members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State over rumours that have refused to go away despite denials by some of those concerned. Fears that the party’s flag bearer at the 2015 and 2019 governorship elections, Dr. Alex Otti, may have concluded plans to leave the party is causing ripples within his party.

While it is still convenient to describe the worrisome information as a rumour, Sentry learnt that the body language of some players on the political scene across the state is daily making the story more believable. Not even statements by some aides and allies of the APGA candidate have been able to put the matter to rest. As it is, many chieftains and members of the party are already wondering what the party will look like if Otti should leave.

To further compound the state of anxiety in Abia politics, chieftains and members of the two leading political parties in the state, especially the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), are also eager to know where Otti would be heading should he finally dump APGA.

The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is not left out of the waiting game, as all and sundry keep wondering whether Otti will leave APGA or not.

Bauchi’s manna from heaven

By Sentry

Politics in Bauchi State is currently front page news as Governor Bala Mohammed and former House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, continue their face-off.

Dogara recently parted ways with the governor and PDP after months of internal bickering. Sentry gathered the disagreement between the two erstwhile allies may have turned a blessing in disguise for the ‘innocent’ people of Dass/Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro Federal Constituency represented by the legislator.

Sources say since the Mohammed/Dogara face-off started, people in the constituency have been smiling home with largesse being showered on them by the feuding politicians and their supporters, all in a bid to win and or retain their loyalty as the crisis rages.

Read Also: Dogara rejoins APC as Buni woos more PDP leaders

Checks indicate that a good number of PDP leaders and members in the area will soon follow Dogara into APC. This is something the governor and his allies in the area will not have happen.

During the week, some politicians from Dass/Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro Constituency paid a solidarity visit to Mohammed in Bauchi. It is needless to say they went home smiling after assuring the governor they remain loyal to him.

Sentry also gathered that PDP faithful in the area were ‘well taken care of’ by the government and party in commemoration of the Sallah celebration. Also, Dogara and his allies are said to have concerned themselves with the welfare of both PDP and APC members in the constituency unlike before.

A Slow But Sure Way of Fixing the Problem of Bad Leadership in Nigeria!

Everyone living in Nigeria knows that when it comes to leadership and governance, Nigeria, as a country, has failed.

 

Nigerians, as a people, have also failed. If there is one thing lack of leadership and proper governance has done to Nigerians, it is that many people in Nigeria are living their lives and going about their daily duties with little or no expectations from their elected leaders. There’s no electricity? We buy generators or fix solar panels in our homes. No security? We pay local vigilantes to watch over our neighbourhood at night. Bad roads? Nigerians find a way to manage it. Bad economy? Everyone will find a way to survive laslas. Bad policies? We cry for a while and then adjust.

The ripple effect of Nigerians solving their own problems is reflected in the way many Nigerians are not actively involved in the political happenings of the country, the lackadaisical attitude we have towards governance, and the huge disparity between the governors and the governed. Those in positions of power are now invincible – a bunch of thieves who cannot be prosecuted by the law and are not accountable to the people.

While it is good to be a problem solver and an independent individual who does not have to ‘wait’ for the government to provide basic amenities for you to thrive – which is their job anyway, Nigerians have failed to look into and understand the systemic policies and actions that drive and aid those elected into power. This nonchalance to political systems, governance, and elected persons has aided a rotten political – and leadership – system and has created an environment where politics and leadership positions are seen as avenues to embezzle funds and get rich quick.  That is why when we (citizens) vote, we watch out for that candidate that ‘looks good and morally upright’, a candidate that looks and sounds like he won’t steal funds and has the interest of the people at heart. What we fail to look into is the system they are going into. A political system that makes thieves and monsters out of people we perceive to be ‘morally upright’.

Haven’t we noticed a pattern? The majority of people in leadership positions in Nigeria steal and cheat the people they are meant to govern. It isn’t political alone and it doesn’t have to be a powerful position. These little actions of thievery are reflected in that mechanic that takes charge of your car. That landlord that wants to rent his ‘mai-guard’ house for 400,000 Naira. That taxi driver that insists on collecting 12,000 Naira from Ikorodu to Lekki. The more advanced forms of thievery will be seen in those SUG executives in the university who do not fight for students but keep enriching their pockets and living like millionaires on campus. The CLO of an NYSC group that stole money for the project and pocketed the monies meant for all the corp members. The Manager of an organisation who refuses to pay salaries and travels to Dubai every second. The LGA Chairman whose Local Government Area does not have streetlights or good roads, yet he keeps buying houses and cars on taxpayer’s money.

The most advanced form of thievery is the most glaring. It is also the one where Nigerians are powerless. Like where the NDDC Acting-Chairman, Daniel Pondei, pretended to slump while being interrogated on why funds were mismanaged. Like Asari Dokubo saying that the embezzlement of 81 billion Naira by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission is “mere pickpocketing”. Like a snake or monkey swallowing millions and millions of Naira. Like other business owners being stifled because you want to give one person market monopoly.

Every system in Nigeria – from the lower class, to the middle class, and then the upper class reeks heavily of corruption. This is proof that corruption in Nigeria is not about who we elect or do not elect, it is about the system we have allowed and encouraged through the years. As long as this system is beneficial to those in power and detrimental to the common man, we will go through the charade of voting every four years and not experiencing any positive change.

To change this wretched system is to, first, change yourself and your perception towards leadership and money. There is no fast money anywhere, we all have to learn to work, exercise patience, and let our work fetch us money. If, as a SUG executive or CLO of an NYSC group, you are already embezzling funds meant for a project, how much more when you are made a Local Government Chairman or a governor?

To pay attention to Nigeria’s political system, we have to start by paying attention to the political system of secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and the National Youth Service Corps. That is where many of our thieving politicians sprung from. “They are just small boys and girls stealing small money”. No, these small boys and girls will hold powerful positions in the future and eventually suck the country dry. It is the little rocks that build up to become an insurmountable mountain. As we learn to walk our way through the many hurdles the Nigerian government throws at us, we have to learn to demand more from them.

This should start with your Local Government Representative. Do you know him/her? Do you know who is representing you at the House of Reps? Do you know your senator? Do you know your commissioner, minister, perm sec, the Directors of government institutions – like NNPC, FIRS, NIPOST, the Inspector General of Police, and so on? We can demand accountability, professionalism, and transparency from the people at the lower rung of governance and politics before demanding from the President. When we fix these ‘little institutions’, we can demand more at higher levels. Corruption is not just the Federal Government recovering funds that they cannot account for anymore, or the state governor introducing terrible policies and making money off the discomfort of citizens. Corruption is also the Chairman of the Landlord Association taking part of the contributed money, meant for the development of the estate, to buy Benz. Don’t leave him for God, let him face the law. Let him be accountable. That way, when he is given bigger roles, he would know that stealing other people’s money has grave consequences. If the SUG president embezzles funds meant for the students, get him arrested. Let him face the law. In the future, he would be wary of stealing people’s money.

Before you vote for a candidate who “has the fear of God”, remember that an ex-Governor, James Ibori, who spent years in prison for stealing came back to Nigeria and had thanksgiving in church. So many politicians also cry and faint just to get the sympathy of Nigerians. Don’t let any politician bobo you. Voting for people we think are ‘good’ has done us more harm than good. The best way to have an economically sound and corruption-free nation is to change the political system we operate, starting from the smallest political and leadership positions.

The post A Slow But Sure Way of Fixing the Problem of Bad Leadership in Nigeria! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Are You an Aspiring Member of #Suit&Tie Twitter? Here’s How to Be the Perfect Subject Matter Expert the Nigerian Way

Thanks to technology and the digitalisation that has swept through (this part of) the world, the workforce paradigm has shifted from being just certificate-based to skill-based. This means that we now live in a society where acquiring digital skills is very important if you want to scale in your career. It doesn’t end there. You also have to be vocal online, offer value, invest in personal branding, and network to gain the recognition you deserve.

One thing about acquiring skills, in Nigeria, is that you have a lot of people who are willing to teach you how to do this or how to do that. If you open your social media pages, you will see a lot of people claiming to be experts and organising one event or another on how you too can become a guru like them.

We live in a country where everybody is now an expert in his/her field, you too can be a part of the geng. We have these awesome tips for you. Let’s do it the Nigerian way:

Carve your niche

In Nigeria, you can be an expert on anything. However, you have to pick one or two. All you have to do is think of what you like doing or what you have passion for and voila! You’re now an expert. So, do you like making nails? You can become a nail expert. Is Twitter your favourite app? Nothing stops you from becoming a Twitter expert – otherwise known as influenza. Are you good at boiling water or making noodles? There you have it… Noodles expert! The idea is to convince people that you know your onions and you can teach them.

 

Have little knowledge

To be an expert, you don’t have to know so much –  just the basics. With time, you can easily wing it as you go. In order to pull this stunt of winging it, you have to make Google or YouTube your friend. So when someone asks you a question you don’t have an answer to, you can easily search for the answer.

Fun fact: A lot of people are too lazy to source for information themselves, so your secret is safe. 😉

 

Aspire To Perspire

Look, you cannot be an expert if you are not a good orator. How will you convince people that you are the best person for the job? You have to be able to inspire them to aspire to get to the level you are, so they can pay you to help them acquire your skill(s) and level of expertise.

 

Create a LinkedIn Profile

An expert with no LinkedIn account? Couldn’t be us. One of the ways to recognise some Nigerian experts is through their LinkedIn account. The first to note is the peng picture where they are standing, bone-faced, their arms folded at their chest region. Then their bio will have keywords like ‘strategists’, ‘professionals’, ‘consultants’ ‘proven track records’, ‘expertise’. Once you can achieve these two – peng photo, ghen ghen bio – you are already on your way to being an expert.

Social Media Presence Popping

What do they say about personal branding? The way you present yourself is the way you will be addressed. To be an expert in Nigeria is to be intentional about your brand, the kind of pictures you take, and the kind of publicity you give yourself. Want to be an expert? Have a sound social media presence. Let people know you. Become popular. Across your social media pages, dish out inspirational quotes, career tips, news of people who have done amazing things in their career and let people know you can take them to the next level.

Masterclass, Webinar Loading

Masterclasses, webinars, WhatsApp and Telegram community are the latest things in town. If you are not doing any of these, you’re not an expert yet. Nigerian experts love to organise masterclasses, seminars, and webinars. The good thing about them is that they don’t do this for money, they are so passionate about helping young people scale through in their career – and every other aspect of their lives. That is why these masterclasses, seminars, and webinars are usually free. That is also why the information they share are things you cannot get anywhere else in the world. You can’t learn this on Google! I’m the best at what I do, Geng!

Network, Network, Network

If my friend is an expert, then I am an expert too. You don’t have to know so much, just be in the right circle and let your friends push your hustle. Being an expert means knowing the right person in your field. Do you know how to make Semo well and you want to be regarded as an expert in Semo making? You have to know – and befriend – someone who is publicly regarded as an expert in Semo making. This ‘expert’ will constantly give you a shout-out, you’ll have several collaborations and be a part of an inner circle. It doesn’t matter if your Semo has tiny lumps in them, your networking will open the ‘expert doors’ for you.

Have a tribe

A tribe is a group of like-minded people who have access to exclusive information on how to make it in life. If you don’t own a tribe, you have to return your ‘expert badge’. To be an expert, you have to have your own tribe. Your own tiwa n tiwa. These people will pay a monthly subscription fee – that is not expensive at all, they will then have exclusive information, tips. They will be able to network and have special connections. If you don’t have a tribe, you can’t sit with experts.

Ready to be an expert? Follow these tips and you’re good to go.

The post Are You an Aspiring Member of #Suit&Tie Twitter? Here’s How to Be the Perfect Subject Matter Expert the Nigerian Way appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

How I survived the cold war in Afghanistan — Nigerian-born officer honoured by US Navy for honesty

Lieutenant Victor Agunbiade was recently honoured by the United States Navy for effectively managing its largest overseas cash disbursement office, handling about $45 million (about N17 billion) and gave a perfect account of $23 million (about N8.7 billion) across six rigorous inspections and independent audits with zero discrepancies. For his exemplary exploits, he was awarded the Navy and Marin Corp Development Medal. Agunbiade,  who was also named in 2018 as the Navy’s 2018 Officer Recruiter of the Year alongside 17 others and honoured at the annual Recruiter of the Year ceremony in Washington D.C. tells DAVID ADENUGA how unwavering determination and resilience have kept him going in the face of so many battles.

How was your childhood?

I was born into an Anglican family as the only male child in a family of seven. I hail from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. I had a very happy childhood, though I am from a humble background. One of the earliest memories that are engraved in my mind is that of waiting for my dad to come home from work on his bicycle. On his arrival, “The old man would put me on his lap, ask me how I fared in the school work of that day and what homework I came home with. While we did my homework together, my father would use the opportunity yet again to remind me to always keep these three things in my mind: aspiring to be the best in all my endeavours, remembering to learn something from everyone I passed through in life and respecting the people I met in life irrespective of status. He would say that some lessons are painful and some are painless, yet all are priceless because they would add to my experience. That advice stuck into my head, and I would use them as a benchmark to set targets for myself in everything I do and to always have it in my sub-consciousness not to undertake anything I do with a mere symbolic gesture.

My father taught me each passing time to be confident and how to choose the right path in life.

What is your educational background?

My father being a trained teacher knew the importance of education when he enrolled me at a tender age in Christ Church Primary School, Porogun, Ijebu-Ode Molode; the Anglican school the church founded to ensure that its members’ children could commence learning at a tender age. On completion of my primary education, I moved to Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu-Ode, where I completed secondary education.

Propelled by the importance of a well-rounded education, I gained admission into Ogun State College of Education, Igbeba Campus Ijebu-Ode for my A-Levels. Thereafter, I gained admission into then University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, now Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria to study Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. I served in Kastina State in 1997, where I taught Biology and Agriculture at Katsina Secondary School. After my National Youth Service Corps in Katsina, I returned to Somolu, Lagos where I was employed as a Parent-Teacher Association teacher at Baptist High School, Obanikoro, Lagos. A few years later, I was employed by Governor Tinubu’s administration in Lagos as Agricultural Research and Planning Officer with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture. I decided to quit on the 8th of February 2003 for further education. This time, to pursue a business programme at Kensington College of Business, London. Unfortunately, I was denied British entry visa three times, even with documented evidence of having paid the required tuition fees and having provided a bond agreement issued by my sponsor. The British Consular concluded that I would not return to Nigeria after my studies. With that disappointment, having resigned my employment with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, I remained unemployed for four years before I eventually travelled to the United State on February 16, 2007 with an Immigrant Visa.

Did you feel like giving up after you were denied British Visa thrice?

That was my wilderness experience. I have to depend on God each day for my daily bread. My faith in God kept me through. I knew it would soon pass and I held unto my dream. I came to a resolute conclusion that only death can stop me from reaching my goal. I wrote it on the wall of my room that “I will reach my goal.”

What were the challenges you faced?

I had financial challenges because I had used all my savings to pay for the school in England and there was no job to return to. My father also died on July 20, 2003 and was buried on July 26, 2003. It was a big loss to my life because he was my go to person. I had to start all over again. It was my darkest hour.

How did you find your way to the US?

I travelled to America on family sponsored Immigrant visa on February 16, 2007. On landing and settling down, I prayed and committed my career plan into God’s hands.

Was it always your dream to become a naval officer?

I had a dream in which I saw myself in a US Navy war ship, and I knew that was the answer to my prayers.

After much deliberation and due diligence, I decided to join the US Navy as a store keeper on the 27th of February 2008. The Navy then provided opportunity to go back to school where I pursued a degree in Economics and an MBA before becoming a commissioned officer in 2013.

You were deployed in Afghanistan in 2013. What was the experience like?

I can’t really talk much about that because of what I did there. Yes that was combat, real combat, and I lost some friends there. But I have put Afghanistan behind me!

Was there any threat to your life at any point in your career?

Well we all face threats to our lives each day, but my faith in God has always been my fortress. “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.”

What came through your mind when you learnt about the honour done to you by the US Navy?

Well, I was actually very excited, fulfilled with great sense of accomplishment and primarily gratitude to God.

Nigerians will like to know your toughest mission and how you survived it.

My toughest mission was Afghanistan. I followed through all I was taught in training – perseverance, dedication and strength! I look beyond myself and I made it through prayers and faith in God. I had good team and great leadership that provided awesome guidance and structures.

Why did you choose to serve in the US Navy and not in the navy of your beloved country Nigeria?

Like I said earlier, I joined the US Navy because it was a divine leading. I never had the desire to join the navy until I dreamt about it while I prayed about my career path when I relocated to the US.

How are you able to balance the role of a naval officer with that of a father and a husband?

Well. I have great support at the home front! I have great support from my family, my wife and children, and that makes it aso easy for me to be able to balance work and family. We go on vacation together and I spend lots of time with my family when I am not working.

What do you love to do when you’re off the battlefield?

I spend time with my family. I also like sports; soccer to be precise. I am an Arsenal fan for life. I like NBA, American football, athletics, travelling and reading.

What strategy do you think Nigeria should employ to win the fight against insurgency?

I really don’t know what methods Nigeria military are using to fight the insurgents, but I am very positive that they could do better if they are well equipped and well taken care of.

If invited home to help in the fight against insurgency, would you honour it?

That has to go through my job; if the Nigerian government requests that.

What are the awards you have won?

I won the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal 2020, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal   2019,   Navy