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May 16, 2020

Nigeria records 288 new cases of COVID-19

Nigeria records 288 new cases of COVID-19 - Voice of Nigeria

Nigeria has recorded 288 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, 179 of the new cases were discovered in Lagos alone. 20 in Kaduna, 15 in Katsina, 15 in Jigawa, 13in Borno, 11 in Ogun, 8 in Kano, 7 in FCT, 4 in Niger, 4 in Ekiti, 3 in Oyo, 3 in Delta, 3 in Bauchi, 2 in Kwara and 1 in Edo.

Nigeria now has 5445 confirmed cases of the viral disease. 1320 patients have so far been discharged while 171 deaths have so far been recorded.

Nigeria records 288 new cases of COVID-19, 179 in Lagos alone
May 16, 2020

Coronavirus lockdown pushes Germany into recession

COVID-19 pushes Germany into recession - The Nation Nigeria

Germany is officially in recession after official figures released on Friday May 15, that showed that the European country's economy shrank by 2.2% in the first three months of this year.

The figures released by the federal statistics authority Destasis, also showed revisions to 2019 fourth-quarter figures from zero growth to a contraction of 0.1%. This meant that Germany's GDP growth has been negative for two successive quarters, the technical definition of a recession.

The first quarter figures are only a partial indication of how much the Coronavirus pandemic has harmed Europe's largest economy.

Though experts had expected a contraction of around 2%, the drop is not as bad as in some of its neighbours, such as France which has seen a decline of 5.8%, and Italy which reported a 4.7% fall. This was aided by Germany's 16 states' decision to allow factories and construction sites to stay open, as well as an unprecedented rescue package by the government.

Germany had imposed restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and this remained in place through early May. It also drastically reduced exports and consumer spending.

Employment figures remained stable in the first quarter. The coronavirus outbreak had only a "modest" effect on employment between January and March, the agency said, partly thanks to Germany’s reduced-working-hours program, which allows firms to keep workers at home without laying them off.


May 13, 2020

Zenith Bank CEO admits COVID-19 will severely impact banks

Home Page - Nigeria Business News |Nigeria Financial News ...

The CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, has corroborated earlier forecasts and reports about how the COVID-19 pandemic is bound to adversely affect the Nigerian banking industry.

Speaking to CNBC Africa, Onyeagwu stated that one of the most immediate impacts of the Pandemic is the fact that the oil price crash will have negative implications for banks’ revenue targets.

“In terms of banking, the drop in the price of crude is affecting directly the exposure that banks have created in the oil and gas sector. Revenues are challenged now, no doubt. And you have a situation where revenues are challenged, the obvious next step will be for you to restructure,” Onyeagwu stated.

He also noted that the situation will remain very challenging until there is a vaccine to remedy the virus. For now, efforts are being made to flatten the curve by preventing further spread of the virus. And while this effort continues, banks are not expecting much growth. He said:

“In this moment too, as far as banking is concerned, we are also going to experience the fact that we don’t expect a situation where there will be growth in loan books. Loan growth will be challenged. World Bank’s screen now is on different sectors of the economy and how the COVID impacts them restructuring the loan book. The Central Bank has even given a dispensation to this effect, asking banks to come up with the  various proposals they have for the restructuring of the loan book.”

He then disclosed that there have been some positives arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, Zenith Bank has recently witnessed a massive increase in the number of businesses being transacted through various digital channels. Apparently, customers who were hitherto disinterested in digital banking are now showing interest.

The Zenith Bank CEO then clarified that the pandemic is not only affecting the banking industry alone. It affects every aspect of the economy, he said.

“In a situation where you have a lockdown of the economy, if you lock down all the agents, there is no way business volumes will not be bad or impacted.”

Zenith Bank’s profit before tax rose by 3% to N58.7 billion in the first quarter of 2020, according to an earlier article published by Nairametrics.


May 13, 2020

Khoe Kardashian reacts as she's called out following speculations, she's pregnant for Tristan Thompson again

Tristan Thompson's Reported Reaction To Khloe Kardashian Dumping ...

Khloe Kardashian is the number 1 trend on Twitter as people called her out and demanded she apologizes to Jordyn Woods following speculations that she's expecting another baby with ex-boyfriend, Tristan Thompson.

Khloe publicly called out Jordyn Woods after she was filmed partying with her baby daddy Tristan following the birth of their first child together, True Thompson. As a result, Jordyn, who was a good friend of the Kardashian family, became estranged from the family.

Khloe also broke up with Tristan but they have now reconciled and are reportedly quarantining together. Khloe even recently discussed freezing her eggs with Tristan's sperm to ensure a second baby on a recent episode of the family's reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Well, for some reason, social media users believed Khloe is pregnant with her and Tristan's second child and they took to the platform to criticize her.

They called her a clown and a hypocrite for shaming her sister's best friend Jordyn. They also accused her of making Kylie let go of her best friend, while Khloe refused to let go of the man who cheated with the same best friend.

 

The Good American co-founder has now reacted.

She tweeted: "I don’t go on social platforms much these days AND this is one of the main reasons as to why I stay away. The sick and hurtful things people say. I am disgusted by so many things I am seeing. SMH people swear they know everything about me. Including my uterus. Sick.

"The nasty things you’re saying about me over A RUMOR! I have seen so many hurtful/despicable stories and tweets about me over a false story. And if it were true.... it’s MY LIFE, NOT YOURS.

"Funny how picky&choosy some can be with who and how you feel others should live their lives. I believe people should focus on their own lives/families, put energy into bettering the scary world we are currently living in, and try projecting positivity as opposed to nastiness."


May 13, 2020

Federal Executive Council approves revised 2020 budget

FEC Approves Additional N318bn for Revised 2020 Budget ⋆

The revised Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2020 budget has been approved by the Federal Executive Council.

The revised budget is based on $25 per barrel of crude oil at a production rate of 1.94 million barrels per day.

Recall that the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed said that the revision will be based on declining international oil prices and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. She had also hinted that the federal government will drop the oil benchmark from the initial $57 per barrel to $30.


May 13, 2020

President Buhari appoints 75-year-old former External Affairs minister, Ibrahim Gambari, as new Chief of Staff

JUST IN: Buhari Appoints 75-Year-Old Ibrahim Gambari As Chief Of Staff

President Buhari has appointed former Minister of External Affairs, Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, as his Chief of Staff.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha announced the appointment before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting this morning, May 13th.

Gambari takes over from late Abba Kyari who died on April 17, following complications from COVID-19 infection.

The new Chief of Staff was born on November 24, 1944 in Ilorin, Kwara State, and served as Minister for External Affairs when President Buhari was military Head of State between 1984 and 1985. He holds the record of being the longest-serving Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (January 1990 to October 1999), and altogether served under five Heads of State and President. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari

He was subsequently appointed by the former Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, and the chairperson of the African Union Commission as Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur in January 2010.

On March 4, 2013, he was named by the Kwara State governor, AbdulFatah Ahmad, as the pioneer Chancellor of the Kwara State University.

Gambari attended King's College, Lagos. He subsequently attended the London School of Economics where he obtained his B.Sc. (Economics) degree (1968) with a specialization in International Relations.

He later obtained his M.A. (1970) and Ph. D. (1974) degrees from Columbia University, New York, USA, in Political Science/International Relations.

He is married with children and grandchildren.


May 11, 2020

Madagascar’s herbal cure for COVID-19 sent to Nigeria

Madagascar's COVID-19 cure drugs sent to Nigeria

Nigeria is set to receive Republic of Madagascar's herbal drug 'COVID Organics (COV)', which the country's leaders said cures and prevents Coronavirus.

The Nation reported that Nigeria’s consignment has been sent to Equatorial Guinea from where it will be airlifted to Abuja. It was gathered that African countries were divided into zones for ease of transportation, leading to freighting of Nigeria’s consignments to Equatorial Guinea.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has been notified of the offer from Madagascar and arrangements are being made to bring Nigeria’s allocation to Abuja.

While some health officials are pushing for clinical trial of Covid Organics before being used in the country, there is reportedly pressure on the Federal Government by different medical and scientific organizations to allow the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) subject the drug to further analysis.

 

The Nation source said;

“The consignments of the drug are being distributed to different countries in Africa based on zonal grouping. We have been told that Nigeria’s consignment is in Equatorial Guinea from where it will be airlifted to Abuja.

 

“When the herbal drink is brought into the country, we will know the next step. But some medical and scientific organisations are pressurising that the drug be subjected to clinical trial.

“Some countries like Tanzania, Congo-Brazzaville, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea have subscribed to the drugs. Also, while South Africa has offered to conduct a scientific analysis of the drug, Senegal said it will subject it to clinical trial.

“I can assure you that the Federal Government will take the best decision on the drug in the overall interest of Nigerians.

“Before any food or drug can be administered in this country, there are certain protocols that must be followed. The government will not circumvent these protocols. We want solution; we want the best for Nigerians.”

Recall that on April 28, the Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha said the nation was ready to give Madagascar’s herbal drink a trial.

Mustapha said at that time;

“I want to assure you that whatever is happening in the world, we are mindful of it and we are keeping a tab.

“I was reading of the experiences in Madagascar– of why everybody is drinking some solutions that have been prepared. This morning I was sharing with my wife, and I told her that probably I would request that Mr. President allow us import a plane load for a trial.

“We are all navigating an unchartered cause. Nobody has ever been on this road. So, every attempt to find solution that would bring succour to our people, be rest assured that this task force is very responsible and we would do everything to ensure that we get what will benefit our people, what will help them in the processes that we find ourselves today.”

This is coming after the World Health Organisation (WHO) maintained that the efficacy of the drug was unproven.


May 11, 2020

248 new cases of Coronavirus recorded in Nigeria

Nigeria: Coronavirus - Nigeria Records 248 New Cases, 17 Deaths ...
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The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced that a total of 248 new cases of Coronavirus has been confirmed in different states in the country.

A breakdown of the new cases across states in the country is as follows; 81-Lagos, 35-Jigawa, 26-Borno, 26-Kano, 20-Bauchi, 13-FCT, 12-Edo, 10-Sokoto, 7-Zamfara, 4-Kwara, 4-Kebbi, 2-Gombe, 2-Taraba, 2-Ogun, 2-Ekiti, 1-Osun, 1-Bayelsa.

The NCDC also rectified an error it made in its announcement on Saturday May 9. According to the health agency, FCT recorded 13 discharged cases and 2 deaths on May 9, 2020 and not 32 discharge cases as earlier announced.

As at Sunday May 10, Nigeria has a total of 4399 cases of Coronavirus. 778 patients have been discharged and 143 have been recorded.


May 08, 2020

Nigeria records 386 new COVID-19 cases, total now 3, 912



Confirmed cases of coronavirus have increased to 3,912 in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known on Friday.
The centre also said 386 new cases were recorded in the country.
NCDC said, “On the 8th of May 2020, 386 new confirmed cases and 10 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
“No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
“Till date, 3912 cases have been confirmed, 679 cases have been discharged and 117 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory
“The 386 new cases are reported from 20 states- Lagos (176), Kano(65), Katsina (31), FCT(20), Borno(17), Bauchi(15), Nasarawa (14), Ogun(13), Plateau(10), Oyo(4), Sokoto(4), Rivers(4), Kaduna(3), Edo(2), Ebonyi(2), Ondo(2), Enugu(1), Imo(1), Gombe(1), Osun(1).”
Data obtained from the NCDC showed that 68 per cent of those infected with the virus are males while 32 per cent are females.
It also showed that how 61 per cent of COVID-19 patients contacted the virus is not known.
While the country has a recovery rate of over 17 percent, about 80 percent of the cases in the country are active.

May 08, 2020

Father and son involved in the killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery were arrested at their home by heavily-armed officers



This is the moment the two white men involved in the killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery, were arrested at their home in Brunswick, Georgia.
Heavily-armed officers with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrived at the home of ex-cop Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis McMichael, 34, at around 7.50 pm and led them out in handcuffs.
The father and son were booked into Glynn County Jail on charges of murder and aggravated assault.
Their arrest comes days after a graphic video of Arbery's final moments was shared online this week, prompting a national outcry from people who called for the suspects to be arrested and charged.
In the video, Arbery was seen jogging in a white neighborhood when he was stopped by McMichael and his father in a white pickup truck. McMichael was armed with a shotgun. Arbery ran around the
After at least two shots, the men continued struggling over the gun, until Arbery stumbled away, and then collapsed to the ground. He was later pronounced dead.

May 08, 2020

190,000 people could die in Africa if Coronavirus containment fails – WHO



The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that about 190,000 people in Africa could die of Coronavirus in the first year of the pandemic, if containment of the disease fails.
In a new study carried out by the agency's regional office in Brazzaville, it was found that between 83,000 and 190,000 could die and 29 to 44 million be infected during the period. The research is based on prediction modelling and covers 47 countries with a total population of one billion.
AFP reported that though spread of the virus has been slow across the continent which has not yet recorded the soaring number of infections or deaths seen in Europe, the United States and other places, experts have consistently warned that Africa is particularly vulnerable to an outbreak, due to weak health infrastructure, high rates of poverty, numerous roiling conflicts and a proven susceptibility to previous epidemics.
The statement released by the UN agency on Thursday reads in part;
“The model predicts the observed slower rate of transmission, lower age of people with severe disease and lower mortality rates compared to what is seen in the most affected countries in the rest of the world.
“The lower rate of transmission, however, suggests a more prolonged outbreak over a few years.”
WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti added;
“While COVID-19 likely won’t spread as exponentially in Africa as it has elsewhere in the world, it likely will smoulder in transmission hotspots”.
“COVID-19 could become a fixture in our lives for the next several years unless a proactive approach is taken by many governments in the region. We need to test, trace, isolate and treat.”
Africa has so far recorded 53,334 cases and 2,065 fatalities — out of a global death toll of nearly 267,000

May 08, 2020

Supreme Court nullifies Orji Uzor Kalu’s conviction



The Supreme Court has nullified the judgment which convicted former Abia state governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Ude Udeogo, the former Director of Finance and Accounts during Kalu's administration.
Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Ude Udeogo were arrested and jailed for diverting N7.6 billion belonging to the state government during their time in office.
Justice Idris Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court in Lagos on December 12, 2019, sentenced Kalu to 12 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of N7.1bn fraud charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Udeogo was also sentenced to 10 years.
Displeased with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Kalu and Udeogu filed an appeal to challenge their sentencing at the Supreme Court.
The apex court, in a unanimous verdict by a seven-man panel of Justices led by Justice Amina Augie, held that the Federal High Court in Lagos acted without jurisdiction when it convicted Kalu, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and former Director of Finance in Abia State, Jones Udeogu. It held that trial Justice Mohammed Liman was no longer a judge of the Federal High Court as at the time he sat and delivered the judgement that convicted the defendants for allegedly stealing about N7.1billion from Abia state treasury.
The apex court, therefore, ordered the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the case for trial.
Kalu served as the Governor of Abia State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.

May 07, 2020

Nigeria records 381 new COVID-19 cases, total now 3,526



Nigeria has recorded 381 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 3,526.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known via its verified Twitter handle on Tuesday.
It tweeted, “On the 7th of May 2020, 381 new confirmed cases and four deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
“No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
“Till date, 3,526 cases have been confirmed, 601 cases have been discharged and 107 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The 381 new cases are reported from 17 states – Lagos(183), Kano(55), Jigawa(44), Zamfara(19), Borno(9), Bauchi(19), Katsina(11), Kwara(8), Kaduna(7), Gombe(6), Ogun(5),Sokoto(4), Oyo(3), Rivers(3), Niger(2), Akwa Ibom(1), Enugu(1), Plateau(1).”

May 06, 2020

195 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria as total number hits 3145



195 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Nigeria on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
According to Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC, out of the 195 new cases of COVID-19, 82 were recorded in Lagos, 30 in Kano, 19 in Zamfara, 18 in Sokoto, 10 in Borno, 9 in FCT, 8 in Oyo, 5 in Kebbi, 5 in Gombe, 4 in Ogun, 3 in Katsina, 1 in Kaduna, and 1 in Adamawa.
Nigeria now has 3145 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 534 patients have been discharged from various Isolation centers across the country, while 103 deaths have been recorded.

 195 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria as total number hits 3145?

May 06, 2020

Paulo Dybala finally recovers from Coronavirus six weeks after he was originally diagnosed



Juventus forward, Paulo Dybala has fully recovered from coronavirus six weeks after he was originally diagnosed.
The Argentine forward confirmed on March 21 that he and his girlfriend, Oriana Sabatini, had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The 26-year-old, who had previously failed four tests announced on Wednesday that he has finally recovered fully from the virus. But he didn't reveal if his girlfriend was now virus free.
He posted a message on Instagram that read: "My face says it all, I'm finally cured from COVID-19."
A statement from the Juventus also declared that: 'Paulo Dybala performed, as per protocol, a double-check with diagnostic tests (swabs) for Coronavirus-Covid 19, which came back with negative results.
'The player has, therefore, recovered and will no longer be subjected to the home isolation regime.'

May 06, 2020

I am worried, I see danger ahead- SGF, Boss Mustapha, warns as Nigerians continue to flout COVID19 guidelines



Boss Mustapha, chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Boss Mustapha, says he is worried and sees danger ahead as the ease of the lockdown entered day three today.
At the press briefing of the taskforce in Abuja today, Mustapha says the outright disregard for all COVID19 prevention guidelines only potent danger for Nigerians even as the battle against COVID19 continues.  In his words
Today I am a little bit sober because of the dangers that I see ahead and I referred to it in my speech.
I said early assessment of the ease of lockdown phase, indicates that Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the deadliness and the virulent nature of COVID19 and this gives us concern on the high possibility of increased shedding of the virus to hitherto unaffected persons and populations.
I went ahead to mention some of the worries. One of it is total disregard for the protocols that government has issued which includes social distancing, wearing of mask, personal hygiene, ban on inter state travels. We have just thrown them to the wind.
I concluded with a very subtle reminder that the overall assessment of compliance with the measures and the outcome of models we have developed, point in the direction of danger ahead.'' he said
He added that the only way the danger ahead can be averted is for everyone to have personal discipline, increased awareness and enforcement.
The one-month lockdown by President Buhari was eased off on Monday May 4 and was largely characterised by outright disregard for all COVID19 prevention guidelines.


May 06, 2020

German government gives Bundesliga greenlight to restart football matches in second half of May amid Coronavirus pandemic


German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has given the German Bundesliga the go ahead to restart football towards the second half of May as the nation eases lockdown rules amid the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The government has permitted the league to restart, but all players must be quarantined for a week before the football action can resume and matches will be played behind closed doors with maximum of 322 people present.
The Bundesliga will now decide whether to resume on May 15, which is the earliest the season could restart or May 22.
According to German publication, Bild, the government told the Bundesliga in written documents that 'they can pick a date within the second part of May'. The earliest option available would see the first action played on May 15.
The decision was finalized during Wednesday's meeting chaired by Merkel and leaders of German states.
According to the new rules agreed in the meeting, players will be tested on a regular basis for symptoms of coronavirus while strict health and hygiene measures will be implemented at all the stadiums where the nine rounds of the Bundesliga season will be played.
Merkel commented in the documents: 'We have talked about sports and recreation and the Bundesliga, which will be able to resume operation soon.'
Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer has urged the division's players to act responsibly.
'I am speaking consciously of the football family and football matches, because the fact that advice will be given on the restart of the federal leagues and, if possible, a decision is likely to have consequences for all of football, right down to the many amateur clubs and the youngest generations - and beyond also for many other sports,' Neuer wrote for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
'Even from other European countries, and indeed all over the world, people will be looking at us. This is an enormous responsibility for us, which we must be aware of with every fibre. We must be aware that it is also important to us now.'

May 04, 2020

Nigeria records 245 new COVID-19 cases, total now 2,802



Nigeria has recorded 245 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 2,802.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known on its website on Monday.
It added that the number of patients that have died from coronavirus-related complications has increased to 93.
It said, “On the 4th of May 2020, 245 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria. No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
“Till date, 2, 802 cases have been confirmed, 417 cases have been discharged and 93 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The 245 new cases are reported from 16 states- Lagos(76), Katsina(37), Kano(23), FCT(19), Jigawa(32), Borno(18), Edo(10), Bauchi(9), Adamawa(6) Oyo(5), Ogun(5), Ekiti(1), Osun(1), Benue(1), Niger(1), Zamfara(1).”

May 04, 2020

Zenith Bank records rise in profit with N58.7 billion in Q1 2020



Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, with profit before tax rising by 3 per cent to N58.7 billion.
According to the unaudited account which was presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday, the Group’s profit before tax improved 3 per cent from N57.3 billion in the prior-year period to N58.8 billion in March 2020.
The increased profits benefited from the twin effects of continuing top-line growth and focused cost-of-funds optimisation.
The Bank’s cost of funds declined significantly from 3.0 per cent in March 2019 to 2.6 per cent in the quarter, translating to a 10 per cent decrease in interest expense dropping from N36.3 billion in March 2019 to N32.8 billion in the quarter.
Despite this drop, the low yield environment necessitated the repricing of interest-bearing assets which in turn resulted in a 13 per cent compression in net interest margin, decreasing from 8.9 per cent in March 2019 to 7.7 per cent in the current period.
The Group also recorded a 6 per cent increase in Gross Earnings from N158.1 billion in March 2019 to N166.8 billion for the period. This top-line growth was driven by the 43 per cent expansion in non-interest income from N32.7 billion in the prior-year period to N46.6 billion in March 2020.
Customer deposits increased by 5 per cent from N4.26 trillion in December 2019 to N4.46 trillion in the current period. The customer deposit mix rebalancing remains on-track as the Group added N150 billion in savings account balances in Q1 2020, supported by its retail drive. The Bank’s total assets increased by 12 per cent growing from N6.35 trillion in December 2019 to close at N7.13 trillion in the current period. In the quarter, gross loans grew by 11% from N2.46 trillion in December 2019 to N2.74 trillion within the period.
Consistent with this performance and in recognition of its track record of excellent performances, Zenith Bank was voted as the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria 2019 by the World Finance and the Best Digital Bank in Nigeria 2019 by Agusto and Co.
The Bank was also recognised as Bank of the Year and Best in Retail Banking at the 2019 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards.
Recently, the Bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria, for the third consecutive year, in the Banker Magazine “Top 500 Banking Brands 2020”, Best Bank in Nigeria 2020 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards 2020, and Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020.

May 04, 2020

COVID-19 responsible for mass deaths in Kano – Presidential team



Dr Nasiru Sani Gwarzo, leader of the Presidential Task Force Committee on COVID-19, has said that the novel Coronavirus is responsible for the mysterious deaths recorded in Kano state in recent times.
Gwarzo who disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday May 3rd, said tests carried out so far, established that COVID-19 was the cause of the mass deaths.
“Let me inform us that most of the deaths recorded of recent and test carried out showed that coronavirus was the cause. So, before the final report which would be ready in the next one week or few days, it is necessary for people of Kano to wake up from their slumber that this is a serious issue.
We need to know what is happening. We are successful in identifying what the problems are and secondly, we are happy on the level of cooperation the private sector and other stake holders. Many people have come out to support the state. We cannot expand our investigation until we are certain.
We have five cogent reasons to say that the mass death recorded in Kano is associated with coronavirus” he said
There have been concerns about the COVID-19 cases and the increasing deaths in the state. President Buhari last week, gave a matching order to the Gwarzo-led Presidential Task Force to unravel the cause of the mysterious deaths in Kano and also to contain the spread of the virus in the state.

May 04, 2020

Kano is in trouble, we started fight against Coronavirus on a shaky foundation - Governor Ganduje cries out



Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has expressed fears about the growing cases of Coronavirus in Kano state.
In a press statement released by Ganduje's Chief Press Secretary Abba Anwar, on Sunday May 3, the Kano Governor said the state is in trouble because they started the fight against Coronavirus on a shaky foundation.
He also blamed the delay in testing suspected cases for the increased cases of Coronavirus in the state.

Ganduje said;
“There is no doubt that Kano is in trouble. And there is no doubt that we started on a shaky foundation. When samples were taken to Abuja for 7 hours and came back again in 7 hours, that was the shaky foundation I am talking about.
“We then lodged our complaint to President Muhammadu Buhari, who ordered for the establishment of a Testing Centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, which after take-off was shut down for some days if not weeks. That was what escalated the transmission of the disease up to community transmission.
“But with the coming back of the AKTH Testing Centre and the addition of Bayero University, Kano that has the capacity of testing about 200 samples per day now, with the coming of Dangote Mobile Testing Centre of 400 samples capacity, we are making headway in facing the crisis squarely.”
The Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu who was present at the event reassurred Kano residents that the health agency has not left them to their fate.

Ihekweazu said;
“I just want the people of Kano to understand that we have not left you. We are behind you hundred per cent.
“I want to assure you that, by the time we hear from the findings of Dr Nasiru Sani Gwarzo’s team from the Presidential Task Force, for the days they have been here, we will have more solutions that we will use in solving the problems from Kano.”
This is coming after Dr Nasiru Sani Gwarzo, leader of the Presidential Task Force Committee on COVID-19 said that the novel Coronavirus is responsible for the mysterious deaths recorded in Kano state in the last few days.

May 04, 2020

Clarence Peters speaks up for the first time following the death of video vixen, Kodak at his studio



Clarence Peters has finally spoken for the first time following the death of video vixen, Love Divine, aka Kodak, who was allegedly electrocuted in his studio.
The music video director took to Instagram to release a statement. In it, he narrated how Kodak died and also paid tribute to the late dancer whose tragic death occurred on Wednesday, April 29.
Since her death took place in Clarence's studio, some social media users expected him to react soon and they took to his old posts on Instagram to question him.
After reports Clarence Peters was called in for questioning and the death of Kodak is being investigated as a murder (read here), Clarence's long-time girlfriend responded to defend him (read here). Also, a crew member who was present when Kodak died defended Clarence (read here).
Clarence has now spoken up to defend himself and mourn the dead.

He wrote on Instagram:
On the 29th of April 2020, Love Divine Ike (Picture Kodak) was in the dance studio, on the premises of Capital Dreams Pictures, with 5 other team members and myself - 7 people in total.
At about 7:30 pm on the same day, while in another office - a building beside the dance studio, on the same premises, some people who were said to be with Love Divine at the time, rushed in and called my attention to the fact that Love Divine had collapsed.
We immediately rushed her to the nearest hospital, which refused to let us into their premises, let alone admit her. They assumed she was a Covid-19 patient.
We tried, but we were not able to gain entry into a second hospital. We eventually got her to a third hospital where she was pronounced dead 30 minutes after arrival.
I was not physically in the same room as her when the incident occurred, and when I inquired, I was told by those present at the scene that Love Divine, while taking a break from the dance session, was sitting on one of the metal sliding door rails, charging and using her phone plugged to an extension box.
The witnesses didn’t realize anything was wrong, until they saw she had laid down, and they noticed smoke coming from her chest area.
She was said to be electrocuted, her phone was found on her chest, with severe burn marks, and the phone’s imprint on her chest.
The witnesses were taken to the Ojodu Police Headquarters straight from the hospital where statements were taken and the phone (which had traces of burnt flesh on it) was deposited.
The following day, the Police conducted an examination of the body and were taken to the scene of the incident for further examination.
The Police are currently carrying out a full-scale investigation into the events that occurred, and an autopsy will be carried out, with the full permission and consent of her family.
Please note that no one has been charged or arrested, by the Police. The witnesses and I willingly made ourselves available to the Police and we have all pledged our full co-operation, through every part of this process. I will be helping out in every possible capacity.

He continued:
Love Divine and the entire WestLifeCrew was a huge part of Capital Dreams Pictures, and losing her hurts us all deeply.
She was an exemplary person, and a legend in her own rights. We will miss her very much.
Words will never be enough to describe what her family is going through in these things trying times. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and I ask God to grant them all the strength & fortitude at this time.
This is a truly difficult time for us all, and we’re asking for a lot of patience and goodwill from the general public, in these difficult times.
May God help us through this.

May 03, 2020

Kidnappers release twin children of popular Ibadan islamic cleric



Abductors who kidnapped the twin children of popular Ibadan-based Muslim cleric, Sheik Taofeeq Akeugbagold, have released them after eight days in captivity.
The Sheikh announced the release of his children via his Facebook page this morning.
“ALHAMDULILLAH! AT 5.30 AM OF SUNDAY 3RD MAY, MY ABDUCTED TWIN KIDS ARE RELEASED TO ME BESIDE A BUSH AFTER 8DAYS IN AN UNKNOWN LAND. THANKS TO U ALL FOR FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT, JAZAKUMULLAHU KHAIRAN. ABERE MI BO SINU OKUN, OLOUN YO PADA FUN MI.” he wrote
On Saturday April 25, gunmen stormed Sheik Taofeeq Akeugbagold's home in Ibadan, Oyo state and abducted his children. They contacted Taofeeq asking for £100, 000 ransom.
Yesterday when LIB spoke with him, he said he was in talks with the abductors to reduce the ransom.

May 03, 2020

Coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide - Pope Francis



Leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has called for international scientific cooperation so that every country of the world will benefit from a Coronavirus vaccine when it is made.
The Pope who was speaking from the papal library at the Vatican while delivering his Sunday service address today, said any successful vaccine developed should be made available around the world to benefit all of humanity.
Pope Francis also thanked all those around the world, providing essential services.
"In fact, it is important to unite scientific capabilities, in a transparent and impartial way to find vaccines and treatments," he said.
''It is also important to guarantee universal access to essential technologies that allow each infected person, in every part of the world, to receive the necessary medical treatment."
Recall that World leaders pledged in April to accelerate work on tests, drugs and vaccines against the disease and share their findings, but the United States did not take part in the launch of the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative after Trump announced he was halting funds to the WHO over what his administration feels was the agency's pandering to China.
Coronavirus has infected nearly 3.5 million people and killed more than 240,000 people worldwide.

May 03, 2020

Nigeria records 220 new COVID-19 cases, total now 2,388



Nigeria has recorded 220 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 2,388.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known via its Twitter handle on Saturday.
It also announced that fatalities from coronavirus-related complications have increased to 85.
A breakdown of data from the NCDC showed that 17 patients died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours in Nigeria.
The data also showed that no new state reported a case in the last 24 hours.
It tweeted, “220 new cases of #COVID19:
Lagos – 62, FCT – 52, Kaduna – 31, Sokoto – 13, Kebbi – 10, Yobe – 9, Borno – six, Edo – five, Bauchi – five, Gombe – four, Enugu – four, Oyo – four, Zamfara – three, Nasarawa – two, Osun – two, Ebonyi – two, Kwara – two, Kano – two, and Plateau – two.
“2,388 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria. Discharged: 385; Deaths: 85.”

May 02, 2020

Nigeria records 238 new COVID-19 cases, total now 2,170


Nigeria has recorded 238 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 2,170.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced this via its Twitter handle on Friday.
It also said that 10 persons died of coronavirus-related complications in the country on Friday.
It tweeted, “On the 1st of May 2020, 238 new confirmed cases and ten deaths were recorded in Nigeria. No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
“Till date, 2,170 cases have been confirmed, 351 cases have been discharged and 68 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The 238 new cases are reported from twenty-two states- Kano (92), FCT (36), Lagos (30), Gombe (16), Bauchi (10), Delta (8), Oyo (6), Zamfara (5), Sokoto (5), Ondo (4), Nasarawa (4), Kwara (3), Edo (3), Ekiti (3), Borno (3), Yobe (3), Adamawa (2), Niger (1), Imo (1), Ebonyi (1), Rivers (1), Enugu (1).”

May 01, 2020

Premier League to restart season on June 12 with games to be played at neutral grounds amid Coronavirus pandemic



The Premier League will return on June 12 with games to be played behind closed doors at neutral grounds, if the Government gives the green light amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, a video conference meeting was held between the 20 “shareholder” Premier League clubs and they discussed the rules and regulations upon the return for training, as well as matches being played behind closed doors due to the global crisis.
According to The Sun, It was agreed at the meeting that matches will be held on neutral grounds away from congested urban areas as part of the league's 'Project Restart' plan to resume playing.
West Ham’s London Stadium including Arsenal’s Emirates and the Etihad home of Manchester City are likely going to be the final venues where the games will be played.  But no club will be allowed to play in their own home ground.
Premier League clubs are already planning to start some form of formal training from May 18, with a target for the return of games to resume the season on June 12.
The clubs agreed to meet again next Friday, and present the plan to the government for approval.

 Read the full statement below.
A league statement said: 'At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.
'The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers. The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.
'No decisions were taken at today’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding Project Restart. It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.'

May 01, 2020

Raymond Dokpesi Snr, and 7 members of his family test positive for Coronavirus



Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder of Daar communications, his daughter-in law, along with six members of his family, have tested positive for Coronavirus.
This is coming 3 days after his son and chairman of the board of the company, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr tested positive for the virus.
A test conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC on the Dokpesi family came out positive for eight members of the family
They have all been evacuated by the NCDC to the isolation centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada where his son is already receiving treatment
Reacting to the development, Dokpesi who spoke shortly after the arrival of the NCDC Ambulance, said he feels very well.

“I am of quite ok, i feel very well”, he said, an indication that his condition is still asymptotic
On Monday, his son, Raymond Jnr, tested positive for the virus and has been sent to the Isolation center in Abuja. Contact tracing immediately commenced with his family members including his father, High Chief Dokpesi and members of his household.
The test was later extended to senior management and members of staff who had been in close contact with the company’s index case.
The entire DAAR headquarters building sitting aloft the Kpaduma hills in Asokoro District Of Abuja have since been fumigated.

May 01, 2020

Kim Jong-Un reportedly makes first public appearance in 20 days amid death rumors



According to reports emanating from South Korea, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un has made his first public appearance in 20 days amid rumours that he could be dead.
The 36-year-old North Korean dictator, reportedly attended a project completion ceremony at a fertiliser factory in Suncheon, a city in South Pyongan Province, North Korea according to Yonhap, a South Korean paper.
The reports of Kim attending the ceremony originated from North Korean state media and haven't been verified by Western intelligence agencies or media agencies as North Korea only propagates information that favour’s the State.
According to Yonhap, Kim Jong-Un's sister - Kim Yo Jong, also attended but no pictures of the visit have been released. Even though such ceremonies in the past involved photographs as they were ribbon cutting ceremonies.
His health has been the source of much speculation in recent days.
Kim's health status has been a source of worry ever since it was reported he had surgery after presiding over an April 11 meeting.
On Friday, it was reported that a North Korean defector said Kim's death could be announced by North Korea in a week.