NIGERIAN NOTCH

... Says South East mustn’t cripple her economy while fighting the pandemic* The member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, *Engr. Chris Emeka Azubogu has called for a strategy adjustment in the fight against COVID-19 that must allow economic activities go on alongside.* Engr.Azubogu made the call last night as a discussant in his contribution during a Teleconference meeting organized on Zoom, courtesy of Global SESSNet [South East/South-South Network]. The Teleconference which had the topic: “COVID-19 - Turning a Crisis into Opportunities; where are our Governors?“ was hosted by Mazi Ezeoke in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with Daniel Elombah. The legislator christened “Mr. Project” by appreciative constituents on account of his unprecedented performance applauded efforts put in so far by the federal and state governments to win the war against the COVID-19 pandemic. He however observed that at the curve we are,

Six Councillors out of ten representing Aninri LGA were yesterday arrested by the Enugu State police command on the orders of the Council Chairman, Hon. Ezekiel Chukwu. The Councillors, who were quizzed by the Police include the Leader of the Council's legislative house, Deputy, Majority leader, the Chief Whip and two other members. Our correspondent, reports, that the six Councillors were marched to the state CID Enugu, from Ndeabor, were they went to witness the distribution of palliatives to some indigent persons by the Hon. Commissioner for Transport, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ekweremadu Jnr. It was however adduced, that the scenerio could not been unconnected to the disagreement between the six Councillors who accepted the leadership of the newly elected principal officers contrary to the wish of the Executive chairman of the council. Lately, Aninri legislative leadership election has been embroiled in faction ridden crisis, as six, out of the ten Councillors in the LGA, bel

Madagascar's President, Andry Rajoelina, confirmed on his Twitter account that Senegalese President, Macky Sall, congratulated Madagascar on the production of enhanced herbal drink, Covid-organics, and placed an order for the product. "Africa acts and protects itself against COVID-19. Thank you President Macky Sall for our exchanges and the confidence. Senegal congratulates Madagascar on the enhanced traditional remedy Covid-organics, and places a first order. Long live Africa and long live its natural  riches," the President's tweet read. Covid-organics is an enhanced herbal drink made by Madagascar's research body, IMRA, to fight against COVID-19. It is said to be preventive and remedial. Madagascar On Covid-19. Madagascar with a land mass of 587,041 square kilometers with a population of over 27 million people. Had it’s first corona virus cases on March 23rd with a total number of 9 confirmed cases in its first day. That looks like a looming dang

By. F. U. Edwards. When you want to compare two elements, it would be fair if the variables are of the same or are placed on similar condition. If two students, *Student A* and *Student B* writes an exam, and *Student A* performs beyond *Student B* in the exam,  it will never be wrong if *Student B* is scolded for performing badly. But what if *Student A and B* are writing same exam but in different centers, and in the center of *Student A*, the environment was calm and conducive as for an exam with extra time given to cross check all works before submitting the script,  while in the center of *Student B*,  five minutes into the exams,  there was a hitch which prompted a fight in the exam hall, guns were used and the police were involved which warranted the scripts to be collected and the exams ending abruptly. You see, it will only take the grace of God for *Student B's* performance to be at par with *Student A*. This is not excuse, it is reality. That is why professional

The IMO state Accountant General ( A.G) have assured the payment of all  workers and pensioners in the state hence pleaded that the delay so far was not deliberate but a move to correct the errors done by the past administration. Speaking to newsmen in Owerri the IMO state capital the Accountant General Sir Val Obieze said, "The IMO state government led by Sen. Hope Uzodinma is committed to better the lives of everyone in IMO state. Especially the worker's, civil servants and pensioners. No doubt, they should except their salaries payment this week". The new Accountant General for IMO State Sir Val Obieze maintained that the delay in the payment of some IMO workers and pensioners was as a result of some discovered irregularities created by the consultant managing the payment of pensioners and salaries under RT Hon. Emeka Ihedioha led administration. Again, according to Sir Val Obieze  he said," The consultant contracted by RT. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha administratio

ABBA KYARI: A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT - U.S GOVT The United States government has described the late Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari as a dedicated public servant and respected interlocutor for the American government. In a condolence message to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, eulogized the important role played by Kyari in the repatriation of over $300 million in funds stolen by former head of state, Sani Abacha. ‘‘Kyari was a valued and respected interlocutor for the U.S. government and particularly for our leadership team in Abuja. ‘‘We appreciate working with him on many important matters, including the return to the Nigerian people of over $300 million in funds stolen by Sani Abacha. ‘‘He envisioned the funds going to three geographically disparate infrastructure projects as a way to unite Nigeria economically,’’ Nagy said. The U.S. Assistant Secretary noted that this vision, encapsulat

.......tribute by Malam Mamman Daura_ Coronavirus is a law, yet lawless unto itself. As of yesterday it had claimed 183,424 lives worldwide and 28 Nigerians. One of those lives lost was Malam Abba Kyari’s, Chief of Staff to the President. Malam Abba succumbed to complications after contracting and recovering from Coronavirus a week today. Malam Abba Kyari was a man blessed with mountainous gifts and uncommon attributes of intelligence, diligence, hard work, loyalty to friends and worthy causes. One could exhaust superlatives to do him full justice. I first set eyes on Malam Abba about 47 years ago. I was at my desk at the New Nigerian newspapers office scribbling something or other when the gate messenger brought a sheet of paper with a name “Abba Kyari Chima” wanting to see the Editor. When he came in he looked winsome and slightly diffident. After pleasantries I wanted to know his reason for coming to New Nigerian. He said he read and liked an Editorial in the paper a few

By Okechukwu Onyegbu The claim by Chief Frederick Dike Ezenwata that he has cure for the deadly coronavirus has sparked off war between him and his community, Agulu, Anaocha LGA. Ezenwata, a herbalist, had in a media chat, alleged that he was empowered by God to use Sun and Moon to penetrate the universe and exterminate COVID-19 from the world within 14 days. “Corona virus broke out because Chinese people destroyed a certain shrine worshipped by their forefathers.  The spirit got angry and inflicted them with the disease.  But I can cure those already inflicted  by the virus as well as stop it from the earth forever through the Grace of God.  All I need to stop and cure corona virus within 14 days is for leaders to contact me on my phone numbers +2348069577403 or +2348078323043. They don’t need to see me in person.  I can cure it on air. “I am a renowned  World Weather Controller. I am a spiritual scientist.  I started controlling weather and healing the sick since 1976. I mou

Traders at electrical market Nnewi has extended a hand of fellowship and love to the less privileged in the society, to help them cushion the effects of the  extended lockdown, due to the corona virus pandemic ravaging the world. In his address while delivering the food items which included over 100 bags of rices, tin tomatoes and Noddle's, the Chairman of a section of the market, Kenneth Ofodum, thanked the state government for its efforts to keep the ravaging pandemic out of Anambra state. He told the people that the corona virus pandemic is real and its not a joke as it is being speculated in some quarters. He urged the people to help themselves by staying away from contacting the virus through the keeping of proper hygiene, washing of hands, and keeping of a safe social distance. He however stressed that the reason behind the sharing of the palliatives was to help the less privileged in the society, who can't afford to take care of their daily needs without going

Dr Elias Amann Okonkwo, an indigene of Ndiakwu Otolo Community, in Nnewi and a pharmacist, who happens to be the CEO of ELMAKO GLOBAL LINKS LTD, based in the USA has come to the rescue of his community, through the donation of palliatives for everyone living in his community. The National President of Ndiakwu Otolo community, Hon Jude Osumouh while distributing the food items, which include, beans, onions and yams, stated that the gesture from their illustrious son, was to help cushion the effects occasioned by the lockdown, due to the corona virus pandemic ravaging the world today, which has closed so many businesses. He commended the kind gesture of Dr Elias Amann Okonkwo whom he described as down to earth and humane, while relaying his message to the people, he said that Dr Elias also promised to do more if the lockdown continued, so as to address the issue of hunger in this trying time. He therefore called on other indigenes of the community who are well to emulate the

Peace and Progressive Association Nnewi (Aka Ibeto Chambers) a non governmental organization has through its grand patron Dr Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto(CON) has doled out 1000 bags of rice to Nnewi community to help cushion the effects of the lockdown in the area. The National President of the association Hon Prince Jude Osumouh, while distributing the palliatives, at the palace of Igwe Nnewi, HRH, Igwe K.O.N Orizu (OON) thanked the grand patron of the association Dr Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto for his good gesture in remembering his people at this hard times. He prayed that God will continue to enrich him in all spheres of his life, and give him the grace to do more. He said that the modalities, at which the 1000 bags of Rice was shared is 250 bags to each to Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi quarters because of the large number of people that came out for the palliatives. While speaking with Nigerian Notch, Founder of the association, Hon. Anaebue, said that Peace and Progressive as

The PDP has been fingered in the purported release by the office of Chief Press Secretary to IMO state government, about the re naming of IMO State University to Abba Kyari University. In a release made available to newsmen in Owerri the state capital, the Chief Press Secretary to IMO state government said that "The attention of the Office of the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor has been drawn to a fake news circulating on the social media, purporting that Governor Hope Uzodimma wants to rename Imo State University, Owerri, after the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari" He said that the author(s) of the fake news had not only credited to the governor what he could not have said, but they criminally wrote the name of his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku as the one who signed the purported statement. He said that since last weekend that Kyari passed on, the same persons have been issuing press statemen

The Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 Pandemic, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has acknowledged the mistakes made during the burial of Late Abba Kyrai, the former CoS to President Muhammad Buhari. In a press release made available to newsmen in Abuja, he said, that "The burial of the late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, on 18 April 2020, has attracted a lot of concerns from Nigerians over the non-adherence to the physical distancing measures and mass gathering restrictions at the Gudu Cemetery." He stressed that the non observance of physical distancing and the flouting of mass gathering restrictions at the cemetery were due to the failure of crowd control measures, which he said was regrettable. We acknowledge that mistakes were made, we have learnt from these mistakes and would ensure that future events are adequately regulated in accordance with the Presidential Task Force and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocols. It is however impo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, has urged members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 that were at the burial rites of Mallam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, to excuse themselves from the daily briefing. In a statement on Monday in Abuja, chairman of the council, Emmanuel Ogbeche, called on the members of the PTF which includes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Coordinator, Mr. Boss Mustapha, to demonstrate dignified responsibility by not putting journalists and others who attend the briefing in harm’s way by not attending. “Following the protocol already established by the PTF and the Presidency in asking all those who attended the funeral rites for the late Mallam Abba Kyari, former Chief of Staff to the President, the NUJ urges in particular, members of the PTF who were at the Defence House and Gudu cemetery, to respectfully not attend the daily Covid-19 briefing until after the 14 days isolat

By Emeka Nzeribe For, it is appointed man to die, once. It is better to rebuke a living to enable him mend his ways than to curse the dead as there is no repentance in the grave. I have kept mute since the death and burial of Mallam Abba Kyari. The more I want to keep mute, the more I read from my people, with majority speaking ill of the dead; the more am pricked to pen a piece and see if I could correct some wrong impressions, the more am weighed down. It has become our tradition to like or hate from the things we heard about a person either for the wrong or right reasons. Late Kyari wasn't much known before his assumption of office. His new role made him vulnerable as he was accused of almost all decisions which were taken by the government and president he served. How many of us pouring curses on him were privileged to meet him one on one during his life time? Before you hate or like a person, you must have come in close contact with that person to be able to have a good

Indigenes of Ndiakwu Otolo Community, in Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA of Anambra state, are indeed happy, to the pleasant surprise of getting palliatives to cushion the effects of the total lockdown, occasioned by the spread of Corona Virus Pandemic, which has been ravaging the world and killing people in there thousands. This surprise came from there son, in the person of Pharm Prince Chris Atuegwu, who in his magnanimity doled out 200 bags of Rice to help cushion the effect of the lockdown, which has affected businesses all over the world. He said the reason he came to the rescue was because of the evidenced hardship, the people are facing because of the closing of businesses to stop the spread of the virus. He asked them to manage it as its his widows mite to his people. The National President General of Ndiakwu Otolo Community, Prince Jude Osumouh, while distributing the palliatives, thanked Pharm Prince Chris Atuegwu for his good gesture in remembering his people at this hard t

Hon.Obinna Okechukwu reticulates water in NASPA Nnewi Market. The Chairman of NASPA Agboedo Nnewi, Hon. Obinna Okechukwu has added another feather to his cap, by the reticulation of water throughout the market, as a measure to ensure that the traders in the market protect themselves from the ravaging Corona Virus in the world, which is also inline with the directives of Chief Willie Obiano for everyone in Anambra to keep here hands clean to avoid contacting the virus. While interacting with Nigerian Notch over the weekend, he said, that the reticulation of water in the market became a top priority to his administration because of the importance he attached to cleanliness, which should be the bedrock of human existence. Hon Obinna stressed that the reticulation of water throughout the market was one of the many projects he has done in the market since he assumed office. He said that with the reticulation of water throughout the market the Anambra state fire service will not hav

Dr Uche Diala Since the first positive case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in Nigeria on the 28th of February 2020, a lot has happened with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. In this installment of my updates, I intend to attempt to crush the numbers, review how far we have come on our COVID-19 journey, where we are presently, and look at our road ahead and in so doing, maybe inspire a factual assessment of our situation and an objective and realistic conversation on our way forward. #FirstSomeData Number Of Positive COVID-19 Cases (Weekly Intervals). Source: NCDC 28th February - 01 22nd March - 30 29th March - 111 7th April - 254 14th April - 373 18th April - 541 #SomeKeyFacts ▪︎On the 20th of March, the Federal government banned all international flights coming into Nigeria. ▪︎On the 30th of March, the President ordered full lockdown of Lagos, FCT and Ogun for 2 weeks. ▪︎On the 14th of April, the lockdown was extended by another 2 weeks. #SomeAnal