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Death Of Major-General: Buratai, Others Self-Isolate As COVID-19 Scare Hits Nigeria Army

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), field commanders and other participants, who attended the Chief of Army Staff Conference have gone into isolation following the death of the GOC 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Maj. Gen. Olubunmi Irefin, who died of complications arising from COVID-19.

Irefin’s death caused panic in military circles, especially amongst those that attended the conference most of whom have undergone tests to ascertain their status.

It was also gathered that Buratai has barred participants at the conference from attending the wedding of his son, Hamisu, scheduled for today.

The late GOC fell sick last Monday at the beginning of the conference and was taken to a military hospital for treatment.

His health degenerated and he later died.

It was learnt that the army chief and some senior officers who attended the conference have undergone the COVID-19 test while others are in the process following an Army Headquarters’ directive.

A military source, who spoke anonymously to THISDAY, said many of the participants have taken the COVID-19 test while others are in the process.

It was further learnt that most of the commanders were told to conclude the isolation and treatment process in Abuja before returning to base except on medical clearance.

“Most of the participants have gone for the test and are awaiting the result. Others are in the process.

“We have many military hospitals in Abuja designated as treatment and isolation centres,” a senior military source said.

The military high command had at the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic designated 48 treatment and isolation centres in the six geo-political zones of the country.

The COVID-19 scare forced the army leadership to cancel the closing ceremony of the COAS conference.

In the first statement by the army yesterday, it said the cancellation followed the circumstances surrounding the health status of an officer, who tested positive for COVID-19.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform members of the public that due to resurgence of COVID 19 pandemic in the Federal Capital Territory in what appears to be a second wave of infection cycle and the unfortunate incident on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, where an officer participating in the ongoing Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 here in Abuja tested positive for COVID 19, the remaining activities of the conference have, therefore, been immediately cancelled.

“All the participants have been mandated to immediately proceed on self-isolation in line with the federal government’s protocol for COVID-19 and to prevent any further spread of the disease,” the statement, signed by the army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sagir Musa, said.

But the report says most of the senior officers and some participants who attended the conference have undergone COVID-19 test and are presently awaiting their results.

In the second statement titled: ‘Scaling down of activities for the wedding Fatiha of Buratai’s son, Mr. Hamisu Tukur Buratai, the army said participants at the COAS conference would not participate in the wedding.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai, wishes to inform all dignitaries and other invited guests that activities earlier scheduled for the wedding of his son, Mr Hamisu Tukur Buratai, will proceed as arranged albeit pruned down without the participation of all those who were at the conference.

“The Chief of Army Staff, on behalf of his family, feels honoured to sincerely appreciate, thank and welcome all dignitaries and invited guests to his son’s wedding Fatiha slated for Friday, December 11, 2020. However, due to the resurgence of the pandemic in the FCT, Gen. Buratai will be unable to personally attend to, receive or meet you at the event. All inconveniences hereby regretted, please,” the army said.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Education Minister Reverses 18-Year Age Limit For Admission

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The newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of the 18-year age limit for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

He also indicated the possibility of a comprehensive review of the nation’s education policy.

However, Alausa made it clear that there would be no reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to invalidate over 22,700 degree certificates acquired by Nigerians from unrecognized universities in neighboring Togo and the Benin Republic.

Speaking at his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Alausa emphasized that practical education is key to tackling Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. He stated that tertiary institutions must stop producing graduates without ensuring job opportunities for them.

The minister also revealed plans for the federal government to partner with private sector players to provide training opportunities for students and help them realize their full potential.

Additionally, Alausa announced that universities focused on agriculture would be empowered to implement commercial farming practices as part of efforts to address the country’s food security challenges.

 

More to come…

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JUST IN: 114 Released #EndBadGovernance Protesters Arrive Presidential Villa

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One hundred and fourteen #EndBadGovernance protesters, including minors and adults acquitted by the Federal High Court in Abuja, have arrived at the Presidential Villa.

The protesters, initially arraigned by the Police Force, were released following a court ruling by Justice Obiora Egwatu.

The case was dismissed at the request of the Attorney General of the Federation (“AGF”), Lateef Fagbemi.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to officially receive the released protesters.

They are then handed over to their respective Governors, specifically Uba Sani of Kaduna and Abba Yusuf of Kano.

Ministers present at the State House Auditorium in Abuja for the reception include: Tunji Alausa (“Minister of Education”); Nentawe Yilwatda (“Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction”); Balarabe Lawal (“Minister of Environment”) and Tanko Sununu (“Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction”).

Also, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai, is in attendance.

Other dignitaries present are Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi.

 

More to come…

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BREAKING: Nigeria’s National Grid Collapses Again, 10th Time In 2024

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Nigeria’s national grid has collapsed again for the 10th time in 2024.

This was revealed by the National grid’s X handle.

This revelation was made after several Nigerians complained of a sudden disappearance of power supply in their houses.

 

More to come…

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