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FG Threatens Second Lockdown Over Low Compliance With COVID-19 Protocols

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The federal government yesterday warned of another lockdown if Nigerians continue to disregard non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19.

It also cautioned schools against demanding COVID-19 test results as a prerequisite for allowing in students, who resumed studies yesterday.

The resumption of schools was, however, characterized by low compliance with COVID-19 protocols in many states, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

Also, as the nation grapples with the outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a health advisory to all churches in the country to check the rising infection rate.

At its briefing yesterday in Abuja, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 urged Nigerians to do everything possible to avoid the second lockdown in Nigeria by ensuring strict compliance with the NPIs.

The Chairman of PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said this can be done by complying with the protocols released by the government.

He said: “Let me remind you that the pandemic is raging and all tiers of government and citizens must keep their hands on deck.

“We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood.

“We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received.

“We must do everything possible to avoid the second lockdown in Nigeria.”

Mustapha raised the alarm that South Africa and Nigeria have continued to report the highest daily count on the African continent, adding that South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya accounted for 76 percent of all cases on the continent.

Mustapha said one in every five persons tested last week was positive for the virus.

He added that Nigeria has moved up to the third position in the highest cumulative caseload while it remains second for new cases and fifth highest in cumulative deaths in the WHO African region.

Also speaking at the PTF briefing, the Coordinator of PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said the federal government was ramping up testing for COVID-19 nationwide with a directive to all the 774 local government areas of the federation to test between 400 and 500 samples within the next three weeks.

Aliyu, represented by the National Incident Manager, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammed, stated that the federal government is working with state governors to ensure that funding and logistics arrangements are put in place for the exercise.

He added that though the task force has noticed substantial improvement in the level of compliance with the airport travel protocol by international travelers arriving in the country, the PFT will publish the list of another 100 persons who have defaulted by failing to book their second test.

“With regard to airport travel protocol, the PTF was forced to sanction defaulters of established protocols by placing them on a six-month travel restriction as a standard practice that public notices are issued by arms of government on important issues. The PTF after consultation with relevant agencies published the names of the first 100 defaulters and subsequently reached out to a large number of those affected with a view to resolving their complaints.

“We have started noticing a great improvement in compliance and testing following the sanctions that have been published. We will be publishing the list of another 100 persons who have defaulted. This time, these are people who have failed to book their second tests in the laboratories,” Aliyu said.

He added that the federal government has commenced activities in the maritime sector in order to have better control and containment in that area.

A special Task Team on COVID-19 for the Niger Delta and the maritime sector has been inaugurated to develop a protocol for implementation in both the formal and informal waterways.

The team includes all the states in the Niger Delta and the riverine areas. The membership includes Rivers, Delta, Edo, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ondo, and Bayelsa States.

It will be supported by government agencies including, NIMASA, NNPC, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and the Nigeria Navy Operations Delta Safe.

“With the implementation of these protocols, we hope to implement more testing on the waterway corridors with a view to identifying people who are coming without PCR test and to offer them the opportunity to test and to also have isolation,” he said.

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 With Discounts, Flexible Payments, And December Rewards

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Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:

• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration

• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

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BIG STORY

UBA Hosts Global Leaders At UNGA 2025, Launches Whitepaper On Unlocking Africa’s Potential

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Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to make a bold statement on the global stage as it will be gathering world leaders, policymakers, and investors and other private sector players at the forthcoming 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

This year’s gathering at the UNGA, which is the 80th Edition, will be held between September 15th and September 25th, and as always, UBA Group has mapped out series of engaging activities to spotlight Africa’s opportunities and foster high-level dialogue with global leaders towards boosting the continent’s potential.

A key part of the event, will be the UBA’s unveiling of a ground-breaking whitepaper that presents actionable strategies for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, as part of the bank’s mission to drive sustainable growth across the continent.

The whitepaper, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a leading African financial institution at UNGA, titled ‘Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth’, will highlight opportunities in trade, infrastructure, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth.

By providing a roadmap for collaboration between Africa and the global community, UBA aims to position the continent not just as a beneficiary of investment, but as a critical driver of future global prosperity.

Apart from the Whitepaper launch, other activities of the group will include the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) Roundtable to be hosted by UBA America, as well as the annual UBA Reception.

The reception will convene world leaders, policymakers, and influential business executives who will be involved in critical dialogues on investment and development across the continent.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, emphasized the strategic importance of these dialogues, explained that over the past few years, UBA has become an active leader in conversations and activities that will drive tangible investments to the continent.

“These conversations are fundamentally different from previous discussions because they will be followed by feasible and actionable decisions. UBA will actively work to implement these outcomes for the benefit of the continent, as committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability,” Elumelu noted.

Continuing, he said, “’The United Nations General Assembly is the largest and most official gathering of world leaders, and we cannot let such an opportunity pass without major African players like UBA taking centre stage to bring these leaders together and showcase Africa’s potential.”

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who remarked on the upcoming event, especially the whitepaper’s significance, emphasized the need for more private organizations and players to demonstrate their commitment to the continent’s development through concrete action and proven capabilities.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

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BIG STORY

Iyan Olodo: The City Pulse Lounge Revives Authentic Yoruba Dining In Ikeja

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The City Pulse Lounge, a branch of The City Pulse, has introduced its flagship dish Iyan Olodo in Ikeja—a freshly pounded yam served in the traditional manner with pure palm wine in calabash style.

The experience is designed as more than just food; it’s a return to cultural roots. At the lounge, guests can hear yam being pounded live (unless it’s a pre-order), and the atmosphere is steeped in Yoruba tradition. On weekends, the venue hosts live performances featuring Juju, Fuji, Gospel, and other cultural arts, turning dining into a celebration.

“Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, popularly known as Ayo Mojoyin, founder of The City Pulse Lounge, said he created Iyan Olodo ‘to bring back the memories of our forefathers in the villages’.” He explained that, as a journalist-turned-hospitality entrepreneur, he wanted to preserve Yoruba culture by replicating how elders used to eat yam with fresh palm wine.

The new dish has already drawn several A-list personalities. Patrons include Chief Bestman Nze (President of Team Nigeria), celebrity journalist Otunba Femi Davies (founder of Metronews Nigeria), realtor Otunba Olayinka Ogundipe (‘Ultra’), and broadcaster Adebisi Adewusi (DebisiKonga). Videos featuring these influencers enjoying Iyan Olodo are being shared, fuelling its cultural buzz.

Menu prices include Iyan with Fish / Bokoto / Ogufe at ₦4,000; Iyan with Assorted & Ponmo Ijebu at ₦5,500; Iyan with Fresh Fish is priced at ₦10,000. Pure, natural palm wine (not mixed) costs ₦2,000 per bottle. Eat-in only; takeaway or delivery incurs extra packaging/dispatch fees.

Iyan Olodo is served daily from 1:30pm to 8:00pm, with pre-orders allowed for earlier or later service. The lounge is located at The City Pulse Lounge, inside Lagos Television, Plot 1 Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja.

The City Pulse Lounge plans to expand Iyan Olodo soon to Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, with those plans already underway.

For Nigeria’s Independence Day, a special Iyan Olodo promotion will run from October 1-5, 2025. Official details are expected to be announced on September 25.

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