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Government Lists Guidelines For School Reopening, Omits Resumption Date

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There was confusion on Monday over reopening of schools in the country as the Federal Government issued guidelines, but failed to mention the resumption date for the schools.

The guidelines for the reopening of schools were contained in a document titled, ‘Guidelines for schools and learning facilities reopening after COVID-19 pandemic closures: Taking responsibility for safe schools and quality learning.’

It was signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, and Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had, at its press briefing on June 29, said the Federal Government had approved the resumption of graduating pupils in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3.

It said the resumption would enable the pupils to prepare for their final examinations. The task force said the West African Examinations Council had fixed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for between August 3 and September 5.

At the June 29 press briefing, the PTF National Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu, said, “Pupils in graduating classes – only graduating classes; Primary 6, JSS 3 and SSS3 – will be allowed to resume in preparation for examinations.”

But on Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council, at its meeting made a U-turn when it put the planned resumption of graduating classes on hold on the grounds that it was not safe to reopen schools because of COVID-19.

It said pupils of the Federal Government-owned unity schools would not participate in WASSCE.

Despite putting the resumption on hold, the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday issued guidelines for the reopening of the schools.

According to the guidelines, the safe distancing measures require that in schools and other learning facilities, learners should be supported to stay two metres apart.

The document states that where the two-metre rule could not be reasonably applied, other risk mitigation strategies could be adopted.

It states, “In these circumstances, risk assessments must be undertaken with the best interests of the learners, teachers, and other education personnel in mind. The scenarios require organising learners and children into small groups with consistent membership and compliance to the risk mitigation strategies. The membership of these groups should not change unless the NCDC public health guidelines suggest otherwise.”

The government said with the release of the document, it would conduct a rapid assessment of funding requirements for upgrading infrastructure such as classrooms, furniture and water to meet prescribed safe school reopening requirements.

Speaking on the guidelines, Adamu said, “Given that COVID – 19 may be with us for a while, the guidelines also highlight the urgent need to maintain and improve upon distance-learning programmes. Our aim is to identify and strengthen programmes that will guarantee the recovery of learning gaps resulting from the pandemic.

But at the PTF press conference on Monday, Nwajiuba insisted that there was no policy somersault on the planned reopening of schools.

Nwajiuba said, “Mallam Adamu Adamu is consistently in tune with what we have said in the PTF. No schools are reopened, we didn’t reopen any school.

“He (Adamu Adamu) was only giving what he has received which was the timetable as published by WAEC and advised that this period, from now till when the (WASCCE) examination will take place sometime in August, anybody who wanted to use the schools would have to follow the guidelines.

“He said however that he is not in charge of private schools and schools under the concurrent list and power have therefore been devolved to sub-national who can take a decision on their state-owned schools, whether they can participate in the WAEC examinations or not.

At the press briefing, the PTF said the Federal Government had asked all government officials to suspend what it called all unnecessary travels for meetings, saying they should continue with virtual meetings.

With electioneering reaching its peak in Edo and Ondo states where governorship elections would hold, the government also cautioned politicians to be circumspect in their gatherings.

The PTF Chairman, Boss Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged corporate organisations not to misconstrue the resumption of flights but also encourage virtual meetings.

He said, “The PTF wishes to reiterate the following: ‘all government offices shall continue to hold virtual meetings in their offices especially where participants exceed four persons and suspend all unnecessary travels for meetings.

“For corporate organisations, board members, etc, the reopening of the domestic flights should not be misconstrued. The PTF strongly encourages virtual meetings as well.

“We still urge places of worship to cautiously follow the guidelines on public gatherings, and we urge members of the political class to exercise utmost circumspection in their gathering for whatever reasons.”

On the testing deficit, the SGF said the task force has resolved to establish one sample collection centre per local government area.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, on his part said new evidence suggested that COVID-19 might be transmitted through the air.

He explained that hitherto the virus was believed to only be transmittable through droplets which emanate from the nose and the mouth and fall to the ground.

Ihekweazu, however, stated that studies of new infections showed that the disease might also be airborne.

The NCDC boss said, “Over the past few weeks, increasing evidence has emerged that in addition to droplet infections, we cannot rule out that airborne transmission is also possible as a mode of transmission of Covid-19.”

Ihekweazu said with this new revelation, the wearing of face masks and the need to maintain social distancing had become imperative.

The NCDC boss also stated that one of the challenges undermining the agency’s efforts was the high number of unnecessary calls being received by the emergency centres.

He said last week alone 26 per cent of the calls its emergency centres received were ‘hoax’ calls.

BIG STORY

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Shines Bright As The Remo Day “Man Of Steeze” [PHOTOS]

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The Gateway Stadium, Sagamu was aglow yesterday, the 27th of December, 2024, as the maiden edition of Remo Day culminated in a grand rally celebrating the unity, culture, and progress of Remoland. Hosted by the revered Akarigbo of Remoland, the event brought together dignitaries from across the nation, including the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the esteemed Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun (MFR) and the first lady of the state, The Ewusi of Makun, HRH Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, ORUNAGBA II, Chairman of Adron Group and Otun Akile of Remoland Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, amongst others.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking’s presence stood out in class as he brought unparalleled style, sophistication, and charm to the occasion. Dubbed the ” Remo Day Man of Steeze,” Aare Adetola made an unforgettable entrance, draped in an exquisite wine agbada adorned with intricate embroidery, accessorized with traditional coral beads, and crowned with a regal fila. His look, a masterclass in cultural elegance, radiated confidence and pride in Yoruba heritage, instantly earning him admiration from the gathered audience. Known for his charisma and commitment to the development of Remoland, Aare Adetola was the epitome of poise and grandeur as he engaged with other top dignitaries and attendees. From his interactions to his overall demeanor, every aspect of his presence reflected a deep connection to his roots, and an unyielding passion for community growth.

Communities from across Remoland including Epe, Makun, Iperu, Irolu, Emuren, Ogere, Ikenne, Ilara, Ode remo, Isara, Ipara, Ilishan, Soyindo, Ijagba, Ado, Ode lemo, Ibido, Idena, Ogijo, Atayo, Eposo, Idado, Latawa, Oko, Ipoji, Lowa ibu, Igbepa, Ijoku, Iraye, Ilupeju, Iraniken, Okeselu, Simawa, Ilaye, Iraye, Agura, Igode, Sotubo, Ariye , Araromi, Imushin, Imeji, Agbehinsa , and many more, converged at the Gateway Stadium to pay homage to the Akarigbo of Remoland, a revered symbol of unity and cultural pride. This act of respect and solidarity emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the people and their traditional ruler as they celebrated the remarkable growth and development of Remo. Among the many groups, Iyaniwura Base stood out under the distinguished leadership of Aare Adetola Emmanuelking. Following in his illustrious footsteps, the group brought a splash of vibrance to the event, dazzling attendees with their matching cultural attires that reflected the rich traditions of Remoland. Their coordinated elegance and enthusiastic homage added a memorable touch to the grand celebration.

The Remo Day celebration, themed “In Unity & Culture, We Thrive,” was more than a cultural showcase. It was a celebration of the strength and progress of Remoland, featuring colorful displays of traditional dance, drumming, and artwork. Amid the festivity, Aare Adetola’s magnetic personality and gallant appearance was a true highlight of the day. The Grand Rally provided a perfect backdrop for celebrating individuals who embody the spirit of Remo’s advancement. In Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Remo found a true cultural icon, someone who not only lives the values of the community, but also inspires others to embrace and promote its legacy with pride and dignity.

The Remo Day celebrations may have concluded, but the image of Aare Adetola, standing tall in his resplendent attire, remains etched in the memories of attendees. Aare Adetola Olaonipekun Emmanuelking- a name synonymous with grace, culture, and unshakable pride in Remoland’s illustrious heritage. Indeed, the “Remo Day Man of Steeze” has set a standard that will resonate far beyond Remoland.

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BIG STORY

“My NGO Account Has Been Hacked, N160Million Diverted” — VeryDarkMan

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Popular activist and social critic, VeryDarkMan, has raised concerns about the hacking of his NGO account, which led to the diversion of N160 million.

In a video shared on his verified Instagram account on Friday, he revealed that the incident had left him feeling distressed in recent days.

He explained that the funds were stolen after hackers allegedly gained access to the NGO’s website. The compromised account, which initially contained N180 million, now holds only N20 million.

He mentioned that law enforcement agencies had tracked one of the suspects, resulting in an arrest.

To address the situation, he stated that the NGO’s app had been temporarily taken offline for maintenance to prevent further vulnerabilities.

He said, “For the past few days, I’ve not been myself. I am here with Officer Joe, and we are going to Jos. NGO money—somebody stole the money. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and I don’t know how they did it. N180 million is missing, but thank God we have tracked the person, and we are on our way to Jos.

“They have arrested one person, and that is why I’m even saying it now. I’m excited, and the account has been put on PND. The account now has N20 million, while N160 million has been diverted to another account. We are currently going there to see how we can get the money back. I just want to update you people.

“I even had to shut down the app and put it on maintenance so that people will not really see what is going on, but let me just come out plain and tell everyone what is going on. Hopefully, we will get the money back.”

The NGO, which launched in October, gained significant attention after raising over N21 million within 24 hours of its inception.

The initiative, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s public education system, attracted support from prominent figures, including music producer Don Jazzy.

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BIG STORY

Christmas Celebrations: Police Arrest 23 Suspected Armed Robbers, Hoodlums, Kidnapper, Recover Dangerous Weapons [PHOTOS]

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  • As IGP Commends Officers For Vigilance, Commitment To Safety

 

In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to commands and formations to emplace unalloyed anti crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.

On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State. The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of 3 of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent funseekers in the area. The police have emplaced intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In a similar development, Police Operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect. The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang who had been evading arrest since the arrest of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024. Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.

The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season. The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season. As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.

 

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

27TH DECEMBER 2024.

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